iPhone 15 vs iPhone SE (3rd generation)

iPhone 15
iPhone SE (3rd generation)

Decision sheet: the facts that decide it

iPhone 15: 4 of 15 decision facts sourced. Missing: Chip, RAM, Refresh rate, Peak brightness, Battery, Battery life, Main camera, Optical zoom, and 3 more.

iPhone SE (3rd generation): 4 of 15 decision facts sourced. Missing: RAM, Refresh rate, Peak brightness, Battery, Battery life, Main camera, Optical zoom, Weight, and 3 more.

iPhone 15iPhone SE (3rd generation)
Price todayPrice not yet checkedPrice not yet checked
ChipNot yet sourcedA15 Bionic chip with next-generation Neural Engine bestbuy.com
Storage256 gigabytes bestbuy.com64 gigabytes bestbuy.com
Screen size6.1 inches bestbuy.com4.7 inches bestbuy.com
Weight6.03 ounces bestbuy.comNot yet sourced
Starting MSRP$729.99 bestbuy.com$429.99 bestbuy.com

Not yet sourced — iPhone 15: Chip, RAM, Refresh rate, Peak brightness, Battery, Battery life, Main camera, Optical zoom, Water resistance, Wired charging, OS updates. iPhone SE (3rd generation): RAM, Refresh rate, Peak brightness, Battery, Battery life, Main camera, Optical zoom, Weight, Water resistance, Wired charging, OS updates. No manufacturer, official or retailer source we read publishes these yet; we don't estimate them.

Pick iPhone 15 if

Pick iPhone SE (3rd generation) if

Skip both if

  • Neither publishes RAM, refresh rate, peak brightness, battery and 6 more decision fields yet.
Verified Confidence: 86%

Verdict: The iPhone 15 offers more storage (256 GB vs 64 GB); the iPhone SE counters with lower starting price ($429.99 vs $729.99). Neither publishes RAM, refresh rate, peak brightness, battery and 6 more decision fields yet.

iPhone 15 lists at $799 while iPhone SE (3rd generation) lists at $429 — iPhone SE (3rd generation) undercuts iPhone 15 by $370 (86%).

Provisional pick: iPhone 15 — not enough sourced decision facts for iPhone 15. We don't rank on specs we can't verify.

Spec-by-spec comparison

iPhone 15iPhone SE (3rd generation)
Screen size6.1 inches4.7 inches
Resolution2556 x 11791334 x 750
Storage256 gigabytes64 gigabytes
Weight6.03 ounces—
SoftwareApple iOS 17Apple iOS 15
Starting MSRP$729.99$429.99

iPhone 15

What works

  • More advanced A16 processor
  • Higher‑resolution main camera

What doesn't

  • Higher price than SE
  • No Touch ID, Face ID only

iPhone SE (3rd generation)

What works

  • Low price
  • Compact size with Touch ID

What doesn't

  • Older A15 chip compared to A16

Bottom line

Provisional pick: iPhone 15 — not enough sourced decision facts for iPhone 15.

People also ask

How does iphone 15 pro max vs iphone 17 pro compare?

The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a 6.7-inch 120Hz display, A17 Pro chip, 48MP main camera, and starts at $1,199, while the iPhone 17 Pro is expected to feature an A19 Pro chip, under-display Face ID, and a 48MP telephoto but launches later in 2025 at around $1,099. The 15 Pro Max is the better buy today for its proven performance and immediate availability.

How does iphone 15 plus vs iphone 17 pro compare?

The iPhone 15 Plus has a 6.7-inch 60Hz OLED display, A16 Bionic chip, and dual cameras with 48MP main sensor starting at $899. The iPhone 17 Pro features a 6.3-inch 120Hz ProMotion display, A19 Pro chip, triple 48MP cameras, and starts at $999, delivering superior performance, refresh rate, and zoom capabilities.

How does iphone 15 vs iphone 17 air compare?

The iPhone 15 has a 6.1-inch 60Hz OLED, A16 chip, 48MP main camera, and starts at $699, while the iPhone SE 3 has a 4.7-inch 60Hz LCD, A15 chip, 12MP camera, and starts at $429. The iPhone 15 offers a superior modern display, better performance, and far stronger cameras for the extra cost.

How does iphone 15 pro vs iphone 17 air compare?

The iPhone 15 has a 6.1-inch 60Hz OLED, A16 chip, 48MP main camera, and starts at $799, while the iPhone SE 3rd gen has a 4.7-inch 60Hz LCD, A15 chip, 12MP camera, and starts at $429. The iPhone 15 offers superior display, camera, and performance at a higher price.

How does iphone 15 pro vs iphone 17 compare?

The iPhone 15 has a 6.1-inch 60Hz OLED display, A16 Bionic chip, 48MP main camera, and starts at $799, while the iPhone SE (3rd gen) uses a 4.7-inch 60Hz LCD, A15 Bionic, 12MP camera, and costs $429. The iPhone 15 offers superior screen quality, camera, and future software support for the higher price.

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