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

iPhone 12 & 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 12 rather than the iPhone SE.

Table Of Contents hide
1 Why Do I Recommend The iPhone 12?
2 Side By Side Comparison
3 What Common Both Can Do?
4 Common Features

Why Do I Recommend The iPhone 12? 

  • The iPhone 12 has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display for sharper visuals, richer contrast, and HDR video playback, whereas the iPhone SE has a smaller 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD display with lower resolution and no HDR support.
  • iPhone 12 features a dual-camera system with wide and ultra-wide lenses for more versatile photography and wider field of view, while the iPhone SE uses a single 12MP wide camera.
  • It includes Night Mode on both rear and front cameras for capturing brighter and clearer photos in low-light conditions, whereas the iPhone SE lacks Night Mode entirely and struggles in darker environments.
  • The iPhone 12 has a 12MP TrueDepth front camera that records in 4K for higher quality video calls and selfies, while the iPhone SE has a 7MP front camera limited to 1080p resolution.
  • iPhone 12 supports MagSafe charging and accessories for faster 15W wireless charging and convenient snap-on attachments, whereas the iPhone SE only supports standard Qi wireless charging at slower 7.5W speeds.
  • It has a larger 2815 mAh battery for up to 17 hours of video playback, whereas the iPhone SE has a smaller 2018 mAh battery that lasts up to 15 hours.
  • The iPhone 12 features Face ID facial recognition for quick, hands-free secure unlocking, while the iPhone SE uses only Touch ID fingerprint authentication.
  • It comes with IP68 water resistance that allows submersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes, while the iPhone SE has a lower IP67 rating that only protects up to 1 meter.

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

Check iPhone 12 Best Price

Check iPhone SE Best Price

Side By Side Comparison

FeatureiPhone 12iPhone SE
Display Size6.1-inch4.7-inch
Display TypeSuper Retina XDR OLEDRetina HD LCD
Resolution2532 × 1170 pixels1334 × 750 pixels
HDR SupportHDR10, Dolby VisionNo HDR
BezelsEdge-to-edge with notchThick bezels with home button
AuthenticationFace IDTouch ID
Front GlassCeramic ShieldIon-strengthened glass
Rear CamerasDual 12MPSingle 12MP
Night ModeSupported on all camerasNot supported
Front Camera12MP TrueDepth, 4K video7MP FaceTime HD, 1080p video
Portrait ModeRear & frontRear only
Optical Zoom2x optical outDigital zoom only
ProcessorA14 BionicA15 Bionic
5G SupportmmWave + Sub-6 GHzSub-6 GHz only
MagSafeSupportedNot supported
Wireless ChargingMagSafe 15W + Qi 7.5WQi 7.5W
Water ResistanceIP68IP67
Battery Capacity~2815 mAh~2018 mAh
Video PlaybackUp to 17 hoursUp to 15 hours
Weight162 g144 g
Dimensions146.7 × 71.5 × 7.4 mm138.4 × 67.3 × 7.3 mm
PriceCheck iPhone 12 PriceCheck iPhone SE Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Operating System: Both phones run iOS 17 and will continue receiving future Apple updates for a consistent user experience.
  • App Ecosystem: Both devices support the full App Store, giving access to millions of apps and games.
  • Processor Brand: Both use Apple’s Bionic chip architecture, ensuring fast and efficient performance.
  • Storage Options: Both offer 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB storage capacities for flexible space management.
  • RAM: Both include 4GB of RAM, enabling smooth multitasking and stable app performance.
  • Wireless Charging: Both support Qi wireless charging, allowing convenient cable-free power.
  • Fast Charging: Both work with 20W wired fast charging to quickly recharge the battery.
  • Lightning Port: Both rely on the Lightning connector for charging and data transfer.
  • 5G Connectivity: Both support 5G networks, enabling faster download and streaming speeds.
  • Bluetooth: Both feature Bluetooth 5.0, ensuring reliable connections with accessories and headphones.
  • Wi-Fi: Both support Wi-Fi 6, delivering faster and more stable wireless internet connections.
  • NFC: Both include NFC with Apple Pay, making secure contactless payments possible.
  • Audio: Both feature stereo speakers, producing balanced sound for calls, music, and videos.
  • Video Recording: Both can record 4K video at 24, 30, and 60 fps for professional-quality footage.
  • Slow Motion: Both support 1080p slow-motion video at 120 and 240 fps for capturing action shots.
  • Portrait Lighting: Both provide Portrait Lighting effects, allowing creative adjustments in portrait photography.
  • Software Features: Both come with Siri, iCloud, FaceTime, and iMessage, ensuring seamless integration in Apple’s ecosystem.

Check iPhone 12 Best Price

Check iPhone SE Best Price

Common Features

FeatureiPhone 12iPhone SE
Operating SystemRuns iOS 17 and future updatesRuns iOS 17 and future updates
App EcosystemFull App Store supportFull App Store support
Processor BrandApple-designed Bionic chipApple-designed Bionic chip
Storage Options64GB, 128GB, 256GB64GB, 128GB, 256GB
RAM4GB4GB
Wireless ChargingQi-compatible charging supportedQi-compatible charging supported
Fast Charging20W wired charging supported20W wired charging supported
Lightning PortUses Lightning connectorUses Lightning connector
5G ConnectivityBoth support 5G networksBoth support 5G networks
BluetoothBluetooth 5.0 supportedBluetooth 5.0 supported
Wi-FiWi-Fi 6 supportWi-Fi 6 support
NFCNFC with Apple PayNFC with Apple Pay
AudioStereo speaker systemStereo speaker system
Video Recording4K at 24/30/60 fps supported4K at 24/30/60 fps supported
Slow Motion1080p at 120/240 fps supported1080p at 120/240 fps supported
Portrait LightingPortrait Lighting effects availablePortrait Lighting effects available
Software FeaturesSiri, iCloud, FaceTime, iMessageSiri, iCloud, FaceTime, iMessage
Price Check iPhone 12 Price Check iPhone SE Price

FAQ

Which phone has the better display between iPhone 12 and iPhone SE?
The iPhone 12 has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with HDR10 and Dolby Vision support, making it much sharper and more vibrant, while the iPhone SE uses a smaller 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD with lower resolution and no HDR.

Does the iPhone 12 or iPhone SE have better performance?
The iPhone SE is actually powered by the newer A15 Bionic chip, the same as the iPhone 13 series, while the iPhone 12 uses the A14 Bionic, making the SE slightly faster in raw performance despite being a budget device.

Which one is better for photography?
The iPhone 12 has a dual-camera system with a wide and ultra-wide lens, Night Mode, and better low-light performance, whereas the iPhone SE only has a single wide camera without Night Mode, limiting its versatility.

Do both phones support 5G?
Yes, both phones support 5G connectivity, but the iPhone 12 has wider 5G band support including mmWave in certain regions, while the iPhone SE only supports sub-6 GHz.

Which phone has better durability?
The iPhone 12 features Ceramic Shield glass and IP68 water resistance up to 6 meters for 30 minutes, while the iPhone SE uses ion-strengthened glass with IP67 rating, which protects only up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.

Is MagSafe available on both models?
The iPhone 12 supports MagSafe technology, allowing users to attach magnetic accessories and use faster 15W wireless charging, while the iPhone SE does not include MagSafe and only supports standard Qi wireless charging at 7.5W.

Which device is more compact and lightweight?
The iPhone SE is smaller and lighter at 144 g with a 4.7-inch display, making it ideal for one-handed use, while the iPhone 12 weighs 162 g and has a much larger 6.1-inch display.

How does battery life compare between the two?
The iPhone 12 has a larger 2815 mAh battery that provides up to 17 hours of video playback, while the iPhone SE has a smaller 2018 mAh battery with up to 15 hours of video playback.

Which phone is better for selfies and video calls?
The iPhone 12 uses a 12MP TrueDepth front camera capable of 4K recording and Night Mode selfies, while the iPhone SE has a 7MP front camera limited to 1080p video and no Night Mode.

Do both phones support fast wired charging?
Yes, both iPhone 12 and iPhone SE support 20W wired fast charging, allowing them to reach around 50% charge in about 30 minutes with the proper adapter.

What biometric authentication methods do they use?
The iPhone 12 relies on Face ID facial recognition built into its notch system, while the iPhone SE uses Touch ID fingerprint authentication built into the home button.

Are the storage options the same?
Yes, both iPhone 12 and iPhone SE come with 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB storage options, although neither model includes expandable storage via microSD.

Do both phones support Apple’s ecosystem features?
Yes, both devices support iCloud, iMessage, FaceTime, Apple Pay, Siri, and all major iOS services, ensuring seamless integration into Apple’s ecosystem.

Which device is better for long-term software updates?
Both the iPhone 12 and iPhone SE are expected to receive several more years of iOS updates, but the SE may last slightly longer since it uses the newer A15 chip, which will extend its support window.

How do the prices compare between iPhone 12 and iPhone SE?
At launch, the iPhone 12 was positioned as a flagship device with a higher price tag, while the iPhone SE was marketed as a budget option, making it far more affordable for users who want Apple’s performance at a lower cost.

Leave a Comment