iPhone SE (2020) Vs Xiaomi 13T Pro

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

Refurbished price:103.99

Versus €319.00 new

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Xiaomi 13T Pro
Xiaomi 13T Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:245.00

Versus €900.00 new

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Ratings

The iPhone SE 2020 and the Xiaomi 13T Pro are smartphones designed for different user priorities and market segments. Released in April 2020, the iPhone SE 2020 offers a compact form factor and runs on Apple's iOS ecosystem. In contrast, the Xiaomi 13T Pro, launched in September 2023, provides a larger display, a more advanced camera system, and operates on Android with Xiaomi's custom interface. These devices cater to distinct user experiences, primarily differing in their operating systems, physical size, and camera capabilities.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support are key factors.

  • Release Timeline: The iPhone SE 2020 was released in April 2020, making it an older device compared to the Xiaomi 13T Pro, which launched in September 2023. This difference in release date directly impacts their expected software support lifespan.
  • OS Support: The iPhone SE 2020 launched with iOS 13.4 and continues to receive updates, currently supporting up to iOS 18.x, indicating a long history of software longevity from Apple. The Xiaomi 13T Pro, launching with Android 13 and MIUI 14, has a commitment from Xiaomi for four generations of major Android updates and five years of security patches, suggesting a robust future support timeline.
  • Durability Features: Both devices offer a degree of protection against environmental elements. The iPhone SE 2020 features IP67 water and dust resistance, allowing it to withstand immersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. The Xiaomi 13T Pro steps up with an IP68 rating, providing protection against dust and water immersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.

Year of Release

2020

2023

OS

iOS

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from app usage to demanding games.

  • Processing Power: The iPhone SE 2020 is equipped with a processor that handles everyday applications and multitasking smoothly, providing a responsive user experience. The Xiaomi 13T Pro features a more current-generation processor designed for demanding applications and intensive multitasking, offering higher speeds and improved thermal efficiency for sustained performance.
  • Memory and Storage: The iPhone SE 2020 typically comes with 3GB of RAM, which is sufficient for general use and switching between a moderate number of applications. Storage options include 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB. The Xiaomi 13T Pro offers significantly more RAM, with options for 12GB or 16GB, facilitating extensive multitasking and smoother operation of numerous background applications. Its storage options range from 256GB to 1TB, utilizing faster UFS 4.0 storage technology.
  • Battery Behavior: The iPhone SE 2020 has a smaller battery capacity, which for heavy users may require more frequent charging throughout the day, though it supports wireless charging. The Xiaomi 13T Pro features a larger battery capacity, generally providing a full day of use for many users, and boasts extremely fast wired charging capabilities.

Memory (GB)

3 GB

16 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for user interaction, and these devices offer different visual experiences.

  • Display Technology and Size: The iPhone SE 2020 features a 4.7-inch IPS LCD display, known for its natural color reproduction and wide viewing angles. The Xiaomi 13T Pro sports a larger 6.67-inch AMOLED display, which typically offers deeper blacks, higher contrast, and more vibrant colors.
  • Resolution and Clarity: The iPhone SE 2020 has a resolution of 1334x750 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 326 pixels per inch (ppi), which provides clear text and images for its size. The Xiaomi 13T Pro offers a higher resolution of 1220x2712 pixels, leading to a sharper image with 446 ppi on its larger screen.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The iPhone SE 2020 reaches a typical maximum brightness of 625 nits and has a standard 60Hz refresh rate. The Xiaomi 13T Pro can achieve a significantly higher peak brightness of 2600 nits, improving visibility in bright outdoor conditions, and features a 144Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and more fluid animations.

Resolution

750 x 1334

1220 x 2712

Audiovisual

For many users, camera performance is a key differentiator, and these phones approach photography differently.

  • Rear Camera System: The iPhone SE 2020 features a single 12MP main camera with optical image stabilization (OIS) and phase-detection autofocus (PDAF), capable of recording 4K video at up to 60 frames per second. The Xiaomi 13T Pro boasts a versatile triple-camera system co-engineered with Leica, including a 50MP main camera with OIS, a 50MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultra-wide lens. It supports 8K video recording at 24fps and 4K at 60fps.
  • Low-Light and Everyday Photography: The iPhone SE 2020 performs well in bright lighting conditions, producing detailed and color-accurate photos, but its low-light performance is more limited. The Xiaomi 13T Pro, with its larger sensors and Leica-tuned optics, aims to deliver strong performance in various lighting conditions, including improved detail and color in everyday and low-light scenarios.
  • Front Camera and Audio: The iPhone SE 2020 includes a 7MP front-facing camera for selfies and video calls. The Xiaomi 13T Pro features a 20MP front camera. Both devices offer stereo speakers, with the Xiaomi 13T Pro supporting Dolby Atmos for an enhanced media consumption experience.

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The iPhone SE 2020 supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, and uses a Lightning port for charging and data transfer. The Xiaomi 13T Pro offers more advanced connectivity with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, and utilizes a USB-C port, which is a more universal standard. The Xiaomi 13T Pro also supports 5G connectivity, which the iPhone SE 2020 lacks.
  • Biometrics and Sensors: The iPhone SE 2020 relies on Touch ID, a physical fingerprint sensor integrated into the home button. The Xiaomi 13T Pro features an under-display optical fingerprint sensor for unlocking. Both devices include standard sensors like accelerometers, gyroscopes, and compasses, with the Xiaomi 13T Pro also featuring a color spectrum sensor.
  • Design and Handling: The iPhone SE 2020 has a compact design with a 4.7-inch screen, measuring 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm and weighing 148g, making it easy for one-handed use. It features an aluminum frame with glass on the front and back. The Xiaomi 13T Pro is a larger device with a 6.67-inch screen, measuring around 162.2 x 75.7 x 8.49 mm and weighing between 200g and 206g, depending on the back material (glass or silicone polymer).

Weight

148 g

206 g

Screen size (in)

4.7

6.67

Network

4G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

USB-C

The iPhone SE 2020 is often praised by users for its familiar, compact design and the robust performance delivered by its processor, which ensures smooth operation for most tasks. Users appreciate its long-term software support from Apple and its capable camera in good lighting conditions. However, common criticisms include its smaller, lower-resolution LCD display with a standard refresh rate, and its battery life, which some users find to be average, often requiring a midday charge for heavy use. The single rear camera, while good, lacks the versatility of multi-lens systems found in more modern phones.

The Xiaomi 13T Pro, on the other hand, receives commendation for its vibrant, high-refresh-rate AMOLED display, powerful processor that handles demanding applications with ease, and its versatile Leica-tuned camera system, which offers a wide range of photographic capabilities. Its extremely fast wired charging is also a frequently highlighted positive. Some users have reported mixed experiences with battery life, despite the large capacity, and the selfie camera is sometimes noted as a weaker point compared to the rear system. The software interface, while feature-rich, can be perceived as busy by some.

Users prioritizing a compact form factor, the iOS ecosystem, and consistent software updates over an extended period may find the iPhone SE 2020 well-suited to their needs. It remains a practical choice for those who prefer a smaller device and are already invested in Apple's services. Conversely, users who prioritize a large, high-quality display, cutting-edge performance for gaming and demanding apps, a versatile camera system, and rapid charging will likely lean towards the Xiaomi 13T Pro. Its Android operating system and more modern hardware offer a different set of advantages for power users and multimedia enthusiasts.

Both devices offer distinct advantages, and choosing between them depends on individual preferences for operating system, size, and specific feature priorities. For those considering a more sustainable choice, both models are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative to purchasing new.

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