Budget Phone Comparison: Apple's iPhone SE vs. Samsung's Galaxy A53 5G

[danakin]

People, this is why there's both chocolate and vanilla.

Some people will prefer the more modern look despite the lesser processor and support period. Others will prefer iOS, the faster chip, and the 5+ years of support.
Some will keep their phone until it dies, others will swap it out every 2-3 years.
All of the above scenarios, or combination thereof, are valid and realistic use cases.

Comments mentioning "embarrassing", "antique" or other derisive terms don't move the conversation further. They, frankly, comes off as tribal and lacking nuanced thought. To quote Abraham Lincoln: "Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and to remove all doubt"

 

[ineedanaccont]

I would argue that the budget consumer cares much more about a larger screen than about the latest chip.

Perhaps in the future once Apple releases an SE with the design of the XR, then it would be a much more interesting comparison.

Shouldn’t budget consumers care more about build quality and longevity of the device over screen size?

If I’m on a “budget” it usually means I don’t have the disposable income to frequently replace devices.

 

[SenorWhyMe]

The Samsung makes the design of the iPhone SE look like an antique.

it is antique

 

[JPack]

Shouldn’t budget consumers care more about build quality and longevity of the device over screen size?

If I’m on a “budget” it usually means I don’t have the disposable income to frequently replace devices.

Do "budget" customers shop at dollar stores for quality and longevity?

Or buy a Westinghouse TV at Walmart for the same reasons?

Build quality and longevity are nice to have relatively luxury features, certainly not the first thing sought after.

 

[phillypharm]

Why does MR do pieces like this? It's not like they aren't going to be massive homers on this one. I'm pretty much all in on the Apple ecosystem now that I've gone back to Mac for my laptop, but to pretend this was a legit "comparison" is laughable.

 

[zarmanto]

Shouldn’t budget consumers care more about build quality and longevity of the device over screen size?

If I’m on a “budget” it usually means I don’t have the disposable income to frequently replace devices.

Let's be completely honest here... If you're on a "budget", you rarely look much beyond the price tag. Build quality, longevity, screen size, processor speed, battery life... all of these are just secondary concerns which customers use to justify a decision they've likely already made, based upon what they think they can afford.

At least, for that first phone. Most people stick with an ecosystem once they've committed, and manufacturer's are keenly aware of this. It's those first time buyers that are really the target audience for both of these devices. Further, there's only one manufacturer of iOS devices, so the Android manufacturers are actually competing with each other far more than with Apple... so Apple doesn't actually have to price match the cheapest Android phones.

It all comes down to the basics from your ECO 101 class.

 

[Spock]

I think the SE 3 still looks good, with high end materials, and its ergonomics remain excellent.

It was a nice looking phone when the design came out in 2014 and has had very little change since then.

 

[4jasontv]

Apple is clearly catering to a crowd that still wants what that aging platform offers, and I suppose they know the statistics better than we do -- as they literally know exactly how many of each iPhone model they sell, while we're all just guessing.

I would assume they also know how many of each device is still active, and what devices people select as replacements.

 

[spinedoc77]

The SE would actually be a cool little phone if they just got rid of the huge 2000's style chin and bezels. Touch ID simply needs to be moved to the power button, as it should have been a LONG time ago on ALL models.

 

[4jasontv]

Shouldn’t budget consumers care more about build quality and longevity of the device over screen size?

If I’m on a “budget” it usually means I don’t have the disposable income to frequently replace devices.

They should, but generally don't. I feel like budget technology is synonymous with being short-sighted. I don't mean that as an insult, but rather that if you only have X to spend you can't save money by paying more upfront for Y.

However, I am also not convinced that SE last any less time than Pro models. I feel like everyone has devices for about the same amount of time, it's just a more luxurious experience. With the exception of iMacs, my Macs have lasted 10 years each no matter how much I spent. While feel as if iOS devices last about 4 years.

 

[kirk.vino]

Quite embarrassing that they keep using this extremely outdated design. That processor is total overkill for this ancient phone.

 

[Andres Cantu]

Shouldn’t budget consumers care more about build quality and longevity of the device over screen size?

If I’m on a “budget” it usually means I don’t have the disposable income to frequently replace devices.

Should they? Probably.

In practice though, screen size sells, especially for older folks who can’t see the SE display very well because it’s too small.

 

[zarmanto]

I would assume they also know how many of each device is still active, and what devices people select as replacements.

Certainly -- with the obvious exception that they wouldn't know what you've switched to in the unlikely event that you actually leave their ecosystem.

For that matter, I suppose they also know exactly which of my kids are using which of my old passed-down phones.

 

[now i see it]

$429 doesn’t seem like a “budget” purchase to me.

 

[TonnyM]

IPhone SE is meant for very specific audience, this comparison is pretty pointless.

 

[Freeangel1]

WOW! The A53 Camera is SO MUCH BETTER than the iPhone SE.

Thats why I'm back to a Samsung Galaxy phone.

I Find you get MORE for your money.

iPhones have gotten super expensive lately with no DEALS.

Samsung always running deals.

And the camera is top notch.

Just wish they would bring back the external memory slot for adding more SD Card storage.

They keep copying APPLE. First with non replaceable battery. NOW with NO way to EXPAND Storage.

 

[jicon]

The SE would actually be a cool little phone if they just got rid of the huge 2000's style chin and bezels. Touch ID simply needs to be moved to the power button, as it should have been a LONG time ago on ALL models.

Just waiting for the 2000's style flip phone Razrs to make a comeback...

 

[JGIGS]

Pretty embarrassing comparison. I think apple missed the mark with the SE: few price-conscious phone buyers want top-tier processor speed, fewer want 5g

Honestly, it feels a bit like "Apple arrogance". Seems like the execs at Apple feel like they can package (repackage) anything and spin it to sell to people. Even my 70+ year old father was excited to get the new form factor from when he upgraded this past year. Obviously he's not very techy individual rocking a 6 plus till 2021.

 

[Jim Lahey]

Can’t think of much worse in a touchscreen smartphone than a stuttering, freezing, laggy interface. It could have ten camera lenses and tie my shoelaces but if the user experience isn’t at least responsive then it’s no sale.

 

[femike]

Samsung A53 is too big. I don't need to go any further.
But I will...
No home button, no bezels... I like these. And it has Android and minimal software support.
However, the iPhone SE3 should of been cheaper not more expensive.

 

[ohbrilliance]

The smaller size of the SE is a selling point for many. Of course more screen space in that smaller size would help.

There’s a dearth of options for smaller Android phones, with the SE and 12/13 mini essentially having no competition. It reminds me of the non-existent competition for the iPod Touch.

 

[Kevin2055]

Apple in March came out with the updated 2022 iPhone SE, a budget iPhone that's equipped with 5G. Samsung also recently came out with its own budget 5G smartphone, the Galaxy A53 5G, so we thought we'd compare the two to see how they measure up. In short, the A53 5G is offering up a better feature set, but it can't match the iPhone SE in terms of lifespan and build quality.

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On paper, the Galaxy A53 5G offers a wide suite of features that the iPhone can't match. When it comes to the display, for example, the Galaxy A53 5G has a more modern edge-to-edge 6.5-inch 1080p AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, while the iPhone SE is sporting a smaller 4.7-inch display with thick, outdated bezels. The display is bright, vibrant, and at 1080p, noticeably better than the iPhone SE display.

Samsung has also equipped its smartphone with an ultrasonic fingerprint reader that's under the display and facial recognition, while the iPhone SE is using a standard Touch ID Home button, but Samsung's ultrasonic fingerprint reader is slower and less accurate than Touch ID, and the facial recognition is not on the Face ID level. It can be used for unlocking the smartphone, but not for making payments or authenticating passwords. Touch ID is being phased out from the iPhone, but it's still quick, responsive, and simple to use.

The Galaxy A53 5G is made from plastic, and it just feels cheaper than the iPhone SE, which is fully glass with aluminum siding. It's clearly made from better quality materials, and it has a more premium feel than the Galaxy A53 5G, which feels like your average budget Android device.

The A53 5G wins out when it comes to battery life because it offers almost double the capacity of the iPhone SE. The iPhone SE is, however, much, much faster than the A53 because it's using the same A15 chip that's in the iPhone 13. Samsung's smartphone is equipped with an Exynos 1280 chip that doesn't even come close to measuring up. Samsung does have the edge when it comes to storage, as the base model starts with 128GB and it can be expanded with an SD card slot (the iPhone SE starts at 64GB), plus it has more camera lenses.

Apple's iPhone SE has a single-lens 12-megapixel wide-angle rear camera, while the Galaxy S53 5G has a 64-megapixel wide-angle camera, an ultra wide lens, and a depth and macro sensor. Of course, more megapixels and more lenses does not equal better quality, and the iPhone SE has texture, detail, and HDR features powered by the A15 that set it apart.

Both phones have 5G and are equal in that department, and as for pricing, the Galaxy A53 5G is technically priced at $449, but it's available for $349 right now. That's cheaper than the iPhone SE, which is priced starting at $429.

Though the Galaxy A53 5G seems like the better phone right now, it's the A15 chip that makes the iPhone SE stand out. Apple will provide software updates, new features, and support for the iPhone SE for a good five to seven years, while Samsung is not going to support the A53 5G that long. The Galaxy A53 5G has a flashier set of features that may be immediately appealing, but those looking for a phone that's going to last for years to should check out the iPhone SE.

What do you think of the Galaxy A53 5G, do you prefer it to the iPhone SE? Let us know in the comments.

Article Link: Budget Phone Comparison: Apple's iPhone SE vs. Samsung's Galaxy A53 5G

Samsung wins hands down. The 3 cameras and larger screen make user experience much better.

 

[JGIGS]

I'm no fan of either brand of phones but comparing Apples and Oranges in this case is much more about eco systems than the devices on face value. In my experience, people aren't quick to jump mobile platforms regardless how green the other side of the grass is.

Not everyone cares as much about the ecosystems and I would guess that the people who care least are probably budget phone users. The deal breaker for sure though is anyone that prefers or likes being locked into apples. You can easily own an iphone and live in Googles ecosystem. I kinda used to do that myself when I kept flipping back and forth between Android and iphone device. I honestly think I still prefer the Android OS, especially when I put more time into customizing the OS, but iphone performance is just so steady over it's life time.

 

[4jasontv]

Certainly -- with the obvious exception that they wouldn't know what you've switched to in the unlikely event that you actually leave their ecosystem.

For that matter, I suppose they also know exactly which of my kids are using which of my old passed-down phones.

I would think that knowing someone had a device, and then no longer does, is still informative. I would be surprised if there wasn't someone at Apple whose entire job is simply monitoring how industry changes influence the daily use of every generation of devices.

 

[ahostmadsen]

This comparison is a joke. The gap between the Samsung phone and the iPhone is so huge -- the article is essentially written in the style of one long apology for the iPhone. There is only one reason to get an iPhone SE: to stay in the Apple ecosystem. This is a good reason, but in this case the price is enormeous: for less money you can get a non-Apple phone that is far, far better.