iPhone SE 2020 vs. iPhone 12 Buyer's Guide: Two of Apple's Cheapest iPhones Comparison

Today we bring an exciting comparison between Apple’s third Generation phones, iPhone SE and the iPhone 12. Both iPhones are regarded as the cheapest and were also released in 2020. 

Apple has reduced the prices for this iPhone since then to make it accessible for various people. Which of these smartphones is better, and which one should you buy? Let’s find out in this iPhone SE Vs. iPhone 12 Buyer's Guide: Apple's Cheapest Brand New iPhones Comparison.

iPhone SE 2nd Gen Vs. iPhone 12: Specs and Features

The iPhone SE and the iPhone 12 have unmatched features compared to ordinary smartphones. However, let’s further find out the specs for these two:

iPhone 12 Specs:

Display: 6.1 inches Super Retina XDR OLED

Resolution: 1170 x 2532 pixels

OS: iOS 14.1, upgradable to iOS 16.4.1

Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm)

CPU: Hexa-core (2x3.1 GHz Firestorm + 4x1.8 GHz Ice storm)

GPU: Apple GPU (4-core graphics)

Memory: 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM

Main Camera: 12 MP, f/1.6, 26mm (wide), 12 MP, f/2.4, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide)

Selfie Camera: 12 MP, f/2.2, 23mm (wide)

Battery: Li-Ion 2815 mAh

iPhone SE 2020 Specs:

Display: 4.7 inches Retina IPS LCD

Resolution: 750 x 1334 pixels

OS: iOS 13, upgradable to iOS 16.4.1

Chipset: Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+)

CPU: Hexa-core (2x2.65 GHz Lightning + 4x1.8 GHz Thunder)

GPU: Apple GPU (4-core graphics)

Memory: 64GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 256GB 3GB RAM

Main Camera: 12 MP, f/1.8 (wide)

Selfie Camera: 7 MP

Battery: Li-Ion 1821 mAh

iPhone SE 2020 Versus iPhone 12: Design and Display

The iPhone SE 2020 has a smaller display of only 4.7 inches, mainly because it follows a similar design to the iPhone 8. There are larger spaces above and below, making the display smaller than the overall dimensions of the phone. Moreover, the iPhone SE uses the old Touch ID fingerprint sensor button on the bottom, adding a home button. 

The iPhone 12, on the other hand, has narrower screen borders, giving the phone a sleek look and a big 6.1-inch display. It also has a notch that allows Apple’s Face ID sensor to unlock your phone. Both these smartphones are compact and easy to hold.

iPhone 12 versus SE 2nd Gen: Cameras

If we look at the specs for the iPhone SE 2020 and the iPhone 12, we can see that the iPhone 12 offers far better cameras for your phone. The primary camera of the iPhone 12 has a dual 12MP wide and 12MP ultra-wide lens. Moreover, with the selfie camera featuring a single 12MP wide lens, the iPhone 12 can take clear and distinct images. Moreover, the primary camera has features such as Dual-LED dual-tone flash and HDR (photo/panorama), which makes it one of the best camera phones.

On the other hand, the iPhone SE has a single 12MP wide lens on the primary camera with features such as Quad-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, and panorama. The selfie camera has a 7MP single lens as well.

iPhone SE 2nd Gen and iPhone 12: Performance

The Phone SE’s main selling point is its flagship power due to the A13 Bionic chip. This processor can outperform any standard Android device, and the iPhone 12 won against this with the A14 Bionic chipset.

The iPhone SE might be a considerable choice since it also performs well. However, if you require extra performance, get a cheap iPhone 12 instead.

Apple iPhone SE 2020 Vs. iPhone 12: Processor

We’ve just mentioned that the iPhone 12 performs better due to its fast A14 Bionic processor. While the iPhone SE 2020 might be an excellent option for many since the A13 Bionic processor isn’t bad, it’s a generation older than the iPhone 12. We’d suggest deciding according to your preference.

iPhone SE 2nd Gen Vs. iPhone 12: Battery Life & Charging

There isn’t much to the battery for the iPhone SE 2020. It seems to have disappointed us in that area since its 1821 mAh battery size can only hold up to 9 hours and 18 minutes. The iPhone 12 isn’t that much of a deal, either. It also scored low on the battery test.

iPhone 12 has some advantages over the iPhone SE in terms of charging. As iPhone 12 contains magnets making it MagSafe compatible. And also has the upper hand in fast charging and is one of the best fast-charging phones on the market.

iPhone 12 Vs. iPhone SE 2020: Software

The iPhone 12 models support FaceID to confirm payments and unlock your phones. The iPhone SE will also be able to match the software capabilities of the latest Apple iPhones due to Apple’s policy on iOS support. The software can be upgradable up to iOS 16, which enables the use of enhanced features.

iPhone SE 2nd Gen Vs. iPhone 12: Size & Dimension

The iPhone SE has 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm (5.78 x 2.81 x 0.29 in), whereas the iPhone 12 has dimensions 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm (5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 in).

iPhone SE 2nd Gen Vs. iPhone 12: Colours

The iPhone SE 2020 has the following colours:

• RED
• Starlight
• Midnight

The following are the iPhone 12 colours:

• Black
• Blue
• Red
• Green
• White

iPhone 12 Vs. iPhone SE 2020: Price

The iPhone 12, as well as the iPhone SE, are inexpensive smartphones that offer a flagship experience. The best way to get even more discounts and save money would be to get a refurbished iPhone from authentic tech retailers such as Phonebot.

You can get an iPhone SE 2020 from here at a starting price of only AUD 349, whereas an iPhone 12 price starts from A$649 on Phonbot. The cost differs for the variants of the phones.

IPhone 12 vs. iPhone SE 2nd Generation: Which Is the Right iPhone For You?

To sum it up, the iPhone SE and the iPhone 12 are great smartphones to buy. Moreover, the iPhone SE are more budget-friendly, affordable smartphone suitable for anyone. 

It all depends on your preference. If you want the best budget camera phone with fast performance, the second-hand iPhone 12 is the best option. However, the iPhone SE isn't a good option for people who want a compact, inexpensive small iPhone with excellent performance.

FAQ:

Is iPhone SE 2020 better than iPhone 12?

The iPhone 12 offers a bigger screen and an extra lens on the primary camera than the iPhone SE 2020, making it a better option.

Is iPhone 12 Smaller Than SE 2020?

No, the iPhone 12 offers a 6.1-inch big screen compared to the iPhone SE’s 4.7-inch small screen.

Does iPhone SE 2020 Support IOS 16

Yes, the iPhone SE can download and run iOS 16.