iPhone 15 • Locked T-Mobile vs iPhone SE (2020) • Unlocked

The iPhone 15, released in September 2023, and the iPhone SE 2020, launched in April 2020, represent different generations and design philosophies within Apple's smartphone lineup. While both devices operate on the iOS platform, the iPhone 15 introduces a more modern design, advanced display technology, and enhanced performance capabilities compared to the more compact and traditional form factor of the iPhone SE 2020.

The expected lifespan of a smartphone is influenced by its release date, software support, and physical durability. These factors determine how long a device remains functional and receives essential updates.

• Software Longevity: The iPhone 15, being a more recent release (September 2023), is anticipated to receive major iOS updates for a longer duration, likely until at least 2029-2030, with security updates extending even further. The iPhone SE 2020 (April 2020) has already received updates up to iOS 26, indicating a support period of approximately six years for major OS updates, with security patches continuing for a few more years.
• Physical Durability: The iPhone 15 features a Ceramic Shield front cover, which offers enhanced drop performance, and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, allowing submersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes. The iPhone SE 2020 has an IP67 rating, providing protection against dust and water submersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
• Repairability: The iPhone 15 has an improved repairability score of 7 out of 10, a notable increase from previous models, making certain repairs more accessible. The iPhone SE 2020 received a repairability score of 6 out of 10, partly due to its use of components interchangeable with the iPhone 8, which can simplify some repairs.

Performance differences between these two models are significant, primarily due to the generational gap in their internal components, impacting everything from app responsiveness to multitasking capabilities.

• Processing Power: The iPhone 15 is equipped with a newer generation processor, enabling smoother operation for demanding applications, faster game loading times, and more efficient handling of complex tasks. The iPhone SE 2020, while still capable for everyday use, relies on an older processor, which means it may exhibit slower performance in intensive scenarios or when running the latest applications.
• Multitasking and Storage: The iPhone 15 includes 6GB of RAM, contributing to more fluid multitasking and the ability to keep more applications active in the background without refreshing. It offers storage options up to 512GB. The iPhone SE 2020 comes with 3GB of RAM and storage options up to 256GB, which may lead to more frequent app reloads when switching between many applications.
• Battery Endurance: The iPhone 15 provides substantially longer battery life, with up to 20 hours of video playback, designed to comfortably last a full day for most users. The iPhone SE 2020 has a smaller battery capacity, and users often report that it requires more frequent charging, especially with moderate to heavy usage, sometimes struggling to last a full day.

The visual experience on these devices differs considerably, primarily due to advancements in display technology and design over the years.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The iPhone 15 features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, offering deep blacks, high contrast, and vibrant colors with a resolution of 2556x1179 pixels at 460 pixels per inch. The iPhone SE 2020 has a 4.7-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1334x750 pixels at 326 pixels per inch, providing good color accuracy but with less contrast and vibrancy compared to OLED.
• Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: The iPhone 15's display can reach a peak outdoor brightness of up to 2000 nits, making it highly visible even in direct sunlight. The iPhone SE 2020 offers a peak brightness of 625 nits, which is adequate for most indoor conditions but may be less comfortable to view in bright outdoor environments.
• Refresh Rate and User Interface: Both devices feature a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which provides a smooth experience for general navigation and content consumption. The iPhone 15 also incorporates the Dynamic Island, a dynamic area around the front camera that adapts to alerts and background activities, enhancing user interaction.

The camera systems on the iPhone 15 and iPhone SE 2020 reflect different generations of imaging technology, leading to distinct capabilities in photography and videography.

• Main Camera System: The iPhone 15 boasts a dual-camera system with a 48-megapixel main sensor and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera, offering improved detail, low-light performance, and a 2x telephoto option. The iPhone SE 2020 features a single 12-megapixel wide camera, which performs well in good lighting conditions but offers less versatility and detail in challenging environments.
• Photography Features: The iPhone 15 benefits from advanced computational photography features, including improved Smart HDR and a more sophisticated Portrait mode that can automatically detect subjects. The iPhone SE 2020 also includes Portrait mode for human subjects and Smart HDR, but its capabilities are less advanced due to older hardware and processing.
• Video Recording and Audio: Both models support 4K video recording at various frame rates. The iPhone 15 offers more advanced video stabilization and cinematic mode features. Both devices provide stereo speaker output for media consumption and clear microphone quality for calls and recordings, though the iPhone 15 may offer a more refined audio experience.