iPhone 15 • Unlocked vs iPhone SE (2020) • Unlocked

The iPhone 15, released in September 2023, represents Apple's mainstream flagship offering, featuring a modern design and advanced capabilities. In contrast, the iPhone SE (2020), launched in April 2020, provides a more compact form factor and a classic design. These devices cater to different user preferences, primarily differing in their display technology, camera systems, and overall performance.

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

• Release Timeline and Age: The iPhone 15 is a significantly newer device, released in September 2023, while the iPhone SE (2020) was launched over three years prior, in April 2020. This age difference directly impacts their expected remaining lifespan.
• OS Support Duration: iPhones typically receive 5-7 years of major iOS updates and extended security patches. The iPhone 15, being a newer model, is expected to receive updates until around 2030 or even 2035, offering a longer period of software support. The iPhone SE (2020), having been released earlier, is likely to see its major iOS updates conclude sooner, potentially around 2025-2026, though security updates may continue for a longer period.
• Physical Durability: The iPhone 15 features a Ceramic Shield front cover and a color-infused glass back, along with an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, allowing submersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes. The iPhone SE (2020) has an IP67 rating, offering protection against submersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. Both devices are built with durable materials, but the iPhone 15 offers enhanced protection.

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from browsing to demanding applications. These two iPhones offer distinct experiences in this regard.

• Processing Power: The iPhone 15 is equipped with a more advanced processor, enabling smoother performance for graphically intensive games, complex applications, and seamless multitasking. Users report that it handles demanding apps and multitasking smoothly. The iPhone SE (2020), while still capable for everyday use, may show limitations when running the most demanding applications or games compared to newer models.
• System Responsiveness: The newer internal components of the iPhone 15 contribute to a highly responsive user experience, with faster app loading times and fluid navigation. The iPhone SE (2020) also offers a responsive experience for general use, but the difference becomes noticeable in more intensive scenarios.
• Storage Options: The iPhone 15 is available with storage capacities of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. The iPhone SE (2020) was offered with 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB options.
• Battery Behavior: The iPhone 15 generally offers better battery life, with users reporting it can last a full day of heavy use. Apple states the iPhone 15 can provide up to 20 hours of video playback. The iPhone SE (2020) has a smaller battery capacity, which means more frequent charging for heavy users, with some tests showing it lasting around 4 hours and 45 minutes for continuous video playback.

The display is a primary interface for any smartphone, and these two models present different visual experiences.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The iPhone 15 features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, offering deep blacks, vibrant colors, and a high resolution of 2556x1179 pixels at 460 ppi. This results in a sharp and immersive viewing experience. The iPhone SE (2020) has a 4.7-inch Retina HD IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1334x750 pixels. While clear for its class, it does not match the contrast and color richness of an OLED panel.
• Brightness Levels: The iPhone 15 boasts significantly higher brightness, 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 (2020) has a lower maximum brightness, which can make outdoor viewing more challenging.
• Screen Size and Viewing Experience: The iPhone 15's larger 6.1-inch edge-to-edge display provides a more expansive viewing area for media consumption and multitasking. The iPhone SE (2020)'s 4.7-inch screen, with its traditional bezels, offers a more compact and one-handed friendly experience.
• Refresh Rate: Both the iPhone 15 and iPhone SE (2020) feature a standard 60Hz refresh rate.

For many users, the camera system is a key differentiator, and there are notable distinctions between these two models.

• Rear Camera System: The iPhone 15 features an advanced dual-camera system with a 48MP main sensor and a 12MP ultra-wide lens. This allows for detailed photos, improved low-light performance, and 2x optical zoom capabilities through the main sensor. The iPhone SE (2020) has a single 12MP wide camera. While capable of taking good everyday photos, it lacks the versatility and advanced features of the iPhone 15's system.
• Low-Light Photography: The iPhone 15 offers significantly improved low-light performance due to its larger sensor and advanced image processing, including Night mode and Photonic Engine. The iPhone SE (2020) performs well in good lighting conditions but struggles more in low-light environments, as it lacks Night mode.
• Video Recording Quality: Both devices support 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second. The iPhone 15, however, benefits from enhanced stabilization and features like Cinematic mode and Action mode, offering more professional-grade video capabilities.
• Front Camera: The iPhone 15 includes a 12MP TrueDepth front camera with autofocus, offering improved clarity for selfies and video calls. The iPhone SE (2020) has a 7MP front camera, which is suitable for video calls and selfies but does not offer the same level of detail or advanced features.