iPhone 8 vs iPhone SE – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

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

FeatureiPhone SEiPhone 8
ProcessorA13 Bionic chipA11 Bionic chip
Neural Engine3rd-gen Neural Engine1st-gen Neural Engine
RAM3 GB2 GB
Main Camera ProcessingSmart HDR with advanced ISPStandard HDR
Portrait Mode (Rear)Supported with depth controlNot supported
Portrait Lighting (Rear)SupportedNot supported
ConnectivityGigabit-class LTEStandard LTE
Wi-Fi StandardWi-Fi 6Wi-Fi 5
SIM SupportDual SIMSingle Nano-SIM
Battery EfficiencyMore efficient with A13Less efficient with A11
Software SupportLonger iOS update lifespanShorter iOS update lifespan
Weight Composition148 g with updated internals148 g with older internals
Color OptionsBlack, White, Product RedSilver, Space Gray, Gold, Product Red
PriceCheck iPhone SE PriceCheck 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

FeatureiPhone SEiPhone 8
Display Size4.7-inch Retina HD4.7-inch Retina HD
Display TypeLCD IPS with True ToneLCD IPS with True Tone
Display Resolution1334 × 750 pixels1334 × 750 pixels
Brightness625 nits max brightness625 nits max brightness
Contrast Ratio1400:1 contrast ratio1400:1 contrast ratio
Wide Color (P3)SupportedSupported
Haptic Touch / 3D Touch ReplacementHaptic TouchHaptic Touch
Home ButtonPhysical with Touch IDPhysical with Touch ID
Fingerprint Sensor2nd-gen Touch ID2nd-gen Touch ID
Build MaterialGlass front & back with aluminum frameGlass front & back with aluminum frame
Water & Dust ResistanceIP67IP67
Rear Camera Lens12 MP single wide camera, f/1.812 MP single wide camera, f/1.8
Optical Image StabilizationPresentPresent
Video Recording4K up to 60fps4K up to 60fps
Front Camera7 MP, f/2.27 MP, f/2.2
Stereo SpeakersYesYes
Lightning ConnectorUsed for charging/dataUsed for charging/data
Wireless ChargingQi wireless charging supportedQi wireless charging supported
Fast Charging18W with adapter18W with adapter
Operating System at LaunchiOS 13iOS 11
Price Check iPhone SE Price Check iPhone 8 Price

FAQ

Is the iPhone SE faster than the iPhone 8?
Yes, the iPhone SE is significantly faster than the iPhone 8 because it uses the A13 Bionic chip from the iPhone 11 series, while the iPhone 8 runs on the older A11 Bionic. This makes the SE more powerful for gaming, multitasking, and handling future iOS updates.

Do the iPhone SE and iPhone 8 have the same display?
Yes, both phones feature a 4.7-inch Retina HD display with the same resolution of 1334 × 750 pixels at 326 ppi. The brightness and contrast levels are also identical, so visually the screens look the same.

Which phone has better camera features, the iPhone SE or iPhone 8?
The iPhone SE has better camera features because it uses the A13 Bionic’s advanced image processing, allowing Smart HDR, Portrait Mode, and Portrait Lighting. The iPhone 8 lacks these modern software enhancements even though the hardware lens is the same.

Does the iPhone SE support longer iOS updates than the iPhone 8?
Yes, the iPhone SE will receive iOS updates for more years since it was released later with a newer chipset. The iPhone 8, being older, will stop receiving updates sooner.

Do both phones have Touch ID?
Yes, both the iPhone SE and iPhone 8 feature the second-generation Touch ID built into the Home Button, providing reliable fingerprint-based authentication.

Is there a difference in front camera performance?
Yes, while both phones have a 7 MP front camera, the iPhone SE supports Portrait Mode for selfies using software processing, whereas the iPhone 8 does not.

Do the iPhone SE and iPhone 8 support wireless charging?
Yes, both phones support Qi wireless charging, allowing users to charge on compatible pads without plugging in a cable.

Which phone has better connectivity options?
The iPhone SE has better connectivity, supporting Gigabit-class LTE, Wi-Fi 6, and Dual SIM with eSIM. The iPhone 8 only supports standard LTE, Wi-Fi 5, and single SIM.

Do the iPhone SE and iPhone 8 have the same water resistance?
Yes, both devices are rated IP67, meaning they can withstand submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes, along with dust protection.

Is there a difference in battery life between the iPhone SE and iPhone 8?
The battery life is very similar in raw capacity, but the iPhone SE is more efficient thanks to the A13 chip, which manages power better during everyday tasks.

Do both phones support fast charging?
Yes, both the iPhone SE and iPhone 8 support up to 18W fast charging, though the fast charger is sold separately.

Are the physical dimensions of the iPhone SE and iPhone 8 the same?
Yes, both phones share the same body design, weight, and size, which means most cases and accessories are interchangeable between them.

Do the iPhone SE and iPhone 8 both have stereo speakers?
Yes, both models include stereo speakers with sound coming from the bottom speaker and the earpiece, providing a louder and more immersive experience.

Is there a difference in color options between the two phones?
Yes, the iPhone SE comes in Black, White, and Product Red, while the iPhone 8 was originally available in Silver, Space Gray, Gold, and Product Red.

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