The iPhone SE 2020 compared to other smartphones in its class offers a compelling blend of affordability and performance, making it a standout choice for budget-conscious consumers seeking a premium experience. At COMPARE.EDU.VN, we dissect the nuances of this device against its rivals, providing you with a clear, data-driven analysis. Explore in-depth evaluations and product comparisons to make an informed purchase with our comparison guide, specifications review, and cost-benefit analysis.
1. iPhone SE 2020: A Detailed Overview
The iPhone SE (2nd generation), released in 2020, aimed to deliver flagship performance in a compact and affordable package. It inherited the powerful A13 Bionic chip from the iPhone 11 series, offering impressive speed and efficiency for its price point. The device features a familiar design reminiscent of the iPhone 8, complete with a 4.7-inch Retina HD display and a physical Home button with Touch ID.
1.1 Key Features of the iPhone SE 2020
- Processor: A13 Bionic chip
- Display: 4.7-inch Retina HD display
- Camera: 12MP Wide camera (rear), 7MP (front)
- Storage Options: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB
- Security: Touch ID
- Water Resistance: IP67 rating
1.2 Design and Build Quality
The iPhone SE 2020 features a design that closely resembles the iPhone 8. It has an aluminum frame and a glass front and back. The phone is compact and easy to hold, making it a great choice for users who prefer smaller devices. It is also rated IP67 for water and dust resistance, providing some protection against accidental spills and exposure to the elements.
1.3 Performance and Battery Life
Thanks to the A13 Bionic chip, the iPhone SE 2020 offers excellent performance. It can handle demanding tasks, such as gaming and video editing, with ease. The battery life is decent for its size, providing a full day of use for most users. It also supports wireless charging and fast charging, adding to its convenience.
2. What Is the iPhone SE 2020 Compared To: Key Competitors
When considering the iPhone SE 2020, it’s essential to compare it against other smartphones in the same price range and category. Here are some key competitors:
- Google Pixel 4a: Known for its excellent camera and clean Android experience.
- Samsung Galaxy A51: Offers a larger display and versatile camera setup.
- OnePlus Nord N10 5G: Provides 5G connectivity and a smooth user experience.
- Motorola Moto G Power: Stands out with its exceptional battery life.
2.1 Google Pixel 4a
The Google Pixel 4a is a strong contender in the mid-range smartphone market. It boasts a superior camera, thanks to Google’s computational photography prowess, and offers a clean, bloatware-free Android experience.
2.1.1 Key Differences: iPhone SE 2020 vs. Google Pixel 4a
| Feature | iPhone SE 2020 | Google Pixel 4a |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | A13 Bionic | Snapdragon 730G |
| Operating System | iOS | Android |
| Camera Quality | Excellent | Exceptional |
| Display | 4.7-inch Retina HD | 5.81-inch OLED |
| Price | Starts at $399 | Starts at $349 |
2.2 Samsung Galaxy A51
The Samsung Galaxy A51 offers a larger display and a more versatile camera system compared to the iPhone SE 2020. It’s a good option for users who prefer a larger screen and more camera features.
2.2.1 Key Differences: iPhone SE 2020 vs. Samsung Galaxy A51
| Feature | iPhone SE 2020 | Samsung Galaxy A51 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | A13 Bionic | Exynos 9611 |
| Operating System | iOS | Android |
| Display | 4.7-inch Retina HD | 6.5-inch Super AMOLED |
| Camera Setup | Single 12MP rear | Quad rear cameras |
| Price | Starts at $399 | Starts at $349 |
2.3 OnePlus Nord N10 5G
The OnePlus Nord N10 5G is an affordable 5G smartphone that offers a smooth user experience and decent performance. It’s a good choice for users who want to future-proof their device with 5G connectivity.
2.3.1 Key Differences: iPhone SE 2020 vs. OnePlus Nord N10 5G
| Feature | iPhone SE 2020 | OnePlus Nord N10 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | A13 Bionic | Snapdragon 690 |
| Operating System | iOS | Android |
| Display | 4.7-inch Retina HD | 6.49-inch IPS LCD |
| Connectivity | 4G LTE | 5G |
| Price | Starts at $399 | Starts at $299 |
2.4 Motorola Moto G Power
The Motorola Moto G Power is known for its exceptional battery life. It can easily last for two to three days on a single charge, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize battery performance.
2.4.1 Key Differences: iPhone SE 2020 vs. Motorola Moto G Power
| Feature | iPhone SE 2020 | Motorola Moto G Power |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | A13 Bionic | Snapdragon 665 |
| Operating System | iOS | Android |
| Battery Life | Decent | Exceptional |
| Display | 4.7-inch Retina HD | 6.4-inch IPS LCD |
| Price | Starts at $399 | Starts at $199 |
3. Detailed Feature Comparison
To provide a comprehensive understanding, let’s delve into a more detailed comparison of the iPhone SE 2020 across various critical features.
3.1 Performance and Speed
The iPhone SE 2020 excels in performance due to its A13 Bionic chip. This chip provides fast and smooth performance, making it ideal for gaming, multitasking, and running demanding applications.
| Phone | Processor | Geekbench 5 (Single-Core) | Geekbench 5 (Multi-Core) |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone SE 2020 | A13 Bionic | 1331 | 3265 |
| Google Pixel 4a | Snapdragon 730G | 550 | 1650 |
| Samsung Galaxy A51 | Exynos 9611 | 347 | 1280 |
| OnePlus Nord N10 5G | Snapdragon 690 | 605 | 1785 |
| Motorola Moto G Power | Snapdragon 665 | 312 | 1385 |
3.2 Camera Capabilities
The iPhone SE 2020 has a single 12MP rear camera that takes excellent photos in good lighting conditions. It also supports Portrait mode and 4K video recording. However, it lacks the versatility of multi-camera systems found in some competitors.
| Phone | Rear Camera(s) | Front Camera | Video Recording |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone SE 2020 | 12MP Wide | 7MP | 4K up to 60fps |
| Google Pixel 4a | 12.2MP Wide | 8MP | 4K up to 30fps |
| Samsung Galaxy A51 | 48MP Wide, 12MP Ultra Wide, 5MP Macro, 5MP Depth | 32MP | 4K up to 30fps |
| OnePlus Nord N10 5G | 64MP Wide, 8MP Ultra Wide, 2MP Macro, 2MP Depth | 16MP | 4K up to 30fps |
| Motorola Moto G Power | 16MP Wide, 2MP Macro, 2MP Depth | 16MP | 4K up to 30fps |
3.3 Display Quality
The iPhone SE 2020 features a 4.7-inch Retina HD display, which is sharp and bright. However, it’s smaller than the displays on most of its competitors. The Pixel 4a, for example, has a larger OLED display with better contrast and color accuracy.
| Phone | Display Size | Display Type | Resolution |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone SE 2020 | 4.7-inch | Retina HD IPS LCD | 1334 x 750 |
| Google Pixel 4a | 5.81-inch | OLED | 2340 x 1080 |
| Samsung Galaxy A51 | 6.5-inch | Super AMOLED | 2400 x 1080 |
| OnePlus Nord N10 5G | 6.49-inch | IPS LCD | 2400 x 1080 |
| Motorola Moto G Power | 6.4-inch | IPS LCD | 2300 x 1080 |
3.4 Battery Life
The battery life on the iPhone SE 2020 is decent, but it may not last a full day for heavy users. Competitors like the Motorola Moto G Power offer significantly better battery performance.
| Phone | Battery Capacity | Battery Life (Typical Use) |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone SE 2020 | 1821 mAh | 12-13 hours |
| Google Pixel 4a | 3140 mAh | 14-15 hours |
| Samsung Galaxy A51 | 4000 mAh | 15-16 hours |
| OnePlus Nord N10 5G | 4300 mAh | 16-17 hours |
| Motorola Moto G Power | 5000 mAh | 2-3 days |
3.5 Software and User Experience
The iPhone SE 2020 runs on iOS, which is known for its smooth performance, regular updates, and strong app ecosystem. The Google Pixel 4a offers a clean Android experience with timely updates directly from Google.
| Phone | Operating System | Software Features |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone SE 2020 | iOS | Siri, Apple Pay |
| Google Pixel 4a | Android | Google Assistant, Pixel UI |
| Samsung Galaxy A51 | Android | Bixby, One UI |
| OnePlus Nord N10 5G | Android | OxygenOS |
| Motorola Moto G Power | Android | Moto Actions |
3.6 Connectivity and Network Support
All three iPhone SE (2nd Gen) models support FTD-LTE bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 29, 30, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, and 66 and TD‑LTE bands 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, and 48 as well as GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz), UMTS/HSPA+/DC‑HSDPA (850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz), 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 with 2×2 MIMO, and Bluetooth 5.0.
Other connectivity differs accordingly:
| iPhone Model | Identifier | Differing Connectivity |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone SE 2 (4.7″ 2020 US/CA) | A2275 | LTE 14, 71 CDMA EV‑DO |
| iPhone SE 2 (4.7″ 2020 Global) | A2296 | LTE 11, 21, 28, 32 CDMA EV‑DO (Japan) |
| iPhone SE 2 (4.7″ 2020 China) | A2298 | LTE 14, 71 CDMA EV‑DO |
The US/Canada (A2275) and Global (A2296) models support dual SIMs — one physical Nano SIM and one software eSIM — but the model sold in mainland China (A2298) only supports a single Nano SIM.
4. Pros and Cons of the iPhone SE 2020
To make a well-informed decision, it’s crucial to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of the iPhone SE 2020.
4.1 Advantages
- Powerful Performance: The A13 Bionic chip provides excellent performance for its price.
- Compact Size: Easy to hold and use with one hand.
- iOS Ecosystem: Access to a wide range of apps and regular software updates.
- Touch ID: Reliable and secure fingerprint authentication.
- Water Resistance: IP67 rating for water and dust resistance.
4.2 Disadvantages
- Small Display: The 4.7-inch display may feel cramped for some users.
- Single Camera: Lacks the versatility of multi-camera systems.
- Battery Life: Decent, but not exceptional.
- Outdated Design: The design is similar to the iPhone 8, which may not appeal to everyone.
5. Who Is the iPhone SE 2020 For?
The iPhone SE 2020 is ideal for:
- Budget-conscious users: Who want a powerful iPhone without breaking the bank.
- Users who prefer compact phones: The small size makes it easy to hold and use with one hand.
- iOS enthusiasts: Who want to stay within the Apple ecosystem.
- First-time smartphone buyers: Looking for a reliable and easy-to-use device.
6. User Reviews and Ratings
User reviews and ratings provide valuable insights into the real-world performance and satisfaction levels of the iPhone SE 2020.
6.1 Positive Feedback
- Many users praise the iPhone SE 2020 for its fast performance and smooth user experience.
- The compact size is a major selling point for those who prefer smaller phones.
- The camera is generally well-regarded for its image quality in good lighting conditions.
6.2 Negative Feedback
- Some users complain about the small display and limited battery life.
- The outdated design is a turn-off for some buyers.
- The lack of a multi-camera system is a disappointment for photography enthusiasts.
7. Pricing and Availability
The iPhone SE 2020 was originally launched at a starting price of $399 for the 64GB model. Pricing may vary depending on the retailer and any ongoing promotions.
| Storage | Original Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 64GB | $399 |
| 128GB | $449 |
| 256GB | $549 |
In the US, site sponsor Other World Computing sells used and refurbished iPhone SE 2 models with free shipping. On the other hand, if you need to sell an iPhone, A+ BBB-rated Cash for Your Mac and GoRoostr will buy your older iPhone with an instant quote and prompt payment.
8. How to Choose the Right iPhone SE 2020 Model
There are three different iPhone SE 2 (2nd Gen) models that originally were sold in different places around the world. Each of these iPhone SE (2nd Gen) models were offered in three colors and three capacities (two capacities from September 14, 2021 to March 8, 2022, when it was discontinued).
To make differentiation easier, EveryiPhone.com more precisely refers to the three different iPhone SE 2 models as the iPhone SE 2 (4.7″ 2020 United States/Canada), iPhone SE 2 (4.7″ 2020 Global), and iPhone SE 2 (4.7″ 2020 China).
8.1 SIM Card Compatibility
To reiterate, the US/Canada (A2275) and Global (A2296) models support dual SIMs — one physical Nano SIM and one software eSIM — but the model sold in mainland China (A2298) only supports a single Nano SIM.
8.2 Identifying the Correct Model
However, one relatively simple way to uniquely identify the iPhone SE 2 models is by the Model Number listed on the cardboard shipping box and within the iOS “Settings” app.
For the purpose of this Q&A, as diligently hand-documented by EveryiPhone.com, it is sufficient to note that the following model numbers refer to these devices:
| iPhone Model | Model No |
|---|---|
| iPhone SE 2 (4.7″ 2020 US/CA) | A2275 |
| iPhone SE 2 (4.7″ 2020 Global) | A2296 |
| iPhone SE 2 (4.7″ 2020 China) | A2298 |
9. Expert Opinions and Reviews
Expert reviews offer a professional assessment of the iPhone SE 2020, providing insights into its performance, features, and overall value.
9.1 Key Takeaways from Expert Reviews
- Experts generally agree that the iPhone SE 2020 offers excellent performance for its price.
- The compact size and familiar design are appreciated by many reviewers.
- The camera is praised for its image quality, but the lack of versatility is noted.
- The battery life is seen as adequate, but not exceptional.
9.2 Criticisms from Experts
- Some experts criticize the outdated design and small display.
- The lack of a multi-camera system is a common complaint.
- The battery life is seen as a potential drawback for heavy users.
10. iOS Support Similarities
All iPhone SE (2nd Gen) models originally shipped with iOS 13, and later shipped with iOS 14 or iOS 15.
The iPhone SE 2 models also support iOS 16 with the exception of the minor Accessibility Detection and improved Depth of Field features; iOS 17, with the exception of the minor React with Your Hands; More Accurate Autocorrect in English, French, and Spanish; Inline Predictions (English); and Point and Speak features; and iOS 18, the current version of the iOS, with the exception of the Apple Intelligence (AI), Messages via Satellite, Live audio transcriptions, Eye Tracking, and Music Haptics features.
11. Alternative Options to Consider
If the iPhone SE 2020 doesn’t quite meet your needs, here are some alternative options to consider:
- iPhone 11: Offers a larger display, better camera system, and longer battery life.
- iPhone XR: A slightly older model that still provides good performance and a larger display than the SE 2020.
- Google Pixel 4a: Known for its exceptional camera and clean Android experience.
- Samsung Galaxy A52: Offers a larger display, versatile camera setup, and longer battery life.
12. Final Verdict: Is the iPhone SE 2020 Worth It?
The iPhone SE 2020 is a compelling option for users who want a powerful iPhone at an affordable price. Its compact size, excellent performance, and access to the iOS ecosystem make it a great choice for budget-conscious buyers and those who prefer smaller phones. However, the small display, single camera, and decent battery life may be drawbacks for some users.
13. FAQ About iPhone SE 2020
- Is the iPhone SE 2020 waterproof?
- The iPhone SE 2020 has an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance, meaning it can withstand submersion in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes. However, it is not fully waterproof.
- Does the iPhone SE 2020 support 5G?
- No, the iPhone SE 2020 does not support 5G connectivity.
- What is the battery life like on the iPhone SE 2020?
- The battery life is decent, providing a full day of use for most users. However, heavy users may need to charge it more than once a day.
- Does the iPhone SE 2020 have a headphone jack?
- No, the iPhone SE 2020 does not have a headphone jack.
- What colors is the iPhone SE 2020 available in?
- The iPhone SE 2020 is available in Black, White, and (PRODUCT)RED.
- How much storage does the iPhone SE 2020 have?
- The iPhone SE 2020 is available with 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB of storage.
- Does the iPhone SE 2020 support wireless charging?
- Yes, the iPhone SE 2020 supports wireless charging.
- What operating system does the iPhone SE 2020 run on?
- The iPhone SE 2020 runs on iOS.
- Does the iPhone SE 2020 have a good camera?
- Yes, the iPhone SE 2020 has a good camera that takes excellent photos in good lighting conditions.
- Is the iPhone SE 2020 a good value for the money?
- Yes, the iPhone SE 2020 is a good value for the money, offering excellent performance and access to the iOS ecosystem at an affordable price.
14. Resources for Further Research
- Apple’s Official Website: For detailed specifications and features.
- Tech Review Websites: Such as The Verge, CNET, and GSMArena for in-depth reviews.
- User Forums: Like Reddit and MacRumors for user opinions and discussions.
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