iPhone 15 Pro Vs iPhone SE (2020)

The iPhone 15 Pro, released in September 2023, represents Apple's advanced smartphone offering, featuring a modern design and cutting-edge technology. In contrast, the iPhone SE 2020, launched in April 2020, provides a more classic iPhone experience with a compact form factor and essential features. The primary distinctions between these two devices lie in their display technology, camera capabilities, and overall processing power, catering to different user priorities.

When considering the longevity of these devices, their release timelines and Apple's software support policies are key factors. The iPhone 15 Pro, being a much newer device, benefits from a significantly longer expected period of major operating system updates and security patches compared to the iPhone SE 2020.

• Software Support: The iPhone 15 Pro is expected to receive major iOS updates until at least September 2028, with some estimates suggesting support could extend to 2030, followed by additional security updates. The iPhone SE 2020, having been released in 2020, is likely to continue receiving major iOS updates until around 2025-2027, with security updates potentially extending for a couple more years beyond that.
• Repairability: The iPhone 15 Pro initially received a repairability score of 4 out of 10 from iFixit, which was later promoted to 7 out of 10 due to improvements in repair processes and the availability of a Repair Assistant tool that allows users to calibrate parts. The iPhone SE 2020 scored 6 out of 10 for repairability, with many components being modular and relatively easy to source, particularly the display and battery.
• Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing the latest software features and long-term compatibility with new applications will find the iPhone 15 Pro offers a considerably extended practical lifespan. The iPhone SE 2020, while still functional, will reach its end-of-life for major software updates sooner, making the iPhone 15 Pro a more future-proof option for those seeking maximum longevity.

The performance capabilities of the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone SE 2020 reflect their respective release years, with the newer device offering a substantial leap in processing power and efficiency.

• Processing Power: The iPhone 15 Pro is equipped with a current-generation processor, enabling it to handle demanding applications, complex multitasking, and graphically intensive games with smooth responsiveness. The iPhone SE 2020 features a processor that, while capable for everyday tasks and general use, may exhibit slower loading times or less fluid performance when running the most resource-intensive apps or engaging in heavy multitasking.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: The iPhone 15 Pro includes 8GB of RAM, contributing to its ability to keep numerous applications open in the background and switch between them seamlessly. The iPhone SE 2020 comes with 3GB of RAM, which is sufficient for typical daily usage but may lead to apps reloading more frequently when switching between them.
• Storage and Battery Behavior: The iPhone 15 Pro offers a wider range of storage options, starting from 128GB and going up to 1TB, providing ample space for extensive media libraries and applications. Its battery generally provides all-day power for medium to heavy usage. The iPhone SE 2020 is available with storage capacities from 64GB to 256GB. Its smaller battery capacity means that heavy users may find themselves needing to recharge more frequently throughout the day.

The visual experience on these two iPhones differs significantly due to advancements in display technology and design philosophy over the years.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The iPhone 15 Pro features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, which delivers deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast. It has a resolution of 2556x1179 pixels, resulting in sharp and detailed visuals. The iPhone SE 2020 utilizes a 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD display with a resolution of 1334x750 pixels. While it offers good clarity for its size, it does not achieve the same level of contrast or color vibrancy as an OLED panel.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: The iPhone 15 Pro boasts a high brightness level, reaching up to 1000 nits typical and 2000 nits peak, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. It also features ProMotion technology, offering an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz for incredibly smooth scrolling and responsive interactions. The iPhone SE 2020 has a maximum brightness of 625 nits, which is adequate for most indoor and outdoor use but may struggle in direct sunlight. Its display has a standard 60Hz refresh rate.
• Screen Size and Viewing Experience: The larger, edge-to-edge display of the iPhone 15 Pro provides a more immersive viewing experience for media consumption and productivity. The iPhone SE 2020's smaller screen, coupled with thicker bezels, offers a more compact form factor that some users prefer for one-handed use, though it provides a less expansive visual area.

The camera systems on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone SE 2020 reflect different tiers of photographic capability, with the newer model offering a more versatile and advanced setup.

• Rear Camera System: The iPhone 15 Pro features a triple-camera system, including a 48-megapixel main sensor, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 12-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This allows for greater flexibility in framing shots, capturing detailed images, and achieving optical zoom without loss of quality. It excels in various lighting conditions, including low light, and supports advanced features like ProRes video recording. The iPhone SE 2020 has a single 12-megapixel wide camera. It performs well for everyday photography in good lighting conditions, producing clear and vibrant images. However, it lacks the versatility of multiple lenses and does not include features like Night Mode.
• Video Recording and Front Camera: Both devices are capable of recording 4K video, with the iPhone 15 Pro offering more advanced stabilization and cinematic features. The iPhone 15 Pro's front-facing camera provides high-quality selfies and improved performance in various lighting scenarios. The iPhone SE 2020 features a 7-megapixel front camera, suitable for video calls and casual selfies, though it may not match the detail or low-light performance of the 15 Pro.
• Audio Experience: The iPhone 15 Pro generally offers a more robust and immersive audio experience through its speakers, suitable for media consumption. While the iPhone SE 2020 provides clear audio, it may not deliver the same depth or volume. Both devices offer good microphone quality for calls and recordings.