With the launch of the Redmi Note 15 SE 5 G, Xiaomi has further expanded its mid-range smartphone line-up, and the new version of the smartphone offers a slightly different version of the recently launched Redmi Note 15. Redmi Note 15 vs Note 15 SE, where both smartphones share identical basic features such as the same processor, AMOLED display and software platform, also differ in a variety of areas such as camera and battery capacity. Both devices have targeted the competitive Rs 25,000 segment, but it is worth comparing the Redmi Note 15 with the Note 15 SE in terms of features, pricing and availability in India.
Design and display: Premium curved AMOLED
Both the Note 15 and Note 15 SE follow the same elegant design language, which is common in modern Redmi devices. The SE, similar to the Note 15, comes with a slim body that measures around 7.35mm thick and is lightweight, meaning it will be comfortable to hold.
Both phones also come with IP65/IP66 water and dust resistance, providing added durability against water and dust.
The phone features a 6.77-inch curved AMOLED display with FHD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, offering smooth scrolling and responsive interactions. The display supports up to 3200 nits of brightness, providing much-needed outdoor visibility. Finally, both phones’ displays also support 12-bit color depth, DCI-P3 wide color gamut, and TUV Rheinland certification for flicker reduction.
Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 technology enables solid performance
At the core of both the Note 15 and Note 15 SE are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor, which is based on a 4nm process. This chipset offers good power efficiency while offering excellent performance for daily tasks and casual gaming. Both phones also support LPDDR4X RAM and UFS 2.2 storage, which can be expanded with microSD cards. The three configurations available for the Redmi Note 15 SE are: 6GB + 128GB storage, 8GB + 128GB storage and finally 8GB + 256GB storage. Users can flexibly choose whether they want more RAM and more storage for apps, media, and multitasking.
Camera: Big difference in Redmi Note 15 vs Note 15 SE comparison
One of the real differences between the two smartphones is in their cameras. Redmi Note 15 5G has a 108MP main camera with optical image stabilization, accompanied by an 8MP ultra-wide camera. This allows the phone to capture detailed photos and landscapes properly, making it more capable for photography enthusiasts.
The Note 15 SE, on the other hand, comes with a 50MP main camera, which is paired with a 2MP depth sensor. The ultra-wide-angle feature is omitted from this phone, but it can still record 4K videos and AI-based image processing makes it capable of everyday photography. Both phones come with a 20MP front camera, enough for taking good selfies and video calls.
Bigger and better battery on the SE
Battery capacity is another aspect where the two phones differ from each other. The Note 15 SE is equipped with a 5800 mAh battery, which is larger than the 5520 mAh battery found in the Note 15. Both phones support 45W fast charging, allowing users to quickly charge their devices without significant loss of time. The SE model will also include 18W reverse wired charging, which will help charge other compatible devices. The larger battery capacity in the SE version will give users longer screen time.
OS on both devices
Both the Note 15 and Note 15 SE run HyperOS 2, which is based on Android 15, offering a modern software experience with improved performance and AI-powered optimizations. The phones come with an in-display fingerprint sensor, AI face unlock, dual stereo speakers, an IR blaster, and support for dual-band Wi-Fi. The phones are expected to receive several years of software updates and security patches.
Prices and availability
The Note 15 SE is priced right in the mid-range segment and the prices are as follows:
6GB + 128GB storage: Rs 19,999
8GB + 128GB Storage: Rs 21,999
8GB + 256GB storage: Rs 23,999
The Redmi Note 15 was also launched at a similar price, giving users the versatility to choose from the different options available. The Note 15 SE is available in the following colors: Carbon Black, Crimson Reserve and Frosted White.
Conclusion
The Redmi Note 15 and Note 15 SE share major components such as the display, processor, and Xiaomi’s HyperOS platform. However, these two phones were made to meet different needs and priorities. The Note 15 stands out with the 108MP camera with ultra-wide-angle lens, making it an optimal choice for photography enthusiasts. While the Note 15 SE offers a larger battery and optimized camera setup, making it more reliable and battery-friendly. With competitive pricing and solid features, both devices have boosted Xiaomi’s presence in India’s mid-range smartphone market.
