iPhone SE vs iPhone 12 Pro – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Why Do I Recommend The iPhone 12 Pro? 

• The iPhone 12 Pro features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display for sharper detail, higher contrast, and HDR viewing, whereas the iPhone SE uses a smaller 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD display.
• iPhone 12 Pro has a triple 12 MP rear camera system with Wide, Ultra Wide, and Telephoto lenses for versatile photography and zoom flexibility, while the iPhone SE comes with a single 12 MP Wide camera that limits framing options.
• It features a larger 2815 mAh battery that delivers up to 17 hours of video playback for longer daily usage, while the iPhone SE uses a smaller 2018 mAh battery that lasts up to 13 hours of video playback.
• The iPhone 12 Pro includes MagSafe support for magnetic wireless charging and easy accessory attachment, whereas the iPhone SE relies only on standard Qi wireless charging without magnetic alignment.
• iPhone 12 Pro supports Night Mode on all cameras for capturing clear and bright low-light photos, whereas the iPhone SE lacks Night Mode and produces darker, noisier images in low-light conditions.
• It includes a LiDAR scanner for faster autofocus in low light and advanced depth sensing in portrait shots, while the iPhone SE does not include a LiDAR sensor and relies only on software for depth effects.
• The iPhone 12 Pro comes with a 12 MP TrueDepth front camera that enables high-quality selfies and 4K video recording, while the iPhone SE uses a 7 MP front camera with lower resolution and only 1080p video capture.
• iPhone 12 Pro supports 5G connectivity for faster downloads, smoother streaming, and improved mobile performance, whereas the iPhone SE is limited to 4G LTE speeds.

Maybe the iPhone SE price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the iPhone 12 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.

What Common Both Can Do?

• Apple Ecosystem & OS: Both the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone SE belong to the Apple ecosystem, meaning they share access to iOS updates, App Store apps, iCloud, and services like Apple Music, Apple TV+, and Apple Arcade. This ensures longevity and smooth software integration no matter which one you pick.
• Security & Updates: Apple supports both devices with frequent iOS security patches and major version upgrades for years, so even the SE enjoys the same protection, privacy tools, and new features as the 12 Pro.
• Build Quality: Each phone is made with a glass front and back construction, giving them a premium feel and allowing wireless charging. While the frames differ (steel vs aluminum), the shared glass design maintains a consistent Apple look.
• Charging Support: Both models support Qi-based wireless charging and wired fast charging through Lightning, so accessories like cables, power adapters, and wireless pads work across them.
• Camera Software Features: Even though the hardware differs, both support Smart HDR for enhanced dynamic range, portrait mode with background blur effects, and 4K video recording for high-quality video capture.
• Audio Functions: Stereo audio recording and playback are present in both, making them reliable for video creators or casual users capturing sound-rich environments.
• Durability: Both devices are rated for water and dust resistance (though at different levels). Users benefit from added durability for daily use and accidental spills.
• Payment & Connectivity: Apple Pay with NFC works the same on both devices, and both rely on the Lightning connector for charging and wired accessories. Neither supports expandable storage, keeping Apple’s ecosystem closed but streamlined.
• Wireless Audio: Neither has a headphone jack, instead promoting AirPods or other Bluetooth headphones, reinforcing Apple’s wireless-first design philosophy.
• Siri & AI Features: Siri voice assistant is equally present, offering voice control, smart commands, and integration with smart home products on both devices.