iPhone 7 vs iPhone SE (2022)
Shop iPhone
iPhone 7
Starting at
£66.24£179.00 new
iPhone SE (2022)
Starting at
£113.85£429.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 7 and iPhone SE (2022)?
iPhone 7 vs iPhone SE (2022) comes down to the chipset, RAM and software updates. Refurbished, the iPhone 7 starts at £66.24, £47.61 less than the iPhone SE (2022). The iPhone SE (2022) is the newer model, released in 2022.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Software updates
Mobile network
Weight
- Chipset: Apple A10 Fusion (16 nm) on the iPhone 7, Apple A15 Bionic on the iPhone SE (2022).
- The iPhone SE (2022) has more RAM: 4 GB vs 2 GB.
- The iPhone SE (2022) has longer software support: supported, up to iOS 27 vs ended Mar 2025, last iOS 15.
iPhone 7 vs iPhone SE (2022) specs
The iPhone 7 and iPhone SE (2022) share many features like screen size, resolution, and camera megapixels, making them both suitable for everyday use. It also includes eSIM alongside a physical SIM and comes with 64GB storage. The iPhone 7 offers storage options of 32GB and 128GB and is a lighter, slightly taller design with 4G connectivity only. Choose the iPhone 7 for simpler needs with physical SIM only and a lighter device, or the iPhone SE (2022) to stay current with software, enjoy faster mobile networks, and benefit from more memory.
iPhone 7 vs iPhone SE (2022) price
Colour
iPhone 7 vs iPhone SE (2022) battery life and software updates
Durability covers software updates and device compatibility, important for ongoing use. Both run iOS.
Software Updates
If keeping software current is important, the iPhone SE (2022) suits you.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 7 vs iPhone SE (2022) performance
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 7 vs iPhone SE (2022) screen
Both models share the same screen size, resolution, and type, making their displays similar for viewing content and using apps.
Screen Size and Quality
Both the iPhone 7 and iPhone SE (2022) have a 4.7 inch Retina IPS LCD screen with a resolution of 750 by 1334 pixels. This means they offer the same sharpness and colour quality. If you want a compact screen that fits comfortably in hand and pockets, either device works well.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 7 vs iPhone SE (2022) camera
Audio and camera features are key for calls, selfies, and photos. Both phones share the same front and main camera megapixels.
Camera Quality
The iPhone 7 and iPhone SE (2022) both have a 7 megapixel front camera for selfies and video calls, and a 12 megapixel main camera for photos and videos. This means you can expect similar detail and image quality from either device.
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 7 vs iPhone SE (2022) size and design
This section highlights differences in connectivity, size, and storage that affect everyday use and network options.
Mobile Network
The iPhone 7 supports 4G mobile networks, which is suitable for most everyday internet use. The iPhone SE (2022) adds 5G support, allowing faster download and browsing speeds where 5G is available. If you want improved mobile data performance, the SE (2022) is a better fit.
SIM Options
The iPhone 7 uses a physical SIM card only, making it straightforward to swap SIMs. The iPhone SE (2022) supports both a physical SIM and eSIM, offering more flexibility if you want to use multiple numbers or plans without changing physical cards.
Device Dimensions and Weight
The iPhone 7 is slightly taller at 138.3 mm and wider at 67.1 mm, weighing 138 grams. The iPhone SE (2022) is a bit shorter at 130 mm and narrower at 60 mm, but slightly heavier at 144 grams. These differences might affect how the phone feels in your hand or pocket.
Storage Options
The iPhone 7 is available in 32GB and 128GB storage options, which may suit different needs for apps and media. The iPhone SE (2022) comes with 64GB storage, offering a balance between capacity and cost.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 7 or iPhone SE (2022): which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 7 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £66.24, £47.61 less than the iPhone SE (2022)
- you want a lighter build (138 g vs 144 g)
Buy the iPhone SE (2022) if
- you want more RAM (4 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want longer software support (supported, up to iOS 27 vs ended Mar 2025, last iOS 15)
- you want 5G
What our customers say
Customers who bought the iPhone 7 often praise its condition, noting it looks like new and has good battery life. Many find it a simple phone for everyday use or a temporary replacement. The physical SIM card slot makes swapping SIMs quick. Some mention minor scratches, but overall satisfaction with the screen and performance is common. A few customers mention setup challenges or hardware issues like microphone problems, but many say the phone runs smoothly and matches descriptions.
Customers of the iPhone SE (2022) highlight its smooth performance and ease of setup, especially when transferring data from an iPhone 7. The 5G connectivity and newer operating system provide features their phones could not offer. Most customers find the phone in very good condition and appreciate the balance of size and functionality. Some note battery health concerns, but many report satisfaction with the phone's speed and quality. The addition of eSIM is appreciated for flexibility.
Overall, the iPhone 7 suits those looking for a lighter device with straightforward features and physical SIM use. The iPhone SE (2022) appeals to users wanting more memory, 5G connectivity, and ongoing software support for longer use.
iPhone 7 vs iPhone SE (2022) FAQs
iPhone 7 vs iPhone SE (2022) comes down to the chipset, RAM and software updates. Chipset: Apple A10 Fusion (16 nm) on the iPhone 7, Apple A15 Bionic on the iPhone SE (2022). The iPhone SE (2022) has more RAM: 4 GB vs 2 GB.
The iPhone 7 is cheaper refurbished, from £66.24 compared with £113.85 for the iPhone SE (2022).
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
Updates for the iPhone 7 ended in Mar 2025. Its last version is iOS 15. The iPhone SE (2022) is still supported and can run iOS 27.
The iPhone SE (2022) adds more RAM (4 GB vs 2 GB), longer software support (supported, up to iOS 27 vs ended Mar 2025, last iOS 15) and 5G. Refurbished, it costs £47.61 more (from £113.85 vs £66.24).
Refurbished, the iPhone 7 comes in 32GB and 128GB, and the iPhone SE (2022) in 64GB.
