iPhone 10 vs Se: Which iPhone Should You Buy?
Choosing a new iPhone can be a tough decision, especially with so many models to choose from. Are you trying to decide between the iPhone 10 and the iPhone SE? This comparison breaks down the key differences to help you make the best choice.
Both phones offer the signature Apple experience, but they cater to different needs and budgets. The iPhone 10, released in 2017, introduced a new design language, while the iPhone SE offers a more classic look and feel. We’ll explore the pros and cons of each.
From performance and display to camera capabilities and battery life, we’ll dive deep into what sets the iPhone 10 and the iPhone SE apart. This guide will help you understand which phone better suits your lifestyle and preferences, ensuring you get the most value for your money.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | iPhone 10 | SE |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 5.8-inch | 4.7-inch |
| Processor | A11 Bionic | A13 Bionic |
| RAM | 3GB | 3GB |
| Storage Options | 64GB, 256GB | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| 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 10: Features a 5.8-inch Super Retina display with a resolution of 2436 x 1125 pixels. It offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent viewing angles. However, the notch at the top can be distracting for some users.
- Se: Equipped with a 4.7-inch Retina HD display with a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels. It provides good clarity and color accuracy, but is smaller and lacks the advanced features of the iPhone 10’s display, such as OLED technology.
- Winner: iphone 10
Processor
- iPhone 10: Powered by the A11 Bionic chip, providing fast performance and efficient power management. It handles demanding tasks and games smoothly.
- Se: Uses the A13 Bionic chip, which is significantly faster and more efficient than the A11. This leads to better performance in everyday tasks and more demanding applications.
- Winner: se
Camera
- iPhone 10: Boasts a dual 12MP rear camera system with wide-angle and telephoto lenses, offering features like portrait mode and optical image stabilization. It delivers excellent image quality, but is now outdated compared to newer iPhone models.
- Se: Features a single 12MP rear camera, also capable of portrait mode. While it produces good photos, it lacks the versatility of the dual-camera system on the iPhone 10, especially in zoom capabilities.
- Winner: iphone 10
Design
- iPhone 10: Features a premium design with a glass back and stainless steel frame. Offers a modern, all-screen design. Prone to scratches and cracks.
- Se: Maintains a classic design with an aluminum back and glass front. It’s more compact and easier to handle for some users. The design is dated compared to the iPhone 10.
- Winner: iphone 10
Battery Life
- iPhone 10: Offers decent battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate use. The battery performance can degrade over time.
- Se: Provides good battery life, often outperforming the iPhone 10 due to the more efficient processor.
- Winner: se
Price
- iPhone 10: Initially a premium phone, the iPhone 10 is now generally available at a lower price point on the used market.
- Se: Typically the more affordable option, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious buyers.
- Winner: se
Security
- iPhone 10: Features Face ID for secure authentication, providing a more modern and convenient unlocking experience.
- Se: Uses Touch ID, the fingerprint sensor, offering a reliable and familiar way to unlock the phone.
- Winner: iphone 10
Water Resistance
- iPhone 10: Offers IP67 water and dust resistance, providing protection against spills and splashes.
- Se: Also offers IP67 water and dust resistance, providing similar protection.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display | iPhone 10 |
| Performance | SE |
| Camera | iPhone 10 |
| Design | iPhone 10 |
| Value | SE |
| Biometrics | Tie (Face ID vs. Touch ID – preference) |
What They Have in Common:
- Water Resistance: Both phones are rated IP67, offering protection against splashes and brief submersion in water.
- Wireless Charging: Both the iPhone 10 and SE support wireless charging, providing convenient charging options.
- 4K Video Recording: Both phones are capable of recording 4K video at up to 60 frames per second, ensuring high-quality video capture.
- Siri Integration: Both devices feature Siri, Apple’s virtual assistant, for voice commands and information access.
- App Store Access: Both phones have access to the App Store, offering the same extensive library of applications.
iPhone 10 vs SE Buying Guide
Performance and Speed
The iPhone 10, released in 2017, features the A11 Bionic chip, offering impressive performance for its time. It handles multitasking and demanding apps with ease. The SE, especially the newer generations, packs a more powerful processor. The SE (2022) utilizes the A15 Bionic, the same chip found in the iPhone 13 series, providing significantly faster speeds and improved graphics performance. This translates to quicker app loading times, smoother gameplay, and a more responsive overall user experience. Consider your usage needs; if you prioritize raw power, the SE is the clear winner.
Display and Design
The iPhone 10 showcases a stunning all-screen design with a 5.8-inch OLED display, providing vibrant colors and deep blacks. Its edge-to-edge screen offers an immersive viewing experience, ideal for media consumption and gaming. The SE, however, maintains the classic design with a 4.7-inch Retina HD display, featuring prominent bezels. While the SE’s display is still sharp and clear, it doesn’t offer the same visual impact as the iPhone 10’s OLED panel. The design also dictates user experience, with the iPhone 10 using Face ID and the SE using Touch ID.
Camera Capabilities
The iPhone 10 boasts a dual-camera system, including a wide-angle and telephoto lens, enabling features like Portrait Mode and optical zoom. It captures excellent photos and videos in various lighting conditions. The SE, while featuring a single-lens camera, also delivers impressive results, leveraging the processing power of its newer chip to enhance image quality. The SE’s camera is very capable, and can compete with the iPhone 10 in some situations. The iPhone 10 has more versatility with its second lens, allowing for more creative options.
Battery Life
Battery life is a crucial factor for many users. The iPhone 10 offers decent battery performance, generally lasting a full day with moderate use. However, the SE (2022) has shown improvements, with the A15 Bionic chip and optimized software contributing to better power efficiency. The SE is often able to outlast the iPhone 10, particularly with extended use. For users prioritizing battery longevity, the SE is generally the preferred choice. Consider your daily usage patterns and charging availability when making your decision.
Price and Value
The iPhone 10 is no longer available new, making it a purchase of the used market. Its price will vary depending on condition and storage capacity. The SE is offered at a more affordable price point, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers. Its lower price tag doesn’t mean it sacrifices much in terms of performance and features. The SE provides excellent value for its price, especially considering the power it packs. Assess your budget and weigh the features against the cost when making your decision.
Software and Updates
Both phones run iOS, ensuring access to the latest features and security updates. However, the lifespan of software support differs. The newer SE will receive updates for a longer period than the older iPhone 10. Apple typically provides software updates for several years after a device’s release. This means that the SE will likely get newer versions of iOS for a longer period. Consider how long you plan to use the phone and how important it is to have the latest features and security patches.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPhone 10 If…
- You want a larger, more immersive display.
- You prefer Face ID for unlocking and authentication.
- You desire a phone with a dual-camera system for advanced photography features.
- You appreciate a more modern design with slimmer bezels.
Buy SE If…
- You prefer a more compact phone size for easier one-handed use.
- You prefer Touch ID for unlocking and authentication.
- You want a phone with a more recent processor for better performance.
- You are looking for a more affordable iPhone option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone has a better display?
The iPhone 10 has a superior display. It features a 5.8-inch OLED display offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and an immersive all-screen design. The SE uses a smaller 4.7-inch Retina HD display. While still sharp and clear, it lacks the visual impact of the iPhone 10’s OLED panel and has larger bezels. The difference is most noticeable when watching videos or playing games.
Which phone is faster?
The SE is significantly faster than the iPhone 10. The SE (2022) utilizes the A15 Bionic chip, offering exceptional performance. The iPhone 10 uses the A11 Bionic chip. The SE provides quicker app loading, smoother gameplay, and a more responsive overall user experience. The performance difference is noticeable in demanding tasks and multitasking.
Which phone takes better photos?
The iPhone 10 has a more versatile camera system. It boasts a dual-camera setup with wide-angle and telephoto lenses, enabling features like Portrait Mode and optical zoom. The SE (2022) features a single-lens camera that delivers impressive results, leveraging the A15 Bionic’s processing power. The iPhone 10 has more options.
Which phone has better battery life?
The SE generally offers better battery life. While the iPhone 10 provides decent battery performance, the SE (2022) benefits from the A15 Bionic chip’s improved power efficiency and software optimizations. The SE typically lasts longer on a single charge, especially with extended usage. Battery life can vary depending on individual usage patterns.
Which phone is more affordable?
The SE is the more affordable option. It’s available at a lower price point compared to the iPhone 10, which is only available on the used market. The SE provides excellent value for its price, offering powerful performance and a range of features without breaking the bank. The price difference depends on the condition of the iPhone 10.
Does the iPhone 10 have Face ID?
Yes, the iPhone 10 features Face ID. This facial recognition technology allows you to unlock your phone and authenticate purchases securely. Face ID replaces the Touch ID fingerprint sensor found on the SE. The iPhone 10’s Face ID system is generally fast and reliable, providing a convenient way to access your device.
Which phone is better for long-term use?
The SE is likely better for long-term use. It will receive software updates for a longer period than the older iPhone 10. Apple typically provides several years of software support after a device’s release, ensuring continued access to the latest features, security patches, and app compatibility. This makes the SE a better investment if you plan to use your phone for an extended time.
Final Verdict
Choosing between the iPhone 10 and SE depends on your priorities. The iPhone 10 offers a more immersive display and a versatile camera system. However, the SE excels in performance, battery life, and affordability. The SE is the better choice for most users due to its updated features and longer software support.
Winner: SE