iPhone 8 vs iPhone Se: Which iPhone Should You Buy?
Stuck between a rock and a slightly older rock? You’re likely here because you’re pondering the age-old question: which iPhone is right for you? Specifically, should you choose the iPhone 8 or the iPhone SE? Both phones offer a taste of the Apple ecosystem, but they cater to different needs and budgets.
The iPhone 8, with its classic design, remains a popular choice for those who appreciate familiarity. It boasts a larger screen and a premium feel. The iPhone SE, on the other hand, packs modern performance into a more compact and budget-friendly package, reminiscent of older iPhone designs.
This comparison dives deep into the key differences between the iPhone 8 and the iPhone SE. We’ll explore their designs, performance, cameras, and overall value. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which iPhone perfectly aligns with your preferences and daily usage, ensuring you make the best decision for your next smartphone upgrade.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | iPhone 8 | iPhone SE |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 4.7 inches | 4.7 inches |
| Processor | A11 Bionic | A13 Bionic |
| RAM | 2GB | 3GB |
| Rear Camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Front Camera | 7MP | 7MP |
| Video Recording | 4K up to 60fps | 4K up to 60fps |
| Storage Options | 64/128/256GB | 64/128/256GB |
| Water Resistance | IP67 | IP67 |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Touch ID | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions | 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm | 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design
- iPhone 8: Features a glass back and aluminum frame, offering a premium feel and wireless charging compatibility. Its design is more modern than previous models, but it’s larger and heavier than the SE.
- iPhone Se: Boasts a compact design with an aluminum frame and glass back, similar to the iPhone 8 but with a smaller footprint. Offers a more pocketable and lightweight experience.
- Winner: Tie
Display
- iPhone 8: Equipped with a 4.7-inch Retina HD display, providing vibrant colors and good brightness. The larger screen offers a more immersive viewing experience compared to the SE.
- iPhone Se: Features a 4.7-inch Retina HD display, identical to the iPhone 8. This provides a clear and sharp display for media consumption and everyday use.
- Winner: Tie
Processor
- iPhone 8: Powered by the A11 Bionic chip, offering fast performance and efficient multitasking. While still capable, it’s older than the SE’s chip.
- iPhone Se: Features the A13 Bionic chip, providing significantly faster performance compared to the iPhone 8, making it more responsive for apps and gaming.
- Winner: iphone se
Camera
- iPhone 8: Has a 12MP single-lens rear camera with optical image stabilization, capturing good quality photos and videos in various lighting conditions. Lacks some advanced features found in newer iPhones.
- iPhone Se: Also features a 12MP single-lens rear camera, but benefits from the A13 Bionic chip’s improved image processing. Delivers impressive photos with better dynamic range and Smart HDR.
- Winner: iphone se
Battery Life
- iPhone 8: Offers decent battery life for moderate usage, but it may require charging before the end of the day with heavy use.
- iPhone Se: Provides similar battery life to the iPhone 8, with performance varying depending on usage.
- Winner: Tie
Storage Options
- iPhone 8: Available in various storage options, often including 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB. Offers enough space for apps, photos, and videos.
- iPhone Se: Available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB storage options, providing ample space for users’ data.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- iPhone 8: Typically available at a lower price point compared to the iPhone SE, making it a more budget-friendly option.
- iPhone Se: Generally offered at a more affordable price than the iPhone 8, making it an excellent value for its performance.
- Winner: iphone se
Software Support
- iPhone 8: Receives software updates, but its support window is shorter than the iPhone SE’s due to its older launch date.
- iPhone Se: Benefits from longer software support due to its newer release date, ensuring access to the latest iOS features and security updates for a longer period.
- Winner: iphone se
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Performance | iPhone SE |
| Build Quality | iPhone 8 |
| Value | iPhone SE |
| Design | Tie |
What They Have in Common
- Display Size: Both phones feature a 4.7-inch Retina HD display, providing a clear and vibrant viewing experience for content consumption and everyday use.
- Water Resistance: Both the iPhone 8 and iPhone SE are rated IP67 for water and dust resistance, offering protection against splashes and brief submersion.
- Touch Id: Both phones incorporate Touch ID for secure unlocking and authentication, allowing users to easily access their devices and authorize purchases.
- Wireless Charging: Both models support wireless charging, allowing users to conveniently charge their phones using compatible charging pads.
- Rear Camera: Both phones have a 12MP rear camera.
iPhone 8 vs iPhone SE Buying Guide
Performance and Processing Power
The iPhone 8, powered by the A11 Bionic chip, offered impressive performance for its time. It handled everyday tasks, gaming, and multitasking smoothly. The iPhone SE (2020) features the A13 Bionic chip, a significant upgrade, providing faster processing speeds and improved graphics performance. This results in snappier app loading, better gaming experiences, and overall more responsive performance. The A13 Bionic also enhances computational photography, leading to better image processing.
This difference in processing power is noticeable in demanding applications and future-proofing the device. The iPhone SE (2020) is generally considered to offer superior performance due to its more advanced chip, making it a better choice for users who prioritize speed and efficiency.
Design and Display
The iPhone 8 features a familiar design with a glass back and aluminum frame, offering a premium feel. It has a larger 4.7-inch Retina HD display with thick bezels. The iPhone SE (2020) adopts a similar design to the iPhone 8, with the same size screen and overall form factor. However, the iPhone SE has a more compact feel due to its smaller size.
Both phones share the same screen resolution and technology. The key difference lies in the design elements. While the iPhone 8 offers a slightly more modern look with a glass back, the iPhone SE focuses on a classic, more compact design. The choice depends on personal preference for aesthetics and hand feel.
Camera Capabilities
The iPhone 8 has a single 12MP rear camera that captures good quality photos and videos in various lighting conditions. It also has features like optical image stabilization and Portrait mode. The iPhone SE (2020) also boasts a 12MP rear camera. The A13 Bionic chip enables more advanced image processing, resulting in improved HDR and Smart HDR capabilities.
The iPhone SE camera also has better low-light performance due to the advanced image processing. The front-facing cameras are fairly similar. Overall, the iPhone SE provides slightly better camera performance due to its more powerful processing capabilities.
Battery Life and Charging
The iPhone 8’s battery life is adequate for moderate usage, but it may require charging before the end of the day with heavy use. It supports wireless charging and fast charging with a compatible adapter. The iPhone SE (2020) offers a slightly improved battery life compared to the iPhone 8.
It can typically last a full day with moderate usage. It also supports wireless charging and fast charging, but the fast charging adapter is not included in the box. Battery life is a crucial factor for many users, and the SE offers a small edge.
Storage Options and Pricing
Both phones were available with different storage configurations. The iPhone 8 offered options like 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB. The iPhone SE (2020) also had storage options such as 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB. The original prices varied based on the storage capacity selected.
When considering used or refurbished models, the price will vary depending on condition and seller. The iPhone SE is often available at a slightly lower price than the iPhone 8, depending on the market and condition of the device.
Software and Updates
Both phones run on iOS, the same operating system, ensuring a consistent user experience. However, the iPhone SE benefits from the A13 Bionic chip, allowing it to receive software updates for a longer period. Apple is known for providing software updates for its devices for several years.
The iPhone SE is likely to be supported with the latest iOS versions for a longer time compared to the iPhone 8. This ensures access to the latest features, security patches, and improvements, which is crucial for overall user experience and device longevity.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPhone 8 If…
- You prefer a design that is a bit more modern.
- You want a slightly larger phone for easier handling.
- You want a phone with a more premium build.
Buy iPhone SE If…
- You prefer a more compact phone.
- You prioritize the latest processor for faster performance.
- You want the best value for your money.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences in performance?
The iPhone SE (2020) has a significantly faster processor (A13 Bionic) compared to the iPhone 8 (A11 Bionic). This results in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better overall performance in demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. The SE also benefits from improved graphics processing.
Which phone has better battery life?
The iPhone SE (2020) offers slightly improved battery life compared to the iPhone 8. While neither phone boasts exceptional battery performance, the SE generally lasts a bit longer under similar usage conditions. This difference can be important for users who are constantly on the go.
Which phone has a better camera?
The iPhone SE (2020) has the edge in camera performance. While both phones feature a 12MP rear camera, the A13 Bionic chip in the SE enables improved image processing, resulting in better HDR, Smart HDR, and low-light performance. The SE generally captures more detailed and vibrant photos.
What are the design differences?
Both phones share a similar design, with the same size screen and similar dimensions. They both feature physical home buttons. The iPhone 8 has a glass back and aluminum frame, while the iPhone SE (2020) is similar. The iPhone SE offers a classic design, while the iPhone 8 has a more modern feel.
Which phone is better for gaming?
The iPhone SE (2020) is the better choice for gaming due to its more powerful A13 Bionic chip. It offers faster processing speeds and better graphics performance, resulting in smoother gameplay and higher frame rates. This is especially noticeable in graphically demanding games.
How do the storage options compare?
Both the iPhone 8 and the iPhone SE (2020) were available in various storage options, including 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB. The choice depends on your individual needs and how much storage you require for your apps, photos, videos, and other files. Consider your storage needs when purchasing.
Which phone is more future-proof?
The iPhone SE (2020) is more future-proof due to its newer A13 Bionic chip. It is likely to receive software updates and security patches for a longer period compared to the iPhone 8. This ensures compatibility with the latest features and a more secure user experience over time.
Final Verdict
The iPhone SE (2020) emerges as the superior choice due to its more powerful A13 Bionic chip, improved camera capabilities, and slightly better battery life. While the iPhone 8 remains a capable device, the SE offers a more modern and efficient user experience, making it the better value.
Winner: iPhone SE (2020)