iPhone SE (3rd gen) vs iPhone 15
Quick answer
The iPhone 15 is 4.3 millimetres0.17 inches wider and 27 grams0.95 ounces heavier than the iPhone SE (3rd gen).
The SE on Amazon (paid link) keeps a compact shape that disappears into a pocket, while the 15 (paid link) offers a larger display and longer battery life for daily use. You pay more for the newer look and USB-C on the 15, so choose based on whether you need all-day endurance or a light phone. If you want a modern design at a great value, the iPhone 16e (paid link) is a smart alternative to consider.
Paid link.
Easier one-handed: iPhone SE (3rd gen)
Pocket: iPhone SE (3rd gen)
Weight difference: Noticeable
iPhone SE (3rd gen)
from $429 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)iPhone 15
from $799 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 SE (3rd gen): 138.4 by 67.3 by 7.3 millimetres, 144 grams. iPhone 15: 147.6 by 71.6 by 7.8 millimetres, 171 grams.
SE (3rd gen), 15 shown at 2.3 pixels per millimetre.
iPhone SE (3rd gen)
from $429 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)iPhone 15
from $799 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)
Paid link.
Height: SE (3rd gen) 138.4 millimetres, 15 147.6 millimetres.Height: SE (3rd gen) 5.45 inches, 15 5.81 inches.Width: SE (3rd gen) 67.3 millimetres, 15 71.6 millimetres.Width: SE (3rd gen) 2.65 inches, 15 2.82 inches.Depth: SE (3rd gen) 7.30 millimetres, 15 7.80 millimetres.Depth: SE (3rd gen) 0.29 inches, 15 0.31 inches.Weight: SE (3rd gen) 144 grams, 15 171 grams.Weight: SE (3rd gen) 5.08 ounces, 15 6.03 ounces.
Specifications
| Specification | SE (3rd gen) | 15 |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 138.4 millimetres5.45 inches | 147.6 millimetres, 9.2 millimetres more5.81 inches, 0.36 inches more |
| Width | 67.3 millimetres2.65 inches | 71.6 millimetres, 4.3 millimetres more2.82 inches, 0.17 inches more |
| Depth | 7.30 millimetres0.29 inches | 7.80 millimetres, 0.50 millimetres more0.31 inches, 0.02 inches more |
| Weight | 144 grams5.08 ounces | 171 grams, 27 grams more6.03 ounces, 0.95 ounces more |
| Volume | 68.0 cubic centimetres4.15 cubic inches | 82.4 cubic centimetres, 14.4 cubic centimetres more5.03 cubic inches, 0.88 cubic inches more |
| Screen-to-body — Active display area over body area. Our own estimate, not an Apple figure. | 65 percent | 87 percent, 22 percent more |
| Display size — Screen size is always quoted in inches. | 4.7 inches | 6.1 inches, 1.4 inches more |
| Resolution | 750 × 1334 | 1179 × 2556 |
| Pixel density | 326 pixels per inch | 460 pixels per inch, 134 pixels per inch more |
| Cutout | None | Dynamic Island |
| Rear main | 48MP | 48MP |
| Rear ultra-wide | — | — |
| Rear telephoto | — | — |
| Front camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Chip | A15 Bionic | A16 Bionic |
| Video playback — Apple's rated hours of video playback. Apple does not publish battery capacity. | 15 hrs | 20 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 | 64 – 256 GB | 128 – 512 GB |
| Launch price — Base configuration at launch, in US dollars. | 429 dollars | 799 dollars, 370 dollars more |
| Released | Mar 2022 | Sep 2023 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
Dimensions
The iPhone 15 is 9.2 mm (0.36 in) taller, 4.3 mm (0.17 in) wider, 0.50 mm (0.02 in) thicker and 27 g (0.95 oz) heavier than the iPhone SE (3rd gen). 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). 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).
Also compared with iPhone SE (3rd gen)
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- iPhone SE (3rd gen) vs iPhone 17
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Questions about these phones
How much bigger is the iPhone 15 than the iPhone SE (3rd gen)?
The iPhone 15 is 9.2 mm taller and 4.3 mm wider than the iPhone SE (3rd gen).
Is the iPhone 15 heavier than the iPhone SE (3rd gen)?
The iPhone 15 weighs 27 grams more than the iPhone SE (3rd gen), a difference that is noticeable in hand.
What is the screen size difference 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, making the iPhone 15 screen 1.4 inches larger.
Which phone is easier to use one-handed?
The iPhone SE (3rd gen) is easier to use one-handed and better for small hands compared to the iPhone 15.
Do these phones fit in a typical men's jeans pocket?
Both the iPhone SE (3rd gen) and the iPhone 15 fit in a typical men's jeans pocket, though the iPhone SE (3rd gen) is more pocketable.
Is upgrading from the iPhone SE (3rd gen) to the iPhone 15 worth it for size alone?
Whether upgrading is worth it depends on if you need the larger screen and modern design over the compact size of the iPhone SE (3rd gen).