Apple iPhone SE (4th generation) vs Google Pixel 8 Pro
The Verdict
iPhone SE 4 delivers exceptional value at $499 with a modern 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, capable A18 processor, and solid 48MP main camera. iOS 18 provides seamless performance for everyday tasks, though the 60Hz refresh rate and modest 3279mAh battery feel dated. Pixel 8 Pro commands double the price but justifies it with a larger 6.7-inch LTPO OLED screen (120Hz, 2400 nits), significantly superior triple camera system featuring 5x optical zoom and advanced computational photography, plus a robust 5050mAh battery. Tensor G3 excels at AI features and real-time translation. For budget-conscious users seeking reliable performance, SE 4 is excellent; professionals and photography enthusiasts benefit from Pixel 8 Pro's superior optics and processing power. Pixel 8 Pro's 30W charging and premium build justify the premium.
Who Should Buy
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
Buy the Google Pixel 8 Pro if…
- →Outstanding camera system with 5x telephoto
- →Seven years of OS and security updates
- →Bright 2400-nit Super Actua display
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
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
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
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPhone SE (4th generation) | Google Pixel 8 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 18 | Android 14 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 167 g | 213 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 138.7 x 67.3 x 7.9 mm | 162.6 x 76.5 x 8.8 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 48 MP | 50 MP, f/1.68, OIS |
| Front camera | 12 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 | 8 GB | 12 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | ~3279 mAh | 5050 mAh |
| Charging | 20W wired | 30W wired |
| Wireless charging | 7.5W Qi | 23W (Pixel Stand) |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.1 inches | 6.7 inches |
| Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | LTPO OLED |
| Resolution | 2532 x 1170 | 2992 x 1344 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 1-120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1200 | 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 (5-core) | Immortalis-G715s MC10 |
| Chipset | Apple A18 | Google Tensor G3 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 2.0 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
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.
Explore more in phones, see all Apple products or all Google products. View full details for the Apple iPhone SE (4th generation) or the Google Pixel 8 Pro.