iPhone 6S vs iPhone SE (2020)
Shop iPhone
iPhone 6S
Starting at
£32.09£149.00 new
iPhone SE (2020)
Starting at
£75.11£289.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 6S and iPhone SE (2020)?
iPhone 6S vs iPhone SE (2020) comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen type. Refurbished, the iPhone 6S starts at £32.09, £43.02 less than the iPhone SE (2020). The iPhone SE (2020) is the newer model, released in 2020.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Screen type
Front camera
Software updates
- Chipset: Apple A9 APL0898 on the iPhone 6S, Apple A13 Bionic on the iPhone SE (2020).
- The iPhone SE (2020) has more RAM: 3 GB vs 2 GB.
- Screen type: IPS LCD on the iPhone 6S, Retina IPS LCD on the iPhone SE (2020).
iPhone 6S vs iPhone SE (2020) specs
The iPhone 6S and iPhone SE (2020) share the same screen size and resolution, making both suited for users who prefer a compact 4.7 inch display. The iPhone 6S includes a 3.5mm headphone jack and offers smaller storage options, fitting users who want a lighter phone with traditional headphone support and lower storage needs. The SE (2020) supports eSIM and comes in larger storage sizes, perfect for users needing more storage and flexible SIM options. Both phones are unlocked and support 4G, catering to everyday use with trusted Apple design.
iPhone 6S vs iPhone SE (2020) price
Colour
iPhone 6S vs iPhone SE (2020) battery life and software updates
Durability covers software updates and device compatibility, which can affect how long your phone stays current and secure. Both phones run iOS but differ in software update support.
Software Updates
This suits buyers who want a phone that stays updated longer.
Build and Design
Neither the iPhone 6S nor the iPhone SE (2020) is foldable. Both continue the classic solid design typical for their respective release periods.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 6S vs iPhone SE (2020) performance
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 6S vs iPhone SE (2020) screen
Screen quality affects how you see photos, videos and use apps. Both phones share the same size and resolution but differ slightly in screen type.
Screen Size and Resolution
Both the iPhone 6S and iPhone SE (2020) have a 4.7 inch screen with a 750 by 1334 resolution. This size suits users who prefer a compact display that fits comfortably in one hand and pockets while providing clear visuals for everyday tasks.
Screen Type
The iPhone 6S uses an IPS LCD screen while the iPhone SE (2020) uses a Retina IPS LCD. The Retina label indicates a high pixel density that ensures sharpness and clarity, which benefits users who value crisp text and images.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 6S vs iPhone SE (2020) camera
Audiovisual features like cameras help capture photos and video quality, impacting your ability to take selfies and pictures.
Front Camera
The iPhone SE (2020) has a 7 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail in selfies and video calls compared to the iPhone 6S's 5 megapixel front camera. This makes the SE (2020) a better choice for users who prioritise clearer self-portraits.
Main Camera
Both phones have a 12 megapixel main camera, suitable for everyday photography with sharp images and good detail.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 6S vs iPhone SE (2020) size and design
Miscellaneous features cover connectivity, storage options and physical details that influence everyday convenience and compatibility.
Headphone Connector
The iPhone 6S retains the 3.5mm headphone jack alongside its Lightning connector, which suits users who prefer wired headphones without needing adapters. The iPhone SE (2020) uses only the Lightning connector, so wireless or Lightning headphones are needed.
SIM Card Options
The iPhone SE (2020) supports both a physical SIM and eSIM, offering flexibility for managing multiple phone numbers or plans. The iPhone 6S supports only a physical SIM, suiting users who prefer a traditional single SIM setup.
Storage Capacities
The iPhone 6S comes in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB options, fitting users with simpler storage needs. The iPhone SE (2020) offers larger storage choices with 64GB, 128GB and 256GB, ideal for those who store more apps, photos and media.
Weight Difference
The iPhone 6S weighs 143 g, making it lighter than the iPhone SE (2020) which weighs 148 g. Buyers who prefer a lighter phone may find the 6S more comfortable for extended use.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 6S or iPhone SE (2020): which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 6S if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £32.09, £43.02 less than the iPhone SE (2020)
- you want a lighter build (143 g vs 148 g)
- you want a headphone jack
Buy the iPhone SE (2020) if
- you want more RAM (3 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (7 megapixels vs 5 megapixels)
- you want longer software support (supported, up to iOS 27 vs ended Mar 2025, last iOS 15)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the iPhone 6S often highlight its excellent condition and feel, with many saying it looks like a new phone despite being refurbished. They appreciate its light weight and familiar design, making it a good choice for those wanting a simple and reliable smartphone. Some mention battery health varies, but overall the phone suits people looking for a quality device at a reasonable price and those who value the 3.5mm headphone jack.
Buyers of the iPhone SE (2020) praise its condition and performance, often comparing it favourably to new devices. The larger RAM and front camera improvements are noticed by users, especially for everyday tasks and selfies. The option of eSIM and larger storage sizes appeal to those needing more flexibility. Customers also value the phone's appearance and smooth operation, making it well suited for first-time smartphone users or those wanting a phone with newer software compatibility.
Both phones attract buyers who want a compact 4.7 inch screen and a trustworthy Apple device. The iPhone 6S fits those preferring a lighter phone with headphone jack support and simpler storage, while the iPhone SE (2020) suits users looking for a phone with updated software compatibility, extra memory, and flexible SIM options.
iPhone 6S vs iPhone SE (2020) FAQs
iPhone 6S vs iPhone SE (2020) comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen type. Chipset: Apple A9 APL0898 on the iPhone 6S, Apple A13 Bionic on the iPhone SE (2020). The iPhone SE (2020) has more RAM: 3 GB vs 2 GB.
The iPhone 6S is cheaper refurbished, from £32.09 compared with £75.11 for the iPhone SE (2020).
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
Updates for the iPhone 6S ended in Mar 2025. Its last version is iOS 15. The iPhone SE (2020) is still supported and can run iOS 27.
The iPhone SE (2020) adds more RAM (3 GB vs 2 GB), a higher-resolution front camera (7 megapixels vs 5 megapixels) and longer software support (supported, up to iOS 27 vs ended Mar 2025, last iOS 15). Refurbished, it costs £43.02 more (from £75.11 vs £32.09).
Refurbished, the iPhone 6S comes in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB, and the iPhone SE (2020) in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB.
