iPhone SE (2020) Vs OnePlus 11

iPhone SE (2020)
iPhone SE (2020)
Starting at

Refurbished price:102.00

Versus €319.00 new

See options
OnePlus 11
OnePlus 11
Starting at

Refurbished price:325.00

Versus €949.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone SE 2020 and the OnePlus 11 are two distinct smartphones, released in April 2020 and February 2023 respectively, offering different approaches to the mobile experience. While the iPhone SE 2020 runs on Apple's iOS ecosystem and features a compact design, the OnePlus 11 operates on Android and provides a larger display with a focus on high-end specifications. The primary differentiators lie in their operating systems, physical size, and the performance capabilities offered by their respective hardware generations.

Scores

Durability

The expected practical lifespan of a smartphone is influenced by its release timeline, software support, and ease of repair.

  • Software Longevity: The iPhone SE 2020, released in April 2020, typically receives iOS updates for approximately 5-6 years from its launch, meaning support could extend until 2025-2026. The OnePlus 11, launched in February 2023, benefits from OnePlus's commitment to four major Android updates and five years of security updates, suggesting software relevancy through Android 17 and security patches until 2028.
  • Repairability: The iPhone SE 2020 has a repairability score of 6 out of 10, with many components being modular and relatively easy to source, including the display and battery. The OnePlus 11 has a repairability score of 6.75 out of 10, with pull tabs for battery removal and accessible battery cables, though screen replacement requires disassembling several components.
  • Physical Durability: The iPhone SE 2020 features a glass front and back with an aluminum frame. The OnePlus 11 utilizes Corning Gorilla Glass Victus on the front and Gorilla Glass 5 on the back, with a metal frame, offering improved drop performance and scratch resistance. However, some durability tests have shown the OnePlus 11's glass near the camera ring can crack under significant bending pressure.

Year of Release

2020

2023

OS

iOS

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of these devices varies significantly due to their different release dates and hardware generations, impacting app loading, multitasking, and gaming.

  • Processing Power: The iPhone SE 2020, with its older generation processor, handles everyday tasks smoothly and supports a wide range of applications. The OnePlus 11, featuring a newer generation processor, offers substantially faster CPU and GPU speeds, resulting in smoother operation for demanding apps, intensive multitasking, and graphic-heavy gaming.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The iPhone SE 2020 comes with 3GB of RAM and storage options up to 256GB. The OnePlus 11 offers significantly more RAM, starting from 8GB and going up to 16GB, alongside storage options up to 512GB, which contributes to more fluid multitasking and the ability to keep more applications active in the background.
  • Battery Performance: The iPhone SE 2020 has a smaller battery capacity, which for heavy users may necessitate more frequent charging. The OnePlus 11 features a larger battery capacity, providing extended usage times, with users reporting it can last through a full day of heavy use and even longer for moderate usage.

Memory (GB)

3 GB

16 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on these two smartphones differs considerably, primarily due to their display technologies, size, and refresh rates.

  • Display Technology and Size: The iPhone SE 2020 features a 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD display, offering good color accuracy and viewing angles for its technology. The OnePlus 11 boasts a larger 6.7-inch LTPO3 Fluid AMOLED display, which provides deeper blacks, higher contrast, and more vibrant colors.
  • Resolution and Clarity: The iPhone SE 2020 has a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels. The OnePlus 11 offers a significantly higher QHD+ resolution of 3216 x 1440 pixels, resulting in sharper images and finer detail, with a higher pixel density.
  • Brightness and Smoothness: The iPhone SE 2020 provides a maximum brightness suitable for most indoor and outdoor conditions. The OnePlus 11 features a higher peak brightness, enhancing visibility in bright outdoor environments. Additionally, the OnePlus 11 includes a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, which makes scrolling and animations appear noticeably smoother compared to the iPhone SE 2020's standard refresh rate.

Resolution

750 x 1334

1440 x 3216

Audiovisual

The camera systems on the iPhone SE 2020 and OnePlus 11 cater to different photographic needs and offer varying capabilities.

  • Rear Camera System: The iPhone SE 2020 features a single 12MP wide camera on the rear, capable of capturing detailed photos with good color reproduction and computational photography features. The OnePlus 11 comes with a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor, a 48MP ultrawide, and a 32MP telephoto lens, offering greater flexibility for different shooting scenarios and enhanced detail.
  • Low-Light and Video Performance: The iPhone SE 2020 performs adequately in well-lit conditions, but its low-light performance is more limited compared to newer devices. It supports 4K video recording. The OnePlus 11 excels in low-light environments, producing detailed images with good contrast and color tonality, especially with its main camera. It also offers advanced video recording capabilities, including 8K resolution at 24fps.
  • Front Camera and Audio: The iPhone SE 2020 has a 7MP front camera suitable for video calls and selfies. The OnePlus 11 features a 16MP front camera, which performs well in good lighting conditions. For audio, the OnePlus 11 includes dual "Reality" speakers, providing a more immersive media consumption experience compared to the iPhone SE 2020's single speaker.

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical elements differentiate these two devices, impacting daily usability and interaction.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The iPhone SE 2020 supports 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.0, and uses a Lightning port for charging and data transfer. The OnePlus 11 offers more advanced connectivity with 5G support, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3, and utilizes a USB-C port, which is a more universal standard.
  • Biometric Security: The iPhone SE 2020 relies on Touch ID, a fingerprint sensor integrated into the home button, for secure authentication. The OnePlus 11 features an in-display fingerprint sensor and also supports face recognition for unlocking the device.
  • Design and Handling: The iPhone SE 2020 has a compact form factor, measuring 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm and weighing 148g, making it easy for one-handed use. The OnePlus 11 is a larger device at 163.1 x 74.1 x 8.5 mm and 205g, offering a more expansive screen but requiring a two-handed grip for many users. Both devices feature glass front and back panels with aluminum frames.

Weight

148 g

205 g

Screen size (in)

4.7

6.7

Network

4G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The iPhone SE 2020 and OnePlus 11 cater to different user preferences, reflecting their respective release timelines and design philosophies. Users often praise the iPhone SE 2020 for its compact size, familiar iOS experience, and reliable performance for everyday tasks. Its integration into the Apple ecosystem and consistent software updates are frequently cited as strong points. However, some users express concerns about its smaller display, older design with prominent bezels, and battery life for heavy usage.

The OnePlus 11, on the other hand, receives commendation for its large, vibrant display, powerful performance suitable for gaming and demanding applications, and its long-lasting battery with rapid charging capabilities. Its versatile camera system and modern Android experience are also frequently highlighted. Criticisms sometimes revolve around its larger physical size, which may not appeal to all users, and some find its camera processing to have a distinct artistic style rather than strict accuracy.

Users prioritizing a compact device, the iOS ecosystem, and a familiar design will find the iPhone SE 2020 well-suited to their needs. Those who value a large, high-refresh-rate display, top-tier performance for intensive use, and a versatile camera system within the Android ecosystem may lean toward the OnePlus 11. Both devices are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers seeking to make informed and sustainable choices.

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