iPhone 14 Pro Vs iPhone SE (2022)

iPhone 14 Pro
iPhone 14 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:£304.00

Versus £1,099.00 new

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

Refurbished price:£102.00

Versus £429.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone 14 Pro and the iPhone SE (3rd Generation), both released in 2022, represent two very different approaches to the modern smartphone experience. While they share the same iOS ecosystem and were launched in the same year, the iPhone 14 Pro serves as a feature-heavy flagship with a modern all-screen design, whereas the iPhone SE maintains a classic aesthetic with a physical home button. These devices cater to distinct user needs, ranging from those seeking the latest display and camera innovations to those who prefer a compact, familiar interface.

Scores

Durability

Since both the iPhone 14 Pro and the iPhone SE arrived in 2022, they are currently at a similar stage in their lifecycle regarding software support and long-term viability.

  • Software Longevity: Both devices are expected to receive regular iOS updates for several years, though the internal hardware of the iPhone 14 Pro may allow it to handle future software features more effectively over time.
  • Build Materials: The iPhone 14 Pro utilizes a stainless steel frame and a specialized ceramic-hardened glass for increased resistance to drops, while the iPhone SE uses a lightweight aluminum frame and standard glass.
  • Repairability: The iPhone SE features a long-established internal layout that many technicians find straightforward to service, whereas the iPhone 14 Pro contains more intricate components like the facial recognition sensors and multiple camera modules.

Year of Release

2022

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

While both phones provide a responsive experience for daily tasks, their internal capabilities differ when it comes to demanding workloads and battery endurance.

  • System Responsiveness: The iPhone 14 Pro is equipped with more memory, which allows it to keep more apps open in the background without reloading, making it ideal for heavy multitaskers.
  • Battery Endurance: In real-world usage, the iPhone 14 Pro typically lasts through a full day of intensive use, while the iPhone SE, due to its smaller physical size, may require a mid-day charge for users who frequently stream video or use navigation.
  • Storage Capacity: Users with large media libraries will find more headroom in the iPhone 14 Pro, which offers significantly higher maximum storage options compared to the iPhone SE.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

The viewing experience is perhaps the most immediate difference between these two models, affecting everything from reading text to watching videos.

  • Display Technology: The iPhone 14 Pro uses an OLED screen that provides deep blacks and high contrast, while the iPhone SE features an LCD panel that offers natural colors but lacks the same level of depth in dark scenes.
  • Motion Smoothness: With a high refresh rate, the iPhone 14 Pro makes scrolling through lists and animations appear much smoother than the standard rate found on the iPhone SE.
  • Outdoor Visibility: The iPhone 14 Pro can reach much higher brightness levels, making the screen easier to read under direct sunlight compared to the iPhone SE.

Resolution

1179 x 2556

750 x 1334

Screen type

LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED

Retina IPS LCD

Audiovisual

Photography and media consumption are areas where the iPhone 14 Pro offers a more versatile toolkit compared to the streamlined approach of the iPhone SE.

  • Camera Versatility: The iPhone 14 Pro includes three distinct lenses—main, ultra-wide, and telephoto—allowing for zoomed-in portraits and wide landscape shots, whereas the iPhone SE relies on a single lens for all photos.
  • Low-Light Performance: Users will notice that the iPhone 14 Pro captures clearer images in dark environments thanks to dedicated night-mode processing, a feature that is absent on the iPhone SE.
  • Audio Experience: The iPhone 14 Pro features a more robust speaker system that provides a wider soundstage for movies and music, while the iPhone SE offers clear but more directional audio.

Main camera

48 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

7 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Practical daily handling and security methods vary significantly between these two 2022 models, impacting how users interact with their devices.

  • Biometric Security: The iPhone 14 Pro uses facial recognition for unlocking and payments, while the iPhone SE retains the fingerprint sensor built into the home button, which some users find more reliable when wearing masks or sunglasses.
  • Physical Dimensions: The iPhone SE is notably lighter and smaller, making it easy to use with one hand, whereas the iPhone 14 Pro has a more substantial weight and larger footprint.
  • Modern Features: The iPhone 14 Pro introduces a dynamic interface element at the top of the screen for notifications and background activities, providing a more interactive experience than the traditional bezel design of the SE.

Weight

206 g

144 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

4.7

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

Lightning

User feedback from various community forums highlights a clear divide in preference based on lifestyle. Owners of the iPhone 14 Pro frequently praise the fluid 120Hz display and the impressive battery life that comfortably lasts a full day. However, some users mention that the device feels heavy during long periods of use. On the other hand, iPhone SE users appreciate the compact form factor and the reliability of the physical home button, though the most common criticism involves the shorter battery life and the dated screen design with large borders.

Users who prioritize photography, high-quality video streaming, and a modern all-screen look will likely find the iPhone 14 Pro aligns better with their needs. Conversely, users who prefer a lightweight device that fits easily into small pockets and those who value the simplicity of a fingerprint sensor may lean toward the iPhone SE. Choosing a quality-assured refurbished option for either model is an eco-friendly way to access these technologies while supporting a more sustainable electronics lifecycle. Ultimately, the decision rests on whether you value the latest visual innovations or a classic, portable design.

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