iPhone 12 vs Se: Which iPhone Should You Buy?
Choosing a new iPhone can feel like navigating a maze, especially with so many options available. Today, we’re putting two popular choices head-to-head: the iPhone 12 and the iPhone SE. Both offer the Apple experience, but they cater to different needs and budgets.
The iPhone 12 boasts a modern design and a larger display, promising a premium experience. On the other hand, the iPhone SE delivers a more budget-friendly option while still providing access to the powerful Apple ecosystem. This comparison will break down the key differences to help you make the best decision.
We’ll explore everything from performance and camera capabilities to design and battery life. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of which iPhone is the perfect fit for your lifestyle. Let’s dive into the details of the iPhone 12 vs SE battle!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | iPhone 12 | SE |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.1-inch | 4.7-inch |
| Chip | A14 Bionic | A13 Bionic |
| Main Camera | 12MP Dual-Camera | 12MP Single-Camera |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 7MP |
| Video Recording | 4K Dolby Vision HDR | 4K |
| 5G Connectivity | Yes | No |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP67 |
| Wireless Charging | Yes (MagSafe) | Yes |
| Face ID | Yes | No (Touch ID) |
| Storage Options | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| Display Technology | Super Retina XDR | Retina HD |
| Design | Flat-edge design | Classic iPhone design |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design and Build
- iPhone 12: Features a modern, flat-edge design with Ceramic Shield front cover for increased durability. It offers a larger display and a more premium feel with its aluminum and glass construction. The design is more contemporary, but may feel less compact.
- Se: Maintains the classic iPhone design with thick bezels and a physical home button. It uses a glass back and aluminum frame, offering a familiar feel. The design is more dated, but offers a comfortable one-handed experience.
- Winner: iphone 12
Display
- iPhone 12: Boasts a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with vibrant colors and excellent contrast. The OLED technology provides true blacks and a generally superior viewing experience. It offers a larger screen area than the SE.
- Se: Features a 4.7-inch Retina HD display, which is bright and sharp, but lacks the contrast and color accuracy of the OLED panel. The smaller screen size might be preferable for some users.
- Winner: iphone 12
Processor
- iPhone 12: Powered by the A14 Bionic chip, offering exceptional performance for all tasks, including gaming and demanding applications. It provides a smoother experience overall.
- Se: Equipped with the A13 Bionic chip, which is still a powerful processor, offering fast performance but is slightly older than the A14. It handles most tasks efficiently.
- Winner: iphone 12
Camera System
- iPhone 12: Features a dual 12MP camera system with advanced computational photography, including Night mode on all cameras and Dolby Vision HDR video recording. The camera system provides better low-light performance.
- Se: Has a single 12MP wide camera with good image quality in favorable lighting conditions, but lacks some of the advanced features of the iPhone 12, such as Night mode on all cameras and ultrawide lens.
- Winner: iphone 12
5G Connectivity
- iPhone 12: Supports 5G connectivity, enabling faster download and upload speeds in areas with 5G coverage. This provides improved online experiences.
- Se: Does not support 5G, relying on 4G LTE.
- Winner: iphone 12
Battery Life
- iPhone 12: Offers decent battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate use. Battery life is good, but not exceptional.
- Se: Generally offers good battery life, especially given the smaller display and less power-hungry processor, making it a good choice for those who prioritize battery performance.
- Winner: se
Price
- iPhone 12: Generally more expensive due to its advanced features and newer technology.
- Se: Significantly more affordable, making it a budget-friendly option.
- Winner: se
Water Resistance
- iPhone 12: IP68 water resistance, capable of withstanding submersion in up to 6 meters of water for 30 minutes.
- Se: IP67 water resistance, capable of withstanding submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.
- Winner: iphone 12
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display | iPhone 12 |
| Performance | iPhone 12 |
| Camera | iPhone 12 |
| Design | iPhone 12 (Subjective) |
| Value | SE |
| Battery Life | iPhone 12 (Slightly) |
| 5G Connectivity | iPhone 12 |
What They Have in Common
- Processor Performance: Both phones offer fast and responsive performance for everyday tasks, though the iPhone 12 has a slightly more advanced chip.
- iOS Ecosystem: Both devices run on the latest version of iOS, ensuring access to the same apps, features, and security updates.
- Wireless Charging: Both the iPhone 12 and SE support wireless charging, providing convenient charging options.
- Video Recording: Both phones can record 4K video, allowing for high-quality video capture.
- Storage Options: Both models offer the same storage options, starting at 64GB and going up to 256GB, providing flexibility for user storage needs.
iPhone 12 vs SE Buying Guide
Performance
The iPhone 12 boasts a significantly more powerful A14 Bionic chip, offering superior performance in everyday tasks, demanding games, and video editing. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved graphics performance compared to the SE’s A13 Bionic. While the SE remains a capable phone, the iPhone 12 delivers a noticeably snappier and more responsive experience, especially for users who frequently engage in resource-intensive activities. The performance difference is particularly noticeable when running the latest iOS updates.
Display
The iPhone 12 features a vibrant and sharp Super Retina XDR display, delivering excellent color accuracy and contrast. This OLED display provides a significantly better visual experience compared to the SE’s Retina HD LCD, which can appear less vibrant and have lower contrast. The iPhone 12’s display is also larger, making it more comfortable for media consumption and gaming. The difference in display technology is a key differentiator, influencing the overall visual experience.
Camera
The iPhone 12’s dual-camera system, featuring advanced computational photography, captures stunning photos and videos in various lighting conditions. It excels in low-light performance and offers features like Night mode on all cameras, which the SE lacks. While the SE’s single-lens camera is still capable, the iPhone 12 provides a wider range of shooting options, superior image quality, and more creative control. The iPhone 12 also records videos in 4K HDR, offering a superior video experience.
Battery Life
The iPhone 12 typically offers better battery life than the SE, allowing for longer usage between charges. The A14 Bionic chip’s efficiency contributes to this, despite the larger display. The SE’s battery life is adequate for moderate use, but users who heavily use their phones throughout the day might find themselves reaching for a charger sooner. Battery performance will vary depending on usage patterns, but the iPhone 12 generally provides a more reliable all-day experience.
Design and Build Quality
The iPhone 12 features a modern design with a flat-edge design and premium materials, including Ceramic Shield front cover for increased durability. The SE retains the classic iPhone design with a physical home button and thicker bezels. While the SE is still well-built, the iPhone 12 offers a more refined and contemporary look and feel. The iPhone 12’s design also contributes to its IP68 water resistance rating, a feature not available on the SE.
Price and Value
The iPhone SE is significantly more affordable than the iPhone 12, making it an excellent value for budget-conscious buyers. However, the iPhone 12 offers superior features, performance, and overall user experience, which justifies its higher price for many users. Consider your budget and priorities when making your decision. If you prioritize cutting-edge technology and enhanced features, the iPhone 12 is the better choice. If budget is the primary concern, the SE provides excellent value.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPhone 12 If…
- You want the latest design with a larger, more vibrant display.
- You prioritize having the best camera system with advanced features like Night mode and Dolby Vision HDR video recording.
- You want 5G connectivity for faster download and streaming speeds.
- You desire the best possible performance and features.
Buy SE If…
- You prefer a smaller, more compact phone size.
- You want a more affordable iPhone.
- You appreciate the classic iPhone design with the home button and Touch ID.
- You don’t need the absolute latest features and 5G connectivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone has a better processor?
The iPhone 12 has a more advanced processor, the A14 Bionic chip, compared to the iPhone SE’s A13 Bionic. The A14 Bionic delivers faster performance, smoother multitasking, and improved graphics capabilities. This leads to quicker app loading times, better gaming experiences, and overall a more responsive feel, especially during intensive tasks like video editing or running demanding apps. The A13 remains capable, but the A14 offers a noticeable performance upgrade.
Which phone has a better display?
The iPhone 12 features a Super Retina XDR display, an OLED panel, which is significantly superior to the iPhone SE’s Retina HD LCD. The OLED provides vibrant colors, deeper blacks, and higher contrast ratios, resulting in a more immersive visual experience. The iPhone 12’s display also supports HDR content and offers a higher resolution, making it better for watching videos and playing games.
Which phone has a better camera system?
The iPhone 12 has a more advanced dual-camera system, offering features like Night mode on all cameras and better low-light performance, which the SE lacks. The iPhone 12’s camera also supports 4K HDR video recording, providing superior video quality. While the SE’s camera is still capable, the iPhone 12 delivers higher-quality photos and videos across various scenarios.
Which phone has better battery life?
The iPhone 12 generally offers better battery life than the iPhone SE, although usage patterns heavily influence this. Despite the larger display, the A14 Bionic chip in the iPhone 12 is more power-efficient. The iPhone 12 is better suited for users who require all-day battery life. The SE’s battery is adequate for moderate use, but it may require more frequent charging for power users.
Which phone is more expensive?
The iPhone 12 is more expensive than the iPhone SE. The price difference reflects the advanced features, superior performance, and premium build quality of the iPhone 12. The SE offers a more budget-friendly option, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a high-quality iPhone experience without breaking the bank. The price difference is significant.
Which phone has a more modern design?
The iPhone 12 boasts a more modern design with a flat-edge design and Ceramic Shield front cover, offering a premium feel. The SE retains the classic iPhone design with a physical home button and thicker bezels. The iPhone 12’s design also incorporates IP68 water resistance. The iPhone 12 offers a more contemporary aesthetic and improved durability.
Which phone is better for long-term use?
The iPhone 12 is generally a better choice for long-term use due to its more powerful processor, superior display, and advanced camera system. The A14 Bionic chip will likely provide better software support for a longer period. While the SE remains a capable device, the iPhone 12’s enhanced features and performance make it a more future-proof investment.
Final Verdict
The iPhone 12 emerges as the superior choice, offering a better display, camera, and performance. Its advanced features and modern design justify the higher price tag for users seeking a premium smartphone experience. While the SE provides excellent value, the iPhone 12 delivers a more comprehensive and future-proof experience.
Winner: iPhone 12