So, you’re here because you want an iPhone, but you’re stuck between the iPhone SE 4 (the so-called budget iPhone) and the iPhone 15 (Apple’s standard 2023 flagship). Classic dilemma. Do you go for the nostalgia-heavy, home-button-free, but still “budget” SE 4? Or do you step into the future with the iPhone 15 and its Dynamic Island magic?
You’re not alone. Apple has made sure this decision is anything but simple, and I’m here to break it down for you—entertainingly, of course. Get ready to laugh, nod, and maybe even shake your head in frustration because we’re about to dissect these phones piece by piece.
Table of Contents
iPhone SE 4 vs iPhone 15: The Verdict
If you don’t have time for a deep dive and just want the quick-fire breakdown, let’s settle this based on what actually matters:
- Best for Performance? iPhone 15 – With the A16 Bionic chip, the iPhone 15 delivers better efficiency, faster app launches, and improved gaming performance. The SE 4’s A15 chip is still solid but a step behind.
- Best for Camera? iPhone 15 – The 48MP main sensor means crisper photos, better low-light performance, and telephoto zoom without needing an extra lens. The SE 4 will likely stick to a single 12MP sensor, which is good but nowhere near flagship level.
- Best for Battery Life? iPhone 15 – Apple doesn’t release exact battery specs, but real-world tests show the iPhone 15 lasts significantly longer than the SE series. Expect an all-day battery on the 15 and a “better but still mid-tier” battery on the SE 4.
- Best for Price? iPhone SE 4 – Let’s be real: $499 vs. $799 is a big deal. If you’re upgrading from an old iPhone and just need something modern that won’t break the bank, the SE 4 makes sense.
- Best for Those Who Miss Touch ID? iPhone SE 4 – Not everyone loves Face ID (mask-wearing struggles, anyone?). If you still prefer unlocking your phone with a fingerprint, SE 4 will likely keep that option.
- Best for Longevity? iPhone 15 – The A16 chip, more RAM, and better cameras mean this phone will age more gracefully. The SE 4 will still be supported for years, but the 15 will hold up longer in terms of software updates and resale value.
iPhone SE 4 vs iPhone 15: Detailed Comparison
| Feature | iPhone SE 4 | iPhone 15 |
| Design & Build Quality | Modern design, no Home button, Face ID, 6.1-inch display | Premium design, Dynamic Island, matte-textured back, 6.1-inch display |
| Display | 6.1-inch OLED, 60Hz refresh rate | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, higher brightness |
| Performance & Speed | Expected A15 Bionic chip | A16 Bionic chip |
| Camera | Likely 12MP main sensor | 48MP main sensor, 2x telephoto, better low-light shots |
| Battery Life | Improved but not as long-lasting as iPhone 15 | All-day battery life |
| Price | Approximately $499 | Approximately $799 |
Alright, now for the fun part. Let’s dive deep into each category and find out which phone actually wins.
iPhone SE 4 vs iPhone 15 Design & Build Quality
The iPhone SE 4 is finally ditching the ancient iPhone 8 body and moving into the modern iPhone XR-esque design, meaning no more home button (RIP Touch ID lovers). It now has a 6.1-inch display with Face ID, making it feel much more like a real 2024 smartphone.
Meanwhile, the iPhone 15 is basically a baby iPhone 14 Pro. It has the Dynamic Island, a sleeker design, and a matte-textured back instead of glossy, making it feel way more premium.
Winner: iPhone 15 (It just looks and feels better. SE 4 is nice, but the 15 is premium.)
iPhone SE 4 vs iPhone 15 Display
Both phones have a 6.1-inch OLED screen, but let’s be honest—there’s a huge difference.
- iPhone 15: Super Retina XDR, HDR10, and Dolby Vision support. Basically, movies and videos look like they were personally color-graded by Hollywood.
- iPhone SE 4: Well… just OLED. No fancy HDR or Dolby Vision magic, but still a solid, crisp display.
Sure, the iPhone 15’s screen is objectively better, but let’s think about real-life use cases. Watching a YouTube video while cooking? Scrolling TikTok in bed? Checking texts in bright sunlight? The SE 4 still gets the job done—without making you too obsessed with how good your Netflix show looks. Sometimes, you just want to watch a video, not analyze every pixel like a film critic.
Winner: iPhone 15 (Apple gave the SE 4 a nice screen, but honestly, for everyday use, you’re not missing that much.)
iPhone SE 4 vs iPhone 15 Performance & Speed
Both iPhones are fast, but let’s be real—the iPhone 15 has the A16 Bionic chip, while the SE 4 is expected to get the A15 (same as the iPhone 14).
- A16 Bionic (iPhone 15) > A15 Bionic (iPhone SE 4)
- More efficiency
- Better gaming performance
- Longer-lasting speeds
This means if you want the fastest phone possible, the iPhone 15 wins. But here’s the thing—do you really need that much power for doomscrolling Twitter, texting your bestie, and ordering late-night Uber Eats? The SE 4 is still more than capable of handling everyday tasks without making you feel like you need to sell a kidney for an upgrade. Unless you’re deep into mobile gaming or editing 4K videos on the go, you probably won’t notice a difference.
Winner: iPhone 15 (But let’s be honest, the SE 4 is more than fast enough for normal humans.)
iPhone SE 4 vs iPhone 15 Camera
Apple doesn’t play fair when it comes to camera upgrades.
- iPhone 15: 48MP main sensor, better low-light shots, 2x telephoto, better computational photography
- iPhone SE 4: Likely a 12MP camera, better than before but still not iPhone 15 level
This one’s not even close—if camera quality is a priority, you need the iPhone 15.
Winner: iPhone 15 (SE 4 is good, but 15 is noticeably better.)
iPhone SE 4 vs iPhone 15 Battery Life
The SE series has never been known for great battery life (and I don’t expect that to change much). Apple’s giving it a bigger battery than the SE 3, but it’s still not beating the iPhone 15’s all-day battery life.
Winner: iPhone 15 (If you don’t want to charge mid-day, this is your phone.)
Price
- iPhone SE 4: Expected around $499
- iPhone 15: $799
For $300 less, the SE 4 is a solid deal, especially if you just want a modern iPhone without breaking the bank.
Winner: iPhone SE 4 (It’s way cheaper, and that’s a win for your wallet.)
Top 3 Alternatives for iPhone SE 4 and iPhone 15
If neither of these iPhones is doing it for you, here are some amazing alternatives that might suit you better.
1. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (Pre-Order Now!)
Apple’s great and all, but Samsung is coming in hot with AI-powered features and an insane camera. If you want cutting-edge tech, this is open for pre-order right now, and it might just blow both the SE 4 and iPhone 15 out of the water.
2. Google Pixel 8
If you love stock Android, incredible AI camera features, and a lower price tag, the Google Pixel 8 is a solid pick.
3. iPhone 14 Pro
Why not go for last year’s Pro model instead? You’ll get ProMotion, a telephoto camera, and more premium features—often for a price close to the iPhone 15.
Conclusion
So, which one should you buy?
- If you just want an iPhone, care about price, and don’t need the absolute best camera or screen, go with the iPhone SE 4.
- If you want better battery life, a way better camera, and a nicer screen, spend the extra money and go for the iPhone 15.
Honestly, it all comes down to budget vs. premium experience. If you can stretch your budget, get the iPhone 15. If you need to save money but still want a great iPhone, the SE 4 is a solid deal.
And if neither of them impresses you, maybe it’s time to pre-order that Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and see what AI-powered magic feels like.
Either way, now you know which iPhone (or alternative) is the best for you.
Yours truly,
S, XOXO
