iPhone 14 Pro • Unlocked vs iPhone SE (2022) • Locked AT&T

The iPhone 14 Pro and the iPhone SE 2022 are two distinct smartphones released by Apple in the same year, 2022. The iPhone 14 Pro, launched in September 2022, represents a premium offering with advanced features and a modern design. The iPhone SE 2022, released in March 2022, caters to users who prefer a compact form factor and a familiar design. While both devices operate on Apple's iOS, they differ significantly in their display technology, camera capabilities, and overall user experience.

The expected practical lifespan of these devices is influenced by their release timelines, software support, and physical resilience.

• Release and Software Support: Both devices were released in 2022, with the iPhone SE 2022 launching in March and the iPhone 14 Pro in September. The iPhone SE 2022 was initially supplied with iOS 15.4 and was eligible for updates to iOS 16, with iOS 26 being the latest compatible version as of September 2025. The iPhone 14 Pro, starting with iOS 16, has a current version of iOS 26.4 as of March 2026. This indicates that both will receive several years of software updates, with the iPhone 14 Pro potentially receiving support for a slightly longer duration due to its more advanced internal components.
• Physical Durability: The iPhone 14 Pro features a Ceramic Shield front cover, a textured matte glass back, and a surgical-grade stainless steel frame, contributing to its robust build. It carries an IP68 rating, allowing it to withstand submersion in water up to 6 meters for 30 minutes. In contrast, the iPhone SE 2022 has a glass front and back with an aerospace-grade aluminum frame and an IP67 rating, meaning it can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.
• Repairability: Both models are designed within Apple's ecosystem, which generally means moderate repairability by third parties.

Performance differences between the two models stem primarily from their internal processing power and memory configurations.

• Processing Power: The iPhone 14 Pro is equipped with a more advanced current-generation processor, which enables it to handle very demanding applications, high-fidelity gaming, and intensive multitasking with greater efficiency. The iPhone SE 2022 utilizes a powerful previous-generation processor, providing smooth performance for everyday tasks, most applications, and casual gaming.
• Memory and Storage: The iPhone 14 Pro comes with 6GB of RAM, supporting more seamless transitions between multiple open applications. The iPhone SE 2022 has 4GB of RAM, which is sufficient for typical smartphone usage. For storage, the iPhone 14 Pro offers options ranging from 128GB up to 1TB, while the iPhone SE 2022 is available with 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB.
• Battery Behavior: The iPhone 14 Pro features a larger battery capacity, providing extended usage times, including up to 23 hours of video playback. The iPhone SE 2022 has a smaller battery, which translates to more frequent charging for heavy users, with some tests indicating around 12 hours of battery life.

The visual experience is a significant differentiator, with each device offering a distinct display technology and size.

• Display Technology and Refresh Rate: The iPhone 14 Pro features a Super Retina XDR OLED display with ProMotion technology, offering adaptive refresh rates that can scale up to 120Hz for smooth scrolling and responsive visuals. It also includes an Always-On display feature. The iPhone SE 2022 uses a Retina HD LCD display with a standard 60Hz refresh rate.
• Resolution and Brightness: The iPhone 14 Pro provides a sharper and more detailed image with a resolution of 2556x1179 pixels at 460 pixels per inch. Its display is notably brighter, reaching up to 1000 nits typical brightness, 1600 nits for HDR content, and a peak of 2000 nits outdoors. The iPhone SE 2022 has a resolution of 1334x750 pixels at 326 pixels per inch and a typical brightness of 625 nits.
• Screen Size and Viewing Experience: The iPhone 14 Pro offers a larger 6.1-inch display, providing an immersive viewing experience with deep blacks and high contrast. The iPhone SE 2022 features a more compact 4.7-inch display, appealing to users who prefer a smaller device for one-handed use and a traditional viewing experience.

The camera systems of these two iPhones cater to different photography needs, with the Pro model offering a more comprehensive and advanced setup.

• Camera System Configuration: The iPhone 14 Pro boasts a Pro camera system, including a 48MP Main camera, a 12MP Ultra Wide camera, and a 12MP Telephoto lens, complemented by a LiDAR Scanner. The iPhone SE 2022 features a single 12MP Wide camera.
• Photography Features: The iPhone 14 Pro includes advanced computational photography features like Photonic Engine, Deep Fusion, Smart HDR 4, and a dedicated Night mode, which significantly enhance image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions. It also supports ProRAW for professional-grade photo editing. The iPhone SE 2022 benefits from Deep Fusion and Smart HDR 4 due to its processor, offering good image quality for its class, but lacks a dedicated Night mode and the versatility of multiple lenses.
• Video Capabilities and Front Camera: For video, the iPhone 14 Pro offers 4K recording at various frame rates, Cinematic mode up to 4K HDR, and Action mode for enhanced video stabilization. Its front camera is a 12MP TrueDepth camera with autofocus. The iPhone SE 2022 supports 4K video recording but does not include advanced features like Cinematic mode or Action mode. Its front camera is a 7MP sensor.