iPhone 15 vs iPhone SE (3rd gen)
Quick answer
The iPhone SE (3rd gen) is 4.3 millimetres0.17 inches narrower and 27 grams0.95 ounces lighter than the iPhone 15.
The SE on Amazon (paid link) fits one hand naturally and stays light, while the 15 (paid link) offers a bigger screen and longer life. Both run the newest iOS, but the SE costs much less renewed. Choose the SE for ease and value, or the 15 if you prioritize screen and battery.
Paid link.
Easier one-handed: iPhone SE (3rd gen)
Pocket: iPhone SE (3rd gen)
Weight difference: Noticeable
iPhone 15
from $799 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)iPhone SE (3rd gen)
from $429 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)
Paid link.
TRUE SCALE · 1.5 PX/MM
TRUE SCALE · 2.3 PX/MM
Hand: US Army ANSUR II, 2012 (sex-balanced median). Pockets: The Pudding, 2018. Card: ISO/IEC 7810 ID-1.
iPhone 15: 147.6 by 71.6 by 7.8 millimetres, 171 grams. iPhone SE (3rd gen): 138.4 by 67.3 by 7.3 millimetres, 144 grams.
15, SE (3rd gen) shown at 2.3 pixels per millimetre.
iPhone 15
from $799 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)iPhone SE (3rd gen)
from $429 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)
Paid link.
Height: 15 147.6 millimetres, SE (3rd gen) 138.4 millimetres.Height: 15 5.81 inches, SE (3rd gen) 5.45 inches.Width: 15 71.6 millimetres, SE (3rd gen) 67.3 millimetres.Width: 15 2.82 inches, SE (3rd gen) 2.65 inches.Depth: 15 7.80 millimetres, SE (3rd gen) 7.30 millimetres.Depth: 15 0.31 inches, SE (3rd gen) 0.29 inches.Weight: 15 171 grams, SE (3rd gen) 144 grams.Weight: 15 6.03 ounces, SE (3rd gen) 5.08 ounces.
Specifications
| Specification | 15 | SE (3rd gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 147.6 millimetres5.81 inches | 138.4 millimetres, 9.2 millimetres less5.45 inches, 0.36 inches less |
| Width | 71.6 millimetres2.82 inches | 67.3 millimetres, 4.3 millimetres less2.65 inches, 0.17 inches less |
| Depth | 7.80 millimetres0.31 inches | 7.30 millimetres, 0.50 millimetres less0.29 inches, 0.02 inches less |
| Weight | 171 grams6.03 ounces | 144 grams, 27 grams less5.08 ounces, 0.95 ounces less |
| Volume | 82.4 cubic centimetres5.03 cubic inches | 68.0 cubic centimetres, 14.4 cubic centimetres less4.15 cubic inches, 0.88 cubic inches less |
| Screen-to-body — Active display area over body area. Our own estimate, not an Apple figure. | 87 percent | 65 percent, 22 percent less |
| Display size — Screen size is always quoted in inches. | 6.1 inches | 4.7 inches, 1.4 inches less |
| Resolution | 1179 × 2556 | 750 × 1334 |
| Pixel density | 460 pixels per inch | 326 pixels per inch, 134 pixels per inch less |
| Cutout | Dynamic Island | None |
| Rear main | 48MP | 48MP |
| Rear ultra-wide | — | — |
| Rear telephoto | — | — |
| Front camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Chip | A16 Bionic | A15 Bionic |
| Video playback — Apple's rated hours of video playback. Apple does not publish battery capacity. | 20 hrs | 15 hrs |
| Port | USB-C | USB-C |
| Wireless | 5G · Wi-Fi · Bluetooth | 5G · Wi-Fi · Bluetooth |
| Water resistance | IP68 (6m for 30 min) | IP68 (6m for 30 min) |
| Storage | 128 – 512 GB | 64 – 256 GB |
| Launch price — Base configuration at launch, in US dollars. | 799 dollars | 429 dollars, 370 dollars less |
| Released | Sep 2023 | Mar 2022 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
Dimensions
The iPhone SE (3rd gen) is 9.2 mm (0.36 in) shorter, 4.3 mm (0.17 in) narrower, 0.50 mm (0.02 in) thinner and 27 g (0.95 oz) lighter than the iPhone 15. The iPhone 15 measures 147.6 × 71.6 × 7.80 mm (5.81 × 2.82 × 0.31 in) and weighs 171 g (6.03 oz). The iPhone SE (3rd gen) measures 138.4 × 67.3 × 7.30 mm (5.45 × 2.65 × 0.29 in) and weighs 144 g (5.08 oz).
Also compared with iPhone 15
Questions about these phones
How much smaller is the iPhone SE (3rd gen) than the iPhone 15?
The iPhone SE (3rd gen) is 9.2 mm shorter and 4.3 mm narrower than the iPhone 15. It also weighs 27 g less.
What is the difference in screen size between the iPhone 15 and iPhone SE (3rd gen)?
The iPhone 15 has a 6.1 inch display while the iPhone SE (3rd gen) has a 4.7 inch display. The iPhone 15 screen is about 1.4 inches larger.
Which phone is easier to use one-handed?
The iPhone SE (3rd gen) is easier to use one-handed. Its smaller dimensions make it more comfortable to hold with one hand than the iPhone 15.
Do these phones fit in a pocket?
The iPhone SE (3rd gen) is more pocketable due to its smaller size. Both fit in a typical men's jeans pocket but not a typical women's.
Is the weight difference between the iPhone 15 and iPhone SE (3rd gen) noticeable?
The iPhone SE (3rd gen) is 27 g lighter than the iPhone 15. This weight difference is noticeable when holding the phones.
Is it worth upgrading from the iPhone SE (3rd gen) to the iPhone 15?
It depends on whether you prefer a larger screen or a more compact device. The iPhone 15 offers more display space while the iPhone SE (3rd gen) remains smaller.