iPhone Se3 vs iPhone 12: Which iPhone Should You Buy?
Choosing a new iPhone can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options available. Today, we’re diving deep into a comparison that many potential buyers are considering: the iPhone SE (3rd generation) versus the iPhone 12. Both phones offer compelling features, but cater to different needs and budgets.
The iPhone SE3 brings a familiar design with modern internals, promising a powerful experience in a compact form factor. On the other hand, the iPhone 12 offers a more expansive display and a suite of advanced features, making it a strong contender in the mid-range market. Deciding between these two means weighing performance, camera capabilities, and overall user experience.
This comparison will break down the key differences between the iPhone SE3 and the iPhone 12, helping you determine which phone best suits your lifestyle and preferences. We’ll explore everything from processing power and battery life to camera quality and display technology, so you can make an informed decision.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | iPhone SE3 | iPhone 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 4.7-inch | 6.1-inch |
| Display Technology | Retina HD | Super Retina XDR |
| Processor | A15 Bionic | A14 Bionic |
| RAM | 4GB | 4GB |
| Main Camera | 12MP | 12MP Dual |
| 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, Touch ID | Yes |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life (Video Playback) | Up to 15 hours | Up to 17 hours |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design and Build
- iPhone Se3: Features a classic iPhone design with a 4.7-inch Retina HD display and a home button. It utilizes an aerospace-grade aluminum design with glass on the front and back. A major pro is its compact size, making it easy to handle. A con is the dated design compared to modern smartphones.
- iPhone 12: Boasts a modern design with flat edges and a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display. It uses Ceramic Shield front cover for increased durability. Its larger display and sleeker design offer a more immersive experience. However, the flat edges can feel less ergonomic for some.
- Winner: iPhone 12
Display
- iPhone Se3: Equipped with a 4.7-inch Retina HD display. It offers good color accuracy and brightness for its size. However, it lacks the vibrant colors and sharpness of OLED displays and has larger bezels.
- iPhone 12: Features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display. This provides excellent contrast, vibrant colors, and HDR support. The larger size and higher resolution offer a superior viewing experience.
- Winner: iPhone 12
Processor
- iPhone Se3: Powered by the A15 Bionic chip, the same chip found in the iPhone 13 series. This provides impressive performance for its price point. It handles everyday tasks and even demanding games with ease.
- iPhone 12: Uses the A14 Bionic chip, still a powerful processor. While slightly less powerful than the A15, it still delivers excellent performance for most users.
- Winner: iphone se3
Camera
- iPhone Se3: Features a single 12MP wide camera. It delivers good image quality in favorable lighting conditions, but struggles in low light. It lacks features like Night mode and ultrawide lens.
- iPhone 12: Comes with a dual 12MP camera system (wide and ultrawide). It offers improved low-light performance, Night mode, and more versatile shooting options.
- Winner: iPhone 12
Battery Life
- iPhone Se3: Offers decent battery life, but it’s generally shorter than the iPhone 12. Heavy users may need to charge it during the day.
- iPhone 12: Provides significantly better battery life compared to the iPhone SE (3rd Gen). It can easily last a full day of moderate to heavy use.
- Winner: iPhone 12
5G Connectivity
- iPhone Se3: Supports 5G connectivity, although its implementation might not be as advanced as the iPhone 12.
- iPhone 12: Offers full 5G support, providing faster download and upload speeds where available.
- Winner: iPhone 12
Price
- iPhone Se3: Typically more affordable, making it a budget-friendly option.
- iPhone 12: Generally more expensive, reflecting its more advanced features and design.
- Winner: iphone se3
Water Resistance
- iPhone Se3: IP67 water resistance, meaning it can withstand submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.
- iPhone 12: IP68 water resistance, offering greater protection and can withstand submersion in up to 6 meters of water for 30 minutes.
- Winner: iPhone 12
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display | iPhone 12 |
| Performance | iPhone SE3 |
| Camera | iPhone 12 |
| Battery Life | iPhone 12 |
| Design | Tie (preference) |
| Value | iPhone SE3 |
What They Have in Common:
- 5g Connectivity: Both phones support 5G networks, offering faster download and streaming speeds where available. This allows for a more responsive mobile experience.
- Wireless Charging: Both the iPhone SE3 and iPhone 12 support wireless charging, allowing users to easily charge their devices using compatible charging pads.
- A15/a14 Bionic Chip: Although different generations, both devices feature powerful Apple silicon, ensuring smooth performance for everyday tasks and demanding applications.
- 4K Video Recording: Both phones are capable of recording 4K video at up to 60 frames per second, providing high-quality video capture capabilities.
- iOS Ecosystem: Both phones run on iOS, offering access to the same app store, software updates, and overall user experience. This allows for continuity between devices.
- Excellent Build Quality: Both phones are made with premium materials, providing a durable and stylish feel. They are designed to withstand daily use.
iPhone SE3 vs iPhone 12 Buying Guide
Performance and Processing Power
The iPhone 12 boasts a significantly more powerful A14 Bionic chip, offering superior performance in everyday tasks, gaming, and demanding applications compared to the iPhone SE3’s A15 Bionic. While the A15 in the SE3 is still a capable chip, the A14 in the 12 offers a noticeable edge, especially in graphically intensive applications. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive overall user experience. The iPhone 12 can handle more complex tasks without experiencing lag.
Display and Design
The iPhone 12 features a larger, more vibrant 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, providing a more immersive viewing experience. The SE3 has a smaller 4.7-inch Retina HD display. The iPhone 12’s display technology also offers better contrast and color accuracy. In terms of design, the iPhone 12 has a modern, flat-edged design compared to the SE3’s older design. The iPhone 12’s design feels more premium.
Camera Capabilities
The iPhone 12’s dual-camera system, including a wide and ultrawide lens, provides greater versatility and improved image quality compared to the iPhone SE3’s single-lens camera. The iPhone 12 benefits from advanced computational photography features like Night mode on all cameras and Deep Fusion, resulting in better low-light performance and more detailed photos. The ultrawide lens on the 12 allows for capturing wider scenes. The iPhone SE3 camera is still good.
Battery Life and Charging
The iPhone 12 offers a slightly better battery life than the iPhone SE3, allowing for more usage throughout the day. Both phones support fast charging, but the iPhone 12 also offers MagSafe wireless charging, providing a convenient way to charge the device. The SE3 is generally more compact and has a smaller battery. Battery life is an important consideration for many users.
Storage Options and Price
Both phones come in different storage options. The iPhone 12 has more options. The price difference between the two is significant, with the iPhone SE3 being the more budget-friendly option. The price difference should be one of the most important aspects for most people. Prices vary depending on storage. Consider your storage needs.
5G Connectivity
The iPhone 12 supports 5G connectivity, enabling faster download and upload speeds where 5G networks are available. The iPhone SE3 also supports 5G, providing the same high-speed connectivity. Both phones benefit from 5G. 5G is not available everywhere. The iPhone 12 offers superior technology. Consider your location and carrier.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPhone SE3 If…
- You prefer a smaller phone that is easy to handle with one hand.
- You are on a budget and want a more affordable iPhone.
- You prioritize the classic iPhone design with Touch ID.
- You don’t need the most advanced camera features.
Buy iPhone 12 If…
- You want a larger, more immersive display.
- You want the advanced dual-camera system with Night mode and Ultra Wide lens.
- You value Face ID for secure unlocking and authentication.
- You want better water resistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone has the better performance?
The iPhone 12 generally offers superior performance due to its A14 Bionic chip, which is slightly more powerful than the A15 Bionic chip in the iPhone SE3. The A14 chip enables faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better performance in graphically intensive games and applications. The iPhone 12 also has more RAM.
Which phone has the better display?
The iPhone 12 boasts a larger 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with better color accuracy and contrast compared to the iPhone SE3’s smaller 4.7-inch Retina HD display. The iPhone 12’s display offers a more immersive viewing experience, making it better for watching videos and browsing the web. The display is a key factor.
Which phone has a better camera?
The iPhone 12’s dual-camera system, including a wide and ultrawide lens, provides greater versatility and better image quality, especially in low-light conditions, compared to the iPhone SE3’s single-lens camera. The iPhone 12 benefits from Night mode and other computational photography features. The iPhone 12 is the better choice.
Which phone has better battery life?
The iPhone 12 has slightly better battery life than the iPhone SE3, allowing for more usage throughout the day. However, battery life can vary based on usage patterns. Both phones support fast charging. Both phones should last a full day for most users.
Does the iPhone 12 support 5G?
Yes, the iPhone 12 supports 5G connectivity, enabling faster download and upload speeds where 5G networks are available. The iPhone SE3 also supports 5G. Both phones are compatible with 5G technology. 5G availability depends on location and carrier.
What are the storage options for each phone?
Both phones come in various storage options. The iPhone 12 has more storage options. The iPhone SE3 offers 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB storage configurations. The iPhone 12 offers 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB storage configurations. Choose storage based on your needs.
Which phone is more affordable?
The iPhone SE3 is the more budget-friendly option, offering a lower price point compared to the iPhone 12. The price difference can be significant, making the SE3 a better choice for those on a budget. Prices depend on storage. The SE3 is generally cheaper.
Final Verdict
The iPhone 12 offers a superior overall experience with its more powerful processor, better display, improved camera system, and advanced features like MagSafe. While the iPhone SE3 provides excellent value and performance for its price, the iPhone 12 is the better choice for those seeking the latest technology and a more premium experience. The iPhone 12 is a better value.
Winner: iPhone 12