iPhone Se 3 vs iPhone 11: Which iPhone Should You Buy?
Choosing a new iPhone can be a tough decision, especially with so many great options available. Are you looking for a compact powerhouse or a more feature-rich experience? This comparison dives into the details of two popular choices: the iPhone SE 3 and the iPhone 11.
The iPhone SE 3 offers a familiar design with modern internals, making it a great choice for those who prefer a smaller phone. On the other hand, the iPhone 11 boasts a larger display and a more advanced camera system, catering to users who prioritize those aspects.
We’ll explore their key differences, from performance and battery life to camera capabilities and overall value. This comprehensive guide will help you determine which iPhone best suits your needs and budget. Let’s find out which phone comes out on top in the battle of the iPhone SE 3 vs iPhone 11!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | iPhone SE 3 | iPhone 11 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 4.7 inches | 6.1 inches |
| Display Technology | Retina HD | Liquid Retina HD |
| Processor | A15 Bionic | A13 Bionic |
| Main Camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Ultra Wide Camera | No | Yes |
| Front Camera | 7MP | 12MP |
| Video Recording | 4K up to 60 fps | 4K up to 60 fps |
| Water Resistance | IP67 | IP68 |
| Face ID | No | No |
| Storage Options | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| 5G Connectivity | Yes | No |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design and Build
- iPhone Se 3: Features a classic design reminiscent of the iPhone 8, with a smaller form factor and a physical Home button. It’s compact and pocketable, but the design feels dated compared to newer iPhones.
- iPhone 11: Sports a more modern design with a larger display and a glass back, though it still has thicker bezels compared to later models. It offers a more contemporary aesthetic and improved durability.
- Winner: iPhone 11
Display
- iPhone Se 3: Equipped with a 4.7-inch Retina HD display. It offers good color accuracy and sharpness, but the screen size is smaller and lacks the immersive experience of larger displays.
- iPhone 11: Features a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD display, providing a larger and more immersive viewing experience. The display is bright and vibrant, although it’s not as advanced as the OLED panels found in later iPhones.
- Winner: iPhone 11
Processor
- iPhone Se 3: Powered by the A15 Bionic chip, the same chip found in the iPhone 13 series. This provides exceptional performance and efficiency, making it incredibly fast for its size.
- iPhone 11: Runs on the A13 Bionic chip. While still capable, it’s a generation older and slightly less powerful than the A15 Bionic. It handles most tasks smoothly but may show its age in more demanding applications.
- Winner: iphone se 3
Cameras
- iPhone Se 3: Features a single 12MP wide camera. While it takes excellent photos in good lighting conditions, it lacks the versatility of multiple lenses and struggles more in low light.
- iPhone 11: Boasts a dual-camera system with 12MP wide and ultrawide lenses. This allows for wider shots and improved low-light performance. It offers more creative options and better overall image quality.
- Winner: iPhone 11
Battery Life
- iPhone Se 3: Offers decent battery life, but it’s not exceptional. It can typically last a full day with moderate use, but heavy users might need to recharge before the end of the day.
- iPhone 11: Provides significantly better battery life compared to the iPhone SE 3. It can easily last a full day of heavy use, making it a more reliable choice for users who prioritize battery performance.
- Winner: iPhone 11
5G Connectivity
- iPhone Se 3: Supports 5G connectivity, allowing for faster download and upload speeds in areas with 5G coverage.
- iPhone 11: Does not support 5G connectivity, limiting its data speeds to 4G LTE.
- Winner: iphone se 3
Price
- iPhone Se 3: Generally more affordable than the iPhone 11, making it a budget-friendly option.
- iPhone 11: Typically priced higher due to its more advanced features and specifications.
- Winner: iphone se 3
Biometrics
- iPhone Se 3: Uses Touch ID for biometric authentication, providing a fast and reliable way to unlock the phone and authorize purchases.
- iPhone 11: Uses Face ID for biometric authentication. It offers a more secure and convenient way to unlock the phone and authorize purchases.
- Winner: iPhone 11
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Performance | iPhone SE 3 |
| Display | iPhone 11 |
| Camera (Overall) | iPhone 11 |
| Battery Life | iPhone 11 |
| Value | iPhone SE 3 |
| Design | Tie |
| Water Resistance | iPhone 11 |
What They Have in Common
- Processor: Both phones utilize Apple’s powerful processors, ensuring smooth performance for everyday tasks and gaming.
- Storage Options: Both models offer a variety of storage configurations, allowing users to choose the capacity that best suits their needs for apps, photos, and videos.
- Video Recording: Both phones are capable of recording 4K video at up to 60 frames per second, providing excellent video quality for capturing memories.
- Wireless Charging: Both devices support wireless charging, providing a convenient way to power up without the need for cables.
- Siri Integration: Both phones come with Siri integration, allowing users to control their devices with voice commands for various tasks.
iPhone SE 3 vs iPhone 11 Buying Guide
Performance & Processing Power
The iPhone 11 boasts the A13 Bionic chip, offering robust performance for everyday tasks, gaming, and multitasking. It handles demanding applications smoothly, providing a fluid user experience. The iPhone SE 3, however, features the A15 Bionic chip, the same powerhouse found in the iPhone 13 series. This translates to significantly faster performance, improved graphics rendering, and enhanced efficiency, making it the superior choice for performance-intensive applications and future-proofing your device.
Display & Design
The iPhone 11 showcases a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD display, providing vibrant colors and decent viewing angles. Its design features a larger screen and a more modern aesthetic compared to the older design of the SE. The iPhone SE 3, maintains the classic iPhone design with a 4.7-inch Retina HD display and a home button. While the display is smaller, it offers a sharp and clear viewing experience, albeit with less screen real estate for content consumption.
Camera Capabilities
The iPhone 11 features a dual 12MP camera system, offering impressive photos and video recording capabilities, including Night mode. Its ultrawide lens provides more creative shooting options. The iPhone SE 3, on the other hand, sports a single 12MP wide camera. While it benefits from the A15 Bionic’s image processing, it lacks the versatility of the iPhone 11’s dual-camera setup and Night mode on the ultrawide lens. The iPhone 11 is the superior choice for photography enthusiasts.
Battery Life & Charging
The iPhone 11 generally offers superior battery life compared to the iPhone SE 3, allowing for longer usage between charges. It can easily last a full day with moderate use. The iPhone SE 3, while improved over its predecessor, still has a smaller battery, requiring more frequent charging. Both phones support fast charging, but the iPhone 11’s larger battery provides a more practical and convenient experience for heavy users.
Price & Value Proposition
The iPhone SE 3 is typically the more budget-friendly option, making it an attractive choice for those seeking a powerful iPhone without breaking the bank. It offers excellent value for its performance. The iPhone 11, although older, might be available at a slightly higher price point, offering a more premium experience with its larger screen, dual-camera system, and better battery life. The choice depends on your budget and priorities.
Operating System & Updates
Both phones run on iOS, ensuring a consistent and user-friendly experience. Apple provides software updates for several years, so both devices will receive the latest iOS versions. The iPhone 11, being the older device, may eventually receive updates for a shorter duration compared to the iPhone SE 3. However, both phones offer excellent software support and access to the vast App Store ecosystem.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPhone SE 3 If…
- You prefer a smaller, more compact phone that’s easy to handle with one hand.
- You’re looking for a more affordable iPhone option.
- You prioritize performance and want the latest A15 Bionic chip.
- You enjoy the classic iPhone design with the home button.
Buy iPhone 11 If…
- You prefer a larger display for media consumption and gaming.
- You want a phone with an ultrawide camera for capturing more in your photos.
- You need better water resistance.
- You want a more modern design with Face ID.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone has a better processor?
The iPhone SE 3 has a more powerful processor. It features the A15 Bionic chip, the same chip found in the iPhone 13 series. This offers significantly faster performance, improved graphics, and enhanced efficiency compared to the A13 Bionic in the iPhone 11. This means smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive overall experience, especially in demanding applications.
Which phone has a better camera?
The iPhone 11 has a more versatile camera system. It has a dual-camera setup with an ultrawide lens, enabling wider shots and better low-light performance with its Night mode. The iPhone SE 3 has a single-lens camera. While it uses the A15 Bionic’s processing, the iPhone 11’s additional lens and features give it the edge for photography.
Which phone has better battery life?
The iPhone 11 generally offers better battery life. Due to its larger battery capacity, it can typically last a full day of moderate usage. The iPhone SE 3 has a smaller battery, leading to more frequent charging. Users who prioritize extended battery life would likely prefer the iPhone 11 for its longer usage duration between charges.
Which phone has a better display?
The iPhone 11 has a larger display. It has a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD display, providing a more immersive viewing experience, especially for media consumption and gaming. The iPhone SE 3 has a 4.7-inch Retina HD display, which is still sharp and clear, but smaller. The choice depends on your preference for screen size.
Which phone is more affordable?
The iPhone SE 3 is generally the more affordable option. It is typically available at a lower price point, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers who still desire a powerful iPhone experience. The iPhone 11, while older, may be priced slightly higher, depending on the retailer and condition.
Which phone is better for gaming?
The iPhone SE 3 is better for gaming due to its A15 Bionic chip. The A15 Bionic provides significantly improved graphics performance, allowing for smoother gameplay and faster loading times in graphically demanding games. While the iPhone 11 is capable, the SE 3’s superior processing power gives it an advantage in gaming performance.
Which phone is better overall?
The choice depends on your priorities. The iPhone 11 offers a larger display, a more versatile camera system, and better battery life. The iPhone SE 3 offers superior performance with its A15 Bionic chip and is more affordable. Consider your needs and budget when making your decision.
Final Verdict
The iPhone SE 3 and iPhone 11 cater to different needs. The iPhone 11 provides a larger display, improved camera versatility, and better battery life, making it a well-rounded option. However, the iPhone SE 3’s A15 Bionic chip delivers significantly faster performance and future-proofs the device for longer. Considering performance and value, the iPhone SE 3 is the better choice for most users.
Winner: iPhone SE 3