The iPhone SE was a hit when it launched in 2020, offering Apple fans a more affordable alternative to the latest iPhone models. The company is expected to release a new version of the SE in 2022, and it’s already shaping up to be a tough competitor to the iPhone 13 mini.
But what does the more expensive iPhone 13 Mini have over the much cheaper iPhone SE? What are the differences between these two? And which one should you choose? Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the two phones.
iphone 13 mini vs iPhone SE: Display and design
One of the most noticeable differences between the iPhone SE and the iPhone 13 mini is their displays.
There is no denying that the iPhone 13 mini has a better screen than the iPhone SE. Despite being slightly heavier and larger, the iPhone SE 2022 has a smaller display at 4.7 inches, while the iPhone 13 mini has a 5.4-inch display.
Even though it’s cheaper and has an outdated design, the iPhone SE doesn’t feel cheaply made at all. The iPhone 13 mini has a glass back and an aluminum frame, just like its predecessor. Both phones also have water and dust protection.
The iPhone 13 mini’s flat sides make it easier to pick up from a table, while the iPhone SE’s curved sides provide a more comfortable in-hand feel.
When it comes to screen technology, the iPhone 13 mini is the clear winner. Its OLED panel delivers perfect blacks, excellent contrast, vibrant colors, and no ghosting, and its resolution is sharper than the iPhone SE’s(750p: iPhone SE versus 1080p: iPhone 13 mini).
iPhone SE vs. iPhone 13 mini – Processor
In theory, the performance of the iPhone SE and iPhone 13 mini should be similar. Both devices are equipped with the A15 Bionic, which is Apple’s latest smartphone chip.
We ran Geekbench 5 on the iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, and the upcoming iPhone SE, and they all performed as expected. The iPhone 13 scored an impressive 1745 on the single-core test and an even more impressive 4762 on the multi-core test. The iPhone 13 mini also did well, scoring a 1724 on the single-core test and 4570 on the multi-core test. However, the 2022 iPhone SE pulled ahead of both of them, scoring a 1744 on the single-core test and an impressive 4315 on the multi-core test.
The single-core tests were all very close to one another, while the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini had slightly better performance on the multi-core. Most tasks are single-core, so all devices performed similarly when we opened apps, launched the camera, and switched Safari windows.
Battery life
The iPhone 13 mini has a better battery life than the iPhone SE, with up to 17 hours (iPhone 13 mini) of playback for video but with up to 15 hours (iPhone SE 2022) of playback for video.
Pricing, Colors, & Storage
The iPhone 13 mini is the perfect choice for those who want a smaller phone that doesn’t skimp on features, starting at $699. The iPhone SE (third-generation) is a great option for those looking for a more budget-friendly option, starting at $429.
The iPhone 13 mini is available in a much wider range of colors, with Pink, Blue, Green, Starlight, Midnight, and (Product)Red variants available. The iPhone SE is only available in 3 colors: Starlight, Midnight, and (Product)Red.
Apple’s iPhone 13 mini is available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage capacities. The iPhone SE also comes in three storage variants: 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB.
Camera
One of the key differences between the iPhone SE and the iPhone 13 mini is the camera.
The iPhone SE’s new image signal processor in the A15 chipset results in improved image quality, but it still uses the same hardware as older versions of the entry-level smartphone.
The iPhone SE’s rear camera is a 12-megapixel single-lens configuration, while the front camera is a 7-megapixel selfie camera.
The iPhone 13 mini’s dual-lens camera setup gives you two 12-megapixel cameras to capture all the action. With a Wide and Ultra Wide camera on the rear, and a 12-megapixel TrueDepth camera on the front, you’ll be able to take amazing photos and videos from any angle.
Other iPhone 13 mini camera features include Night Mode support, sensor-shift optical image stabilization, and 2x optical zoom. It also has a Cinematic Mode for recording videos with a shallow depth of field.
Thanks to its A15 Bionic, the iPhone SE does support Portrait Mode, Photographic Styles, and Deep Fusion. However, these features are not available on all models.
The iPhone 13 mini comes with 4K video recording with HDR while the iPhone SE does not.
Connectivity
When it comes to connectivity, the iPhone SE and iPhone 13 mini are both great options with a few exceptions.
iPhone 13 min and SE 2022 support 5G, Wi-Fi 8 with MIMO, and Bluetooth 5.0. NFC chips with reader mode and a Lightning port for wired connection are featured on these devices.
But the iPhone SE 2022 falls short when it comes to mmWave 5G support, only offering sub-6GHz 5G. The The iPhone SE has LTE Advanced, while the iPhone 13 mini has next-generation Gigabit LTE. It really depends on where you’ll be using your phone most as to how much these factors matter.
The iPhone 13 mini comes with an Ultra Wideband chip for spatial awareness, while the iPhone SE does not.
Which iPhone should you buy –Â iPhone SE vs iPhone 13 mini?
Apple’s lower-end lineup is represented by both the iPhone 13 mini and the iPhone SE 2022. The iPhone SE is an entry-level device, while the iPhone 13 mini is mid-range.
The iPhone 13 mini is a modern device that makes sense for a lot of people. It has plenty of flagship features, like facial authentication, excellent cameras, top-notch battery life, and an OLED display.
The iPhone SE is an excellent value for its $429 price tag, with 5G connectivity and Apple’s latest and greatest A15 Bionic processor. For smartphone users who don’t need all the latest gadgets, it could be an excellent choice.
