iPhone 12 vs iPhone SE: Why cheaper is often better
Buying a new iPhone? Then you're faced with a classic dilemma. The iPhone 12 with its OLED screen and dual cameras. Or the iPhone SE 2020, which is hundreds of euros cheaper. Most buyers think this is a simple trade-off between price and performance. But they're mistaken .
Because the iPhone SE actually outperforms its more expensive sibling in crucial areas. Longer battery life. More compact size. And a processor that's more than fast enough for 99% of users. And with the money saved, you could easily buy AirPods and a set of accessories .
The question isn't whether you want the best specs. It's whether you're willing to pay hundreds of euros extra for features you'll probably never use.
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The specifications at a glance
When choosing between the iPhone 12 and iPhone SE 2020, it's not just about the latest technology. It's mainly about what you need and how much you're willing to spend. Both devices have their own strengths, which we'll compare here.
Technical comparison
The iPhone SE 2020 has a compact 4.7-inch LCD screen, while the iPhone 12 is available with a 6.1-inch OLED display. The smaller iPhone 12 mini even offers a 5.4-inch screen in a surprisingly compact size. For the processor, Apple opted for the A13 Bionic chip with 3GB of RAM for the SE. The newer model runs on the A14 processor with 4GB of RAM.
In terms of storage, both models are available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB versions. A key difference lies in the camera setup: while the SE has to make do with a single 12-megapixel camera, the 12 series features a dual camera with an ultra-wide-angle lens. Forward-thinking buyers may also appreciate the 5G support of the newer models, something the SE lacks.
Price differences that matter
The price difference between the two devices is significant. A new iPhone SE 2020 costs €492 at Apple, while the entry-level iPhone 12 mini costs €812. The regular iPhone 12 even starts at €912. In the refurbished segment, this difference is even more pronounced: a refurbished SE is available starting at €359. The twelfth generation is not yet available refurbished, but it is expected to be released in the fall of 2021.
This price difference of over €300 begs the question: what exactly do you get for that extra money? And more importantly: do you actually need those extra features?
Design and ease of use
The iPhone SE 2020 uses the familiar design of the iPhone 8. This means a traditional screen with clean edges and a physical home button with Touch ID. Many users find this design comfortable and familiar. You have plenty of room to hold the device without accidentally touching the screen.
The twelfth generation takes a different approach with straight sides, a design last seen on the iPhone 5. The screen extends almost to the edges, which gives it a modern look but also means you have to be more careful when holding it.
Screen quality in practice
While OLED screens are superior on paper, the SE's LCD panel performs exceptionally well in practice. With a brightness of 653 nits, the screen is even brighter than that of the standard iPhone 12 (569 nits). While OLED technology does offer richer colors and deeper blacks, you'll barely notice the difference in everyday use.
The iPhone 12 mini deserves special attention for compact phone enthusiasts. Despite its larger screen, this model is physically smaller than the SE, a remarkable feat of engineering from Apple.
Cameras: More isn't always better
The iPhone SE's single camera delivers surprisingly good results. Thanks to the powerful A13 processor, you can take portrait photos, and the device benefits from Smart HDR for better lighting. For most users—think vacation photos, family snapshots, and social media posts—this camera is more than sufficient.
The iPhone 12's dual camera setup offers more capabilities, such as ultra-wide-angle photography and improved low-light performance thanks to Night mode. The latter is missing from the SE, which could be a drawback for night photography. Still, you have to ask yourself how often you'll actually use these extra features.
Performance for everyday use
In benchmarks, the iPhone 12's A14 chip scores about 20% higher than the SE's A13. But what does this mean in practice? For apps like WhatsApp, email, browsing, and even most games, you won't notice a difference. Only during demanding tasks like video editing or graphics-intensive apps will the difference become noticeable.
A practical example: converting a 4K video to 1080p takes a few tens of seconds longer on the SE. For the average user who rarely or never edits videos on their phone, this difference is irrelevant.
Future-proofing and 5G
The iPhone 12 series supports 5G networks, the SE does not. Currently, 5G is still limited in the Netherlands, and the added value for consumers is still limited. This may change in two to three years, but by then you'll likely be ready for a new phone.
Battery life: a surprising result
Contrary to expectations, the iPhone SE's smaller battery lasts slightly longer than the iPhone 12 mini's. Both devices last around 9 hours of effective use, which should be a full day for most users. The difference lies in the charging options: the 12 series supports MagSafe magnetic wireless charging, a convenient but not essential feature.
Making the smart choice
When choosing between these two devices, it's not about the best specs on paper. It's about your personal needs and budget. The iPhone SE 2020 offers:
- A familiar, compact design
- Excellent performance for everyday use
- A very competitive price, especially refurbished
- Longer battery life than expected
- Touch ID instead of Face ID (useful with face masks)
The iPhone 12 scores points with:
- Modern design with larger screen
- Better camera capabilities
- 5G support
- OLED display with richer colors
- MagSafe charging option
Conclusion: budget determines the choice
For most users, the iPhone SE 2020 is more than sufficient. It does everything you'd expect from a modern smartphone, has a comfortable size, and costs hundreds of euros less. With the money saved, you can easily buy accessories like AirPods or simply save some money.
Only choose the iPhone 12 if you specifically need the latest features like the ultra-wide lens, night mode for photos, or a larger screen. For Instagram, WhatsApp, browsing, and calling, the model makes little difference, but your wallet will definitely feel the difference.
The refurbished market makes the SE even more attractive, with prices starting at €359. This gives you a device that will technically last for years, comes with a warranty, and is in excellent condition. A smart choice for those who are conscious of their budget and the environment.
The choice is clear
Ultimately, this choice boils down to one simple question: are you willing to pay hundreds of euros extra for features you're unlikely to use? For most people, the answer is no .
The refurbished iPhone SE does exactly what you need for a fraction of the price. With the money you saved, you could get a pair of AirPods and still have some money left over.
Only if you absolutely need that ultra-wide lens or night mode is the iPhone 12 worth considering. For everyone else, the SE is more than enough phone .
