iPhone 13 Vs iPhone SE (2022)

iPhone 13
iPhone 13
Starting at

£184.00

£599.00 new

See options
iPhone SE (2022)
iPhone SE (2022)
Starting at

£103.00

£429.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone 13, released in 2021, and the iPhone SE 2022, launched in 2022, represent different approaches within Apple's smartphone lineup. While both devices run on the same powerful operating system and share a core processor, the iPhone 13 offers a more modern design with an advanced display and dual cameras, whereas the iPhone SE 2022 retains a classic form factor with a single camera and a traditional home button.

Scores

Durability

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, several factors come into play.

  • Release Timeline: The iPhone 13 was released in September 2021, while the iPhone SE 2022 followed in March 2022. This difference means the iPhone SE 2022 is likely to receive software updates for approximately one year longer than the iPhone 13, extending its software longevity.
  • Software Support: Both devices are powered by the same efficient processor, ensuring they will handle current and future iOS versions smoothly for several years. Users can expect robust performance and access to new features for an extended period.
  • Physical Durability: The iPhone 13 features Ceramic Shield on the front, offering enhanced drop protection, and boasts an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. The iPhone SE 2022 has a glass front and back with an IP67 rating, providing good protection against splashes and dust.

Year of Release

2021

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Despite their different release dates, both the iPhone 13 and iPhone SE 2022 deliver strong performance for everyday use.

  • Processing Power: Both models are equipped with the same current-generation processor, meaning they handle demanding applications, multitasking, and graphic-intensive games with similar speed and efficiency. Users will experience smooth navigation and quick app launches on either device.
  • Storage Options: The iPhone SE 2022 is available with 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB of internal storage. The iPhone 13 starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB, offering more space for users with extensive media libraries or numerous applications.
  • Battery Behavior: The iPhone 13 generally offers significantly longer battery life, capable of lasting through a full day of heavy use for most users. The iPhone SE 2022, due to its smaller physical size and battery capacity, typically requires more frequent charging, especially for users with high usage patterns.

Memory

4 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

The display experience is one of the most significant distinctions between these two iPhones.

  • Display Technology: The iPhone 13 features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, which uses OLED technology. This results in deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast. The iPhone SE 2022 uses a 4.7-inch Retina HD display with LCD technology, offering good color accuracy but less contrast and brightness compared to OLED.
  • Resolution and Clarity: The iPhone 13's higher resolution display provides sharper text and more detailed images, enhancing the viewing experience for media and fine print. The iPhone SE 2022's display is clear for its size but does not match the pixel density of the iPhone 13.
  • Brightness and Viewing: The iPhone 13's display can reach higher peak brightness levels, making it easier to view content clearly in bright outdoor conditions. Both displays have a standard 60Hz refresh rate, providing a smooth but not ultra-fluid scrolling experience.

Resolution

1170 x 2532

750 x 1334

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLED

Retina IPS LCD

Audiovisual

The camera systems on the iPhone 13 and iPhone SE 2022 cater to different photography needs.

  • Rear Camera System: The iPhone 13 features a dual-camera setup with a 12MP Wide lens and a 12MP Ultra Wide lens, allowing for versatile shots including expansive landscapes. It also includes Night Mode for improved low-light photography and Cinematic Mode for video with shallow depth of field. The iPhone SE 2022 has a single 12MP Wide camera, which performs well in good lighting conditions and includes features like Smart HDR 4 and Photographic Styles, but lacks Night Mode and an Ultra Wide option.
  • Video Recording: Both devices can record 4K video, but the iPhone 13 offers more advanced video capabilities, including the aforementioned Cinematic Mode and better stabilization for action shots.
  • Front Camera: The iPhone 13 includes a 12MP TrueDepth front camera with Face ID, offering higher resolution and more advanced features for selfies and video calls. The iPhone SE 2022 has a 7MP front camera, suitable for everyday video calls and selfies.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

7 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical features differentiate these two models.

  • Biometric Authentication: The iPhone 13 utilizes Face ID for secure facial recognition and unlocking. The iPhone SE 2022 retains the classic Touch ID fingerprint sensor integrated into its home button, a preference for some users.
  • Connectivity: Both devices support 5G cellular connectivity, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.0, ensuring fast and reliable wireless performance for internet browsing, streaming, and accessory connections.
  • Design and Handling: The iPhone 13 features a modern, edge-to-edge display design with flat sides, offering a larger screen in a relatively compact body. The iPhone SE 2022 maintains the traditional iPhone design with a smaller 4.7-inch screen, rounded edges, and a physical home button, making it a more compact and lighter device for one-handed use.

Weight

173 g

144 g

Width

7,15 cm

6 cm

Height

13,676 cm

13 cm

Depth

0,75 cm

0,73 cm

Screen size (in)

6.1

4.7

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

Lightning

User feedback often highlights the iPhone 13's superior display, advanced camera capabilities, and extended battery life as key advantages. Common criticisms sometimes point to its notch design or the standard 60Hz refresh rate. Conversely, the iPhone SE 2022 is frequently praised for its compact size, the convenience of Touch ID, and its powerful processor within a more familiar form factor. Its smaller battery and older design are sometimes noted as areas for improvement.

Users prioritizing a modern aesthetic, a vibrant OLED display for media consumption, and a versatile camera system with advanced features like Night Mode and Cinematic Mode will find the iPhone 13 well-suited to their needs. Those who prefer a smaller, lighter device, appreciate the familiarity of a physical home button with Touch ID, and value a powerful chip in a compact package may lean toward the iPhone SE 2022. Choosing a quality-assured refurbished option for either device can be a sustainable and practical way to access these features, allowing users to make an informed decision based on their individual priorities and usage habits.

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