iPhone SE vs iPhone 11 Pro – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

iPhone 11 Pro & iPhone SE 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 11 Pro rather than the iPhone SE.

Why Do I Recommend The iPhone 11 Pro

  • The iPhone 11 Pro features a 5.8-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display for sharper visuals, deeper blacks, and more immersive viewing, whereas the iPhone SE uses a smaller 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD display with lower resolution and brightness.
  • iPhone 11 Pro has a triple 12MP camera system with Wide, Ultra Wide, and Telephoto lenses for versatile photography and optical zoom, while the iPhone SE includes only a single 12MP Wide camera with no optical zoom.
  • It supports Night Mode to capture clear, detailed shots in low light, whereas the iPhone SE lacks Night Mode and struggles in darker environments.
  • The iPhone 11 Pro comes with a 12MP TrueDepth front camera capable of 4K video recording for sharper selfies and high-resolution video calls, while the iPhone SE has a 7MP front camera limited to 1080p video.
  • iPhone 11 Pro includes Face ID with advanced facial recognition for faster and more secure unlocking, whereas the iPhone SE uses Touch ID with a fingerprint sensor built into the Home button.
  • It has a larger 3046 mAh battery to deliver up to 18 hours of video playback, while the iPhone SE uses a smaller 1821 mAh battery that lasts up to 13 hours of video playback.
  • The iPhone 11 Pro comes in storage options up to 512GB to store more apps, media, and files, whereas the iPhone SE is limited to a maximum of 256GB storage capacity.
  • iPhone 11 Pro is built with a stainless steel frame and matte textured glass back for premium durability and a more refined finish, while the iPhone SE has an aluminum frame with a glossy glass back that feels less premium.

Maybe the iPhone SE price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the iPhone 11 Pro. 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 11 ProiPhone SE
Display Size5.8-inch Super Retina XDR OLED4.7-inch Retina HD LCD
Display Resolution2436 × 1125 pixels, 458 ppi1334 × 750 pixels, 326 ppi
Display BrightnessUp to 1200 nits HDRUp to 625 nits
HDR SupportHDR10, Dolby VisionNo HDR
Contrast Ratio2,000,000:11,400:1
Refresh TechnologyOLED with better motion responseStandard LCD
Chipset HandlingA13 Bionic with larger thermal headroomA13 Bionic with smaller thermal headroom
RAM4 GB3 GB
Rear CamerasTriple 12MPSingle 12MP Wide
Zoom Capability2x optical zoom in, 2x optical zoom out, 10x digitalDigital zoom up to 5x
Night ModeAvailable on all rear camerasNot available
Deep FusionSupportedLimited
Portrait ModeWorks with multiple lenses and advanced depth mappingWorks with single lens + software
Front Camera12MP TrueDepth with 4K video7MP with 1080p video
Face UnlockFace IDTouch ID
Body MaterialStainless steel frame, matte textured glassAluminum frame, glossy glass
Water ResistanceIP68IP67
Battery Capacity3046 mAh1821 mAh
Video PlaybackUp to 18 hoursUp to 13 hours
Fast Charging18W adapter included18W supported but sold separately
Wireless ChargingQi wireless chargingQi wireless charging
Storage Options64GB, 256GB, 512GB64GB, 128GB, 256GB
PriceCheck iPhone 11 Pro PriceCheck iPhone SE Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Processor Generation: Both iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone SE use the A13 Bionic chip, ensuring that despite design differences, both devices deliver flagship-level performance for apps and gaming.
  • Software: Each runs iOS with long-term support, giving users access to the same new features and updates over time.
  • Wireless Charging: Both devices support Qi wireless charging, allowing convenient charging without cables.
  • Fast Charging: Both support 18W fast charging, enabling a significant charge within 30 minutes when using the correct adapter.
  • 4G Connectivity: Both models are limited to 4G LTE Advanced, providing reliable cellular performance without 5G.
  • Wi-Fi: Each device includes Wi-Fi 6, improving wireless speed, capacity, and efficiency on modern networks.
  • Bluetooth: Both use Bluetooth 5.0, ensuring reliable connections with headphones, wearables, and accessories.
  • NFC: Both phones have NFC with reader mode, making Apple Pay available for contactless payments.
  • Audio Tech: Stereo speakers are present in both, delivering better sound separation and louder audio compared to single-speaker phones.
  • Video Playback: Despite display differences, both support HDR10 and Dolby Atmos for high-quality media playback.
  • Security: Both contain Apple’s Secure Enclave hardware for secure data handling like Face ID, Touch ID, and Apple Pay.
  • Charging Port: Both models still rely on the Lightning connector instead of USB-C.
  • Virtual Assistant: Siri is integrated into both devices, enabling hands-free “Hey Siri” commands.
  • App Ecosystem: Both have equal access to the App Store, supporting the same apps and services.
  • Updates & Services: Both support Apple’s ecosystem services like iCloud, Apple Music, and Apple Arcade.
  • Build Material: Both are made with glass fronts and backs, allowing wireless charging and a premium look.
  • SIM Support: Dual SIM support with nano-SIM and eSIM is included in both, allowing multiple numbers on one device.

Common Features

FeatureiPhone 11 ProiPhone SE
Processor GenerationA13 Bionic chipA13 Bionic chip
SoftwareiOS, upgradable to latest versionsiOS, upgradable to latest versions
Wireless ChargingQi wireless chargingQi wireless charging
Fast ChargingSupports 18W fast chargingSupports 18W fast charging
4G Connectivity4G LTE Advanced4G LTE Advanced
Wi-FiWi-Fi 6Wi-Fi 6
BluetoothBluetooth 5.0Bluetooth 5.0
NFCNFC with reader modeNFC with reader mode
Audio TechStereo speakersStereo speakers
Video PlaybackHDR10 and Dolby Atmos playbackHDR10 and Dolby Atmos playback
SecurityApple’s Secure Enclave protectionApple’s Secure Enclave protection
Charging PortLightning connectorLightning connector
Virtual AssistantSiri with voice activationSiri with voice activation
App EcosystemFull App Store accessFull App Store access
Updates & ServicesiCloud, Apple Pay, Apple Music, Apple Arcade supportiCloud, Apple Pay, Apple Music, Apple Arcade support
Build MaterialGlass front and backGlass front and back
SIM SupportDual SIMDual SIM
Price Check iPhone 11 Pro Price Check iPhone SE Price

FAQ

Is the iPhone 11 Pro faster than the iPhone SE?
Both the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone SE use the A13 Bionic chip, so performance in everyday apps is very similar. However, the iPhone 11 Pro has 4GB of RAM compared to the SE’s 3GB, giving it a slight advantage in multitasking and sustained performance.

Does the iPhone 11 Pro have a better display than the iPhone SE?
Yes, the iPhone 11 Pro has a 5.8-inch OLED Super Retina XDR display with higher resolution, HDR support, and deeper contrast, while the iPhone SE has a smaller 4.7-inch LCD Retina HD display with lower resolution and brightness.

Which phone has better cameras, the iPhone 11 Pro or iPhone SE?
The iPhone 11 Pro has a triple-camera system with Wide, Ultra Wide, and Telephoto lenses plus Night Mode and Deep Fusion, while the iPhone SE only has a single Wide camera without Night Mode, making the 11 Pro much more versatile for photography.

Does the iPhone SE take Portrait photos like the iPhone 11 Pro?
Yes, the iPhone SE can take Portrait Mode photos, but it uses software to simulate background blur, while the iPhone 11 Pro uses its multiple lenses for more accurate depth mapping and better results.

Which phone lasts longer on a single charge?
The iPhone 11 Pro has a larger 3046 mAh battery that delivers up to 18 hours of video playback, whereas the iPhone SE has a smaller 1821 mAh battery rated for about 13 hours of video playback.

Do both phones support wireless charging?
Yes, both the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone SE support Qi wireless charging, allowing them to charge on any standard wireless charging pad.

Is Face ID available on both phones?
No, the iPhone 11 Pro uses Face ID with the TrueDepth camera system, while the iPhone SE relies on Touch ID with the fingerprint sensor built into the Home button.

Are both phones water resistant?
Yes, but the iPhone 11 Pro has stronger IP68 protection, surviving up to 4 meters underwater for 30 minutes, whereas the iPhone SE is rated IP67, withstanding only up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.

Does the iPhone 11 Pro have a bigger screen than the iPhone SE?
Yes, the iPhone 11 Pro has a 5.8-inch nearly bezel-less screen, while the iPhone SE has a compact 4.7-inch display with thick bezels and a Home button.

Which phone is lighter, the iPhone 11 Pro or iPhone SE?
The iPhone SE is lighter at 148 grams, while the iPhone 11 Pro weighs 188 grams due to its larger body and premium stainless steel frame.

Do both support the latest iOS updates?
Yes, both devices run iOS and are eligible for the latest iOS versions, though the iPhone 11 Pro may continue to get updates slightly longer due to being a flagship.

Which phone is cheaper to buy?
The iPhone SE launched at $399, making it much more affordable, while the iPhone 11 Pro started at $999 as a premium flagship.

Do both phones support fast charging?
Yes, both support 18W fast charging, but the iPhone 11 Pro included the fast charger in the box, while the iPhone SE requires buying it separately.

Do both phones have dual SIM support?
Yes, both support dual SIM through a physical nano-SIM and an eSIM, allowing two numbers to be used on one device.

Which phone is better for photography and video recording?
The iPhone 11 Pro is better with its triple-lens setup, Night Mode, and higher-quality selfies from its 12MP front camera, while the iPhone SE has only one rear camera and a 7MP front camera, making it less advanced for professional photography or video work.

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