iPhone SE (3rd Gen) vs iPhone 12: Which One Should You Buy?
Apple currently offers two of its most affordable iPhones in very different forms: the iPhone SE (3rd generation) and the iPhone 12. Even though both are budget-friendly compared to newer models, they target very different users—one prioritizes compact performance, while the other focuses on a modern design and display experience.
Below is a detailed comparison to help you decide which one is right for you.
Key Specifications Comparison
| Feature | iPhone SE (3rd Gen) | iPhone 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Price (starting) | $429 | $599 |
| Release Year | 2022 | 2020 |
| Design | Compact, classic | Modern full-screen |
| Display | 4.7" LCD Retina HD | 6.1" OLED Super Retina XDR |
| Unlock Method | Touch ID (Home Button) | Face ID |
| Chip | A15 Bionic | A14 Bionic |
| Rear Cameras | Single 12MP | Dual 12MP (Wide + Ultra Wide) |
| Night Mode | Not available | Available |
| Front Camera | 7MP, 1080p video | 12MP, 4K video |
| Battery Life | Up to 15 hours | Up to 17 hours |
| Water Resistance | IP67 | IP68 |
| MagSafe | Not supported | Supported |
| Weight | 144g | 164g |
Design and Display
iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
-
Classic compact iPhone design
-
Thick bezels and Home Button
-
4.7-inch LCD display
-
Lightweight and pocket-friendly
iPhone 12
-
Modern edge-to-edge design
-
Face ID with notch
-
6.1-inch OLED display
-
Much better contrast and brightness
The iPhone 12 clearly wins in visual experience, while the SE wins in portability and one-handed use.
Performance
-
iPhone SE uses the A15 Bionic chip
-
iPhone 12 uses the A14 Bionic chip
What this means:
-
SE is technically faster and more future-proof
-
Better long-term software support potential
-
Slightly better efficiency in newer apps
Performance advantage goes to the iPhone SE.
Camera Comparison
iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
-
Single rear camera
-
No Night Mode
-
Good daylight photography
-
Smart HDR 4 + Photographic Styles
iPhone 12
-
Dual-camera system (Wide + Ultra Wide)
-
Night Mode support
-
Better low-light performance
-
More flexible photography options
iPhone 12 is significantly better for photography.
Battery and Charging
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iPhone SE: Up to 15 hours video playback
-
iPhone 12: Up to 17 hours video playback
Extra advantage for iPhone 12:
-
Better efficiency in real-world usage
-
Supports MagSafe charging accessories
Features and Ecosystem
iPhone SE advantages:
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Touch ID (useful for fingerprint unlock lovers)
-
Smaller and lighter design
-
Lower price
iPhone 12 advantages:
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Face ID
-
OLED display
-
Ultra Wide camera
-
Night Mode photography
-
MagSafe ecosystem
-
Better water resistance (IP68 vs IP67)
-
Spatial audio + Dolby Atmos support
Feature Summary Table
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Performance | iPhone SE |
| Display | iPhone 12 |
| Camera | iPhone 12 |
| Battery | iPhone 12 |
| Portability | iPhone SE |
| Modern Features | iPhone 12 |
| Value for money | iPhone SE |
Which iPhone Should You Choose?
Choose iPhone SE (3rd Gen) if:
-
You want the cheapest iPhone
-
You prefer a small phone
-
You like Touch ID
-
You want the fastest chip for the price
Choose iPhone 12 if:
-
You want a modern full-screen design
-
You care about photography (especially night shots)
-
You prefer Face ID and OLED display
-
You want better overall multimedia experience
Final Verdict
The choice between the iPhone SE (3rd generation) and iPhone 12 depends on what matters more:
-
The iPhone SE is about performance and affordability in a compact body
-
The iPhone 12 is about modern design, better cameras, and a richer display experience
Both remain solid budget options from Apple, but they serve very different user needs—so the “better” choice is simply the one that matches your lifestyle.