iPhone Se 3rd Gen vs iPhone 12: Which iPhone Should You Buy?
Choosing a new iPhone can feel overwhelming, especially with so many models available. Are you looking for the best value, or are you prioritizing the latest features? This comparison dives deep into the battle of the iPhones, pitting the budget-friendly iPhone SE 3rd generation against the more premium iPhone 12.
The iPhone SE 3rd generation offers a familiar design with powerful internal upgrades, making it an attractive option for those who prefer a smaller phone and a lower price point. On the other hand, the iPhone 12 boasts a more modern design, advanced camera capabilities, and a larger display, appealing to users seeking a more immersive experience.
We will break down the key differences between these two popular iPhones, covering everything from performance and display quality to camera features and battery life. This comparison of the iPhone SE 3rd generation vs iPhone 12 will help you decide which iPhone best suits your needs and budget.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | iPhone SE 3rd Gen | 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 60 fps | 4K up to 60 fps |
| 5G Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Water Resistance | IP67 | IP68 |
| Face ID | No | Yes |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | 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 3rd Generation: Features a classic design reminiscent of the iPhone 8 with a 4.7-inch Retina HD display and thick bezels. Its compact size makes it comfortable for one-handed use, but the dated design may feel less modern.
- iPhone 12: Boasts a more modern design with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, thinner bezels, and a flat-edge design. It offers a more immersive viewing experience and a premium look and feel.
- Winner: iPhone 12
Display
- iPhone Se 3rd Generation: Equipped with a 4.7-inch Retina HD display. While it offers good color accuracy and brightness, the resolution and screen size are less impressive compared to modern standards.
- iPhone 12: Features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with OLED technology, providing vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. The larger size is also beneficial for media consumption.
- Winner: iPhone 12
Processor
- iPhone Se 3rd Generation: Powered by the A15 Bionic chip, the same chip found in the iPhone 13 series, offering excellent performance for its price point. It handles everyday tasks and even demanding games with ease.
- iPhone 12: Runs on the A14 Bionic chip, still a powerful processor that delivers smooth performance for most tasks. While not as cutting-edge as the A15, it still provides a responsive user experience.
- Winner: iPhone SE 3rd Gen
Camera
- iPhone Se 3rd Generation: Features a single 12MP wide lens. It takes good photos in well-lit environments and offers features like Smart HDR 4 and Deep Fusion, but lacks the versatility of multiple lenses.
- iPhone 12: Includes a dual 12MP camera system with wide and ultrawide lenses. It excels in low-light conditions thanks to Night mode and offers greater creative flexibility with its ultrawide lens.
- Winner: iPhone 12
Battery Life
- iPhone Se 3rd Generation: Offers modest battery life. It typically lasts a full day with moderate usage, but heavy users might need to recharge before the day is over.
- iPhone 12: Provides better battery life compared to the SE, easily lasting a full day of typical use. The larger battery capacity contributes to its longer endurance.
- Winner: iPhone 12
5G Connectivity
- iPhone Se 3rd Generation: Supports 5G connectivity, enabling faster download and upload speeds in areas with 5G coverage.
- iPhone 12: Also supports 5G connectivity, providing the same benefits of faster data speeds and improved network performance.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- iPhone Se 3rd Generation: Generally more affordable, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers.
- iPhone 12: More expensive due to its advanced features and design.
- Winner: iPhone SE 3rd Gen
Water Resistance
- iPhone Se 3rd Generation: Rated IP67, offering water resistance up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
- iPhone 12: Rated IP68, offering water resistance up to 6 meters for 30 minutes.
- Winner: iPhone 12
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display | iPhone 12 |
| Performance | iPhone SE 3rd Gen |
| Camera (Overall) | iPhone 12 |
| Design | iPhone 12 |
| Battery Life | iPhone 12 |
| Value | iPhone SE 3rd Gen |
What They Have in Common:
- 5g Connectivity: Both phones support 5G, allowing for faster download and streaming speeds where 5G networks are available. This ensures a modern and future-proof connectivity experience.
- Wireless Charging: Both the iPhone SE 3rd generation and iPhone 12 are compatible with wireless charging, offering convenient charging options. This feature adds to the overall user experience.
- Main Camera: Both phones feature a 12MP main camera, capable of capturing high-quality photos and videos. This ensures a similar baseline in terms of photographic capabilities.
- Video Recording: Both devices support 4K video recording up to 60fps, allowing users to capture detailed and smooth footage. This is great for content creation.
- Storage Options: Both models provide a similar range of storage options, allowing users to select the capacity that best suits their needs, from 64GB to 256GB.
iPhone SE 3rd Generation vs iPhone 12 Buying Guide
Performance and Processor
The iPhone SE 3rd generation boasts the A15 Bionic chip, the same powerhouse found in the iPhone 13 series. This provides exceptional speed and efficiency for everyday tasks, gaming, and demanding applications. The iPhone 12 features the A14 Bionic chip, which, while still very capable, lags slightly behind the A15 in raw performance. Both phones handle multitasking smoothly, but the SE 3rd generation offers a slight edge in terms of future-proofing and overall responsiveness. The difference may not be noticeable in general use, but it becomes apparent during intensive tasks.
Display and Design
The iPhone SE 3rd generation retains the classic design with a 4.7-inch Retina HD display and thick bezels, and the home button with Touch ID. The iPhone 12 features a more modern design with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, offering a significantly larger and more immersive viewing experience. The iPhone 12 also benefits from slimmer bezels and Face ID. The build quality of both phones is excellent, with both featuring durable glass and aluminum frames. The iPhone 12 design is more contemporary.
Camera Capabilities
The iPhone SE 3rd generation features a single 12MP wide camera, which, combined with the A15 Bionic’s image processing, captures impressive photos and videos in various lighting conditions. However, it lacks features like Night mode and ultrawide lens. The iPhone 12 sports a dual-camera system with a 12MP wide and 12MP ultrawide lens, offering more versatility and improved low-light performance, as well as Night mode. The iPhone 12 provides a richer photography experience.
Battery Life
The iPhone SE 3rd generation offers decent battery life for its size, but it is noticeably shorter than the iPhone 12. The iPhone 12, with its larger battery and more efficient display, provides significantly longer battery life, allowing for all-day use for most users. If battery life is a priority, the iPhone 12 is the clear winner. The SE 3rd Gen requires more frequent charging. The difference in battery performance can be significant.
Connectivity and Features
Both phones support 5G connectivity, enabling faster download and streaming speeds where available. The iPhone 12 has MagSafe support, allowing for magnetic wireless charging and accessories. The iPhone SE 3rd generation does not have MagSafe. Both phones have water resistance, but the iPhone 12 has a slightly higher IP rating. Both offer a smooth user experience. iPhone 12 has a slightly richer feature set.
Price and Value
The iPhone SE 3rd generation is the more budget-friendly option, making it an excellent choice for users looking for a powerful and compact iPhone at a lower price point. The iPhone 12, while more expensive, offers a more premium experience with its larger display, advanced camera system, and longer battery life. The choice depends on your budget and priorities. If you value features and performance, iPhone 12 is a better value, but the SE is a good deal for the price.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPhone SE 3rd generation If…
- You prefer a smaller phone that’s easy to handle with one hand.
- You’re on a budget and want a more affordable iPhone.
- You prioritize performance and want a phone with a fast processor.
- You enjoy the classic iPhone design with a home button.
Buy iPhone 12 If…
- You want a larger, more immersive display.
- You want a phone with Face ID for secure unlocking.
- You need a more advanced camera system with Night mode and better low-light performance.
- You desire a more premium design with Ceramic Shield front cover.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences in design?
The iPhone SE 3rd generation retains the classic iPhone design with a 4.7-inch display and a home button, while the iPhone 12 features a modern design with a 6.1-inch display, slimmer bezels, and Face ID. The iPhone 12 offers a more immersive viewing experience, while the SE 3rd generation has a more compact feel.
Which phone has a better camera?
The iPhone 12’s dual-camera system, including an ultrawide lens and Night mode, offers superior versatility and low-light performance compared to the iPhone SE 3rd generation’s single-lens camera. While the SE 3rd generation takes great photos, the iPhone 12 offers a more advanced and versatile photography experience.
How does battery life compare?
The iPhone 12 has significantly better battery life than the iPhone SE 3rd generation. The larger battery and more efficient display in the iPhone 12 allow it to last much longer on a single charge, making it a better choice for users who need all-day battery performance. The SE 3rd Gen requires more frequent charging.
Which phone has the better processor?
The iPhone SE 3rd generation features the A15 Bionic chip, which is slightly faster and more efficient than the A14 Bionic chip in the iPhone 12. The A15 offers a performance advantage in demanding tasks and provides better future-proofing. Both are very powerful chips, but the SE 3rd gen has a slight edge.
Does the iPhone 12 support MagSafe?
Yes, the iPhone 12 supports MagSafe, allowing for magnetic wireless charging and the use of MagSafe accessories like wallets and chargers. The iPhone SE 3rd generation does not have MagSafe. MagSafe is a convenient feature for charging and expanding the functionality of your phone.
Which phone is more expensive?
The iPhone 12 is more expensive than the iPhone SE 3rd generation. The SE 3rd generation is the more budget-friendly option, making it a great choice for those who are looking for a more affordable iPhone. The price difference reflects the additional features and performance of the iPhone 12.
Which phone is better for gaming?
Both phones are excellent for gaming. However, due to the A15 Bionic chip, the iPhone SE 3rd generation offers a slight performance advantage, leading to smoother gameplay. The larger display of the iPhone 12 may provide a more immersive gaming experience, but the SE 3rd Gen is still an excellent choice.
Final Verdict
The iPhone 12 offers a more advanced experience with its larger display, superior camera system, and longer battery life. While the iPhone SE 3rd generation is a strong contender with its powerful processor and more affordable price, the iPhone 12 provides a more well-rounded and premium user experience. The iPhone 12 is the better choice for most users.
Winner: iPhone 12