Apple iPhone 11 vs Apple iPhone SE (4th generation)
The Verdict
iPhone SE (4th gen) delivers superior value at $200 less, featuring a more modern A18 chip, brighter 1200-nit OLED display versus iPhone 11's 625-nit LCD, faster charging (20W vs 18W), 5G connectivity, and USB-C. Camera specs favor SE with 48MP main sensor, though iPhone 11's dual-camera system provides wider flexibility. Both offer IP68 water resistance and identical 4K video at 60fps. iPhone 11 benefits from matured software ecosystem and proven reliability after years in market. However, SE's 8GB RAM, iOS 18 support, Wi-Fi 7, and significantly superior display technology make it the smarter purchase for most users. Opt for iPhone 11 only if you absolutely need the dual-camera ultrawide or prefer iOS 13's familiarity.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple iPhone 11 if…
- →Excellent value with A13 Bionic chip
- →Night mode on main camera
- →Dual camera system with ultrawide
Buy the Apple iPhone SE (4th generation) if…
- →First SE with an OLED display, a generational leap over prior LCD
- →A18 chip enables Apple Intelligence at the entry price point
- →Face ID replaces Touch ID with modern full-screen front design
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple iPhone 11
Pros
- Excellent value with A13 Bionic chip
- Night mode on main camera
- Dual camera system with ultrawide
- Great battery life for the price
- Wide range of color options
Cons
- LCD display instead of OLED
- 720p-class resolution on 6.1-inch screen
- No telephoto camera
- 5W charger in the box (no fast charger)
- No 5G connectivity
Apple iPhone SE (4th generation)
Pros
- First SE with an OLED display, a generational leap over prior LCD
- A18 chip enables Apple Intelligence at the entry price point
- Face ID replaces Touch ID with modern full-screen front design
- USB-C replaces Lightning for universal compatibility
- Most affordable iPhone with A18 performance
Cons
- No telephoto or ultrawide camera — single rear lens only
- Capped at 60Hz with no ProMotion
- No Dynamic Island; uses standard notch
- No MagSafe support, only standard Qi wireless
- Modest battery life compared to standard iPhone 16
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPhone 11 | Apple iPhone SE (4th generation) |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 13 | iOS 18 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 194 g | 167 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame, glass back | Aluminum frame |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 150.9 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm | 138.7 x 67.3 x 7.9 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 12 MP, f/1.8, OIS | 48 MP |
| Front camera | 12 MP TrueDepth, f/2.2 | 12 MP |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 4K@60fps |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP, f/2.4 | — |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage options | 64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 3110 mAh | ~3279 mAh |
| Charging | 18W wired (adapter sold separately) | 20W wired |
| Wireless charging | 7.5W Qi | 7.5W Qi |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.1 inches | 6.1 inches |
| Type | Liquid Retina IPS LCD | Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Resolution | 1792 x 828 | 2532 x 1170 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 625 | 1200 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Hexa-core (2x2.65 GHz + 4x1.8 GHz) | Hexa-core |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core) | Apple GPU (5-core) |
| Chipset | Apple A13 Bionic | Apple A18 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | Lightning | USB-C 2.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 |
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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