Apple iPhone 18 Air vs Apple iPhone SE (2022)

Compare Apple iPhone 18 Air vs Apple iPhone SE (2022) side by side: Apple A20 Pro (2nm TSMC) vs Apple A15 Bionic (4-core GPU), 48MP vs 12MP camera, 3400mAh vs…

Apple

iPhone SE (2022)

$429

1categories won

2 categories tied · 18 scored in total · add a third phone

Information Gain

Which one wins?

MxMob Algorithmic Verdict

Apple iPhone 18 Air takes the overall win

Overall Pick

The Apple iPhone 18 Air claims the overall win over the Apple iPhone SE (2022), delivering a stronger technical package across gaming and photography. In camera testing, the iPhone 18 Air leads with sharper imaging, while battery endurance leans towards the iPhone 18 Air. Choose the iPhone 18 Air if you want the highest performance ceiling, or opt for the iPhone SE (2022) if its lower retail price better fit your budget.

🔋 BatteryiPhone 18 Air

iPhone 18 Air wins on endurance with 3,400 mAh and 35W fast charging.

🎮 GamingiPhone 18 Air

iPhone 18 Air leads gaming and raw performance powered by the Apple A20 Pro (2nm TSMC) and 12GB RAM.

📸 CameraiPhone 18 Air

iPhone 18 Air wins photography with 48MP main imaging.

🏷️ ValueiPhone SE (2022)

iPhone SE (2022) wins on budget and value at $429 compared to $1199.

Category verdicts are computed algorithmically from verified technical specifications and hardware benchmarks. Rows where neither figure is objectively better — screen size preference, operating system choice, aesthetic build materials — are displayed for direct reference without scoring bias.

iPhone 18 Air vs iPhone SE (2022): specifications compared

Display

Display comparison between the Apple iPhone 18 Air, Apple iPhone SE (2022)
Specification	iPhone 18 Air	iPhone SE (2022)
Screen size	6.6"	4.7"
Resolution	1260 x 2740Winner	750 x 1334
Pixel density	457 ppiWinner	326 ppi
Refresh rate	120 HzWinner	60 Hz
Peak brightness	3000 nitsWinner	625 nits

Performance

Performance comparison between the Apple iPhone 18 Air, Apple iPhone SE (2022)
Specification	iPhone 18 Air	iPhone SE (2022)
Chipset	Apple A20 Pro (2nm TSMC)	Apple A15 Bionic (4-core GPU)
Process node	2 nmWinner	5 nm
Maximum RAM	12 GBWinner	4 GB
Maximum storage	1TBWinner	256GB

Camera

Camera comparison between the Apple iPhone 18 Air, Apple iPhone SE (2022)
Specification	iPhone 18 Air	iPhone SE (2022)
Main sensor	48 MPWinner	12 MP
Rear cameras	1	1
Ultrawide	48 MP	—
Selfie camera	24 MPWinner	7 MP
Max video	—	4K at 60fps

Battery and charging

Battery and charging comparison between the Apple iPhone 18 Air, Apple iPhone SE (2022)
Specification	iPhone 18 Air	iPhone SE (2022)
Capacity	3,400 mAhWinner	2,018 mAh
Wired charging	35 WWinner	20 W
Wireless charging	20 WWinner	7.5 W

Design

Design comparison between the Apple iPhone 18 Air, Apple iPhone SE (2022)
Specification	iPhone 18 Air	iPhone SE (2022)
Weight	148 g	144 g
Thickness	5.5 mmWinner	7.3 mm
Water resistance	IP68	IP67
Build	—	Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame

Software and support

Software and support comparison between the Apple iPhone 18 Air, Apple iPhone SE (2022)
Specification	iPhone 18 Air	iPhone SE (2022)
Operating system	iOS 20	iOS 15.4, upgradable to iOS 18
OS updates	7 yearsWinner	6 years
Security updates	7 yearsWinner	6 years

Connectivity and value

Connectivity and value comparison between the Apple iPhone 18 Air, Apple iPhone SE (2022)
Specification	iPhone 18 Air	iPhone SE (2022)
5G	Yes	Yes
Storage expansion	None	None
3.5mm jack	No	No
Launch price	$1,199	$429Winner