Choosing between iPhones can be tricky, especially when you’re looking for the best value. Two models often considered are the iPhone 12 and the iPhone SE (3rd generation). While both are Apple products and offer access to the iOS ecosystem, they cater to different needs and preferences. This article will provide a detailed comparison to help you decide which phone is the right fit for you when you compare apple phones.
Key Differences Between iPhone 12 and iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
To effectively compare apple phones, let’s break down the key features where the iPhone 12 and iPhone SE (3rd Gen) diverge significantly.
Design and Display
The iPhone 12 boasts a larger and more advanced display. It features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with higher resolution and brightness, offering a more immersive viewing experience. The iPhone 12 also uses an OLED screen, which provides richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast compared to the 4.7-inch Retina HD display of the iPhone SE (3rd Gen), which uses an LCD screen.
The iPhone 12 has a modern, all-screen design with slimmer bezels and Face ID for unlocking. In contrast, the iPhone SE (3rd Gen) retains the classic iPhone design with thicker bezels and a physical Home button with Touch ID. If screen size and a modern look are important to you, the iPhone 12 is the clear winner in this apple phone comparison.
Performance and Processor
Both phones are powered by Apple silicon, but they have different chips. The iPhone SE (3rd Gen) has a slight edge in terms of processing power, equipped with the A15 Bionic chip. This is the same chip found in the iPhone 13 series, making it incredibly fast and efficient for daily tasks, gaming, and demanding applications.
The iPhone 12 utilizes the A14 Bionic chip, which is still very powerful and capable. While the A15 is newer and slightly faster, in real-world usage for most users, the performance difference might not be dramatically noticeable. However, for future-proofing and potentially longer software update support, the A15 in the iPhone SE (3rd Gen) is advantageous.
Camera Capabilities
When it comes to cameras, the iPhone 12 offers a more versatile and advanced system. It features a dual-camera system on the rear, including a 12MP Wide and a 12MP Ultra Wide lens. This setup allows for more creative photography options, including ultra-wide angle shots and optical zoom capabilities. The iPhone 12 also supports Night mode on both the Wide and Ultra Wide cameras, and HDR video recording, enhancing low-light performance and video quality.
The iPhone SE (3rd Gen) has a single 12MP Wide camera on the rear. While it’s a capable camera that takes good photos in decent lighting conditions, it lacks the versatility of the iPhone 12’s dual-camera system. It does not have an Ultra Wide lens or Night mode on the rear camera. The front camera on the iPhone 12 is also superior, offering better features and potentially higher quality selfies.
Battery Life
Battery life is another area where the iPhone 12 generally outperforms the iPhone SE (3rd Gen). While actual battery performance can vary depending on usage, the iPhone 12 typically offers longer battery life, allowing you to go through a full day of moderate use without needing to recharge. The larger physical size of the iPhone 12 allows for a larger battery compared to the compact iPhone SE (3rd Gen).
Other Features
The iPhone 12 also has better water resistance rating (IP68) compared to the iPhone SE (3rd Gen) (IP67), offering slightly better protection against water damage.
Pros and Cons
To further simplify your decision when you compare apple phones, here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of each model:
iPhone 12 Pros:
- Larger and superior display (Super Retina XDR, OLED)
- Dual-camera system with Ultra Wide lens and Night mode
- Better battery life
- More modern design with Face ID
- Better water resistance
iPhone 12 Cons:
- Older processor (A14 Bionic) compared to iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
- Potentially fewer years of software update support
iPhone SE (3rd Gen) Pros:
- More powerful and newer processor (A15 Bionic)
- Potentially longer software update support
- More affordable price point
- Compact and pocketable size
- Classic iPhone design with Touch ID
iPhone SE (3rd Gen) Cons:
- Smaller and less impressive display (Retina HD, LCD)
- Single rear camera system
- Shorter battery life compared to iPhone 12
- Outdated design with thicker bezels
Conclusion: Which iPhone Should You Choose?
Choosing between the iPhone 12 and iPhone SE (3rd Gen) depends on your priorities and budget.
Choose the iPhone 12 if:
- You prioritize a larger, more immersive display for media consumption and general use.
- You value a more versatile camera system for photography and videography.
- Battery life is a significant concern.
- You prefer a modern smartphone design and Face ID.
Choose the iPhone SE (3rd Gen) if:
- Performance and speed are top priorities, and you want the latest processor.
- You prefer a more compact and pocketable phone.
- Budget is a major factor, and you’re looking for the most affordable new iPhone.
- You like the classic iPhone design with a Home button and Touch ID.
Ultimately, both are capable iPhones. The iPhone 12 offers a more premium and feature-rich experience, while the iPhone SE (3rd Gen) provides excellent performance and value in a smaller, more affordable package. Consider what features are most important to you and how they align with your budget to make the best decision when you compare apple phones.
