iPhone 12 Pro Vs iPhone SE (2020)

iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:214.00

Versus €1,039.00 new

See options
iPhone SE (2020)
iPhone SE (2020)
Starting at

Refurbished price:97.00

Versus €319.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone 12 Pro, released in October 2020, and the iPhone SE 2020, launched in April 2020, are both smartphones from Apple that offer distinct user experiences. While both devices operate on Apple's iOS, they cater to different preferences through their design, display technology, camera systems, and connectivity options.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, software support, and physical construction.

  • Release Timeline: The iPhone SE 2020 was introduced in April 2020, while the iPhone 12 Pro followed in October of the same year. This six-month difference means both devices were released relatively close to each other.
  • Software Longevity: Both models are expected to receive iOS updates for a similar duration, typically around five to six years from their release dates. This suggests that users can anticipate continued software support for both devices until approximately late 2025 or early 2026.
  • Build Materials and Durability: The iPhone SE 2020 features a glass front and back with an aluminum frame, offering IP67 water and dust resistance. The iPhone 12 Pro, on the other hand, boasts a more robust construction with a Ceramic Shield front cover, a textured matte glass back, and a stainless steel frame, providing enhanced durability and an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.

Year of Release

2020

2020

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is largely determined by its internal components, impacting everything from app responsiveness to multitasking capabilities and battery endurance.

  • Processing Power: The iPhone SE 2020 is equipped with a capable processor that handles everyday applications and general usage smoothly. The iPhone 12 Pro features a more advanced processor, providing additional power for demanding applications, complex multitasking, and graphically intensive games, resulting in a noticeably smoother experience in these scenarios.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The iPhone SE 2020 typically comes with 3GB of RAM, which is sufficient for most daily tasks. The iPhone 12 Pro includes 6GB of RAM, allowing for more applications to run simultaneously in the background without performance degradation. Both devices offer various storage configurations, with the iPhone 12 Pro generally starting at a higher base storage option.
  • Battery Behavior: The iPhone SE 2020 has a smaller battery capacity, which often translates to more frequent charging for users with heavy usage patterns. The iPhone 12 Pro, with its larger battery, generally offers better overall battery life, though intensive use of 5G connectivity can lead to faster power consumption.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

3 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for any smartphone, and the differences in screen technology and size between these two models significantly impact the visual experience.

  • Display Technology: The iPhone SE 2020 features a 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD display. The iPhone 12 Pro comes with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display. OLED technology provides deeper blacks, higher contrast ratios, and more vibrant colors compared to LCD.
  • Resolution and Clarity: The iPhone SE 2020 offers a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels at 326 pixels per inch (ppi). The iPhone 12 Pro provides a sharper viewing experience with a resolution of 2532 x 1170 pixels at 460 ppi, resulting in finer detail and clearer text.
  • Brightness and Viewing Experience: The iPhone SE 2020 has a typical maximum brightness of 625 nits. The iPhone 12 Pro offers a higher typical brightness of 800 nits and can reach up to 1200 nits for HDR content, making it more visible in bright outdoor conditions and enhancing the viewing of high dynamic range media.

Resolution

1170 x 2532

750 x 1334

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLED

Retina IPS LCD

Audiovisual

For many users, the camera system is a crucial aspect of a smartphone, and here the two devices present distinct capabilities.

  • Rear Camera System: The iPhone SE 2020 features a single 12-megapixel wide camera with an f/1.8 aperture, capable of capturing detailed photos and 4K video at up to 60 frames per second. It supports Portrait mode for people and Smart HDR. The iPhone 12 Pro elevates this with a triple 12-megapixel camera system, including Ultra Wide, Wide, and Telephoto lenses, along with a LiDAR Scanner. This setup enables features like Night mode, Deep Fusion, and Dolby Vision HDR video recording at up to 60 frames per second, offering greater versatility and enhanced low-light performance.
  • Front Camera: The iPhone SE 2020 includes a 7-megapixel front-facing camera. The iPhone 12 Pro features a 12-megapixel TrueDepth front camera, which also supports Night mode and Deep Fusion for improved selfies in various lighting conditions.
  • Audio Recording and Playback: Both devices offer stereo speakers for media consumption and generally provide clear microphone quality for calls and video recording. The iPhone 12 Pro's advanced video capabilities, including Dolby Vision HDR, contribute to a more professional audio-visual recording experience.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

7 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical features contribute to the overall user experience and daily convenience.

  • Connectivity: The iPhone SE 2020 supports 4G LTE for cellular data and Wi-Fi 6 for wireless internet. The iPhone 12 Pro introduces 5G connectivity, offering faster download and upload speeds in areas where 5G networks are available, alongside Wi-Fi 6.
  • Biometric Authentication: The iPhone SE 2020 utilizes Touch ID, a fingerprint sensor integrated into the home button, for secure unlocking and authentication. The iPhone 12 Pro employs Face ID, an advanced facial recognition system, for biometric security.
  • Physical Design and Handling: The iPhone SE 2020 maintains a compact form factor, measuring 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm and weighing 148 grams, making it comfortable for one-handed use. The iPhone 12 Pro is larger and heavier at 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm and 189 grams, offering a more expansive screen but requiring a slightly different handling approach. Both devices use the Lightning port for charging and data transfer.

Weight

187 g

148 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

4.7

Network

5G

4G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

Lightning

User feedback for the iPhone SE 2020 often highlights its appeal to those who prefer a smaller device and the familiarity of a physical home button with Touch ID. Many appreciate its solid performance for everyday tasks, especially considering its release year. However, common criticisms frequently point to its battery life, which can be a limitation for heavy users, and its older LCD display technology, which lacks the vibrancy and contrast of more modern screens. The absence of Night Mode in its camera system is also a noted drawback for low-light photography enthusiasts.

The iPhone 12 Pro generally receives praise for its premium build quality, featuring a stainless steel frame and a more durable Ceramic Shield front. Its advanced triple-camera system, including features like Night mode and LiDAR, is highly regarded for its versatility and image quality. The vibrant OLED display is another frequently lauded aspect, offering an immersive viewing experience. Some users, however, have observed that while its battery life is generally good, it can be impacted by extensive 5G usage.

Users prioritizing a compact device, the convenience of Touch ID, and reliable performance for general smartphone use will find the iPhone SE 2020 well-suited to their needs. Conversely, those who value a larger, more immersive display, advanced photographic capabilities, a premium design, and future-proof 5G connectivity may lean toward the iPhone 12 Pro. Both devices offer a quality-assured refurbished option, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

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