iPhone SE vs the iPhone 12 when it comes to design. Firstly, the iPhone SE retains the traditional look of the iPhone 8, while the iPhone 12 had a refreshed design two years ago. The iPhone 12 has a larger, bezel-less display.

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iPhone 12 vs iPhone SE : Which one to buy?

There are considerable differences between the iPhone SE vs the iPhone 12 when it comes to design. Firstly, the iPhone SE retains the traditional look of the iPhone 8, while the iPhone 12 had a refreshed design two years ago. The iPhone 12 has a larger, bezel-less display.

Key Features of iPhone 12 & iPhone SE

  • The iPhone 12 has a 6.1" OLED screen. This technology guarantees full blacks and more vivid colours.
  • The iPhone SE has a 4.7" LCD screen with wider bezels at the top and bottom. Colours are accurate, although blacks tend to be tinged with grey.
  • Both iPhones are water-resistant, although the iPhone 12’s waterproof capabilities are slightly better than the iPhone SE. The iPhone SE withstands water for 30 minutes at a depth of one metre, vs the iPhone 12, which withstands six metres for 30 minutes.

iPhone SE vs iPhone 12


Another difference between iPhone SE vs iPhone 12 is the way to unlock, pay with Apple Pay, access passcode-protected Apps.

  • The iPhone SE has Touch ID, a well-known method of unlocking. With your fingerprint!
  • The iPhone 12 has a Face ID. It is the safest way to unlock your phone, and yes, it also works with a mask.

iPhone 12 camera vs iPhone SE camera:

Taking photos with the iPhone is an absolute pleasure! If you're passionate about photography and video, you'll see how the iPhone 12 is your best option vs the iPhone SE.

  • The iPhone SE has a single camera with portrait mode. It is 12 megapixels, and the video recording is 4K.
  • The iPhone 12 has two primary cameras and an ultra-wide-angle camera. Both 12 megapixels and 4K video. With the ultra-wide-angle camera, a new world of photography will open up.
  • Night mode is unique to iPhone 12. With it, you can take pictures in the dark with impressive quality.
  • The iPhone 12 captures 60% more colour in video recording.

iPhone SE vs iPhone 12


iPhone 12’s A14 Chip vs iPhone SE’s A15 Chip

The processor is significant when considering a new iPhone. A newer chip guarantees faster performance and years of service life.

  • The iPhone SE has Apple's latest processor, the A15 Chip.
  • The iPhone 12 has the A14 Chip. One generation behind the A15.

Will you notice differences on a day-to-day basis?

Very few indeed, see for example this performance comparison. The iPhone SE vs iPhone 12 have a similar rating.

Summary of differences between the iPhone SE vs the iPhone 12

Features iPhone SE iPhone 12
Size 4.7" screen 6.1" screen
Screen brightness LCD OLED
Wide-angle rear camera 12 Mpx 12 Mpx
Ultra-wide-angle camera No Yes
Front camera 7 Mpx 12 Mpx
Night mode No Yes
Water resistance 1 metre 6 metre
Connectivity 5G 2G
Chip A15 Bionic A14 Bionic
Storage and price 64GB from AED 1849 64GB from AED 3,339
Battery life 10 hours of web browsing 11 hours of web browsing

Check out our iPhone comparator to check out some specific features between the iPhone 12 vs the iPhone SE.
If you still have any questions, please feel free to reach out to any of our iSTYLE outlets, and our experts will help you make the decision.