Deciding between the iPhone 12 and the iPhone SE involves weighing different priorities. The iPhone 12 offers a more modern design with a larger OLED display and a dual-camera system, while the iPhone SE provides a more budget-friendly option with a compact design and the power of a newer chip. Let's explore their key differences to help you make the right choice.
Here's a comparison of the essential specifications of both iPhone models:
Feature |
iPhone 12 |
iPhone SE (3rd Gen) |
Display |
6.1-inch Super Retina XDR (OLED) |
4.7-inch Retina IPS LCD |
Processor |
A14 Bionic |
A15 Bionic |
Rear Cameras |
Dual 12MP (Wide, Ultra Wide) |
Single 12MP (Wide) |
Front Camera |
12MP TrueDepth |
7MP FaceTime HD |
Storage Options |
64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
Battery Life |
Up to 17 hours video playback |
Up to 15 hours video playback |
Water Resistance |
IP68 |
IP67 |
5G Support |
Yes |
Yes |
Operating System |
iOS 14 (at launch) |
iOS 15 (at launch) |
The iPhone 12 features a more contemporary design with flat edges and a larger screen that extends closer to the edges. In contrast, the iPhone SE retains the classic iPhone look with a physical Home button and thicker bezels.
Feature |
iPhone 12 |
iPhone SE (3rd Gen) |
Materials |
Aluminum frame, Ceramic Shield front, glass back |
Aluminum frame, glass back |
Front Design |
Super Retina XDR display, notch |
Retina display with Home button |
Size |
146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm |
138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm |
Weight |
164 grams |
144 grams |
Color Options |
Black, White, Red, Green, Blue, Purple |
Midnight, Starlight, (PRODUCT)RED |
The iPhone 12 offers more versatility in photography with its dual-camera system, including an Ultra Wide lens. The iPhone SE has a single, but still capable, main camera.
Feature |
iPhone 12 |
iPhone SE (3rd Gen) |
Main Camera |
12MP Wide (ƒ/1.6) |
12MP Wide (ƒ/1.8) |
Ultra Wide |
12MP Ultra Wide (ƒ/2.4) |
Not Available |
Telephoto |
Not Available |
Not Available |
Front Camera |
12MP TrueDepth (ƒ/2.2) |
7MP FaceTime HD (ƒ/2.2) |
Night Mode |
Yes (Wide and Ultra Wide) |
Main Camera Only |
Deep Fusion |
Yes (All Cameras) |
Yes |
Cinematic Mode |
No |
Not Available |
While both phones offer excellent performance, the iPhone SE benefits from a newer and slightly more powerful A15 Bionic chip. Battery life is similar, though the larger size of the iPhone 12 allows for a slightly larger battery.
Feature |
iPhone 12 |
iPhone SE (3rd Gen) |
Chip |
A14 Bionic |
A15 Bionic |
CPU |
6-core |
6-core |
GPU |
4-core |
4-core |
RAM |
4GB |
4GB |
Battery Life |
Good |
Good |
Both iPhones run on the same iOS software, ensuring access to the latest features and updates. However, some hardware-dependent features are exclusive to the iPhone 12 due to its different camera system and front-facing technology.
Feature |
iPhone 12 |
iPhone SE (3rd Gen) |
Operating System |
Latest iOS Updates |
Latest iOS Updates |
Face ID |
Yes |
No (Touch ID) |
Night Mode on all Cameras |
Yes (Wide and Ultra Wide) |
Main Camera Only |
Photographic Styles |
Yes |
Yes |
Spatial Audio |
Yes |
Yes |
The iPhone 12 is generally priced higher than the iPhone SE. The exact price difference depends on the storage configuration and retailer. The iPhone SE offers a more budget-friendly entry point into the Apple ecosystem.
Choose the iPhone 12 if: You value a larger and more vibrant OLED display, a dual-camera system with an Ultra Wide lens for more versatile photography, and a more modern design with Face ID.
Choose the iPhone SE if: You prefer a more compact and lightweight phone with a familiar design and a physical Home button. You want excellent performance for everyday tasks and gaming at a more affordable price. While the camera is capable, it lacks the versatility of the iPhone 12.
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The major differences between the iPhone 12 and iPhone SE lie in their display technology and size, camera systems (dual vs. single lens), design (modern with Face ID vs. classic with Touch ID), and starting price. The iPhone 12 offers a larger OLED display and more camera versatility.
It is subjective and depends on individual needs. The iPhone 12 offers more features like a better display and an additional camera lens, which justifies its higher price for users who value these enhancements. However, the iPhone SE provides excellent performance for its price, making it a better value for budget-conscious buyers.
While both offer comparable battery life for typical usage, the iPhone 12 tends to have a slightly longer battery life due to its larger size accommodating a bigger battery. However, the difference might not be significant for all users.
The iPhone 12 has a significantly better display. Its Super Retina XDR OLED display offers superior contrast, color accuracy, and brightness compared to the iPhone SE's Retina IPS LCD display. The larger size also provides a more immersive viewing experience.
Yes, the iPhone 12 has several features not found in the iPhone SE, including a dual-camera system with an Ultra Wide lens, Night mode on both Wide and Ultra Wide cameras, Face ID, and a larger OLED display.
Upgrading from the iPhone SE to the iPhone 12 can be worthwhile if you desire a larger and better quality display, more versatile cameras, and the convenience of Face ID. However, if you prioritize a compact size and are satisfied with the performance and single-camera system of the iPhone SE, the upgrade might not be necessary.