iPhone SE (2020) vs iPhone 12

The iPhone SE (2020) and the iPhone 12 differ greatly in price, but that's not the only difference between these two phones. They are two of Apple's best-selling models, each for their own reasons. 

If you’re not sure which iPhone is best for you, here's some information to help you decide.

Design and display

The design differences between these two iPhones are readily apparent. The iPhone 12 has no home button, giving it a higher screen size ratio than the iPhone SE. Instead of TouchID, which unlocks your iPhone using a fingerprint on the home button, the iPhone 12 uses FaceID, Apple’s facial recognition technology.

The iPhone SE 2020 display is an IPS LCD panel, compared to the iPhone 12’s OLED display panel. While this difference may seem to tip the scales in favor of the iPhone 12 on paper, that’s not always the case in real-life usage. It's impossible to see the difference with the naked eye.

Screen size, however, is a differentiating factor. The iPhone 12 has a 6.1-inch display, significantly larger than the 2020 iPhone SE’s 4.7-inch screen size. If you make a lot of video calls or watch a lot of content on your phone, you’ll probably prefer the bigger screen size of the iPhone 12.

Connectivity and performance

Another big difference between these two models is that the iPhone 12 is compatible with 5G, while the 2020 iPhone SE is not. This may become even more relevant over time, as carriers expand their 5G networks to more locations.

In terms of performance, the iPhone 12 wins again. It has a newer processor and a heftier 4GB of RAM compared to 3GB for the iPhone SE 2020.

Camera

When it comes to photography, these iPhone cameras are quite different. The iPhone 12 sports a dual 12MP camera system with Ultra Wide and Wide cameras, while the iPhone SE 2020 has a 12MP Wide camera. Night Mode on the iPhone 12 also lets you capture better photos in low light conditions.

Which is better: iPhone 12 or iPhone SE 2020?

The iPhone 12 is more expensive than the second-generation iPhone SE, but if you play a lot of video games or take a lot of photos with your smartphone, it may be a better fit for your needs. For more traditional users—or if you miss the home button—the iPhone SE 2020 handles daily use easily and provides better value for money.