iPhone Se vs iPhone 11: Which iPhone Should You Buy?
Choosing a new iPhone can feel overwhelming, especially with so many great options available. Are you looking for a powerful phone without breaking the bank? Or perhaps you prioritize the latest features and a larger display? The decision often boils down to a few key factors: price, performance, and features.
This comparison dives headfirst into the battle of the iPhones, pitting the budget-friendly iPhone SE against the still-impressive iPhone 11. We’ll explore their strengths and weaknesses, helping you determine which phone best fits your needs and budget. Get ready to discover which iPhone reigns supreme for you.
From the processor and camera to the design and battery life, we’ll break down everything you need to know. Whether you’re upgrading from an older model or entering the Apple ecosystem for the first time, this guide will provide valuable insights. Let’s see how the iPhone SE and iPhone 11 stack up against each other.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | iPhone SE | iPhone 11 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 4.7 inches | 6.1 inches |
| Processor | A13 Bionic | A13 Bionic |
| RAM | 3GB | 4GB |
| Main Camera | 12MP | 12MP + 12MP (ultrawide) |
| Front Camera | 7MP | 12MP |
| Video Recording | 4K up to 60fps | 4K up to 60fps |
| Water Resistance | IP67 | IP68 |
| Face ID | No | No |
| Storage Options | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
| 5G Connectivity | No | No |
| Battery Life (Video Playback) | Up to 13 hours | Up to 17 hours |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design & Build
- iPhone Se: Features a classic iPhone design with a 4.7-inch Retina HD display and thick bezels. It’s compact and easy to handle but may feel dated compared to newer designs.
- iPhone 11: Sports a modern design with a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina display and a larger overall footprint. It offers a more immersive viewing experience but is less pocketable.
- Winner: iPhone 11
Display
- iPhone Se: Comes with a 4.7-inch Retina HD display. It’s sharp and vibrant but smaller than modern phones.
- iPhone 11: Features a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina display, which is larger and offers a better viewing experience, although it lacks the OLED technology of higher-end iPhones.
- Winner: iPhone 11
Processor
- iPhone Se: Powered by the A15 Bionic chip, providing excellent performance for its price point. It handles everyday tasks and gaming with ease.
- iPhone 11: Equipped with the A13 Bionic chip, which is still a capable processor, but slower than the A15 Bionic found in the SE.
- Winner: iPhone SE
Camera
- iPhone Se: Has a single 12MP wide camera. It takes good photos in daylight, but struggles in low-light conditions compared to the iPhone 11.
- iPhone 11: Features a dual-camera system with 12MP wide and ultra-wide lenses, offering more versatility and better low-light performance.
- Winner: iPhone 11
Battery Life
- iPhone Se: Offers decent battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate use.
- iPhone 11: Provides significantly better battery life compared to the iPhone SE, easily lasting a full day even with heavy usage.
- Winner: iPhone 11
Price
- iPhone Se: Generally more affordable, making it a budget-friendly option.
- iPhone 11: More expensive than the SE, but still offers good value for its features.
- Winner: iPhone SE
Storage Options
- iPhone Se: Offers limited storage options.
- iPhone 11: Offers more storage options.
- Winner: iPhone 11
5G Connectivity
- iPhone Se: Does not support 5G connectivity.
- iPhone 11: Does not support 5G connectivity.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Size | iPhone 11 |
| Camera Versatility | iPhone 11 |
| Battery Life | iPhone 11 |
| Water Resistance | iPhone 11 |
| Value | iPhone SE |
| Design | Tie |
| Performance | Tie |
What They Have in Common
- Processor: Both phones are powered by the A13 Bionic chip, providing similar performance for everyday tasks and gaming.
- Wireless Charging: Both the iPhone SE and iPhone 11 support wireless charging, offering a convenient way to power up your device.
- Storage Options: Both devices share the same storage configurations, available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB options to suit your storage needs.
- Video Recording: Both phones can record video up to 4K at 60fps, providing high-quality video capabilities.
- iOS: Both phones run on iOS, ensuring access to the latest software updates and features from Apple.
iPhone SE vs iPhone 11 Buying Guide
Performance
The iPhone 11 boasts a significantly more powerful A13 Bionic chip, providing a noticeable edge in overall performance, especially for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. Apps launch and run faster on the iPhone 11, and the system feels snappier. The iPhone SE, while still capable with its A13 Bionic, can sometimes feel a touch slower. Consider your usage; heavy users will benefit from the iPhone 11’s superior processing power. Ultimately, the iPhone 11 offers a more fluid and responsive experience.
Camera
The iPhone 11 features a dual-camera system with both a wide and ultrawide lens, enabling greater versatility in photography. It excels in low-light conditions and offers advanced features like Night mode. The iPhone SE, with its single-lens 12MP camera, takes great photos, but lacks the flexibility and low-light capabilities of the iPhone 11. If photography is a priority, the iPhone 11 is the clear winner with its enhanced camera system. It offers more creative possibilities.
Display
The iPhone 11 sports a larger 6.1-inch Liquid Retina display, offering a more immersive viewing experience compared to the iPhone SE’s 4.7-inch Retina HD display. The iPhone 11’s display is also brighter and sharper, making it better for watching videos and browsing the web. The iPhone SE’s screen is perfectly adequate, but the iPhone 11 provides a superior visual experience, especially for media consumption. The bigger screen is a big plus.
Battery Life
The iPhone 11 boasts significantly better battery life than the iPhone SE. You can comfortably get a full day of use from the iPhone 11, even with heavy usage. The iPhone SE’s battery can sometimes struggle to last a full day for some users, particularly those who are constantly using their phones. If battery life is a key concern, the iPhone 11 offers a much more reliable and convenient experience, reducing the need for frequent charging. This is a crucial area.
Design & Build
The iPhone 11 has a more modern design with a larger screen and a glass back. It also offers a wider range of color options. The iPhone SE retains the classic design of the iPhone 8, with a smaller form factor and a more compact feel. While the iPhone SE is smaller and easier to handle for some, the iPhone 11 provides a more contemporary design and a more premium feel, along with improved durability. Both are well-built, but the 11 is more modern.
Price & Value
The iPhone SE is generally more affordable than the iPhone 11, making it an excellent value proposition for budget-conscious consumers. The iPhone 11, while more expensive, offers a more comprehensive feature set and a superior overall experience. Consider your budget and priorities; if you need top-tier features, the iPhone 11 is worth the investment. The iPhone SE provides great value, but the iPhone 11 offers more for the money in the long run. Weigh features vs price.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPhone SE If…
- You prefer a smaller, more compact phone that’s easy to handle with one hand.
- You want a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing performance.
- You prioritize a physical home button and Touch ID for unlocking and authentication.
- You are looking for a phone that supports wireless charging.
Buy iPhone 11 If…
- You want a larger display for a more immersive viewing experience.
- You value a dual-camera system with an ultrawide lens for capturing more in your photos.
- You need better battery life for extended usage throughout the day.
- You want a more water-resistant phone (IP68 vs. IP67).
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone has the better processor?
The iPhone 11 has the A13 Bionic chip, which is more powerful than the A13 Bionic chip found in the iPhone SE. This translates to faster performance, quicker app loading times, and a smoother overall experience, especially when multitasking or running demanding applications and games. This difference is noticeable in day-to-day use.
Does the iPhone 11 have a better camera?
Yes, the iPhone 11 boasts a dual-camera system with a wide and ultrawide lens, providing greater versatility, especially in low-light conditions. It also includes Night mode for enhanced low-light photography. The iPhone SE has a single-lens camera that takes great photos, but lacks the advanced features and flexibility of the iPhone 11.
Which phone has a longer battery life?
The iPhone 11 offers significantly better battery life than the iPhone SE. You can typically get a full day of use from the iPhone 11, even with heavy use. The iPhone SE’s battery might need a top-up during the day for heavier users. Battery life is a major differentiator.
What are the screen sizes of the two phones?
The iPhone 11 features a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina display, while the iPhone SE has a smaller 4.7-inch Retina HD display. The iPhone 11 offers a more immersive viewing experience due to its larger size. The iPhone SE’s display is still good, but smaller.
Which phone is more affordable?
The iPhone SE is generally more affordable than the iPhone 11. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a powerful phone without breaking the bank. The iPhone 11, while more expensive, offers more features and a better overall experience, so consider your budget and your needs.
Does the iPhone 11 have 5G?
No, neither the iPhone 11 nor the iPhone SE support 5G connectivity. Both phones are limited to 4G LTE. If 5G is a priority, you’ll need to consider a newer iPhone model. This is an important consideration for future-proofing your purchase.
Which phone is better for gaming?
The iPhone 11 is better for gaming due to its more powerful A13 Bionic chip, larger display, and generally better graphics performance. The iPhone SE is still capable, but the iPhone 11 provides a smoother and more immersive gaming experience, especially with graphically intensive games. The 11 has a clear edge.
Final Verdict
The iPhone 11 emerges as the superior choice due to its more powerful processor, enhanced camera system, longer battery life, and larger display. While the iPhone SE offers excellent value, the iPhone 11 provides a more comprehensive and enjoyable user experience. Its features and performance outweigh the price difference for most users, making it the better overall phone.
Winner: iPhone 11