iPhone SE (1st generation) vs OnePlus One: Which One Should You Buy?

OnePlus One edges ahead with a BeastScore of 65.0/100 — but the right choice depends on what matters to you.

Head-to-head
Comparing 2 devicesSwipe ⇄
Apple · 2016

iPhone SE (1st generation)

iPhone SE (1st generation)
64/ 100
Launch price$399
Oneplus · 2014

OnePlus One

OnePlus One
65/ 100
Launch price$299
Head-to-head

OnePlus One wins 1 of 7 categories

Here's exactly where each phone is stronger.

iPhone SE (1st generation)
iPhone SE (1st generation)
0 wins
OnePlus One
OnePlus One
1 win
At a glance

Bigger shape = better phone.

SpeedCameraSelfieBatteryDisplayConnectivityValue
iPhone SE (1st generation)OnePlus One
Category winners

Scores out of 100. How we score

  • SpeedTie
    60
    60
  • CameraTie
    68
    68
  • VideoNot enough data
  • SelfieTie
    40
    40
  • BatteryTie
    58
    58
  • DisplayTie
    62
    62
  • ConnectivityTie
    45
    45
  • SecurityNot enough data
  • ValueOnePlus One
    80
    90
Key differences
  • OnePlus One has the bigger battery3,100 mAh vs 1,624 mAh
  • OnePlus One charges faster10W vs 5W
  • OnePlus One has a sharper main camera13 MP vs 12 MP
  • OnePlus One has the bigger screen5.5" vs 4"
  • iPhone SE (1st generation) is lighter113 g vs 162 g
  • OnePlus One launched cheaper$299 vs $399
  • OnePlus One has a sharper selfie camera5 MP vs 1.2 MP
  • iPhone SE (1st generation) has newer Bluetooth4.2 vs 4.1
  • OnePlus One has more RAM3 GB vs 2 GB
See all specs ↓

Why buy each phone

Swipe ⇄
Reasons to buy iPhone SE (1st generation)
  • ✓49 g lighter (113 g vs 162 g), easier to hold
  • ✓12 MP main camera
  • ✓4" display at 60 Hz
Reasons to buy OnePlus One
  • ✓$100 cheaper at launch ($299 vs $399)
  • ✓Bigger 3,100 mAh battery (+1,476 mAh)
  • ✓13 MP main camera

Full specifications

Swipe ⇄
SpecificationiPhone SE (1st generation)OnePlus One
1. Display & Screen
Screen typeLED-backlit IPS LCD RetinaLTPS LCD
Screen Size4"5.5"
Resolution & Density1136x640 (326 ppi)1920x1080 (401 ppi)
Refresh Rate60 Hz60 Hz
Brightness500 nits peak480 nits peak
Screen ProtectionNot listedNot listed
2. Platform & Performance
Chipset / ProcessorNot listed Not listed
CPU CoresNot listedNot listed
GPU GraphicsNot listedNot listed
Operating SystemiOS 9Android 4.4
3. Memory & Storage
RAM Memory2 GB LPDDR3 GB LPDDR
Internal Storage16GB / 32GB / 64GB / 128GB16GB / 64GB
Storage SpeedNot listedNot listed
Card SlotNoNo
4. Main Camera Optics
Primary Camera12 MP, f/2.213 MP, f/2, Sony IMX214
Telephoto ZoomNone (digital zoom only)None (digital zoom only)
Ultrawide CameraN/AN/A
LiDAR / DepthNoneNone
5. Video
Main Camera Video
Not listed
Not listed
Front Video
Not listed
Not listed
6. Selfie Camera
Selfie Lens1.2 MP, f/2.45 MP, f/2
7. Body & Dimensions🏆 iPhone SE (1st generation) Lightest Chassis
Dimensions123.8 x 58.6 x 7.6 mm152.9 x 75.9 x 8.9 mm
Weight113 g162 g
Build MaterialsNot listedNot listed
SIM TypeNot listedNot listed
Water ResistanceNot listedNot listed
8. Battery & Charging
Battery Capacity1,624 mAh3,100 mAh
Wired Fast Charging5W wired fast charging10W wired fast charging
Wireless ChargingNot listedNot listed
Reverse ChargingNot listedNot listed
9. Sound & Audio
LoudspeakerNot listedNot listed
3.5mm Headphone JackNoNo
10. Connectivity
Wi-Fi StandardWi-Fi 5Wi-Fi 5
Bluetooth4.24.1
USB Port & SpeedLightningMicro-USB 2.0
NFCYes (contactless payment)Yes (contactless payment)
11. Sensors & Security
SensorsNot listedNot listed
Satellite FeaturesNot listedNot listed
12. Colors & Overview
ColorsNot listedNot listed
Launch Price$399$299
Our verdict

OnePlus One wins — BeastScore 65.0/100

The OnePlus One is the better pick for most people thanks to its bigger battery (3,100 mAh vs 1,624 mAh) and faster charging (10W vs 5W). The iPhone SE (1st generation) is worth a look if you prefer its lighter body (113 g vs 162 g).

Buy iPhone SE (1st generation) if you want

Lighter: 113 g vs 162 g (49 g less)

Buy OnePlus One if you want

Larger battery: 3,100 mAh vs 1,624 mAh · Larger display: 5.5" vs 4"

Common questions

Which is better: iPhone SE (1st generation) or OnePlus One?

The OnePlus One is the better pick for most people thanks to its bigger battery (3,100 mAh vs 1,624 mAh) and faster charging (10W vs 5W). The iPhone SE (1st generation) is worth a look if you prefer its lighter body (113 g vs 162 g). BeastScore: iPhone SE (1st generation) 64.0/100, OnePlus One 65.0/100.

What are the main battery and display differences between iPhone SE (1st generation) and OnePlus One?

iPhone SE (1st generation) has a 4-inch display and 1624 mAh battery. OnePlus One has a 5.5-inch display and 3100 mAh battery.

How do iPhone SE (1st generation) and OnePlus One compare for speed?

iPhone SE (1st generation) scores 60/100 for performance; OnePlus One scores 60/100.

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