Apple iPhone 12 vs Apple iPhone SE (2020)
The Verdict
iPhone 12 delivers a significantly more capable flagship experience compared to the budget-oriented iPhone SE (2020). Key differences include a larger 6.1-inch OLED display with 1200 nits brightness versus the SE's smaller 4.7-inch 625-nit LCD screen, the powerful A14 Bionic chip outpacing the A13, and superior camera capabilities with ultrawide lens and Dolby Vision video recording. Battery capacity nearly doubles at 2815 mAh, though both charge at similar speeds. iPhone SE compensates with excellent value at $399, stronger compact design appeal, and sufficient performance for everyday tasks. However, iPhone 12's 5G connectivity, modern display technology, and advanced imaging make it the better long-term investment for most users willing to spend the extra $400. SE suits budget-conscious buyers prioritizing affordability over features.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple iPhone 12 if…
- →First iPhone with 5G connectivity
- →Ceramic Shield front cover is four times more drop-resistant
- →Flat-edge design is comfortable and stylish
Buy the Apple iPhone SE (2020) if…
- →Incredibly affordable at $399 with flagship A13 chip
- →Compact and lightweight design
- →Touch ID home button
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple iPhone 12
Pros
- First iPhone with 5G connectivity
- Ceramic Shield front cover is four times more drop-resistant
- Flat-edge design is comfortable and stylish
- A14 Bionic delivers excellent performance and efficiency
- Dolby Vision HDR video recording is a first for any smartphone
Cons
- 60Hz display when competitors offered 90Hz or 120Hz
- Small 2815 mAh battery offers mediocre battery life
- 64 GB base storage is inadequate in 2020
- Lightning port instead of USB-C
- No telephoto lens — only dual camera
Apple iPhone SE (2020)
Pros
- Incredibly affordable at $399 with flagship A13 chip
- Compact and lightweight design
- Touch ID home button
- Wi-Fi 6 support
- Long software support from Apple
Cons
- Tiny 1821 mAh battery with poor endurance
- Dated design with thick bezels
- Single rear camera with no ultrawide
- 750p LCD display
- No 5G support
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPhone 12 | Apple iPhone SE (2020) |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 14 | iOS 13 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 164 g | 148 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame, Ceramic Shield front | Aluminum frame, glass back |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP67 |
| Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm | 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 12 MP, f/1.6, OIS | 12 MP, f/1.8, OIS |
| Front camera | 12 MP TrueDepth, f/2.2 | 7 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 4K@60fps, Dolby Vision HDR | 4K@60fps |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP, f/2.4 | — |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 4 GB | 3 GB |
| Storage options | 64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB | 64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 2815 mAh | 1821 mAh |
| Charging | 20W wired | 18W wired (adapter sold separately) |
| Wireless charging | 15W MagSafe | 7.5W Qi |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.1 inches | 4.7 inches |
| Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | Retina IPS LCD |
| Resolution | 2532 x 1170 | 1334 x 750 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1200 | 625 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Hexa-core (2x3.1 GHz + 4x1.8 GHz) | Hexa-core (2x2.65 GHz + 4x1.8 GHz) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core) | Apple GPU (4-core) |
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic | Apple A13 Bionic |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | Lightning | Lightning |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 |
Related Comparisons
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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