Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation) vs Google Pixel 8 Pro
Apple's iPhone SE 3rd Gen delivers exceptional value for budget-conscious users seeking iOS reliability, whereas Google's Pixel 8 Pro represents a premium flagship experience. Display quality differs dramatically: the SE's 4.7-inch 625-nit Retina LCD screens against the Pixel 8 Pro's stunning 6.7-inch 2400-nit LTPO OLED with 120Hz adaptive refresh. Performance-wise, both leverage cutting-edge processors—the A15 Bionic versus Tensor G3—but the Pixel excels with 12GB RAM versus 4GB. Camera capabilities showcase the most significant gap: SE offers respectable 12MP main and 4K video, while Pixel 8 Pro impresses with a sophisticated triple-camera system featuring 50MP main with OIS, 48MP ultrawide, and 48MP 5x telephoto zoom. Battery life favors the Pixel's 5050mAh with 30W charging versus SE's modest 2018mAh with 20W charging. At $429 versus $999, the iPhone SE suits budget buyers prioritizing iOS ecosystem, while Pixel 8 Pro justifies premium pricing through superior imaging, display technology, and processing power. Choose SE for affordability; choose Pixel 8 Pro for comprehensive flagship capabilities.
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation) | Google Pixel 8 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 15 | Android 14 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 144 g | 213 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| IP rating | IP67 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm | 162.6 x 76.5 x 8.8 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 12 MP | 50 MP, f/1.68, OIS |
| Front camera | 7 MP | 10.5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 4K@60fps |
| Telephoto | — | 48 MP, f/2.8, 5x optical zoom |
| Ultrawide | — | 48 MP, f/1.95, 125.5-degree |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 4 GB | 12 GB |
| Storage options | 64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 2018 mAh | 5050 mAh |
| Charging | 20W wired | 30W wired |
| Wireless charging | 7.5W Qi | 23W (Pixel Stand) |
| Display | ||
| Size | 4.7 inches | 6.7 inches |
| Type | Retina IPS LCD | LTPO OLED |
| Resolution | 1334 x 750 | 2992 x 1344 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 1-120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 625 | 2400 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Hexa-core | Nona-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X3 & 4x2.45 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.15 GHz Cortex-A510) |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core) | Immortalis-G715s MC10 |
| Chipset | Apple A15 Bionic | Google Tensor G3 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | Lightning | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 |
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation)
Pros
- Most affordable iPhone with 5G
- Powerful A15 Bionic chip
- Compact and lightweight design
- Touch ID home button
- Long iOS software support
Cons
- Dated design with thick bezels
- Single rear camera
- Small 4.7-inch LCD display
- Lightning port instead of USB-C
- Modest battery life
Google Pixel 8 Pro
Pros
- Outstanding camera system with 5x telephoto
- Seven years of OS and security updates
- Bright 2400-nit Super Actua display
- Built-in temperature sensor
- On-device AI features
Cons
- Tensor G3 prone to thermal throttling
- Slow 30W wired charging
- Heavy at 213 g
- Expensive at launch
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