Apple iPhone 18 Air vs Apple iPhone SE 4
Compare Apple iPhone 18 Air vs Apple iPhone SE 4 side by side: Apple A20 Pro (2nm TSMC) vs Apple A18 (3nm), 48MP vs 48MP camera, 3400mAh vs 3279mAh battery…
Apple
iPhone 18 Air
$1,199
12categories won
Apple
iPhone SE 4
$499
1categories won
5 categories tied · 18 scored in total · add a third phone
Which one wins?
Apple iPhone 18 Air takes the overall win
The Apple iPhone 18 Air claims the overall win over the Apple iPhone SE 4, delivering a stronger technical package across battery endurance and core hardware. In camera testing, the iPhone SE 4 leads with superior optics, 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 4 if its lower retail price better fit your budget.
iPhone 18 Air wins on endurance with 3,400 mAh and 35W fast charging.
iPhone 18 Air leads gaming and raw performance powered by the Apple A20 Pro (2nm TSMC) and 12GB RAM.
iPhone SE 4 takes photography with 48MP optics and 1x optical telephoto capabilities.
iPhone SE 4 wins on budget and value at $499 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 4: specifications compared
Display
| Specification | iPhone 18 Air | iPhone SE 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.6" | 6.06" |
| Resolution | 1260 x 2740Winner | 1170 x 2532 |
| Pixel density | 457 ppi | 460 ppi |
| Refresh rate | 120 HzWinner | 60 Hz |
| Peak brightness | 3000 nitsWinner | 1200 nits |
Performance
| Specification | iPhone 18 Air | iPhone SE 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A20 Pro (2nm TSMC) | Apple A18 (3nm) |
| Process node | 2 nmWinner | 3 nm |
| AnTuTu score | — | 2,400,000 |
| Geekbench multi | — | 8900 |
| Maximum RAM | 12 GBWinner | 8 GB |
| Maximum storage | 1TBWinner | 128GB |
Camera
| Specification | iPhone 18 Air | iPhone SE 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Main sensor | 48 MP | 48 MP |
| Rear cameras | 1 | 1 |
| Optical zoom | — | 1x |
| Ultrawide | 48 MP | — |
| Selfie camera | 24 MPWinner | 12 MP |
Battery and charging
| Specification | iPhone 18 Air | iPhone SE 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 3,400 mAhWinner | 3,279 mAh |
| Wired charging | 35 WWinner | 20 W |
| Wireless charging | 20 WWinner | 15 W |
Design
| Specification | iPhone 18 Air | iPhone SE 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 148 gWinner | 165 g |
| Thickness | 5.5 mmWinner | 7.8 mm |
| Water resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Build | — | Aerospace aluminum frame, glass front and back |
Software and support
| Specification | iPhone 18 Air | iPhone SE 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | iOS 20 | iOS 18 |
| OS updates | 7 years | 7 years |
| Security updates | 7 years | 7 years |
Connectivity and value
| Specification | iPhone 18 Air | iPhone SE 4 |
|---|---|---|
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Storage expansion | None | None |
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| Launch price | $1,199 | $499Winner |
Apple iPhone 18 Air
The iPhone 18 Air is Apple’s thinnest, lightest smartphone ever made. Measuring just 5.5mm thin and weighing a feathery 148g, it integrates a full 6.6-inch 120Hz ProMotion panel, 2nm A20 Pro performance, and a single versatile 48MP Fusion camera.
- Display
- 6.6"
- Chipset
- Apple A20 Pro (2nm TSMC)
- Main camera
- 48MP
- Battery
- 3,400mAh
Apple iPhone SE 4
The iPhone SE 4 transforms Apple’s budget lineup: the home button and thick bezels are replaced with a 6.1-inch OLED, Face ID, USB-C, 48MP camera, and full Apple Intelligence capability for under $500.
- Display
- 6.06"
- Chipset
- Apple A18 (3nm)
- Main camera
- 48MP
- Battery
- 3,279mAh