iPhone 14 Plus Vs iPhone SE (2022)

iPhone 14 Plus
iPhone 14 Plus
Starting at

Refurbished price:317.00

Versus €879.00 new

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

Refurbished price:127.00

Versus €549.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone 14 Plus, released in October 2022, and the iPhone SE 2022, launched in March 2022, represent distinct approaches within Apple's smartphone lineup. While both devices benefit from the same powerful internal processing, they cater to different user preferences primarily through their display size, camera capabilities, and overall design. Both operate on Apple's iOS platform, ensuring a consistent software experience.

Scores

Durability

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is influenced by its build quality, software support, and ease of repair. Both the iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone SE 2022 are designed to offer several years of use, though with some differences in their physical resilience and update timelines.

  • Software Longevity: The iPhone SE 2022 is expected to receive software and security updates for an extended period, potentially seven years or more from its release, ensuring long-term usability. The iPhone 14 Plus, being a more recent model, is anticipated to offer at least comparable, if not longer, software support.
  • Physical Durability: The iPhone 14 Plus features a Ceramic Shield front cover, which offers enhanced drop performance, along with an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, allowing submersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes. The iPhone SE 2022 utilizes durable glass on its front and back, described as tough, and carries an IP67 rating, protecting against submersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
  • Repairability: The iPhone 14 Plus incorporates an updated internal design that contributes to easier repair processes. While specific repairability scores for the iPhone SE 2022 are not widely detailed, its predecessor, the iPhone SE 2020, received a moderate score for ease of repair.

Year of Release

2022

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Both the iPhone 14 Plus and the iPhone SE 2022 are equipped with the same advanced processor, which translates to a high level of responsiveness and efficiency for daily tasks. However, differences in memory and battery capacity can influence their performance in specific scenarios.

  • Processing Power: Both devices feature a current-generation processor, enabling smooth operation across demanding applications, efficient multitasking, and fluid gaming experiences. This shared component ensures that both phones handle complex computations and graphics-intensive tasks with similar proficiency.
  • Multitasking Capability: The iPhone 14 Plus includes 6GB of RAM, which provides more headroom for keeping multiple applications open simultaneously without needing to reload them, benefiting users who frequently switch between apps. The iPhone SE 2022 comes with 4GB of RAM, offering capable multitasking for most users, though it may manage fewer active background processes compared to the 14 Plus.
  • Battery Performance: The iPhone 14 Plus is recognized for its extended battery life, often providing enough power to last through two full days of typical use for many individuals. The iPhone SE 2022 offers adequate battery life for a full day of moderate use, though heavy users might find themselves needing to recharge more frequently than with the 14 Plus.
  • Storage Options: The iPhone 14 Plus is available with storage capacities of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. The iPhone SE 2022 offers 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB storage configurations.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on these two iPhones differs significantly due to their display technologies, sizes, and resolutions, impacting everything from media consumption to daily interaction.

  • Display Technology and Size: The iPhone 14 Plus features a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, which delivers deep blacks, high contrast, and vibrant colors across its larger surface area. In contrast, the iPhone SE 2022 has a 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD display, offering good color accuracy but with less contrast and brightness compared to OLED technology.
  • Resolution and Clarity: The iPhone 14 Plus provides a resolution of 2778 by 1284 pixels at 458 pixels per inch (ppi), resulting in sharp and detailed visuals. The iPhone SE 2022 has a resolution of 1334 by 750 pixels at 326 ppi, which is clear for its size but less dense than the 14 Plus.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The 14 Plus achieves a typical brightness of 800 nits and a peak HDR brightness of 1200 nits, making it highly visible in various lighting conditions, including bright sunlight. The SE 2022 offers a typical brightness of 625 nits. Both models feature a standard 60Hz refresh rate, providing a consistent scrolling and animation experience.

Resolution

1284 x 2778

750 x 1334

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLED

Retina IPS LCD

Audiovisual

Photography and videography capabilities vary between these two models, with the iPhone 14 Plus offering a more versatile and advanced camera system compared to the iPhone SE 2022.

  • Rear Camera System: The iPhone 14 Plus is equipped with a dual-camera system, including a 12MP main camera with a wider aperture (f/1.5) and sensor-shift optical image stabilization, alongside a 12MP ultrawide camera. This setup allows for greater flexibility in capturing different scenes. The iPhone SE 2022 features a single 12MP main camera with an f/1.8 aperture and optical image stabilization.
  • Low-Light Performance: The iPhone 14 Plus excels in low-light conditions due to its larger sensor, faster aperture, and advanced image processing features like the Photonic Engine. The iPhone SE 2022, while capable in good lighting, lacks a dedicated Night Mode, which can result in darker and grainier images in dimly lit environments.
  • Front Camera and Video: The 14 Plus includes a 12MP front-facing camera with autofocus and a faster f/1.9 aperture, enhancing selfie quality. It also offers advanced video features such as Action Mode for stabilized footage and Cinematic Mode for 4K HDR video. The iPhone SE 2022 has a 7MP front camera and supports 4K video recording, but it lacks the sensor-shift stabilization found in the 14 Plus.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

7 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical features and design elements differentiate the iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone SE 2022, influencing daily convenience and handling.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G cellular connectivity and Wi-Fi 6 for fast wireless internet. The iPhone 14 Plus features Bluetooth 5.3, offering improved efficiency and range over the iPhone SE 2022's Bluetooth 5.0. Both models continue to use the Lightning port for charging and data transfer.
  • Biometric Security: The iPhone 14 Plus utilizes Face ID for secure facial recognition and authentication. The iPhone SE 2022 retains the classic Home button with Touch ID, providing fingerprint-based authentication.
  • Physical Characteristics: The iPhone 14 Plus is a larger and heavier device, measuring 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.8 mm and weighing 203 grams. The iPhone SE 2022 is significantly more compact and lighter at 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm and 144 grams, making it easier for one-handed use and pocketability. The 14 Plus features an aerospace-grade aluminum design, while the SE 2022 also uses an aluminum frame.

Weight

150 g

144 g

Screen size (in)

6.7

4.7

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

Lightning

User feedback for the iPhone 14 Plus frequently highlights its expansive display and exceptional battery life as key advantages, with many appreciating the ability to enjoy media and go longer between charges. Some users note that its 60Hz display and the absence of a telephoto camera are points of consideration when compared to more premium models. The iPhone SE 2022 is often praised for its compact form factor, the continued presence of Touch ID, and its powerful internal processor, which ensures smooth performance for its size. Common criticisms include its dated design with prominent bezels, the use of an LCD display, and its less capable camera in low-light conditions.

Users prioritizing a large screen for media consumption, extended battery life, and advanced camera features, particularly in varied lighting, may find the iPhone 14 Plus well-suited to their needs. Conversely, individuals who prefer a compact device for easy one-handed use, appreciate the familiarity of Touch ID, and require robust performance for everyday tasks without needing the latest display or camera technology, might lean towards the iPhone SE 2022. Both models offer a reliable iOS experience, and choosing a quality-assured refurbished option can provide an eco-friendly alternative for either device.

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