EDITOR'S NOTE:
Since their release dates in 2020, the iPhone SE and iPhone 11 have been replaced by newer iPhone models, and Apple has stopped manufacturing both phones. Although several years old, both the iPhone SE and iPhone 11 still support the latest iOS version.
The information below reflects the data and pricing at the time of the devices' releases, and availability will differ from when we first reviewed them. You can upgrade to a newer iPhone or you may still be able to find refurbished models of these devices through retailers such as Amazon or eBay.
The new iPhone SE has the brains of the iPhone 11 in the body of the iPhone 8—at an affordable price (starting at $399.99). Its single camera is one of the best on any iPhone, but doesn’t quite reach the levels of the double camera on the iPhone 11, or triple camera on the 11 Pro.
Overall, the second generation iPhone SE is a great option for anyone on a budget, but those wanting the best phone specs might want to look to the iPhone 11.
The new iPhone SE is here and it comes just in time for people in need of a new affordable device. The iPhone SE line of phones are as budget-conscious as Apple devices get, but are they worth missing out on all the bells and whistles of higher-end models like the iPhone 11? Let’s explore.
To get the best price on all current models of iPhones, visit our regularly updated guide on the best iPhone deals.
iPhone SE (2020) and iPhone 11 compared
| iPhone SE | iPhone 11 | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $399.99 | $699.99 |
| Display | 4.7” Retina HD (LCD) | 6.1" Retina (OLED) |
| Camera | 12 MP | Dual-rear 12MP |
| Processor | A13 Bionic | A13 Bionic |
| Internal Memory | 64GB, 128G, 256GB | 64GB, 128G, 256GB |
| Battery Life | Video: up to 13 hours
Audio: up to 40 hours | Video: up to 17 hours Audio: up to 65 hours |
| Water Resistance Rating | IP67 (1 meter up to 30 minutes) | IP68 (2 meters up to 30 minutes) |
iPhone SE vs. iPhone 11: Price
If you’re thinking about getting the iPhone SE, price is likely one of the biggest draws. It’s rare to see an iPhone start at less than $700; Apple’s second-generation iPhone SE blows right through that minimum price barrier with a $399.99 starting price tag. Quite frankly, if you want an iPhone at a (relatively) low price, the iPhone SE is the phone to get.
| Storage | iPhone SE | iPhone 11 |
|---|---|---|
| 64GB | $399.99 | $699.99 |
| 128GB | $449.99 | $749.99 |
| 256GB | $549.99 | $849.99 |
Winner: iPhone SE
iPhone 11 vs. iPhone SE: Size
Apple bucked the trend of bigger phones when it came out with the original iPhone SE. To this day, the smaller size remains one of SE fans’ favorite aspects of the iPhone SE. Apple looks to appeal to these same fans—and anyone looking for a compact phone—with its new device. The iPhone SE (2nd generation), though bigger than the original SE, is smaller than its contemporaries with a 4.6” display. By comparison, the iPhone 11 has a 6.1” display.
Power users who are constantly on their phones may prefer the larger screen on the iPhone 11, but the iPhone SE may be better for those who are constantly on the go and prefer a device that can easily travel with them.
Winner:
- iPhone 11 for power users
- iPhone SE for portability
iPhone SE vs. iPhone 11: Processor
Sure, this is probably a silly category—after all, both phones have the same processor. But that’s part of the appeal of the new iPhone SE. It’s a cheaper and more compact device with the same brains as the iPhone 11 models.
The A13 Bionic is the most powerful processor in any mobile device. It can basically handle all the demands of even the most advanced mobile user without a hitch. Purchasing a device backed by the A13 at just $399 is pretty appealing.
Winner: Tie—they both have the best processor
iPhone SE vs. iPhone 11: Camera
These days it seems like when you are paying flagship prices for a smartphone, you’re paying largely for the extremely sophisticated camera systems that come with them. The iPhone 11 and 11 Pro have dual-rear camera and triple-rear camera systems (respectively) that are among the top of the class. Honestly, no budget phone is really going to compete with these, including the SE.
Still, the iPhone SE has an excellent 12MP camera. Apple is calling it the best single-camera system on any iPhone device. This is probably true, in large part because it’s supported by sophisticated software as well as that A13 Bionic chip. With the SE you’re practically getting one out of the two iPhone 11 rear cameras.
As for the selfie cameras, iPhone 11 is clearly the winner with its 12MP lens which can record 4K video. The new SE comes with a 7MP front-facing camera that can record 1080 HD video.
Winner: iPhone 11
iPhone SE vs. iPhone 11: Design
Modern flagships are designed primarily to provide as much screen in as little room as possible. Ideally, the front of your phone, from edge to edge, would be all screen. For the most part, smartphone designers have accomplished this by getting rid of top and bottom bezels, although most have a small top notch for a front-facing camera and speaker. The iPhone 11 is designed along these same lines—relatively bezel-less with a small top notch.
The iPhone SE, however, does not feature this modern design. Instead—being largely designed after the iPhone 8—the iPhone SE has a top and bottom bezel. This does mean that the iPhone SE has a home button that also doubles as a fingerprint sensor, as opposed to the Face ID feature of the iPhone 11.
Winner: iPhone 11
iPhone 11 vs. iPhone SE: Battery
Battery size and performance is closely related to phone size. The bigger iPhone 11 can fit a larger battery than the iPhone SE can and therefore offers better battery life. Still, both devices are pretty decent in this arena. You can watch up to 17 hours of video on a full charge of the iPhone 11, or up to 13 hours on a full charge of the iPhone SE.
Winner: iPhone 11
Water Resistance
Smartphone manufacturers and marketing teams probably think consumers care about this more than they actually do. It’s not like any of us are intentionally dunking our phones in water. Still, it’s kind of nice to know that our devices aren’t automatically doomed (as they once were) if we accidentally get them wet one way or another.
The iPhone SE has an IP67 rating and can theoretically last in about one meter of water for 30 minutes. The iPhone 11 is rated IP67 and can work after being in about two meters of water for 30 minutes. We recommend you just take Apple at their word for these ratings and don’t try to test them out for yourself.
Winner: iPhone 11
iPhone SE vs. iPhone 11: Overall
This head-to-head is difficult to call. If you are in the market for a budget to mid-level phone, the iPhone SE should be near the top of your list. You’re certainly not going to get better than the A13 Bionic processor. However, if you’re not very concerned with price, the iPhone 11, with its superior cameras, bigger size, and better battery life, is probably the way to go.
Really, it comes to your personal needs and preferences. The original iPhone SE was popular because of its compact size and low price. If those things appeal to you, you’ll probably love the new iPhone SE.
For a deeper dive into different iPhone model comparisons, check out our guide to the best iPhones on the market.
iPhone SE (2020) 64GB
| Description | |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 4.7" |
| Available On | 17 Plans from 2 carriers |
| Available From |
|
| Priced From | $10 per month + $299 upfront |
| View Full Details |
2020 version of the iPhone SE features a powerful A13 Bionic chip, 4.7" Retina HD Multi-Touch display, 12MP camera and home button with Touch ID
iPhone 11 64GB
| Description | |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 6.1" |
| Available On | 9 Plans from 2 carriers |
| Available From |
|
| Priced From | $23.75 per month + $254.98 upfront |
| View Full Details |
Apple's 2019 cheaper model with dual 12MP Ultra Wide and Wide cameras with Night mode, 12MP TrueDepth camera, 6.1" all-screen LCD display, longer battery and Gigabit-class LTE
Angelo Ilumba
Senior Writer
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