Looking for an honest Apple iPhone SE 3rd Gen (2022) vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G comparison in 2026? We scored both smartphones on the same six-dimension framework — performance, battery, display, camera, design and value — using identical methodology, so the numbers below are directly comparable. In our overall scoring the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G comes out ahead 39/100 to 78/100 — a 39-point gap. The widest gap is in battery life, where the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G pulls noticeably ahead. On price the Apple iPhone SE 3rd Gen (2022) undercuts the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G by 828% ($139.99 vs $1,299), which materially changes the value calculus for budget-conscious buyers.

Apple
Prices may vary · We may earn a commission on purchases. Learn more
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G clearly outperforms the Apple iPhone SE 3rd Gen (2022) in the smartphones category, especially in battery life (5,000mAh vs 2,018mAh), scoring 78 vs 39. If you want the better overall smartphones, Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G is the recommended choice.
Picking Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G over Apple iPhone SE 3rd Gen (2022) means trading these off.
$140
Scores are relative within the smartphonescategory. Percentages show each dimension's weight in the overall score. A difference of less than 0.5 points is considered a tie.
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
| Spec | Apple iPhone SE 3rd Gen (2022) | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 5GW |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 4.7" | 6.9"✓ |
| Display Type | — | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness | 625nits | — |
| Chipset | Apple A15 Bionic | Snapdragon 8 Elite |
| RAM | 12GB | 12GB |
| Storage | 512GB✓ | 256GB |
| Main Camera | 12MP | 200MP✓ |
| Front Camera | — | 12MP |
| Battery | 2018mAh | 5000mAh✓ |
| Charging | 20W | 45W✓ |
| OS | — | Android 15 |
| Water Resistance | — | IP68 |
| Weight | 144g✓ | 218g |
| Price | 139.99$ | 1299$ |
Buy Apple iPhone SE 3rd Gen (2022) if…
Choose the Apple iPhone SE 3rd Gen (2022) if budget is your top priority — it offers competitive specs at a lower price point.
Buy Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G if…
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G clearly outperforms the Apple iPhone SE 3rd Gen (2022) in the smartphones category, especially in battery life (5,000mAh vs 2,018mAh), scoring 78 vs 39. If you want the better overall smartphones, Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G is the recommended choice.
No, Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G scores higher (78 vs 39).
Apple iPhone SE 3rd Gen (2022) is cheaper at $139.99 vs $1299 for the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G.
Choose the Apple iPhone SE 3rd Gen (2022) if budget is your top priority — it offers competitive specs at a lower price point.
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G has a larger battery (5,000mAh vs 2,018mAh for the Apple iPhone SE 3rd Gen (2022)), which generally means longer use between charges.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G has the larger display (6.9" vs 4.7").
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G has a higher-resolution main camera (200MP vs 12MP). Note that megapixels are one factor — sensor quality and processing also matter.
Apple iPhone SE 3rd Gen (2022) is lighter at 144g vs 218g.
Reviewed by VersusMatrix Editorial Team
Last updated: May 10, 2026
Methodology: AI-powered analysis of technical specifications from manufacturer data. Scores are calculated by comparing products across multiple dimensions and normalized relative to the full category database. Our editorial process is independent and not influenced by affiliate partnerships.