iPhone 15 Plus • Unlocked vs iPhone SE (2022) • Unlocked

The iPhone 15 Plus, released in September 2023, and the iPhone SE 2022, launched in March 2022, represent distinct approaches within Apple's smartphone lineup. While both operate on the iOS ecosystem, they cater to different user preferences through their design, display technology, and overall feature sets. The iPhone 15 Plus offers a larger, more modern experience, whereas the iPhone SE 2022 provides a compact form factor with a classic design.

The expected lifespan and software support differ between these two models due to their respective release dates and hardware generations.

• Release Timeline: The iPhone 15 Plus, being a more recent device from September 2023, benefits from a newer hardware platform compared to the iPhone SE 2022, which was released in March 2022.
• Software Longevity: Both devices receive regular iOS updates, but the iPhone 15 Plus is expected to receive software support for a longer duration, potentially extending its practical usability by at least a year or two beyond the iPhone SE 2022. The iPhone 15 Plus launched with iOS 17 and is compatible with iOS 18 and iOS 26, while the iPhone SE 2022 launched with iOS 15 and is compatible with iOS 18.x.
• Repairability: The iPhone SE 2022 has been noted to have average repairability, with some components like the battery and screen being relatively accessible for replacement, though special tools and care are often required. Screen replacements on the iPhone SE 2022 may affect True Tone and Auto Brightness functionality. Information on the specific repairability score for the iPhone 15 Plus is less detailed, but generally, newer iPhones present similar challenges with component pairing.

Performance is a key differentiator, with the iPhone 15 Plus featuring a more advanced internal architecture compared to the iPhone SE 2022.

• Processing Power: The iPhone 15 Plus is equipped with a more current-generation processor, which translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and more efficient handling of demanding applications and games. The iPhone SE 2022, while still offering robust performance for everyday tasks and even some intensive applications thanks to its capable processor, may show its age in direct comparison with the latest software and graphically intensive games.
• System Responsiveness: Users of the iPhone 15 Plus can expect a highly responsive experience across the operating system, from navigating menus to switching between applications. The iPhone SE 2022 also provides a fluid user experience, though the difference in processing power can be noticeable during heavy usage or when running multiple complex apps simultaneously.
• Storage and Multitasking: The iPhone 15 Plus typically comes with 6GB of RAM, contributing to its ability to manage numerous open applications without significant slowdowns. The iPhone SE 2022 features 4GB of RAM, which is sufficient for most users but may lead to more frequent app reloads when juggling many applications. Both offer various storage options, including 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB for the 15 Plus, and 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB for the SE 2022.

The display experience varies significantly between these two iPhone models, impacting visual clarity, brightness, and overall viewing comfort.

• Display Technology and Size: The iPhone 15 Plus features a larger 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, offering deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast. In contrast, the iPhone SE 2022 has a more compact 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD display, which provides good color accuracy but does not achieve the same level of contrast or black levels as an OLED panel.
• Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: The iPhone 15 Plus boasts significantly higher brightness levels, with a typical maximum of 1000 nits and a peak outdoor brightness of up to 2000 nits, making it highly visible even in direct sunlight. The iPhone SE 2022 offers a typical brightness of 625 nits, which is adequate for most indoor and outdoor conditions but may struggle more in very bright environments.
• Refresh Rate: Both devices feature a standard 60Hz refresh rate. This means that while content appears smooth, neither offers the more fluid scrolling and animation experience found on devices with higher refresh rates.

The camera systems of the iPhone 15 Plus and iPhone SE 2022 offer different capabilities, particularly in terms of versatility and low-light performance.

• Rear Camera System: The iPhone 15 Plus features an advanced dual-camera system, including a 48MP Main camera with a larger sensor and a 12MP Ultra Wide camera. It also offers a 2x optical zoom option, enabled by its quad-pixel sensor, and benefits from features like Photonic Engine and next-generation portraits. The iPhone SE 2022 is equipped with a single 12MP Wide camera, which, while capable of capturing good photos in well-lit conditions with features like Smart HDR 4 and Deep Fusion, lacks the versatility of multiple lenses and the advanced computational photography of the 15 Plus.
• Low-Light Photography and Video: The iPhone 15 Plus demonstrates solid low-light performance, producing clearer and more vibrant images in dim environments, with Night mode activating automatically. Its video recording quality in low light is also generally good, though some minor jitters can occur. The iPhone SE 2022's single camera performs adequately in low light for its class, but it cannot match the detail and brightness captured by the 15 Plus's more advanced sensor and processing.
• Front Camera and Audio: The iPhone 15 Plus includes a 12MP TrueDepth front camera with autofocus, suitable for detailed selfies and video calls. The iPhone SE 2022 has a 7MP front camera. Both devices offer good microphone quality for calls and recordings, and their speaker outputs are suitable for media consumption, though the larger form factor of the 15 Plus may allow for a more expansive audio experience.