Like the original iPhone SE, the iPhone SE 2020 is a compact disruptive phone that replaces the no longer available iPhone 8. The phone packs a flagship processor, a quality camera, and, of course, comes at $399.
In this article, we compare the iPhone SE 2020 to the iPhone 8. Let’s get into it!
iPhone SE 2020 vs iPhone 8: similarities
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Battery, storage, and performance
Both phones have a 1,821 mAh battery that comes with 15W fast charging. Also, you can use wireless charging on both. The SE lasts 20 minutes longer compared to the iPhone 8. However, this is a minute difference as both offer over 3 hours runtime.
Both phones come in varieties of 64GB and 128GB with the SE affording the 256GB variety. Both have a water resistance of IP67, meaning they are resistant to dust and water splashes. They also afford you Bluetooth 5 connectivity for faster data transfer.
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Design and display
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Both the iPhone SE and iPhone 8 have an identical shape and size of 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm. Their weight is also capped at 148 g. The position and shape of the rare camera are also identical in both. However, the Apple logo on the SE is slightly lower.
They both have black and white varieties with the SE affording you a red variety and the iPhone 8 coming in a gold variety.
You’ll also enjoy a 4.7-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1334 x 750p resolution and an aspect ratio of 16:9 in both. The iPhone 8 comes with a 3D Touch while the SE is equipped with a Haptic Touch. While their embedded technology is different, they offer similar performance.
The wide color and brightness in both remain unchanged. If you are looking for compact phones to conceal with your hands, consider buying either of the two.
iPhone SE 2020 vs iPhone 8: Main differences
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Processor
The iPhone SE comes with an integrated A13 Bionic chip with 3GB of RAM while the iPhone 8 has an A11 Bionic chip with 2GB RAM. As expected, the A13 chip provides faster performance. This allows for faster navigation between apps, better screen responsiveness, and more. Besides, thanks to the 3rd-generation Neural Engine, the iPhone SE proves to be smarter.
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Connectivity
The iPhone 8 is a single-SIM phone, while the iPhone SE allows for dual sim usage. While it comes with an embedded eSIM, you can also slot in a nano-SIM. This enables you to use services from different cellular providers.
For Wi-Fi connectivity, the iPhone SE also outshines the iPhone 8. With Wi-Fi 6, the iPhone SE offers faster speeds compared to the integrated Wi-Fi 5 in iPhone 8.
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Camera
While you get a 12MP f/18 camera with true tone flash and optical image stabilization in both, the SE outshines the iPhone 8 thanks to the added features. The iPhone SE comes with the Portrait Mode that allows for more in-depth images.
You also get the smart QuickTake video, Smart HDR, and Portrait Lighting. The integrated portrait lighting includes Studio, Stage, Natural, Contour, High-Key Mono, and Stage Mono. For better video recording, you get stereo sound, OIS, and HDR in the SE.
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Price
The iPhone SE starts at a $399 price for the 64GB, $449 for the 128GB, and $549 for the 256GB. The $399 pricing is uncommon with Apple phones and phone enthusiasts see it as Apple’s strategy to take over the mid-range smartphone market. And given the reputation that is Apple, Android phone manufacturers are set for stiff competition.
While the iPhone 8 starts at $449, Apple is currently not selling it on its official website. However, you can find refurbished varieties on popular eCommerce sites.
iPhone SE 2020 vs iPhone 8: specs summary
| iPhone SE | iPhone 8 | |
| Display | 4.7 inches HD display
1334 x 750 pixels resolution 16.9 aspect ratio |
4.7 inches HD display
1334 x 750 pixels resolution 16.9 aspect ratio |
| Processor | A13 Bionic Chip | A11 Bionic Chip |
| Rear camera | Single 12MP, f/18 aperture
True Tone Flash |
Single 12MP, f/18 aperture
True Tone Flash |
| Front camera | 7MP, f/2.2 aperture | 7MP, f/2.2 aperture |
| Water resistance | IP67 | IP67 |
| Colors | Black, White, Red | Black, White, Gold |
| SIM connectivity | Nano SIM, eSIM | Single SIM |
| Battery | 1,821 mAh , 15W fast charging, wireless charging | 1,821 mAh , 15W fast charging, wireless charging |
| Storage | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 64GB, 128GB |
iPhone SE 3/2 (2022) Accessories
Final verdict
As you can see, the iPhone 8 and the iPhone SE come with similar features such as shape, size, battery, and more. while rightly so, the iPhone SE outshines the iPhone 8 thanks to the 3rd-generation Neural Engine.
It offers better performance, camera, and processing speed. As such, we’d recommend you buy the iPhone SE. besides, it comes at a lower price compared to the iPhone 8. So, what do you like about the iPhone SE? let us know in the comment section.
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Thank you. This was very helpful.
I was given an iphone from the vA for homeless veterans. I have had an iphone 5S and a 4. This is way better than both with 3gb of ram and 64gb hD. the only thing I dont like is I cant use the included headphones while charging it.
Thanks for the review. It was very helpful. I will be getting the SE as your recomendations