iPhone 14 Plus • Unlocked vs iPhone SE (2022) • Locked T-Mobile

The iPhone 14 Plus, released in October 2022, and the iPhone SE (3rd generation), launched in March 2022, represent distinct approaches within Apple's smartphone lineup. While both devices operate on the iOS platform and share a powerful internal processor, they cater to different user preferences through their design, display size, and feature sets. The iPhone 14 Plus offers a larger screen and enhanced battery capacity, whereas the iPhone SE 2022 maintains a compact form factor with a traditional home button.

When considering the longevity of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, software support, and physical resilience.

• Release Timeline and Software Support: The iPhone 14 Plus, being released several months after the iPhone SE 2022, benefits from a slightly longer expected period of major iOS updates. Both devices are powered by the same generation of processor, suggesting a similar capability to handle future software demands. The iPhone SE 2022 was discontinued in February 2025, while the iPhone 14 Plus was also discontinued around the same time, meaning their active sales periods were relatively close.
• Physical Durability: The iPhone 14 Plus features a Ceramic Shield front cover and a glass back with an aluminum frame, offering IP68 water and dust resistance, allowing submersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes. The iPhone SE 2022 uses durable glass on both the front and back, similar to the back glass of the iPhone 13 series, and has an IP67 rating, protecting against submersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. Users report the iPhone SE 2022 to be quite durable for its class, though the iPhone 14 Plus offers a higher level of water resistance.
• Practical Lifespan: Both models are expected to receive software updates for several years, ensuring continued access to new features and security enhancements. The robust build of both devices contributes to a practical lifespan suitable for extended use, especially when considering quality-assured refurbished options as an eco-friendly alternative.

Both the iPhone 14 Plus and the iPhone SE 2022 are equipped with the same advanced processor, leading to comparable performance capabilities for most tasks.

• Processing Power: Both devices utilize a powerful current-generation processor, which ensures smooth operation across applications, from everyday browsing and social media to more demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. This shared component means users can expect similar responsiveness and efficiency in handling various workloads.
• Multitasking and Storage: The iPhone 14 Plus comes with 6GB of RAM, providing ample capacity for seamless multitasking and keeping multiple applications open without significant slowdowns. The iPhone SE 2022 features 4GB of RAM, which is sufficient for typical smartphone usage but may offer slightly less headroom for intensive multitasking scenarios. Both models offer storage options up to 512GB for the 14 Plus and 256GB for the SE 2022, accommodating various needs for apps, photos, and videos.
• Battery Behavior: The iPhone 14 Plus is notable for its extended battery life, often lasting up to two full days for some users, with up to 26 hours of video playback, making it well-suited for heavy use or long periods away from a charger. The iPhone SE 2022, while improved over its predecessor, offers more average battery performance, typically lasting a full day with moderate use, with around 9 hours of web surfing over 5G.

The display experience is a significant differentiator between the iPhone 14 Plus and the iPhone SE 2022, primarily due to differences in size and technology.

• Display Technology and Size: The iPhone 14 Plus features a large 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, which delivers deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast, enhancing the viewing experience for media consumption and general use. In contrast, the iPhone SE 2022 has a more compact 4.7-inch Retina HD IPS LCD display, which provides good color accuracy but does not offer the same level of contrast or black levels as an OLED panel.
• Resolution and Brightness: The iPhone 14 Plus offers a higher resolution of 2778x1284 pixels at 458 pixels per inch (ppi), resulting in a very sharp and detailed image. It also boasts higher peak brightness for HDR content and better visibility in bright outdoor conditions. The iPhone SE 2022 has a resolution of 1334x750 pixels at 326 ppi, which is clear for its size but less dense than the 14 Plus, and a lower typical maximum brightness.
• Refresh Rate: Both devices feature a standard 60Hz refresh rate. While this provides a smooth experience for most interactions, it means neither device offers the ultra-smooth scrolling and responsiveness found on displays with higher refresh rates.

The camera systems on the iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone SE 2022 offer different capabilities, with the 14 Plus providing a more versatile setup.

• Rear Camera System: The iPhone 14 Plus is equipped with a dual-camera system, including an advanced 12MP main camera with a larger sensor and improved aperture for better low-light performance, alongside a 12MP ultrawide camera for capturing broader scenes. The iPhone SE 2022 features a single 12MP wide camera. While it benefits from the powerful processor for image processing, it lacks the ultrawide lens and the advanced low-light capabilities of the 14 Plus, notably missing Night mode.
• Front Camera and Video Recording: The iPhone 14 Plus includes a 12MP TrueDepth front camera with autofocus, enhancing selfie quality and video calls. The iPhone SE 2022 has a 7MP front camera. Both phones are capable of recording 4K video at up to 60 frames per second, offering high-quality video capture.
• Photography Features: The iPhone 14 Plus offers features like Photonic Engine for improved computational photography across all cameras, leading to better detail and color in various lighting conditions. The iPhone SE 2022 also leverages its processor for Smart HDR 4 and Deep Fusion, enhancing image quality, but its single lens and older sensor technology limit its overall versatility compared to the 14 Plus.