Affordable power
The iPhone SE packs iPhone 11 performance into an iPhone 8 form factor. Its smaller size makes the iPhone SE great for one-handed use, something that Apple's more modern phones tend to miss. It's got a great camera, even if it is only a single-sensor affair, while the variety of colors brightens up an otherwise-dated design.
For
- Performance like an iPhone 11
- Great for one-handed use
- Great battery life
- Excellent camera
- More storage options
Against
- Only one camera
- Dated design
Still solid
The iPhone 8 was released about three-and-a-half years ago and is still a reasonably capable device. That being said, its A11 system-on-a-chip is starting to show its age just a little bit, and next to the iPhone SE's vibrant red color option, the iPhone 8's color selection is looking a little stale. Also, it's only available to purchase a pre-owned device.
For
- Still a fairly capable phone
- Same size display as iPhone SE
Against
- Starting to show its age
- Older processor chip
- No Portrait Mode
- Only pre-owned stock available
The iPhone SE is essentially an iPhone 11 with the body of an iPhone 8 and the camera of an iPhone XR (in fact, it's a better camera than the iPhone XR). The iPhone 8 was released in 2017, and you cannot purchase a new device at retail anymore. The choice seems pretty clear.
iPhone SE (2020) vs. iPhone 8: Break it down now...
The iPhone SE outclasses the iPhone 8 in every respect. Thanks to the improved signal processor, it's got a better processor and a better single-lens camera than even the iPhone XR.
| Header Cell - Column 0 | iPhone SE (2020) | iPhone 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | From $399 | From $449 |
| Colors | WhiteBlack(PRODUCT)RED | SilverSpace GrayGold |
| Battery Performance | Talk time: Up to 21 hoursInternet: Up to 12 hoursVideo playback: Up to 13 hoursAudio playback: Up to 40 hours | Talk time: Up to 21 hoursInternet: Up to 12 hoursVideo playback: Up to 13 hoursAudio playback: Up to 40 hours |
| Display | 4.7-inch Retina HD display1334x750 pixels at 326 ppi1400:1 contrast ratio | 4.7-inch Retina HD display1334x750 pixels at 326 ppi1400:1 contrast ratio |
| Processor | A13 Bionic | A11 Bionic |
| Storage | 64GB128GB256GB | 64GB256GB |
| Camera features | Rear: Single 12MP sensor, f/1.8 apertureFront: 7MP sensor f/2.2 aperture | Rear: Single 12MP sensor, f/1.8 apertureFront: 7MP sensor f/2.2 aperture |
| Slo-mo front camera | Yes | No |
| Portrait Lighting effects | NaturalStudioContourStageStage MonoHigh-Key Mono | N/A |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Water resistance | IP67: 1 meter/30 minutes | IP67: 1 meter/30 minutes |
iPhone SE (2020) vs iPhone 8: Comparison
If you're looking for a low-cost iPhone, get the iPhone SE. It has the performance of an iPhone 11, with a smaller screen that's easier to use in one hand. While it only has a single-lens rear camera system, it's still an excellent camera, complete with Portrait Mode.
According to Apple, the iPhone SE's A13 system-on-a-chip has a CPU 1.4x faster than the iPhone 8's A11, while the GPU is twice as fast as the older model. Cellular speeds are up to 60% faster, with Wi-Fi speeds up 38% over the iPhone 8.
If you still want an iPhone with Touch ID, the iPhone SE has it. Ditto the familiar design that Apple's been using since the iPhone 6 in 2014. It has the same 4.7-inch Retina display as the iPhone 8 and has three storage options. It's also more readily available: with the launch of the iPhone SE, Apple has discontinued the iPhone 8.
iPhone SE (2020) vs iPhone 8: Bottom line
The iPhone SE isn't flashy. It's not supposed to be. The 'SE' could stand for "Steady Edition." It's a reliable, powerful iPhone at a reasonable price for people looking for just that. It doesn't have all of the bells and whistles of more recent iPhones like Face ID or Night Mode, but it's the no-nonsense iPhone experience that many people need. It also doesn't hurt that it should receive updates for the same amount of time as the iPhone 11 lineup, which probably means updates for the next several years.
Comparatively, the iPhone 8 has a slower processor, less advanced camera system, and only available as pre-owned. It's also not available from most retail outlets.
Though the iPhone 8 is still a great phone, the 2020 iPhone SE has just enough features to make it worth upgrading.
Don't pay full price for full power.
Packs the power of an iPhone 11 in the body of an iPhone 8. Easy to use in one hand, the camera system on the iPhone SE can still support Portrait mode with a single lens.
Get the iPhone SE instead.
While still a good phone for those who have one, the iPhone 8 is beginning to show its age. It has a worse processor and camera color selection than the iPhone SE, and it's only available as pre-owned.
