iPhone 11 vs Se: Which iPhone Should You Buy?
Choosing a new iPhone can be tough, especially with so many great options available. Are you torn between the powerful performance of the iPhone 11 and the budget-friendly appeal of the iPhone SE? This comparison dives deep to help you decide which phone best fits your needs and your wallet.
The iPhone 11, with its vibrant display and impressive camera system, offers a premium experience. On the other hand, the iPhone SE presents a more compact design and a significantly lower price point, making it a compelling choice for many. We’ll explore the key differences between these two popular iPhones.
We’ll examine everything from performance and camera capabilities to battery life and overall value. By the end of this comparison, you’ll have a clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of both the iPhone 11 and the iPhone SE, empowering you to make the right decision for your next iPhone.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | iPhone 11 | SE |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.1-inch | 4.7-inch |
| Resolution | 1792 x 828 pixels | 1334 x 750 pixels |
| Processor | A13 Bionic | A13 Bionic |
| RAM | 4GB | 3GB |
| Main Camera | 12MP Wide + 12MP Ultra Wide | 12MP Wide |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 7MP |
| Video Recording | 4K up to 60fps | 4K up to 60fps |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP67 |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life (Video Playback) | Up to 17 hours | Up to 13 hours |
| Face ID | No | No |
| Storage Options | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- iPhone 11: Features a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD display with a resolution of 1792 x 828 pixels. Offers excellent color accuracy and brightness, making it great for media consumption. However, it lacks the higher pixel density of more expensive iPhones.
- Se: Boasts a 4.7-inch Retina HD display with a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels. It’s sharp and vibrant for its size, but significantly smaller and less immersive than the iPhone 11.
- Winner: iphone 11
Processor
- iPhone 11: Powered by the A13 Bionic chip, which provides exceptional performance and smooth multitasking. It’s still a powerful chip, even by today’s standards.
- Se: Also uses the A13 Bionic chip, offering the same level of performance as the iPhone 11.
- Winner: Tie
Camera System
- iPhone 11: Features a dual 12MP camera system with Wide and Ultra Wide lenses, enabling great versatility. Offers excellent image quality in various lighting conditions and includes Night mode.
- Se: Has a single 12MP Wide lens, capable of taking good photos, but lacks the ultra-wide lens and night mode of the iPhone 11.
- Winner: iphone 11
Battery Life
- iPhone 11: Provides all-day battery life, typically lasting through a full day of moderate to heavy use.
- Se: Offers decent battery life, but generally doesn’t last as long as the iPhone 11, especially with demanding tasks.
- Winner: iphone 11
Design and Build
- iPhone 11: Features a modern design with a glass back and aluminum frame, available in a variety of colors. It’s more contemporary-looking than the SE.
- Se: Retains the classic iPhone design with a glass back and aluminum frame, similar to the iPhone 8. It’s smaller and more compact.
- Winner: iphone 11
Storage Options
- iPhone 11: Available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB storage options.
- Se: Available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB storage options.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- iPhone 11: Typically costs more than the SE.
- Se: Generally more affordable than the iPhone 11.
- Winner: se
Water Resistance
- iPhone 11: Has an IP68 rating, offering better water resistance and protection against accidental splashes and submersion compared to the SE.
- Se: Offers an IP67 rating, providing water resistance, but to a lesser degree than the iPhone 11.
- Winner: iphone 11
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display | iPhone 11 |
| Camera | iPhone 11 |
| Battery Life | iPhone 11 |
| Design | Tie |
| Value | SE |
| Performance | Tie |
What They Have in Common
- Processor: Both phones are equipped with the A13 Bionic chip, ensuring smooth performance for everyday tasks and gaming.
- Wireless Charging: Both the iPhone 11 and SE support wireless charging, providing convenient charging options.
- Video Recording: Both phones can record 4K videos at up to 60fps, allowing users to capture high-quality footage.
- Storage Options: Both models offer the same storage configurations, allowing users to choose between 64GB, 128GB and 256GB.
- Operating System: Both phones run on iOS, providing a consistent user experience and access to the App Store.
iPhone 11 Vs SE Buying Guide
Performance and Processing Power
The iPhone 11 boasts the A13 Bionic chip, offering a significant performance advantage over the SE’s A13 Bionic. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and enhanced gaming experiences. The iPhone 11 generally handles demanding tasks with greater ease. The SE, while still capable, may show slight lag in more graphically intensive games or with complex editing workflows. Consider your usage habits; if you’re a heavy gamer or video editor, the iPhone 11 provides a noticeable upgrade.
Camera Capabilities
The iPhone 11 features a dual-camera system with a standard wide-angle and an ultrawide lens, providing greater versatility in capturing photos and videos. The SE, on the other hand, sports a single-lens camera. The iPhone 11’s Night mode significantly improves low-light photography. The SE’s camera is capable, but it lacks the advanced features and image quality of the iPhone 11, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. Consider if you prioritize photography features.
Display and Design
The iPhone 11 has a larger 6.1-inch Liquid Retina display, offering a more immersive viewing experience compared to the SE’s 4.7-inch Retina HD display. The iPhone 11’s design features a more modern all-screen design with Face ID, while the SE retains the classic design with a Home button and Touch ID. The iPhone 11’s larger screen is beneficial for media consumption and gaming. The SE’s smaller size is more pocketable.
Battery Life
The iPhone 11 generally offers superior battery life compared to the SE. The larger battery capacity and the more efficient A13 Bionic chip contribute to this advantage. You can expect significantly longer usage times with the iPhone 11 on a single charge. The SE’s battery can be sufficient for moderate usage, but you might need to recharge it more frequently, particularly if you’re a heavy user. Battery life should be a key consideration.
Price and Value
The iPhone SE is typically more affordable than the iPhone 11, making it a budget-friendly option. The SE offers excellent value for its price, providing solid performance and features at a lower cost. The iPhone 11, despite its higher price, offers advanced features and better overall performance, which may justify the expense for some users. Consider your budget and the features you need when evaluating the value proposition.
Storage and Connectivity
Both models offer various storage options. The iPhone 11 may offer larger base storage options depending on the specific model and year. Check which storage capacity best suits your needs, considering the number of photos, videos, and apps you expect to store. Both phones support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The iPhone 11 also supports faster cellular data speeds. Consider these factors when making your decision.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPhone 11 If…
- You want a larger display for media consumption and gaming.
- You prioritize a longer battery life.
- You want an ultrawide camera for capturing more in your shots.
- You value better water resistance.
Buy SE If…
- You prefer a smaller, more compact phone that’s easier to handle with one hand.
- You are looking for a more affordable iPhone.
- You value the classic home button and Touch ID.
- You don’t need the extra features of the iPhone 11 and want a great value.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference in camera quality?
The iPhone 11 has a dual-camera system (wide and ultrawide), enabling versatile photography, including Night mode. The SE features a single-lens camera. The iPhone 11’s Night mode significantly improves low-light performance, producing clearer and more detailed images in challenging conditions. The wider lens on the iPhone 11 also allows for capturing more in the frame.
Which phone has better performance?
The iPhone 11 has the A13 Bionic chip. It handles multitasking, gaming, and demanding apps more efficiently. The SE, also with the A13 Bionic, is still fast, but the iPhone 11 may offer a slight edge. The overall difference can be noticeable when running several applications simultaneously or playing complex games.
What are the screen size differences?
The iPhone 11 has a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina display, providing a larger and more immersive viewing experience. The SE features a 4.7-inch Retina HD display, which is smaller but still offers good image quality. The larger screen on the iPhone 11 is preferable for media consumption and gaming. The SE’s compact size might be preferable for one-handed use.
How does battery life compare?
The iPhone 11 typically provides longer battery life due to its larger battery capacity and efficient chip. The SE’s battery life is sufficient for moderate use. If you are a heavy user who often streams video, plays games, or uses multiple apps, the iPhone 11 will likely last longer. The iPhone 11 can handle more intense use before needing a charge.
Which phone is more affordable?
The iPhone SE is generally the more affordable option. It is positioned as a budget-friendly device, offering excellent value. The iPhone 11 is at a higher price point, but it delivers more features and performance. Budget is a key factor when making a decision. The SE is a great entry point into the iPhone ecosystem.
Does the iPhone 11 have Face ID?
Yes, the iPhone 11 features Face ID, Apple’s facial recognition system, for unlocking the phone and authenticating purchases. The SE uses Touch ID, a fingerprint sensor, located on the Home button. Face ID is generally considered faster and more convenient for unlocking the device, but Touch ID is still a reliable security feature.
Which phone is better for gaming?
The iPhone 11 is generally better for gaming due to its larger screen, more powerful processor, and potentially longer battery life. The A13 Bionic chip delivers smoother graphics and faster performance in demanding games. The larger display provides a more immersive gaming experience. The SE can still handle games, but the iPhone 11 offers a superior gaming experience.
Final Verdict
The iPhone 11 provides a superior overall experience with its enhanced camera system, larger display, and longer battery life. While the SE offers excellent value, the iPhone 11’s advanced features and performance make it the better choice for most users, particularly if you prioritize photography, gaming, and media consumption. The iPhone 11 presents a more well-rounded package.
Winner: iPhone 11