iPhone SE (2020) vs iPhone 11: What's the difference (and should you upgrade)

The iPhone SE (2020) might be a newer phone than the iPhone 11. However, that doesn't mean it's better in terms of hardware and features. Still, the former is Apple's latest budget phone, and it's worth checking out regardless. When it comes to your choice, it mostly comes down to whether you feel the extra features on the former are worth the additional cost. Much, but not all of the differences between the two come down to the camera options. So which one should you get (or should you upgrade)? Let's find out.

Differences vs. similarities: let's break it down

With the significant improvements to the camera system on the iPhone 11, you might think the choice is clear, but not everyone needs the advanced camera for the $300 price increase. To see what's the same and what's different between the two, let's break down the specs.

	iPhone 11	iPhone SE (2020)
Starting price	$699	$399
Screen size	6.1-inches	4.7-inches
Face ID?	Yes	No
Colors	White Black Green Yellow Purple (PRODUCT)RED	Black White (PRODUCT)RED
Battery performance	- Video playback: Up to 17 hours - Video playback (streamed): Up to 10 hours - Audio playback: Up to 65 hours	- Video playback: Up to 13 hours - Video playback (streamed): Up to 8 hours - Audio playback (wireless): Up to 40 hours
Display	- Liquid Retina HD display - 1792‑by‑828‑pixel resolution at 326 ppi - 1400:1 contrast ratio (typical)	- Retina HD display - 1334-by-750-pixel resolution at 326 ppi - 1400:1 contrast ratio (typical)
Processor	A13 Bionic	A13 Bionic
Camera features	Dual 12MP Ultra Wide and Wide cameras	12MP wide-angle camera
Night mode	Yes	No
Slo-mo front camera	Yes	No
Zoom options	2x optical zoom out; digital zoom up to 5x	Digital zoom up to 5x
TrueDepth Camera features	- 12MP - Animoji and Memoji - 4K video	None
Portrait Lighting effects	Natural Studio Contour Stage Stage Mono High-Key Mono	Natural Studio Contour Stage Stage Mono High-Key Mono
Water resistance	IP68: 2 meters/30 minutes	IP67: 1 meter/30 minutes

Camera 1 vs. Camera 2

The iPhone 11 features dual 12MP Ultra Wide and Wide cameras. By contrast, the iPhone SE (2020) only offers a wide-angle camera. This difference means the former includes optical zoom out, night mode, and auto adjustments. The larger device is also the one that features a TrueDepth camera, alongside Animoji and Memoji. By contrast, the iPhone SE (2020) only offers a FaceTime HD 7MP camera.

Despite this, the two iPhones also have similar camera features. For example, they both offer portrait Lighting with six effects and optical image stabilization. Additionally, you'll find True Tone flash with Slow Sync on both models, and 4K video recording at 24 fps, 30 fps, and 60 fps.

Price over features

As noted, the iPhone SE (2020) is now Apple's budget handset, while the iPhone 11 is the mid-priced model. For the extra $300 on the iPhone 11, you'll receive dual rear cameras, a front-facing TrueDepth camera, and Face ID (versus Touch ID). The more expensive model also includes a better display, more battery life, and increased water resistance.

As for colors, the iPhone 11 is available in five colors, while the iPhone SE (2020) only comes in three. Both are available in black, white, and (PRODUCT)RED.

Who should buy the iPhone SE (2020)?

If you're in the market for a budget iPhone, by all means, get an iPhone SE (2020). It features the same chipset as the more expensive model, the same amount of storage, and a fantastic 12MP wide-angle camera.

Who should buy the iPhone 11 instead?

If you're looking for extras such as Face ID, a larger, better display, and more camera features, the iPhone 11 is the one for you. Yes, it's more expensive than the iPhone SE (2020), but it's also cheaper than the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max.