What are all the differences between the original iPhone SE and the iPhone 6s/iPhone 6s Plus? Which is the best choice for me?

Please note that the original iPhone SE, iPhone 6s, and iPhone 6s Plus all have been discontinued. However, this Q&A has been updated with up-to-date iOS support details and more. It can be quite useful for anyone buying or selling one of these models on the used market.

There are eleven different original iPhone SE, iPhone 6s, and iPhone 6s Plus models (three for the original iPhone SE and four each for the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus), and EveryiPhone.com has documented each of them in detail as always. This Q&A generally addresses collective differences for the sake of simplicity.

With even a cursory glance at the iPhone SE, iPhone 6s, and iPhone 6s Plus, it is obvious that the iPhone SE is the smallest, the iPhone 6s intermediate-sized, and the iPhone 6s Plus is the largest. Although it is true that size is one important difference, there are a number of other important differences that are not nearly as obvious.

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (Left: iPhone 6s Plus, Middle: iPhone 6s, Right: iPhone SE)

External Differences

After the size difference, the next major difference one is most likely to notice between the smaller iPhone SE and the larger iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus models is that the smaller model has flat sides with a "chamfered cut" band around the edges of the sides, whereas the larger models have softly rounded sides. EveryiPhone.com prefers the iPhone SE design with flat sides as it is easier to grip, but others prefer the sleeker look that the rounded sides of the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus provide.

The iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus also are made of aerospace-grade 7000 series aluminum, which is more durable and less bendable than the aluminum used in the iPhone SE. In durability tests from SquareTrade, the company found that the iPhone SE bent under 160 pounds (73 kg) of pressure whereas the iPhone 6s bent under 170 pounds (77 kg) of pressure and the iPhone 6s Plus under 180 pounds (82 kg) of pressure. All three have an unadvertised rubber gasket around the display to reduce, but not eliminate, the risk of internal water damage, as well.

In addition to physical size, the display quality and functionality is different between models, as well:

	iPhone SE	iPhone 6s	iPhone 6s Plus
Dimensions:	4.0"	4.7"	5.4"
Resolution:	1136x640	1334x750	1920x1080
Pixel Density:	326 ppi	326 ppi	401 ppi
Contrast Ratio:	800:1	1400:1	1300:1
Dual Domain Pixels:	No	Yes	Yes
Taptic Engine:	No	Yes	Yes
3D Touch:	No	Yes	Yes
Ion-Strengthened Glass:	No	Yes	Yes

Most importantly, note that the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus models with larger displays also are higher quality. The larger displays have better contrast ratios (the range of white to black that the display can produce), dual domain pixels (for a wider viewing angle), an integrated "Taptic Engine" (in lieu of a simpler vibration sensor), "3D Touch" capability (with support for gestures that Apple refers to as "Peek and Pop" to "dip in and out of content without losing your place" for quicker access to a variety of functions), and physically stronger glass. The iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus also have a faster "Second Generation" Touch ID fingerprint sensor embedded in the home button for biometric authentication.

All three models are available with a black glass front and a medium toned gunmetal "Space Gray" aluminum back, a white glass front and a silver colored aluminum back, a white glass front and a gold colored aluminum back, or a white glass front and a pink-tinted "Rose Gold" aluminum back. All three have a bottom mounted headphone jack, microphone, Lightning connector, and a single speaker. Each ships with "EarPod" headphones that include the integrated Remote and Mic, as well.

Naturally, the larger iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s are taller, wider, and heavier than the smaller iPhone SE, but it is worth noting that the smaller iPhone SE is a tiny bit thicker (0.30 of an inch rather than 0.28 of an inch for the iPhone 6s and 0.29 of an inch for the iPhone 6s Plus).

Camera Differences

The iPhone SE, iPhone 6s, and iPhone 6s Plus all have dual cameras, but there are notable quality differences between them.

FaceTime Cameras

The front-facing "FaceTime" camera on the iPhone SE is significantly lower quality than the one on the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus:

	iPhone SE	iPhone 6s	iPhone 6s Plus
Megapixels:	1.2 MP	5 MP	5 MP
Aperture:	f/2.4	f/2.2	f/2.2
720p Video:	30 fps	30 fps	30 fps
Auto HDR:	Photo	Photo	Photo
Burst Mode:	Yes	Yes	Yes
Retina Flash:	Yes	Yes	Yes

Most notably, the front-facing camera in the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus have a much larger 5 megapixel sensor and a wider aperture value (smaller f stop), which allows for more light.

iSight Cameras

The rear-mounted "iSight" cameras are identical except that the largest iPhone 6s Plus model offers optical image stabilization and the iPhone SE and iPhone 6s do not:

	iPhone SE	iPhone 6s	iPhone 6s Plus
Megapixels:	12 MP	12 MP	12 MP
Aperture:	f/2.2	f/2.2	f/2.2
Pixel Size:	1.22µm	1.22µm	1.22µm
LED Flash:	Dual	Dual	Dual
Video:	4K	4K	4K
Slo-Mo:	Yes	Yes	Yes
Focus Pixels:	Yes	Yes	Yes
Automatic Image Stabilization:	Yes	Yes	Yes
Optical Image Stabilization:	No	No	Yes
Cinematic Video Stabilization:	Yes	Yes	Yes
Continuous Autofocus Video:	Yes	Yes	Yes
Burst Mode:	Yes	Yes	Yes
Live Photos:	Yes	Yes	Yes

 

Identification Differences

When the iPhone SE, iPhone 6s, and iPhone 6s Plus are side-by-side, they are easy to visually distinguish.

However, it is easy to confuse these models for other models that look practically identical, particularly when the devices are not next to one another. Furthermore, it is not possible to visually identify the nine specific iPhone SE, iPhone 6s, and iPhone 6s models by design alone.

However, all of these devices can be identified by Model Number, which is listed on the back of each phone in tiny type:

iPhone Model	Model Number
iPhone SE (United States)	A1662
iPhone SE (Global/Sprint)	A1723
iPhone SE (China Mobile)	A1724
iPhone 6s (AT&T/SIM Free)	A1633
iPhone 6s (Global)	A1688
iPhone 6s (Mainland China)	A1700
iPhone 6s (China Mobile)	A1691
iPhone 6s Plus (AT&T/SIM Free)	A1634
iPhone 6s Plus (Global)	A1687
iPhone 6s Plus (Mainland China)	A1699
iPhone 6s Plus (China Mobile)	A1690

These models also can be spotted uniquely by other identifiers.

Specifically, EveryiPhone.com's Ultimate iLookup feature can precisely identify these iPhone models by Order Number (referred to as "Model" within the iOS "Settings" app under General > About), and their Serial Numbers, as well.

Battery Life Differences

The battery life for the iPhone SE, iPhone 6s, and iPhone 6s Plus is similar:

	iPhone SE	iPhone 6s	iPhone 6s Plus
Talk Time (3G):	14 Hours	14 Hours	24 Hours
Internet (3G):	12 Hours	10 Hours	12 Hours
Internet (4G/LTE):	13 Hours	10 Hours	12 Hours
Internet (Wi-Fi):	13 Hours	11 Hours	12 Hours
Video Playback:	13 Hours	11 Hours	14 Hours
Audio Playback:	50 Hours	50 Hours	80 Hours
Standby Time:	10 Days	10 Days	16 Days

As you can see, battery life is best for the iPhone SE in some tasks and a best for the iPhone 6s Plus in others.

Wireless Connectivity & Data Differences

All of the iPhone SE, iPhone 6s, and iPhone 6s Plus models support UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz); and GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz) as well as Bluetooth 4.2 and NFC for Apple Pay. All of these models support 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi, but the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus have MIMO support whereas the smaller iPhone SE does not.

The A1662 iPhone SE (US - AT&T/T-Mobile/Verizon) also lacks support for TD-SCDMA 1900 (F), 2000 (A) and the A1724 iPhone SE (China) lacks support for CDMA EV-DO Rev. A (800, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz). The other models all support these respective standards.

To most users, LTE differences are most critical:

iPhone Model	Model No.	LTE Bands (4G)
6s (AT&T)	A1633	LTE (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30); TD-LTE (38, 39, 40, 41)
6s (Global)	A1688	LTE (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29); TD-LTE (38, 39, 40, 41)
6s (China)	A1700	FDD-LTE (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29); TD-LTE (38, 39, 40, 41)
6s (CN Mobile)	A1691	FDD-LTE (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29); TD-LTE (38, 39, 40, 41)
6s+ (AT&T)	A1634	LTE (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30); TD-LTE (38, 39, 40, 41)
6s+ (Global)	A1687	LTE (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29); TD-LTE (38, 39, 40, 41)
6s+ (China)	A1699	FDD-LTE (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29); TD-LTE (38, 39, 40, 41)
6s+ (CN Mobile)	A1690	FDD-LTE (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29); TD-LTE (38, 39, 40, 41)
SE (USA)	A1662	LTE (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 29)
SE (Global)	A1723	LTE (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28); TD-LTE (38, 39, 40, 41)
SE (China)	A1724	LTE (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28); TD-LTE (38, 39, 40, 41)

Most notably, the A1633/A1634 iPhone 6s/iPhone 6s Plus models intended for use on AT&T -- but also originally sold unlocked, contract-free, and without a bundled nano-SIM -- support LTE band 30 (WCS) sometimes called "LTE-Advanced" for improved speed and reduced data congestion.

Also note that the A1662 iPhone SE model -- sold in the United States intended for AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon -- supports LTE bands 13 and 29, but not 7, 28, or the TD-LTE range (38, 39, 40, and 41) or TD-SCDMA.

The "Global" A1723 iPhone SE model -- sold around the world as well as on Sprint in the United States -- supports LTE bands 7, 28 and the TD-LTE range (38, 39, 40, and 41), as well as TD-SCDMA, but not LTE bands 13 or 29.

For specific details on 4G/LTE support, it also will be necessary to check with carriers in a particular location.

Internal Differences

Although the specific internal parts in the iPhone SE, iPhone 6s, and iPhone 6s Plus are quite different, the architecture and memory are essentially the same:

	iPhone SE	iPhone 6s	iPhone 6s Plus
Clockspeed:	1.8 GHz	1.8 GHz	1.8 GHz
Processor:	Apple A9	Apple A9	Apple A9
RAM:	2 GB	2 GB	2 GB
Architecture:	64-Bit	64-Bit	64-Bit
Coprocessor:	M9 Motion	M9 Motion	M9 Motion
Orig. Storage:	16/64 GB	16/64/128 GB	16/64/128 GB
Final Storage:	32/128 GB	32/128 GB	32/128 GB
Apple Pay (NFC):	Yes	Yes	Yes
Barometer:	No	Yes	Yes

Most notably, the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus have an internal barometer, which mostly is used for more accurate measurement of elevation and stair climbing.

On March 21, 2017, Apple bumped the storage capacity of the iPhone SE up to a maximum of 128 GB, which brought it to parity with the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus. All three models were discontinued on September 12, 2018.

iOS Support Differences

The iPhone SE, iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus all support iOS 9. Specifically, the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus first shipped with iOS 9.0.1 and the iPhone SE with iOS 9.3. All three models fully support iOS 10 and iOS 11 as well as iOS 12 (with the exception of the minor Memoji feature).

All three support iOS 13, with the exception of the "Adjust Portrait Lighting" and "High-Key Mono" photography features, Dolby Atmos playback, and modest AR features (Motion Capture and People Occlusion).

All three support iOS 14, as well. However, none support the minor Car Keys, Spatial Audio, App Clips, Location Anchors, Exposure Compensation, Burst Photos, QuickTake Video, and On-Device Dictation features.

All three of these iPhone models support iOS 15, but they do not support a large number of advanced features including Spatial Audio, Portrait Mode, Immersive Walking Instructions, Live Text in Photos, Live Text Translation, Visual Look Up, 3D Landmarks, Home Keys, and more.

Finally, all three of these iPhone models do not support iOS 16 or later versions of the iOS, including the current version.

It is not possible to install a version of the iOS earlier than the one that was pre-installed, and it is difficult even to "downgrade" to an earlier version after upgrading a compatible iPhone to a later version of the iOS.

iPhone SE, iPhone 6s, & iPhone 6s Plus Comparison Chart

These differences as well as other details and US pricing information is summarized below:

	iPhone SE	iPhone 6s	iPhone 6s Plus
Introduced:	Mar 2016	Sep 2015	Sep 2015
Discontinued:	Sep 2018	Sep 2018	Sep 2018
Clockspeed:	1.8 GHz	1.8 GHz	1.8 GHz
Processor:	Apple A9	Apple A9	Apple A9
Architecture:	64-Bit	64-Bit	64-Bit
Coprocessor:	M9 Motion	M9 Motion	M9 Motion
RAM:	2 GB	2 GB	2 GB
Orig. Storage (GB):	16/64	16/64/128	16/64/128
Final Storage (GB):	32/128	32/128	32/128
Battery Life (Hours):	14-50	10-50	12-80
Display Size:	4.0"	4.7"	5.5"
Resolution:	1136x640	1334x750	1920x1080
Pixel Density:	326 ppi	326 ppi	401 ppi
Contrast Ratio:	800:1	1400:1	1300:1
Ion-Strengthened Glass:	No	Yes	Yes
3D Touch:	No	Yes	Yes
Taptic Sensor:	No	Yes	Yes
LTE-A Internet:	No	Yes	Yes
Wi-Fi (MIMO):	No	Yes	Yes
Bluetooth:	4.2	4.2	4.2
Rear Megapixels:	12 MP	12 MP	12 MP
Rear Video:	4K	4K	4K
Rear Aperture:	f/2.2	f/2.2	f/2.2
Rear Pixel Size:	1.22µm	1.22µm	1.22µm
Rear LED Flash:	Dual	Dual	Dual
Primary Material:	Al	Al 7000	Al 7000
Water Gasket:	Yes	Yes	Yes
Touch ID:	1st Gen	2nd Gen	2nd Gen
Apple Pay (NFC):	Yes	Yes	Yes
Barometer:	No	Yes	Yes
SIM Card:	Nano	Nano	Nano
Original iOS:	iOS 9	iOS 9	iOS 9
Maximum iOS:	iOS 15	iOS 15	iOS 15
Height:	4.87 in.	5.44 in.	6.23 in.
Width:	2.31 in.	2.64 in.	3.07 in.
Depth:	0.30 in.	0.28 in.	0.29 in.
Weight:	3.99 oz.	5.04 oz.	6.77 oz.
Original Price* (US):	US$399 US$499	US$649 US$749 US$849	US$749 US$849 US$949

* Note that these prices are for devices unlocked and paid in full upfront. Carrier subsidized options also were available. On September 7, 2016, Apple lowered the price of the 64 GB iPhone SE option to US$449. On March 21, 2017, Apple upgraded the capacity options to 32 GB and 128 GB while re-establishing the original US$399 and US$499 price points. All of these models were discontinued on September 12, 2018.

For pricing in dozens of countries, see the "Global Prices" on the specs page for each iPhone as well as the "By Global Original Prices" section of EveryiPhone.com.

So, should I buy an iPhone SE, iPhone 6s, or iPhone 6s Plus?

Just compared to each other -- and ignoring newer models like the iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8 or iPhone 8 Plus, and even newer iPhone devices -- the iPhone SE represents a particularly good value compared to the larger iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus models as it provides effectively identical performance and a similar feature set for less money.

However, in addition to providing (1) larger and higher quality displays, the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus also offer (2) more durable housings and front glass (albeit the rounded edges make them arguably easier to drop), (3) 3D Touch support, (4) LTE-Advanced support, (5) a better front-facing camera (5 megapixels rather than just 1.2), (6) faster Touch ID for quicker logins, and (7) a barometer (which is mostly used for more accurate stair climbing). The iPhone 6s Plus, specifically, also has better battery life and a rear camera with optical image stabilization.

Consequently, if you're looking for the smallest, fastest iPhone, the iPhone SE is your best choice.

However, if you prefer an iPhone with a larger display, better durability, and additional features, and are not also considering newer models, the iPhone 6s is a better option. Finally, if you want the biggest display possible, and also place particular importance on battery life or camera quality, the iPhone 6s Plus (or a newer iPhone model) are your best bet.

The iPhone SE, iPhone 6s, and iPhone 6s Plus do not support the current version of the iOS, so app support will continue to wane from here on out. Those who like the iPhone 6s or iPhone 6s Plus probably will upgrade happily to a newer iPhone if it no longer meets their needs, but even without current iOS support, fans of the smallest devices very well may continue to stick with the iPhone SE for as long as feasible (unless the iPhone 12 mini or iPhone 13 mini is small enough to convince them to upgrade).

iPhone Purchase & Sale Options

There are no shortage of places to buy an iPhone SE, iPhone 6s, or iPhone 6s Plus. However, buying your iPhone from a quality company with a stellar track record will provide the best experience and save you money and time, too.

In the US, site sponsor Other World Computing sells used and refurbished iPhone models with free shipping. On the other hand, if you need to sell an iPhone, A+ BBB-rated Cash for Your Mac and GoRoostr will buy your older iPhone with an instant quote and prompt payment.

Please also see EveryiPhone.com's Ultimate iComparison feature to dynamically compare any iPhone model to any other iPod, iPhone, or iPad.

Also see:

• What are all the differences between the iPhone SE models?
• What are all the differences between the iPhone 6/iPhone 6 Plus and iPhone 6s/iPhone 6s Plus? How much better are the newer models than their predecessors?