Apple iPhone 15 Plus vs Apple iPhone SE (2020)
Our Verdict: The iPhone 15 Plus and the iPhone SE (2020) are 2005 years apart, which is enough for a real difference. The 15 Plus 5G has the better camera on paper, 48MP versus 12MP, plus a 12MP selfie camera against 7MP, and the 15 Plus 5G supports 5G while the SE (2020) tops out at 4G. The 15 Plus 5G has the bigger battery of the two, 4383mAh against 1821mAh, which usually means longer between charges, and the 15 Plus 5G has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.7" against 4.7" and sharper at 460 PPI. If you're on the 15 Plus 5G, the SE (2020) is a real step up, but only worth it if the changes above matter to you.
Buying outright, the SE (2020) starts at £66 SIM-free.
12 reviews 4.2
25 reviews
Prices updated 27 July 2026
Apple iPhone 15 Plus
|
Apple iPhone SE (2020)
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.2 12 reviews |
4.2 25 reviews |
| Screen | 6.7" | 4.7" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Retina HD display |
| Resolution | 1290 x 2796 | 1334 x 750 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 460 | 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 | 4,383 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 | 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8 mm | 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm |
| Weight | 201 grams | 148 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP67 - Dust and water resistant |
| Contracts |
£67.33/mo
£30.00 upfront |
- |
| SIM-free | £344.99 | £66.00 |
| Prices updated 27 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 15 Plus or Apple iPhone SE (2020)?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Apple iPhone SE (2020)'s 4.7", the Apple iPhone 15 Plus has the sharper display at 460 pixels per inch versus 326, and the Apple iPhone 15 Plus 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 Plus or Apple iPhone SE (2020)?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus 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 Plus 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 Plus and Apple iPhone SE (2020)?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Apple iPhone SE (2020) comes in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 15 Plus and Apple iPhone SE (2020) use?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus 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 Plus or Apple iPhone SE (2020)?
The Apple iPhone SE (2020) is the more portable of the two: it's 53g 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 Plus or Apple iPhone SE (2020)?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus 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 Plus and Apple iPhone SE (2020) run?
Both phones run Apple iOS.