iPhone Se 3 vs iPhone 12: 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 the best value, or are you willing to pay a premium for top-of-the-line features? This comparison dives deep into the battle of two popular iPhones: the iPhone SE 3 and the iPhone 12.
The iPhone SE 3 offers a familiar design and a more budget-friendly price point, while still packing a punch with its powerful processor. The iPhone 12, on the other hand, boasts a more modern design, a larger display, and advanced camera capabilities. Both phones have their strengths, making the decision even harder.
We’ll explore the key differences between these two iPhones, comparing their performance, camera quality, battery life, and overall value. By the end of this comparison, you’ll have a clear understanding of which iPhone is the perfect fit for your needs and budget. Get ready to find your next iPhone!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | iPhone SE 3 | iPhone 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 4.7-inch | 6.1-inch |
| Display Technology | Retina HD | Super Retina XDR |
| Processor | A15 Bionic | A14 Bionic |
| Main Camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Front Camera | 7MP | 12MP |
| Video Recording | 4K up to 60fps | 4K up to 60fps |
| 5G Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Water Resistance | IP67 | IP68 |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Face ID | No | Yes |
| Storage Options | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| Dimensions | 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design
- iPhone Se 3: Features a classic iPhone design with thick bezels and a physical home button. It’s compact and lightweight, making it easy to handle. However, the dated design may feel less modern compared to newer iPhones.
- iPhone 12: Boasts a modern, flat-edged design with a larger display and smaller bezels. It offers a more premium and contemporary aesthetic. The design is more susceptible to scratches on the flat surfaces.
- Winner: iphone 12
Display
- iPhone Se 3: Equipped with a 4.7-inch Retina HD display. It offers good color accuracy and brightness, but the resolution is lower than the iPhone 12. The smaller size can be advantageous for one-handed use.
- iPhone 12: Features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with OLED technology. This results in vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent clarity. The larger screen enhances the viewing experience.
- Winner: iphone 12
Processor
- iPhone Se 3: Powered by the A15 Bionic chip, providing excellent performance for everyday tasks and gaming. It’s very fast and efficient.
- iPhone 12: Uses the A14 Bionic chip, still a powerful processor that handles most tasks with ease. While still fast, it is a generation older than the SE 3’s chip.
- Winner: iphone se 3
Camera
- iPhone Se 3: Features a single 12MP wide lens. It takes good photos in good lighting conditions and offers Portrait mode. It lacks the versatility of multiple lenses.
- iPhone 12: Includes a dual 12MP camera system with wide and ultrawide lenses, offering more creative options and improved low-light performance. It has Night mode.
- Winner: iphone 12
Battery Life
- iPhone Se 3: Offers decent battery life for its size, but it is generally shorter than the iPhone 12. Heavy usage can drain the battery quickly.
- iPhone 12: Provides significantly better battery life compared to the iPhone SE 3. It can easily last a full day of moderate to heavy use.
- Winner: iphone 12
5G Connectivity
- iPhone Se 3: Supports 5G connectivity, enabling faster download and upload speeds in areas with 5G coverage.
- iPhone 12: Also supports 5G connectivity, offering the same benefits.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- iPhone Se 3: Generally more affordable than the iPhone 12, making it a budget-friendly option.
- iPhone 12: Typically more expensive, reflecting its more advanced features and design.
- Winner: iphone se 3
Water Resistance
- iPhone Se 3: Offers IP67 water resistance, meaning it can withstand submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.
- iPhone 12: Has IP68 water resistance, offering greater protection against water and dust, withstanding submersion in up to 6 meters of water for 30 minutes.
- Winner: iphone 12
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display | iPhone 12 |
| Performance | iPhone SE 3 |
| Camera Features | iPhone 12 |
| Design | Tie (preference based) |
| Battery Life | iPhone 12 (slightly better) |
| Value | iPhone SE 3 |
| Water Resistance | iPhone 12 |
What They Have in Common
- 5g Connectivity: Both phones support 5G, providing faster download and upload speeds where available. This allows for quicker streaming and online gaming.
- Wireless Charging: Both the iPhone SE 3 and iPhone 12 support wireless charging using the Qi standard, offering convenient charging options.
- Water Resistance: Both phones have water resistance, although the iPhone 12 offers a higher level of protection. This helps protect the devices from accidental spills and splashes.
- Main Camera: Both phones feature a 12MP main camera, capable of taking high-quality photos and videos in various lighting conditions.
- Video Recording: Both devices support 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second, allowing users to capture detailed and smooth footage.
iPhone SE 3 vs iPhone 12 Buying Guide
Performance
The iPhone 12 boasts a more powerful A14 Bionic chip, offering a significant performance leap over the iPhone SE 3’s A15 Bionic. This means faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance on the iPhone 12. While the iPhone SE 3 still handles everyday tasks admirably, demanding applications and games will run more fluidly on the iPhone 12. Consider your usage habits; heavy users should lean towards the iPhone 12. The chip differences create noticeable difference for users of graphic-intensive apps.
Display
The iPhone 12 features a larger, higher-resolution OLED display with a more vibrant and crisp image quality compared to the iPhone SE 3’s LCD display. The OLED technology provides deeper blacks, better contrast, and a wider color gamut. This leads to a more immersive viewing experience, especially when watching videos or playing games. The iPhone SE 3’s display is still adequate, but the iPhone 12’s display is a clear upgrade. The difference is immediately apparent when viewing media.
Camera
The iPhone 12’s dual-camera system, with its wider aperture and advanced image processing, captures significantly better photos and videos than the iPhone SE 3’s single-lens camera. The iPhone 12 excels in low-light conditions and offers features like Night mode, which is absent on the iPhone SE 3. The iPhone 12 also records 4K Dolby Vision HDR video, a feature not available on the iPhone SE 3. Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the iPhone 12’s superior capabilities. The iPhone 12 offers a more versatile photography experience.
Battery Life
The iPhone 12 generally offers better battery life compared to the iPhone SE 3. Its larger battery and more efficient components contribute to this advantage. While battery life can vary depending on usage, the iPhone 12 is likely to last longer on a single charge. Heavy users who are constantly on the go will benefit more from the iPhone 12’s improved battery performance. Consider how often you use your phone throughout the day when making your decision.
Design and Build Quality
The iPhone 12 features a more modern design with flat edges and a premium build using Ceramic Shield front cover for increased drop resistance. The iPhone SE 3 retains the classic iPhone design with rounded edges. Both phones offer excellent build quality, but the iPhone 12’s design feels more contemporary. The iPhone 12 also offers MagSafe compatibility. Aesthetic preference, of course, plays a role, but the iPhone 12 is generally seen as the more stylish of the two.
Price and Value
The iPhone SE 3 is typically more affordable than the iPhone 12, making it an excellent value proposition for budget-conscious buyers. However, the price difference might be worth the upgrade for those who desire the superior features of the iPhone 12. The iPhone 12 offers more features and capabilities for a higher price. The best choice depends on your budget and desired features. Consider your budget and long-term needs when making your final decision.
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 want a phone with a powerful processor (A15 Bionic) at a more affordable price point.
- You appreciate the classic iPhone design with the Home button.
- You prioritize a phone with 5G connectivity.
Buy iPhone 12 If…
- You want a larger, more immersive display for media consumption and gaming.
- You desire the advanced features of Face ID for secure unlocking.
- You want a phone with a more advanced camera system with Night mode and other features.
- You want the improved water resistance rating (IP68).
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone has a better camera?
The iPhone 12 has a superior camera system. It features a dual-camera setup with advanced image processing and features like Night mode, absent on the iPhone SE 3. The iPhone 12 also records 4K Dolby Vision HDR video. The iPhone 12’s camera offers better low-light performance and overall image quality compared to the iPhone SE 3.
Which phone is faster?
The iPhone 12, with its A14 Bionic chip, is noticeably faster than the iPhone SE 3, which has the A15 Bionic chip. The difference is most evident in demanding applications and games. The A15 Bionic chip in the SE 3 is still powerful, but the iPhone 12 provides a smoother experience when multitasking and running resource-intensive apps.
Which phone has a better display?
The iPhone 12 boasts a superior display. It features a larger, higher-resolution OLED display, offering deeper blacks, better contrast, and a wider color gamut than the iPhone SE 3’s LCD. The OLED display provides a more vibrant and immersive viewing experience, making it better for media consumption and gaming. The difference is easily noticeable.
Which phone offers better battery life?
The iPhone 12 generally provides better battery life due to its larger battery and more efficient components. While battery life depends on usage patterns, the iPhone 12 is likely to last longer on a single charge. The iPhone SE 3 still provides adequate battery life for most users, but the iPhone 12 has an advantage in this area, particularly for heavy users.
Which phone has the more modern design?
The iPhone 12 has a more modern design with flat edges and a Ceramic Shield front cover. The iPhone SE 3 retains the classic design of older iPhones. While both phones are well-built, the iPhone 12’s design is considered more contemporary. The iPhone 12 offers a more premium look and feel with its flat-edged design.
Which phone is the best value?
The iPhone SE 3 offers better value for budget-conscious buyers. It provides strong performance and essential features at a more affordable price point. However, the iPhone 12 offers more features and capabilities, like a superior display and camera, which might justify the higher price for some users. The best choice depends on your budget and needs.
Does the iPhone 12 have MagSafe?
Yes, the iPhone 12 is compatible with MagSafe accessories. MagSafe allows for magnetic attachment of accessories like chargers and wallets. This feature adds convenience and versatility to the iPhone 12. The iPhone SE 3 does not have MagSafe compatibility, limiting its accessory options compared to the iPhone 12.
Final Verdict
The iPhone 12 offers superior performance, a better display, and a more advanced camera system. While the iPhone SE 3 is a great value, the iPhone 12 provides a more premium experience for those who prioritize features and performance. The iPhone 12 has a more modern design and better battery life.
Winner: iPhone 12