What's the difference between a regular iPhone and the iPhone SE? Features and how to choose

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Apple is constantly using innovative technology to provide users with cutting-edge smartphones. Among them, the iPhone is its most popular product, with new models released every year. Among them, the iPhone SE and iPhone are two lineups with significant differences. Many people are unsure which one to choose.

The iPhone SE and iPhone differ in many ways, including price, performance, design, and features. In this article, we'll explain the differences between the iPhone SE and iPhone, focusing on performance and how to choose, so you can understand which one is best for you.

Differences in performance between iPhone SE and iPhone

There are some key differences between the iPhone SE and the iPhone, not just in appearance and price, but also in performance. Below we'll explain those key differences in detail.

Processor (chip)

The iPhone SE is equipped with Apple's A-series chip, but the chips installed vary depending on the model. For example, the iPhone SE (2nd generation) is equipped with the A13 Bionic chip, and the iPhone SE (3rd generation) is equipped with the A15 Bionic chip.

In contrast, the latest iPhones (such as the iPhone 13, iPhone 14, and iPhone 15 series) are equipped with the more powerful A15 and A16 Bionic chips.

The A15 and A16 Bionic chips offer a significant improvement in processing power, delivering significantly better performance than the iPhone SE in resource-intensive applications such as graphics processing, games, and AR (augmented reality).

Especially if you care about the latest games or professional work, the latest iPhone is a better choice than the iPhone SE.

Camera performance

Camera performance is also a big difference. The iPhone SE has a single camera (a 12MP wide-angle camera), which is sufficient for everyday photography, but the latest iPhones have dual or triple camera systems, especially the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which include very high-resolution cameras, telephoto cameras, and LiDAR scanners.

The latest iPhones also feature advanced AI camera correction features such as Night Sight and Portrait modes, allowing you to take professional photos and videos. The iPhone SE has limited functionality, making the latest iPhones ideal for those who want to focus on photo and video editing.

display

The iPhone SE's display is a 4.7-inch Retina HD display that uses an LCD panel. While its screen size is smaller and its resolution is higher, there's a noticeable visual difference compared to the OLED displays on the latest iPhones.

The latest iPhones use OLED panels, which provide vivid colors and high contrast. In particular, iPhone 13 and later models are equipped with HDR-compatible displays, allowing you to display videos and photos more beautifully.

Therefore, if you frequently watch movies and videos or edit photos, the latest iPhone is a good choice. If you want something small and easy to use, the iPhone SE is a good choice.

Battery performance

The iPhone SE is relatively small and has a limited battery capacity. Generally, the iPhone SE is enough for a day of use, but if you play games for long periods of time or use heavy apps, the battery life may be a concern.

The latest iPhones have large battery capacities, and the iPhone 13, iPhone 14, and iPhone 15 series have extremely long battery life, allowing you to use them all day.

The iPhone SE also supports wireless charging, but the latest iPhones use newer technologies like MagSafe charging, which improves charging speed and ease of use.

Pros and cons of the iPhone SE

Advantages of the iPhone SE

Affordable price: The iPhone SE is relatively affordable even among Apple's products, making it more affordable than the latest iPhones. This is a big advantage for price-conscious users.

Compact and lightweight, the iPhone SE features a 4.7-inch display, making it extremely compact and easy to hold, allowing you to operate it with one hand. This makes it the perfect choice for those who prefer small smartphones.

Equipped with a high-performance chip , iPhone SE is equipped with Apple's most advanced chip (A13 or A15), delivering ample performance. Games and apps run smoothly, and you can use it for a long time.

The phone uses fingerprint authentication ( Touch ID ) instead of facial authentication (Face ID), which provides a sense of security, especially for users who often wear masks.

Disadvantages of the iPhone SE

The iPhone SE's camera is limited compared to the latest iPhones. In particular, it lacks multiple camera options, Night Sight mode, and Portrait mode, which may be disappointing for those who prioritize photography.

Display resolution and size: The iPhone SE display is small, and its resolution is slightly lower than that of iPhone 12 and later models. It's not ideal for watching movies or playing games on a large screen.

Why is the iPhone SE so cheap?

The reason the iPhone SE is offered at such a low price is due to several factors. First, the iPhone SE uses the design and parts of older models, which reduces manufacturing costs. For example, the display is LCD, and the appearance is similar to the iPhone 8, so the company can avoid expensive new technology.

Second, the iPhone SE has a simpler design than the latest iPhones, omitting high-end features (such as multiple camera systems and OLED displays), which helps keep costs down. However, the processor (such as the A13 Bionic) is equipped with the latest technology, offering excellent performance for the price.

Furthermore, by offering the iPhone SE at a lower price point, Apple is reaching a wider market, especially targeting budget-conscious users, making Apple's products more affordable and increasing sales.

Which one should you choose?

Choosing between the iPhone SE and the iPhone depends on your needs and budget.

The iPhone SE is cost-effective and features a compact and simple design. Equipped with the latest processor, it offers ample performance, making it ideal for everyday use and light gaming. It's perfect for those on a budget or who prefer a compact smartphone.

On the other hand, the iPhone is recommended for those who want the latest features and design, multiple cameras, and a large screen display. If you want a higher-performance camera, image quality, and a long battery life, the iPhone is the best choice.

In short, if you want a simple and inexpensive smartphone, choose the iPhone SE, but if you want a high-performance smartphone with many features, choose the iPhone.

summary

The iPhone SE and iPhone are products targeted at different user groups. The iPhone SE is an attractive option for those who want Apple performance at an affordable price, while the iPhone is for users who want more performance and functionality. When making a choice, it's important to choose the model that best suits your needs, budget, and usage style.

Regardless of which model you choose, choosing a sturdy smartphone case is important to ensure the longevity of your iPhone or iPhone SE. For example, TORRAS iPhone and iPhone SE cases offer the perfect amount of protection for both models. Featuring shock resistance and a 360° rotating stand, they combine ease of use with style. If you want peace of mind when using your smartphone, we recommend choosing a TORRAS case.

Related article: Which material is best for a smartphone case? The pros and cons of each material

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