When it comes to choosing the perfect iPhone, Apple enthusiasts often find themselves torn between two popular models: the iPhone SE and the iPhone 6S. Both devices have their unique strengths and weaknesses, making it essential to delve into the details to determine which one is better suited for your needs. In this article, we’ll explore the key differences between the iPhone SE and iPhone 6S, helping you make an informed decision.
Design and Display
The iPhone SE and iPhone 6S have distinct design approaches, catering to different user preferences.
iPhone SE: Compact and Powerful
The iPhone SE boasts a compact design, measuring 4.87 inches in height and 2.31 inches in width. Its 4-inch display is perfect for those who prefer a smaller form factor, making it easy to navigate with one hand. The device’s aluminum body provides a premium feel, while the rounded edges ensure a comfortable grip.
iPhone 6S: Sleek and Slim
In contrast, the iPhone 6S features a larger 4.7-inch display, making it more suitable for users who enjoy watching videos or browsing the web on their device. The phone’s dimensions are 5.44 inches in height and 2.64 inches in width, with a thickness of just 0.28 inches. The iPhone 6S also has an aluminum body, but its design is more curved, providing a sleek and slim appearance.
Display Comparison
| Device | Display Size | Resolution | Pixel Density |
| — | — | — | — |
| iPhone SE | 4 inches | 1136 x 640 | 326 ppi |
| iPhone 6S | 4.7 inches | 1334 x 750 | 326 ppi |
Both devices have a pixel density of 326 ppi, ensuring crisp and vibrant visuals. However, the iPhone 6S has a slightly higher resolution due to its larger display size.
Performance and Hardware
The iPhone SE and iPhone 6S have different processors, which significantly impact their performance.
iPhone SE: A13 Bionic Chip
The iPhone SE is powered by Apple’s A13 Bionic chip, a 64-bit, six-core processor that provides a significant boost in performance and efficiency. This chip is also used in the iPhone 11 series, making the iPhone SE a powerful device in a compact body.
iPhone 6S: A9 Chip
In contrast, the iPhone 6S features Apple’s A9 chip, a 64-bit, dual-core processor that was top-of-the-line when the device was released. Although the A9 chip is still capable of handling everyday tasks, it may struggle with demanding applications and multitasking.
Benchmark Comparison
| Device | Geekbench 5 (Single-Core) | Geekbench 5 (Multi-Core) |
| — | — | — |
| iPhone SE | 1,336 | 3,265 |
| iPhone 6S | 1,080 | 2,465 |
The iPhone SE’s A13 Bionic chip outperforms the iPhone 6S’s A9 chip in both single-core and multi-core benchmarks, indicating a significant difference in processing power.
Camera Capabilities
The camera is an essential feature for many smartphone users, and both devices have their strengths and weaknesses.
iPhone SE: 12-Megapixel Rear Camera
The iPhone SE features a 12-megapixel rear camera with a f/1.8 aperture, capable of capturing stunning photos and videos. The device also supports features like Portrait mode, Depth Control, and advanced red-eye correction.
iPhone 6S: 12-Megapixel Rear Camera
The iPhone 6S also has a 12-megapixel rear camera, but with a slightly smaller f/2.2 aperture. Although the camera is still capable of taking great photos, it may not perform as well in low-light conditions as the iPhone SE.
Camera Comparison
| Device | Rear Camera Resolution | Aperture | Front Camera Resolution |
| — | — | — | — |
| iPhone SE | 12 megapixels | f/1.8 | 7 megapixels |
| iPhone 6S | 12 megapixels | f/2.2 | 5 megapixels |
The iPhone SE has a slightly better rear camera aperture and a higher-resolution front camera, making it a better choice for photography enthusiasts.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is a crucial aspect to consider when choosing a smartphone.
iPhone SE: Up to 15 Hours of Internet Use
The iPhone SE has a relatively small battery, but it’s optimized to provide up to 15 hours of internet use, 10 hours of video playback, and 40 hours of audio playback.
iPhone 6S: Up to 14 Hours of Internet Use
The iPhone 6S has a slightly larger battery, but it provides up to 14 hours of internet use, 11 hours of video playback, and 50 hours of audio playback.
Battery Life Comparison
| Device | Internet Use | Video Playback | Audio Playback |
| — | — | — | — |
| iPhone SE | Up to 15 hours | Up to 10 hours | Up to 40 hours |
| iPhone 6S | Up to 14 hours | Up to 11 hours | Up to 50 hours |
Although the iPhone 6S has a slightly longer battery life in some areas, the difference is not significant enough to be a deciding factor.
Software and Security
Both devices run on Apple’s iOS operating system, but the iPhone SE has a more recent software version.
iPhone SE: iOS 14 and Later
The iPhone SE supports iOS 14 and later, ensuring that you have access to the latest features, security patches, and updates.
iPhone 6S: iOS 12 and Later
The iPhone 6S supports iOS 12 and later, but it’s no longer receiving the latest software updates. This may leave the device vulnerable to security exploits and limit its compatibility with newer apps.
Software Comparison
| Device | Latest Software Version | Security Updates |
| — | — | — |
| iPhone SE | iOS 14 and later | Regular security updates |
| iPhone 6S | iOS 12 and later | Limited security updates |
The iPhone SE’s more recent software version and regular security updates make it a more secure choice.
Price and Value
The price of the iPhone SE and iPhone 6S varies depending on the storage capacity and condition of the device.
iPhone SE: Starting at $399
The iPhone SE starts at $399 for the 64GB model, making it an affordable option for those who want a compact and powerful device.
iPhone 6S: Starting at $200
The iPhone 6S starts at $200 for the 32GB model, but prices may vary depending on the condition and storage capacity of the device.
Price Comparison
| Device | Storage Capacity | Price |
| — | — | — |
| iPhone SE | 64GB | $399 |
| iPhone 6S | 32GB | $200 |
Although the iPhone 6S is cheaper, the iPhone SE offers more value due to its more recent software version, better performance, and improved camera capabilities.
Conclusion
The iPhone SE and iPhone 6S are both great devices, but they cater to different user preferences. If you prioritize a compact design, powerful performance, and improved camera capabilities, the iPhone SE is the better choice. However, if you prefer a larger display and a more affordable price tag, the iPhone 6S may be the way to go.
Ultimately, the decision between the iPhone SE and iPhone 6S depends on your individual needs and preferences. We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive comparison of the two devices, helping you make an informed decision.
What are the key differences between the iPhone SE and iPhone 6S?
The iPhone SE and iPhone 6S have several key differences. The most notable difference is the design and size of the two devices. The iPhone SE has a 4-inch display, making it a more compact option, while the iPhone 6S has a 4.7-inch display. Additionally, the iPhone SE has a more powerful A9 processor, while the iPhone 6S has an A9 processor with M9 motion coprocessor. The iPhone SE also has a 12-megapixel rear camera, while the iPhone 6S has a 12-megapixel rear camera with 4K video recording capabilities.
Another significant difference between the two devices is the battery life. The iPhone SE has a longer battery life, with up to 14 hours of talk time, while the iPhone 6S has up to 14 hours of talk time on 3G. The iPhone SE also has faster storage options, with up to 128GB of storage available, while the iPhone 6S has up to 128GB of storage available. Overall, the iPhone SE offers more advanced features and capabilities in a smaller package.
Which device has a better camera?
The iPhone SE and iPhone 6S both have high-quality cameras, but the iPhone SE has a slightly better camera. The iPhone SE has a 12-megapixel rear camera with a f/2.2 aperture, while the iPhone 6S has a 12-megapixel rear camera with a f/2.2 aperture. However, the iPhone SE has a more advanced image signal processor, which allows for better image quality and more features such as live photos and 4K video recording.
In terms of front-facing cameras, the iPhone SE has a 1.2-megapixel camera, while the iPhone 6S has a 5-megapixel camera. However, the iPhone SE’s front-facing camera is still capable of taking high-quality selfies and videos. Overall, the iPhone SE has a slightly better camera, but both devices are capable of taking great photos and videos.
Which device has better performance?
The iPhone SE has better performance than the iPhone 6S. The iPhone SE is powered by a 64-bit A9 processor with M9 motion coprocessor, while the iPhone 6S is powered by a 64-bit A9 processor with M9 motion coprocessor. However, the iPhone SE’s processor is clocked at a higher speed, which results in faster performance and more efficient battery life.
In addition to the processor, the iPhone SE also has faster storage options, with up to 128GB of storage available. The iPhone 6S also has up to 128GB of storage available, but the storage is not as fast as the iPhone SE’s. Overall, the iPhone SE has better performance and faster storage options, making it a more powerful device.
Which device has longer battery life?
The iPhone SE has longer battery life than the iPhone 6S. According to Apple, the iPhone SE has up to 14 hours of talk time on 3G, while the iPhone 6S has up to 14 hours of talk time on 3G. However, in real-world use, the iPhone SE has been shown to have longer battery life, with some users reporting up to 2 days of use on a single charge.
The iPhone SE’s longer battery life is due to its more efficient processor and smaller display. The iPhone SE’s display is 4 inches, while the iPhone 6S’s display is 4.7 inches, which requires more power to operate. Overall, the iPhone SE has longer battery life, making it a great option for users who want a device that can last all day.
Which device is more affordable?
The iPhone SE is generally more affordable than the iPhone 6S. The iPhone SE starts at $399 for the 32GB model, while the iPhone 6S starts at $499 for the 32GB model. However, prices can vary depending on the storage size and condition of the device.
In addition to the upfront cost, the iPhone SE may also be more affordable in the long run. The iPhone SE has a more efficient processor and smaller display, which can result in lower battery replacement costs and repair costs. Overall, the iPhone SE is a more affordable option for users who want a high-quality iPhone without breaking the bank.
Which device has more storage options?
The iPhone SE and iPhone 6S both have up to 128GB of storage available, but the iPhone SE has faster storage options. The iPhone SE has a faster storage controller, which allows for faster data transfer speeds and more efficient storage.
In addition to the storage speed, the iPhone SE also has more storage options available. The iPhone SE is available in 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB storage sizes, while the iPhone 6S is available in 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB storage sizes. However, the 16GB model of the iPhone 6S is no longer available for purchase from Apple. Overall, the iPhone SE has faster and more storage options available.
Which device is more durable?
The iPhone SE and iPhone 6S both have durable designs, but the iPhone SE is more durable. The iPhone SE has a more compact design, which makes it less prone to damage from drops and other accidents. Additionally, the iPhone SE has a more seamless design, with fewer gaps and openings for dust and water to enter.
In terms of water resistance, the iPhone SE has a rating of IP64, which means it can withstand being submerged in water up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes. The iPhone 6S has a rating of IP64, but it is not as water-resistant as the iPhone SE. Overall, the iPhone SE is more durable and water-resistant, making it a great option for users who want a device that can withstand rough handling.