Comparison Guide to help you decide

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• The iPhone SE (2022), iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 represent the most affordable iPhones. 
• The iPhone SE is the most affordable iPhone. It uses the same processor that the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 and has the same price.
• The iPhone 12 is, however, the better overall phone due to its design, screen, battery life and cameras.

You have options if premium flagship phones are what you prefer. The 2020 iPhone 12 and 2022 iPhone SE are the two options available to iPhone-shoppers who are budget conscious.

Start at $429 The most recent iPhone SEThe iPhone SE is currently the cheapest phone in Apple’s current range. While the iPhone SE is considered a mid-range smartphone, it delivers a high level of performance. The iPhone SE uses the same A15 Bionic processor that the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 and packs all the power in a small design. Its older design, which is the only new iPhone to use Touch ID, small screen size and limited battery life are its major drawbacks.

The next budget option for you is the 2020 iPhone 12Starting at $599 Although it costs $170 more than the iPhone SE (starting at $599), it offers better cameras and a more modern design. The larger screen is ideal for streaming and multitasking, and it also offers more storage. 

The iPhone 12’s drawback is its older A14 Bionic CPU. However, the iPhone 12 is the model we recommend as it has better features and an easier user experience. If you are concerned about price or just want a smaller device, then the iPhone SE is for you.

We have a comparison between the 2020 iPhone 12 and the 2022 iPhone SE for anyone who is unsure about which iPhone to purchase.

iPhone SE (2022), vs. iPhone 12 – Specs at A Glance

iPhone SE vs. iPhone 12 – Screen size and quality

By today’s standards, the iPhone SE’s 4.7 inch screen is small. Because people choose smaller screens, they may prefer smaller phones. This is a decision that you will have to make. 

The iPhone 12 is a 6.1 inch screen. But it’s also more expensive. It uses OLED technology to produce deeper colors and contrasts that make apps and content stand out, as opposed to the iPhone SE, which has an LCD display.

OLED screens have a higher resolution (2,532x 1,170) than iPhone SE’s (1.3334x 750), making them look sharper. It looks sharper, though, because the iPhone SE’s display is smaller.

iPhone SE vs. iPhone 12 Design

The iPhone SE is a classic iPhone design, tracing back to the iPhone 6 in 2014. It has large spaces above and beneath the screen. Because it takes up space, the iPhone SE’s screen dimensions are even smaller. 

The iPhone 12 and other current iPhones have thinner screen borders, which makes the device appear sleeker and larger while still keeping the size of the phone small. The phone is comfortable to use and has a perfect screen size.

The iPhone 12’s design features the notch that houses Apple’s Face ID Sensor for unlocking the phone. The iPhone SE features the reliable Touch ID fingerprint scanner on the bottom. This doubles as a Home button. 

Many prefer Touch ID over Face ID. However, you can decide if it’s worth sticking with an older iPhone design and smaller screen for Touch ID.

iPhone SE vs. iPhone 12 Battery life and Charging

One of the biggest complaints about the iPhone SE was its short battery life. Apple did improve it for the model 2022, but it still isn’t as long-lasting as the iPhone 12.

Both the iPhone SE and iPhone 12 support wireless charging at 7.5 Watts. However, the iPhone 12 can also be used with optional MagSafe wireless chargers. MagSafe magnetically attaches the charger on the iPhone 12’s rear, and it charges at 15 watts faster.

The iPhone 12 supports MagSafe accessories such as charging hubs and wallets, popSockets and more.

The iPhone SE and iPhone 12 both support Apple’s fast charging technology with a 20-watt charger or higher. The iPhones can charge in as little as 30 minutes, charging at a rate of 0% to 50%.

iPhone SE vs. iPhone 12: Cameras

The iPhone SE supports Apple Smart HDR 4. This captures better color, contrast and lighting than the iPhone 12’s Smart HDR3. 

The iPhone SE and iPhone 12 both take similar quality photos to their 12-megapixel cameras. However, the iPhone 12 has extra versatility thanks to its 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera. It can be used for close-up photography, as well as for large-scale landscape shots.

The front camera of the iPhone 12 is 12-megapixels, which takes better selfies than the iPhone SE’s 7.-megapixel camera.

iPhone SE vs. iPhone 12 – Performance and Support

The iPhone SE runs Apple’s latest A15 Bionic processor and the iPhone 12 on the A14 Bionic. The iPhone SE has the same processor that the iPhone 14 which means it is fast and powerful.

The A14 Bionic is still an impressive chip in the iPhone 12, and it’s only one-generation older than the iPhone SE or iPhone 14’s processors.

The iPhone SE, the third-generation iPhone SE, was released in 2022 as a newer model than the 2020 iPhone 12, so it may get two more years of support for iOS upgrades. These updates include security patches and important security fixes. 

Apple is the phone maker with the best support. With iOS 16, Apple is continuing to support 2017’s iPhone 8 — a five-year-old iPhone. 

The iPhone SE may have a longer warranty if you intend to keep your iPhone for more than five years. If you decide to upgrade before five year, the iPhone 12 will be a better option.

iPhone SE vs iPhone 12 – Which one should you choose?

The iPhone 12 is our preferred option, even though it has an older processor. It offers a better user experience due to its design, screen size and battery life. 

The iPhone SE-2022 is for people who aren’t worried about MagSafe charging or Face ID. The best choice for people who need a smaller phone.