iPhone 6s vs iPhone SE: Which Budget Apple Phone Wins in 2024?
The iPhone 6s is Apple’s 2015 4.7-inch flagship; the iPhone SE (1st-gen) is the 2016 4-inch “Special Edition” that borrowed the 6s’ brains but kept the iPhone 5 body. Both officially discontinued, they now compete on the used market for the same $70-$120 price.
Buyers confuse them because “6s” feels newer and bigger, yet “SE” sounds like an upgrade. Carriers and sellers rarely clarify that the SE packs the same A9 chip and 12 MP camera—just in a smaller shell—so the choice hinges on screen size versus pocketability, not raw power.
Key Differences
Screen: 4.7″ 750p on 6s vs 4″ 640p on SE—both LCD. Battery: 1715 mAh vs 1624 mAh; real-world endurance is near-identical. Touch ID gen-1 on both, but the SE lacks 3D Touch and second-gen barometer. Both max out at iOS 15, so security patches end together.
Which One Should You Choose?
Pick iPhone 6s if you watch videos or type a lot; the larger panel and 3D Touch shortcuts still feel modern. Choose iPhone SE if you want the lightest iPhone with headphone jack—perfect for runs or kids—and you can live with cramped keyboards. Either way, buy one with ≥80 % battery health.
Can these phones run 2024 apps?
Yes, but expect slower launches; banking and social apps still work on iOS 15, yet new AR features and games may refuse to install.
Is camera quality the same?
Identical 12 MP sensor; differences appear only in low-light selfies, since the SE’s front cam is 1.2 MP versus 5 MP on the 6s.