iPhone SE & iPhone 8 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the iPhone SE rather than the iPhone 8.
Why Do I Recommend The iPhone SE?
- The iPhone SE has the A13 Bionic chip for significantly faster performance in gaming, multitasking, and future-proofing, while the iPhone 8 uses the older A11 Bionic chip.
- iPhone SE features a 3rd-generation Neural Engine for advanced machine learning tasks like real-time photo optimization, whereas the iPhone 8 uses a 1st-generation Neural Engine with limited capabilities.
- It comes with 3 GB of RAM for smoother app switching and better handling of demanding applications, while the iPhone 8 has only 2 GB of RAM.
- The iPhone SE supports Smart HDR photography for enhanced detail and dynamic range in photos, whereas the iPhone 8 includes only standard HDR.
- iPhone SE has Portrait Mode and Portrait Lighting with depth control to create professional-style blurred backgrounds, while the iPhone 8 does not support Portrait photography features.
- It supports Gigabit-class LTE and Wi-Fi 6 for faster and more reliable internet connections, whereas the iPhone 8 uses standard LTE and Wi-Fi 5.
- The iPhone SE includes Dual SIM functionality with Nano-SIM and eSIM for managing two numbers on one device, while the iPhone 8 supports only a single Nano-SIM.
- iPhone SE ensures longer iOS update support for years of new features and security improvements, whereas the iPhone 8 has a shorter remaining software lifespan due to its older hardware.
Maybe the iPhone 8 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the iPhone SE. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.
Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | iPhone SE | iPhone 8 |
| Processor | A13 Bionic chip | A11 Bionic chip |
| Neural Engine | 3rd-gen Neural Engine | 1st-gen Neural Engine |
| RAM | 3 GB | 2 GB |
| Main Camera Processing | Smart HDR with advanced ISP | Standard HDR |
| Portrait Mode (Rear) | Supported with depth control | Not supported |
| Portrait Lighting (Rear) | Supported | Not supported |
| Connectivity | Gigabit-class LTE | Standard LTE |
| Wi-Fi Standard | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 |
| SIM Support | Dual SIM | Single Nano-SIM |
| Battery Efficiency | More efficient with A13 | Less efficient with A11 |
| Software Support | Longer iOS update lifespan | Shorter iOS update lifespan |
| Weight Composition | 148 g with updated internals | 148 g with older internals |
| Color Options | Black, White, Product Red | Silver, Space Gray, Gold, Product Red |
| Price | Check iPhone SE Price | Check iPhone 8 Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- Display Size: Both phones feature a 4.7-inch Retina HD display, giving users a compact yet sharp viewing experience suitable for one-handed use.
- Display Resolution: Each model includes a 1334 × 750 pixel resolution at 326 ppi, ensuring clear text and detailed visuals for everyday tasks.
- Brightness: Both devices reach 625 nits of maximum brightness, allowing users to comfortably view the screen even under bright outdoor light.
- Contrast Ratio: Each phone supports a 1400:1 contrast ratio, providing deep blacks and vibrant colors for photos and videos.
- True Tone: Both include True Tone technology, automatically adjusting the white balance to match ambient lighting for natural color reproduction.
- Wide Color (P3): Each model supports the P3 wide color gamut, delivering richer and more accurate hues in photos and media.
- Touch ID: Both devices feature 2nd-generation Touch ID in the Home Button, giving users fast and secure fingerprint authentication.
- Build Materials: Each model is built with a glass front and back combined with an aluminum frame, offering a premium and durable design.
- Water Resistance: Both have an IP67 water and dust resistance rating, protecting the phones against accidental splashes or short submersion.
- Rear Camera: Each device comes with a 12 MP wide-angle rear camera at f/1.8, capturing high-quality photos with consistent sharpness.
- Optical Image Stabilization: Both cameras include OIS, allowing users to reduce blur and achieve steadier shots in photos and video.
- Video Recording: Each supports 4K video recording at up to 60fps, enabling users to shoot smooth, high-resolution footage.
- Front Camera: Both feature a 7 MP front camera with an f/2.2 aperture, ensuring clear selfies and reliable video calls.
- Stereo Speakers: Each model has stereo speakers, providing users with louder, more immersive audio playback for music and movies.
- Charging Options: Both support Qi wireless charging and 18W fast charging, giving users flexible ways to recharge their device quickly.
- Lightning Connector: Each phone uses the Lightning port for charging and data transfer, maintaining compatibility with existing Apple accessories.
- Operating System: Both run iOS and support regular software updates, ensuring access to Apple’s ecosystem of apps, features, and security improvements.
Common Features
| Feature | iPhone SE | iPhone 8 |
| Display Size | 4.7-inch Retina HD | 4.7-inch Retina HD |
| Display Type | LCD IPS with True Tone | LCD IPS with True Tone |
| Display Resolution | 1334 × 750 pixels | 1334 × 750 pixels |
| Brightness | 625 nits max brightness | 625 nits max brightness |
| Contrast Ratio | 1400:1 contrast ratio | 1400:1 contrast ratio |
| Wide Color (P3) | Supported | Supported |
| Haptic Touch / 3D Touch Replacement | Haptic Touch | Haptic Touch |
| Home Button | Physical with Touch ID | Physical with Touch ID |
| Fingerprint Sensor | 2nd-gen Touch ID | 2nd-gen Touch ID |
| Build Material | Glass front & back with aluminum frame | Glass front & back with aluminum frame |
| Water & Dust Resistance | IP67 | IP67 |
| Rear Camera Lens | 12 MP single wide camera, f/1.8 | 12 MP single wide camera, f/1.8 |
| Optical Image Stabilization | Present | Present |
| Video Recording | 4K up to 60fps | 4K up to 60fps |
| Front Camera | 7 MP, f/2.2 | 7 MP, f/2.2 |
| Stereo Speakers | Yes | Yes |
| Lightning Connector | Used for charging/data | Used for charging/data |
| Wireless Charging | Qi wireless charging supported | Qi wireless charging supported |
| Fast Charging | 18W with adapter | 18W with adapter |
| Operating System at Launch | iOS 13 | iOS 11 |
| Price | Check iPhone SE Price | Check iPhone 8 Price |
FAQ
Is the iPhone SE faster than the iPhone 8? Do the iPhone SE and iPhone 8 have the same display? Which phone has better camera features, the iPhone SE or iPhone 8? Does the iPhone SE support longer iOS updates than the iPhone 8? Do both phones have Touch ID? Is there a difference in front camera performance? Do the iPhone SE and iPhone 8 support wireless charging? Which phone has better connectivity options? Do the iPhone SE and iPhone 8 have the same water resistance? Is there a difference in battery life between the iPhone SE and iPhone 8? Do both phones support fast charging? Are the physical dimensions of the iPhone SE and iPhone 8 the same? Do the iPhone SE and iPhone 8 both have stereo speakers? Is there a difference in color options between the two phones? |
