Apple iPhone 15 vs Apple iPhone SE (2020)

Our Verdict: For pure hardware appeal, iPhone 15 gets the nod because it offers a larger 6.1-inch screen. iPhone SE (2020) pushes back with a lighter 113g body, which may matter more day to day. Current contract pricing favours iPhone SE (2020): roughly £69 over the term, compared with about £320 for iPhone 15. Deal availability is stronger for iPhone 15 right now, although the final choice still depends on tariff and storage. The smarter choice is iPhone 15 for a better viewing experience, or iPhone SE (2020) for keeping the total cost down.

If you'd rather pay up front, the SE (2020) is the cheaper buy at £66 SIM-free.

Expert Rating
4.2
12 reviews
4.2
25 reviews
Screen
6.1" 4.7"
Display
Super Retina XDR OLED Retina HD display
Resolution
1179 x 2556 1334 x 750
Pixels Per Inch
461 326
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 7 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm) Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+)
Battery
3,349 mAh 1,821 mAh
Storage
128GB, 256GB, 512GB 64GB, 128GB, 256GB
OS
Apple iOS Apple iOS
SIM Type
nano-SIM and e-SIM Nano SIM
Connectivity
Up to 5G Up to 4G
Wi-Fi
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax
Bluetooth
5.3 with A2DP, LE 5.0 with A2DP, LE
Dimensions
147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm
Weight
171 grams 148 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP67 - Dust and water resistant
Contracts
£14.99/mo (£139.00 upfront) -
SIM-free
£321.00 £66.00

Prices updated 27 July 2026

Apple iPhone 15 Apple iPhone 15 Apple iPhone SE (2020) Apple iPhone SE (2020)
Expert Rating 4.2
12 reviews
4.2
25 reviews
Screen 6.1" 4.7"
Display Super Retina XDR OLED Retina HD display
Resolution 1179 x 2556 1334 x 750
Pixels Per Inch 461 326
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 7 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm) Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+)
Battery 3,349 mAh 1,821 mAh
Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB 64GB, 128GB, 256GB
OS Apple iOS Apple iOS
SIM Type nano-SIM and e-SIM Nano SIM
Connectivity Up to 5G Up to 4G
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax
Bluetooth 5.3 with A2DP, LE 5.0 with A2DP, LE
Dimensions 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm
Weight 171 grams 148 grams
Water Resistance IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP67 - Dust and water resistant
Contracts £14.99/mo
£139.00 upfront
-
SIM-free £321.00 £66.00
Prices updated 27 July 2026
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Apple iPhone 15
Apple iPhone 15

24 Months

128GB

Black

Refurbished

200GB

Data

£14.99 per month, £139 upfront.

Use code: SAVING10 (£10)

Apple iPhone SE (2020)
Apple iPhone SE (2020)

64GB

Black

Refurbished

From £66

Related Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 15 or Apple iPhone SE (2020)?

The Apple iPhone 15 has the bigger screen at 6.1" compared to the Apple iPhone SE (2020)'s 4.7", the Apple iPhone 15 has the sharper display at 461 pixels per inch versus 326, and the Apple iPhone 15 uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Apple iPhone SE (2020) has a Retina HD display.

Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 15 or Apple iPhone SE (2020)?

The Apple iPhone 15 features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Apple iPhone SE (2020) has a 12 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.

Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Apple iPhone 15 or Apple iPhone SE (2020)?

The Apple iPhone SE (2020) is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £66.00.

What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 15 and Apple iPhone SE (2020)?

The Apple iPhone 15 is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Apple iPhone SE (2020) comes in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB.

What processors do the Apple iPhone 15 and Apple iPhone SE (2020) use?

The Apple iPhone 15 is powered by the Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm), while the Apple iPhone SE (2020) uses the Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 15 or Apple iPhone SE (2020)?

The Apple iPhone SE (2020) is the more portable of the two: it's 23g lighter at 148 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm, and is slimmer at 7.3mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 15 or Apple iPhone SE (2020)?

The Apple iPhone 15 is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Apple iPhone SE (2020) is rated IP67 - Dust and water resistant.

What operating system do the Apple iPhone 15 and Apple iPhone SE (2020) run?

Both phones run Apple iOS.