iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone SE (2020)

The iPhone 15 Plus, released in September 2023, and the iPhone SE (2nd generation), launched in April 2020, represent distinct offerings within Apple's smartphone lineup. These devices cater to different user preferences, primarily distinguished by their design philosophy, display technology, and camera capabilities. Both models operate on Apple's iOS platform, providing a consistent software experience, though the newer iPhone 15 Plus benefits from more recent hardware advancements.

The longevity and expected lifespan of these two iPhones vary significantly due to their release dates and underlying hardware.

• Release Timeline and OS Support: The iPhone 15 Plus, being a 2023 model, is expected to receive major iOS updates for an extended period, potentially until around 2035. In contrast, the iPhone SE 2020, released in 2020, is anticipated to receive major software updates until approximately 2027 to 2029, with security patches continuing for a few additional years. This difference means the iPhone 15 Plus offers a longer period of access to the latest software features and security enhancements.
• Physical Durability: The iPhone 15 Plus features a Ceramic Shield front cover and an IP68 rating, allowing it to withstand submersion in water up to 6 meters for 30 minutes. The iPhone SE 2020 has an Ion-strengthened glass front and an IP67 rating, providing protection against submersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. The newer model offers enhanced resistance to everyday accidents.
• Expected Practical Lifespan: Given its more recent release and advanced components, the iPhone 15 Plus is likely to maintain optimal performance and compatibility with new applications for a longer duration. The iPhone SE 2020, while still functional, may show its age sooner with increasingly demanding software.

Performance is a key differentiator, with the iPhone 15 Plus benefiting from a more advanced processing unit compared to the iPhone SE 2020.

• Processing Power: The iPhone 15 Plus incorporates a newer, more efficient processor, enabling smoother operation for demanding applications, complex multitasking, and graphically intensive games. The iPhone SE 2020, while still capable for everyday tasks, relies on an older generation processor, which may exhibit limitations with future software updates or resource-heavy applications.
• System Responsiveness and Multitasking: With 6GB of RAM, the iPhone 15 Plus offers a more fluid experience when switching between multiple applications and handling numerous background processes. The iPhone SE 2020 comes with 3GB of RAM, which is sufficient for general use but may lead to more frequent app reloads when managing many open applications.
• Storage Options: Both devices are available with various internal storage capacities, allowing users to choose based on their needs for apps, photos, and videos. Neither model supports expandable storage.

The visual experience differs significantly between these two models, primarily due to advancements in display technology.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The iPhone 15 Plus features a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, which delivers deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast. It boasts a resolution of 2796x1290 pixels at 460 pixels per inch (ppi), resulting in sharp and detailed visuals. The iPhone SE 2020 has a 4.7-inch Retina HD IPS LCD, offering good color accuracy and viewing angles, with a resolution of 1334x750 pixels at 326 ppi.
• Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: The iPhone 15 Plus offers significantly higher brightness levels, reaching up to 2000 nits peak outdoor brightness, making it highly visible even in direct sunlight. The iPhone SE 2020 has a maximum brightness of 625 nits, which is adequate for most indoor conditions but can be less legible outdoors.
• Refresh Rate and Features: Both devices feature a standard 60Hz refresh rate. The iPhone 15 Plus also includes the Dynamic Island, an interactive area around the front camera that displays alerts and live activities.

The camera systems on the iPhone 15 Plus and iPhone SE 2020 reflect the generational gap, offering different capabilities for photography and videography.

• Rear Camera System: The iPhone 15 Plus is equipped with a dual-camera system, featuring a 48-megapixel main sensor with a wide aperture and sensor-shift optical image stabilization, alongside a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens. This setup allows for greater detail, improved low-light performance, and more versatile shooting options, including 2x optical-quality zoom. The iPhone SE 2020 has a single 12-megapixel wide camera with optical image stabilization.
• Low-Light and Video Performance: The iPhone 15 Plus excels in low-light conditions due to its larger sensor and advanced image processing, capturing brighter and more detailed photos and videos. It supports 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second, with features like HDR and Cinematic mode. The iPhone SE 2020 can also record 4K video at up to 60 frames per second, but its low-light photo and video capabilities are more limited.
• Front Camera: The iPhone 15 Plus features a 12-megapixel front camera with autofocus, suitable for sharp selfies and video calls. The iPhone SE 2020 has a 7-megapixel front camera. Both devices offer stereo speakers for media consumption.