iPhone X vs Se: Which iPhone Reigns Supreme?
Choosing a new iPhone can feel overwhelming, especially with so many models available. Are you trying to decide between the iPhone X and the iPhone SE? You’re not alone! This comparison will help you navigate the key differences and determine which phone best suits your needs and budget.
The iPhone X, with its sleek design and advanced features, once represented the pinnacle of Apple’s smartphone technology. It introduced Face ID and a stunning edge-to-edge display. On the other hand, the iPhone SE offers a more compact and budget-friendly option, retaining the classic design many users still appreciate.
We’ll delve into the specifics, comparing everything from performance and display quality to camera capabilities and battery life. Whether you prioritize cutting-edge technology or affordability, this comparison of the iPhone X vs SE will provide valuable insights to guide your decision-making process. Let’s find out which iPhone is the winner!
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | iPhone X | iPhone SE |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 5.8-inch | 4.7-inch |
| Display Technology | Super Retina OLED | Retina HD LCD |
| Processor | A11 Bionic | A13 Bionic |
| RAM | 3GB | 3GB |
| Main Camera | Dual 12MP | 12MP |
| Front Camera | 7MP | 7MP |
| Video Recording | 4K @ 60fps | 4K @ 60fps |
| Face ID | Yes | No |
| Touch ID | No | Yes |
| Water Resistance | IP67 | IP67 |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Headphone Jack | No | No |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- iPhone X: Features a 5.8-inch Super Retina display with a resolution of 2436 x 1125 pixels. The OLED technology delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. However, the notch at the top can sometimes be intrusive.
- Se: Boasts a 4.7-inch Retina HD display with a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels. While the display is clear and sharp, it lacks the OLED technology and overall screen real estate of the iPhone X. The bezels are also quite large.
- Winner: X
Processor
- iPhone X: Powered by the A11 Bionic chip, offering exceptional speed and performance for demanding tasks and gaming. It remains a powerful chip even by today’s standards.
- Se: Equipped with the A13 Bionic chip, providing a significant performance boost over the iPhone X. It handles everyday tasks and even intensive applications with ease.
- Winner: SE
Camera System
- iPhone X: Includes a dual 12MP wide and telephoto camera system. It offers features like Portrait Mode with Portrait Lighting, optical image stabilization, and 4K video recording.
- Se: Features a single 12MP wide camera. While it still offers excellent image quality, it lacks the telephoto lens and some of the advanced features of the iPhone X’s camera.
- Winner: X
Design
- iPhone X: Features a sleek all-screen design with a stainless steel frame and glass back. It introduced the notch and eliminated the home button.
- Se: Retains the classic iPhone design with a physical home button and thick bezels. It’s compact and familiar but lacks the modern aesthetic of the iPhone X.
- Winner: X
Battery Life
- iPhone X: Offers decent battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate usage. However, it can drain quickly with heavy use.
- Se: Provides excellent battery life, often surpassing the iPhone X in typical use cases. It can easily last a full day, and sometimes longer.
- Winner: SE
Storage Options
- iPhone X: Offered in 64GB and 256GB storage options.
- Se: Offered in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB storage options.
- Winner: SE
Water Resistance
- iPhone X: Rated IP67 for water and dust resistance, meaning it can withstand submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.
- Se: Rated IP67 for water and dust resistance, meaning it can withstand submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- iPhone X: Initially launched at a higher price point than the SE. Now, used models are available at varying prices depending on condition.
- Se: Generally available at a lower price point, making it a more budget-friendly option.
- Winner: SE
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Quality | iPhone X |
| Processing Power | iPhone SE |
| Camera Features | iPhone X |
| Design | iPhone X |
| Price | iPhone SE |
| Biometrics | Tie |
What They Have in Common:
- Wireless Charging: Both phones support wireless charging, providing convenient ways to power up without cables.
- Water Resistance: Both the iPhone X and iPhone SE are rated IP67, offering protection against splashes and dust.
- 4K Video Recording: Both devices can record videos in 4K resolution at up to 60 frames per second, allowing for high-quality video capture.
- 7mp Front Camera: Both phones feature a 7MP front-facing camera for selfies and video calls.
- No Headphone Jack: Neither phone includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, requiring the use of wireless headphones or an adapter.
iPhone X vs SE Buying Guide
Performance
The iPhone X, with its A11 Bionic chip, delivers significantly faster performance than the SE, which uses the A13 Bionic. This difference is noticeable in app loading times, multitasking, and graphically intensive games. The X handles demanding tasks with ease, offering a smoother and more responsive user experience. The SE, while still capable, shows its age when compared side-by-side with the X. Consider your usage needs: if you’re a heavy gamer or multitasker, the X’s superior processing power is a clear advantage. The X also has more RAM, which helps with keeping apps in memory.
Display
The iPhone X boasts a stunning 5.8-inch Super Retina display, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent viewing angles. The SE, on the other hand, features a 4.7-inch Retina HD display. The X’s OLED technology provides a much higher contrast ratio and a more immersive experience. The SE’s LCD screen is still decent, but it lacks the visual pop of the X. If you prioritize a visually superior experience for watching videos, browsing, or gaming, the X’s display is a major selling point. The notch on the X is a design element that can be distracting to some.
Camera
The iPhone X’s dual 12MP cameras offer a versatile photography experience, including Portrait mode with advanced features like Portrait Lighting. The SE has a single 12MP camera. While the SE’s camera is capable of taking good photos in well-lit conditions, the X excels in low-light situations and offers more creative options. The X’s telephoto lens allows for 2x optical zoom and better depth-of-field effects. Video recording capabilities are also superior on the X, with 4K video at up to 60fps. The SE is still a good shooter, but the X is a step up.
Design and Build Quality
The iPhone X features a premium design with a glass back and stainless steel frame, giving it a more luxurious feel. The SE has an aluminum body. The X’s design is more modern, with a larger screen-to-body ratio and a bezel-less display. The SE’s design is more compact and pocketable. Both phones are well-built, but the X’s materials and build quality are superior. The X’s glass back also allows for wireless charging, a feature not available on the SE. Durability is comparable.
Battery Life
Battery life can vary depending on usage, but generally, the iPhone X offers slightly better battery life than the SE. The X’s larger battery capacity, combined with its efficient processor and OLED display, allows it to last a full day for most users. The SE’s battery can sometimes struggle to last a full day for heavy users. The X’s battery life is a definite advantage, especially if you’re a power user who spends a lot of time on your phone. Consider your daily habits when evaluating battery needs.
Price and Value
The iPhone X is generally more expensive than the SE, reflecting its superior features and performance. However, the price difference may be less significant now that the X is older. The SE offers excellent value for its price, providing a solid iPhone experience at a more affordable cost. Consider your budget and the features you prioritize when making your decision. If you’re looking for the best possible experience and don’t mind spending more, the X is a good choice. If you’re on a budget and still want a great iPhone, the SE is a great option.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPhone X If…
- You want a larger, more immersive display with vibrant OLED technology.
- You prefer Face ID for secure unlocking and authentication.
- You desire a dual-camera system for advanced photography features.
- You value a more modern and premium design.
Buy iPhone SE If…
- You prefer a smaller, more compact phone that’s easier to handle.
- You want a phone with a physical Home button and Touch ID.
- You prioritize a more affordable price point.
- You appreciate the latest processor for better performance within a compact design.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone has a better display?
The iPhone X has a significantly better display. It features a 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED display with vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. The SE has a 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD display, which is good, but doesn’t compare to the X’s immersive experience. The X’s display is superior for video, gaming, and general use.
Which phone has a better camera?
The iPhone X has a superior camera system. It has dual 12MP cameras offering features like Portrait mode with Portrait Lighting, and optical zoom. The SE has a single 12MP camera. The X captures better photos in low light and offers more creative control. Video recording is also more advanced on the X.
Which phone is faster?
The iPhone X is considerably faster due to its A11 Bionic chip. It handles demanding tasks, app loading, and multitasking with greater ease than the SE. The SE, with its A13 Bionic, is still a capable phone, but the X offers a smoother and more responsive experience, especially for power users or gamers. The X has more RAM.
Which phone has better battery life?
The iPhone X generally offers slightly better battery life. Its larger battery and efficient components contribute to a longer lifespan. Though the difference isn’t huge, the X typically lasts longer than the SE under similar usage conditions. Battery life can vary based on individual usage patterns and app usage.
Which phone is more expensive?
The iPhone X was more expensive when new. While prices fluctuate now, the X typically commands a higher price, reflecting its advanced features and premium design. The SE offers a more affordable entry point into the iPhone ecosystem. Consider your budget and needs when making your decision.
Which phone has a better design?
The iPhone X features a more modern and premium design, with a glass back and stainless steel frame. Its design includes a larger screen-to-body ratio. The SE’s design is more classic, with an aluminum body. The X’s design is generally considered more stylish and luxurious, and the glass back enables wireless charging.
What are the key differences in overall features?
The iPhone X boasts a superior display, camera, and performance, along with a more premium design. It offers features like Face ID and wireless charging. The SE provides a more budget-friendly experience with a capable camera and decent performance. The X excels in areas like display quality, camera versatility, and processing power.
Final Verdict
The iPhone X offers a significantly better user experience with its superior display, camera, and performance. While the SE provides a strong value proposition, the X delivers a more premium and feature-rich experience. Consider your budget and priorities, but for overall performance and features, the iPhone X is the better choice.
Winner: iPhone X