iPhone SE (2022) vs iPhone 13
Last updated
Specs from Apple.com
Category Scorecard
Size Comparison
Scaled at 1.2px per mm. The SE is 8.3mm shorter and 4.2mm narrower — completely different size classes. Cases are not interchangeable.
Full Specifications
| Specification | iPhone SE (3rd generation) | iPhone 13 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch year | 2022 | 2021 |
| Display | 4.7-inch · LCD · 60Hz | 6.1-inch · OLED · 60Hz |
| Display type | LCD | OLED |
| Resolution | 1334x750 | 2532x1170 |
| PPI | 326 ppi | 460 ppi |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| Brightness | 625 nits typical | 800 nits typical; 1,200 nits peak HDR |
| HDR display | No | Yes |
| True Tone | Yes | Yes |
| Always-on display | No | No |
| Notch style | Bezel / Home button | Classic notch |
| Chip | A15 Bionic; 6-core CPU, 4-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine | A15 Bionic; 6-core CPU, 4-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine |
| Main camera | 12MP, f/1.8, OIS | 12MP, f/1.6, OIS |
| Ultrawide camera | Not published | 12MP, f/2.4, 120° field of view |
| Telephoto camera | Not published | Not published |
| Front camera | 7MP | 12MP TrueDepth, f/2.2 |
| Video max | 4K/60fps | 4K Dolby Vision up to 60fps; Cinematic mode at 1080p/30 |
| Battery (video) | Up to 15 hours | Up to 19 hours |
| Apple fast-charge adapter requirement | 20W-or-higher adapter for Apple's fast-charge claim; maximum device draw not published | 20W-or-higher adapter for Apple's fast-charge claim; maximum device draw not published |
| MagSafe charging | No | Yes, 15W |
| Connector | Lightning | Lightning |
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Crash Detection | No | No |
| Satellite SOS | No | No |
| Dynamic Island | No | No |
| Camera Control | No | No |
| Action Button | No | No |
| Night Mode | No | Yes |
| Apple Intelligence | No | No |
| Apple lineup status | No longer sold by Apple, checked 2026-09-14 | No longer sold by Apple, checked 2026-09-14 |
| Biometrics | Touch ID | Face ID |
| Frame / back | aluminum / glass | aluminum / glass |
| IP rating | IP67 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 138.4 × 67.3 × 7.3 mm | 146.7 × 71.5 × 7.65 mm |
| Weight | 144 g | 174 g |
| Storage options | 64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB |
| Launch price | $429 | $799 |
Touch ID and compactness versus the iPhone 13 OLED camera system
The iPhone 13 wins on screen (6.1-inch OLED vs 4.7-inch LCD), adds an ultrawide camera the SE lacks, uses a 12 MP front camera (vs 7 MP), rated video playback of 19 vs 15 hours, Face ID, and 5G. The SE (2022) launched at $429, $370 below the 13's launch MSRP, while sharing the same A15 Bionic chip. It still fits buyers who want the smallest body, prefer the home button, or need the lowest purchase price.
Display
The display is the largest practical difference. The iPhone SE uses a 4.7-inch LCD Retina HD display at 326 ppi and 625 nits maximum brightness. The iPhone 13 uses a 6.1-inch OLED Super Retina XDR display at 460 ppi and 800 nits. OLED produces true blacks (each pixel turns off rather than showing black on a backlit panel), higher contrast, richer colors, and lower power use for dark areas. The resolution difference is also visible when reading fine text.
Performance
Both phones run Apple's A15 Bionic chip with a 6-core CPU. This is the one category where the SE doesn't concede ground: app launches, gaming, web rendering, and photo processing run identically on both phones. The SE's chip gives it strong performance for its size, and neither should feel slow in normal use. This is the SE's strongest argument: it uses the same chip generation in a smaller body.
Camera
The iPhone 13 has a clear camera advantage. It has two rear cameras — 12MP main (f/1.6) and 12MP ultrawide — plus a 12MP front camera. The SE has a single 12MP rear camera (f/1.8, slightly narrower than the 13's f/1.6) and only a 7MP front camera. That means the SE cannot shoot wide-angle photos at all, and its selfies are noticeably lower resolution than the 13's. Main camera quality in daylight is comparable between the two thanks to the shared A15 chip doing processing work, but the 13's wider aperture (f/1.6 vs f/1.8) captures more light in low-light situations. Both shoot 4K/60fps video. For anyone who takes photos frequently, the 13's dual-camera system is more capable.
Battery
The SE (2022) has Apple's weakest battery life: 15 hours of rated video playback. The iPhone 13 rates at 19 hours — 4 hours more. In real-world mixed use, the SE is a one-day phone that requires charging every night, and a heavy day of social media, GPS, and video will push it into the red by evening. The 13 handles a full demanding day more comfortably. The SE also doesn't have MagSafe wireless charging — only standard Qi charging up to 7.5W. The 13 adds 15W MagSafe. If battery anxiety is a concern, the SE is the wrong choice.
Design & Biometrics
The SE's defining design choice is the home button with Touch ID. This is the last iPhone Apple sells with a physical home button — all other current iPhones use Face ID. Touch ID works well with gloves, in situations where your face isn't aimed at the phone, and for users who find fingerprint authentication more intuitive. The SE measures 138.4×67.3mm and weighs 144g — comfortable to use one-handed in a way the 13 (146.7×71.5mm, 174g) is not. The SE's design is essentially unchanged from iPhone 8 (2017), giving it thick top and bottom bezels that feel dated compared to the 13's full-face design. The SE rates IP67 (1m water resistance for 30 minutes); the 13 rates IP68 (2m for 30 minutes).
Value
The SE (2022) launched at $429 versus the 13's $799 — a $370 launch-MSRP difference. Compare live used listings with matching condition, storage, and battery health. The 13 adds OLED, an ultrawide camera, a better front camera, longer battery life, and Face ID; whether those features justify the gap depends on your budget and preference for Touch ID.
Who Should Buy Which: iPhone SE's one-hand size versus iPhone 13's screen
Buy the iPhone SE (2022) if…
- You specifically want a compact iPhone that fits in small pockets and is easy one-handed
- You prefer Touch ID over Face ID for accessibility or personal preference
- You want the lowest-cost iPhone with modern 5G and a current-generation chip
- You're buying a starter or secondary device where display and camera aren't priorities
Buy the iPhone 13 if…
- You watch videos, browse social media, or read on your phone — the OLED is transformative
- You take photos regularly and want an ultrawide lens and a proper 12MP front camera
- You need battery life that lasts reliably through a full day without anxiety
- You want Face ID and MagSafe charging as part of your daily workflow
Case Compatibility
iPhone SE (2022) and iPhone 13 cases are completely incompatible. The SE is 138.4×67.3mm; the iPhone 13 is 146.7×71.5mm — 8.3mm taller and 4.2mm wider. They are different size classes, and an SE case will not fit an iPhone 13.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do iPhone SE (2022) cases fit iPhone 13?
No — not even close. The SE measures 138.4×67.3mm while the 13 is 146.7×71.5mm: 8.3mm taller and 4.2mm wider. These are completely different size classes. An SE case physically won't contain an iPhone 13. Always verify your phone model before buying a case.
Is the iPhone SE (2022) good enough in 2026?
For basic tasks, yes. The A15 Bionic still handles everyday apps well; check current iOS compatibility before buying. But the 4.7-inch LCD at 326 ppi feels noticeably dated compared to modern OLEDs, the 15-hour rated battery life is the weakest in Apple's current lineup, and the single-lens camera system lacks an ultrawide. If your needs are phone calls, texts, and light apps, it works. If you watch video, take photos, or want immersive screen time, the display limitation is a daily frustration.
Who should buy the iPhone SE (2022) instead of iPhone 13?
Users who want the smallest possible iPhone, prefer Touch ID over Face ID, or are shopping for a lower-cost used device. It is also a solid choice as a secondary phone, travel phone, or first smartphone for children where a compact size and lower replacement cost matter more than camera or display quality. For most everyday users, the 13 provides meaningfully more hardware and display capability; compare live listings before deciding.