iPhone 13 vs iPhone SE (2nd generation): Which One Should You Buy?

iPhone 13 edges ahead with a BeastScore of 64.8/100 — but the right choice depends on what matters to you.

Head-to-head
Comparing 2 devicesSwipe ⇄
Apple · 2021

iPhone 13

iPhone 13
65/ 100
Launch price$799
Apple · 2020

iPhone SE (2nd generation)

iPhone SE (2nd generation)
65/ 100
Launch price$399
Head-to-head

iPhone 13 wins 3 of 8 categories

Here's exactly where each phone is stronger.

iPhone 13
iPhone 13
3 wins
iPhone SE (2nd generation)
iPhone SE (2nd generation)
1 win
At a glance

Bigger shape = better phone.

SpeedCameraSelfieBatteryDisplayConnectivitySecurityValue
iPhone 13iPhone SE (2nd generation)
Category winners

Scores out of 100. How we score

  • SpeediPhone 13
    64
    60
  • CameraTie
    72
    72
  • VideoNot enough data
  • SelfieiPhone 13
    60
    40
  • BatteryTie
    58
    58
  • DisplayTie
    62
    62
  • ConnectivityTie
    63
    63
  • SecurityiPhone 13
    100
    86
  • ValueiPhone SE (2nd generation)
    68
    80
Key differences
  • iPhone 13 has the bigger battery3,240 mAh vs 1,821 mAh
  • iPhone 13 charges faster20W vs 18W
  • iPhone 13 has the bigger screen6.1" vs 4.7"
  • iPhone SE (2nd generation) is lighter148 g vs 174 g
  • iPhone SE (2nd generation) launched cheaper$399 vs $799
  • iPhone 13 has a sharper selfie camera12 MP vs 7 MP
  • iPhone 13 has more RAM4 GB vs 3 GB
  • iPhone 13 is better protected from water and dustIP68 vs IP67
See all specs ↓

Why buy each phone

Swipe ⇄
Reasons to buy iPhone 13
  • ✓Bigger 3,240 mAh battery (+1,419 mAh)
  • ✓12 MP main camera
  • ✓6.1" display at 60 Hz
Reasons to buy iPhone SE (2nd generation)
  • ✓26 g lighter (148 g vs 174 g), easier to hold
  • ✓$400 cheaper at launch ($399 vs $799)
  • ✓12 MP main camera

Full specifications

Swipe ⇄
SpecificationiPhone 13iPhone SE (2nd generation)
1. Display & Screen
Screen typeSuper Retina XDR OLEDRetina HD LCD
Screen Size6.1"4.7"
Resolution & Density2532x1170 (460 ppi)1334x750 (326 ppi)
Refresh Rate60 Hz60 Hz
Brightness800 nits peak625 nits peak
Screen ProtectionNot listedNot listed
2. Platform & Performance🏆 iPhone 13 Wins Performance
Chipset / ProcessorApple A15 Bionic (5nm)Not listed
CPU CoresNot listedNot listed
GPU GraphicsApple GPU (5-core)Not listed
Operating SystemiOS 15iOS 13
3. Memory & Storage
RAM Memory4 GB LPDDR3 GB LPDDR
Internal Storage128GB / 256GB / 512GB64GB / 128GB / 256GB
Storage SpeedNot listedNot listed
Card SlotNoNo
4. Main Camera Optics
Primary Camera12 MP, f/1.6, OIS, Sony IMX60312 MP, f/1.8, OIS
Telephoto ZoomNone (digital zoom only)None (digital zoom only)
Ultrawide Camera12 MP, f/2.4N/A
LiDAR / DepthNoneNone
5. Video
Main Camera Video
Not listed
Not listed
Front Video
Not listed
Not listed
6. Selfie Camera
Selfie Lens12 MP, f/2.27 MP, f/2.2
7. Body & Dimensions🏆 iPhone SE (2nd generation) Lightest Chassis
Dimensions146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm
Weight174 g148 g
Build MaterialsNot listedNot listed
SIM TypeNot listedNot listed
Water ResistanceIP68IP67
8. Battery & Charging
Battery Capacity3,240 mAh1,821 mAh
Wired Fast Charging20W wired fast charging18W wired fast charging
Wireless Charging15W wireless charging7W wireless charging
Reverse ChargingNot listedNot listed
9. Sound & Audio
LoudspeakerNot listedNot listed
3.5mm Headphone JackNoNo
10. Connectivity
Wi-Fi StandardWi-Fi 6Wi-Fi 6
Bluetooth5.05.0
USB Port & SpeedLightningLightning
NFCYes (contactless payment)Yes (contactless payment)
11. Sensors & Security
SensorsNot listedNot listed
Satellite FeaturesNot listedNot listed
12. Colors & Overview
ColorsNot listedNot listed
Launch Price$799$399
Our verdict

iPhone 13 wins — BeastScore 64.8/100

The iPhone 13 is the better pick for most people thanks to its bigger battery (3,240 mAh vs 1,821 mAh) and faster charging (20W vs 18W). The iPhone SE (2nd generation) is worth a look if you prefer its lighter body (148 g vs 174 g).

Buy iPhone 13 if you want

Larger battery: 3,240 mAh vs 1,821 mAh · Larger display: 6.1" vs 4.7"

Buy iPhone SE (2nd generation) if you want

Lighter: 148 g vs 174 g (26 g less) · Lower launch price: $399 vs $799

Common questions

Which is better: iPhone 13 or iPhone SE (2nd generation)?

The iPhone 13 is the better pick for most people thanks to its bigger battery (3,240 mAh vs 1,821 mAh) and faster charging (20W vs 18W). The iPhone SE (2nd generation) is worth a look if you prefer its lighter body (148 g vs 174 g). BeastScore: iPhone 13 64.8/100, iPhone SE (2nd generation) 65.0/100.

What are the main battery and display differences between iPhone 13 and iPhone SE (2nd generation)?

iPhone 13 has a 6.1-inch display and 3240 mAh battery. iPhone SE (2nd generation) has a 4.7-inch display and 1821 mAh battery.

How do iPhone 13 and iPhone SE (2nd generation) compare for speed?

iPhone 13 scores 64/100 for performance; iPhone SE (2nd generation) scores 60/100.

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