# iPhone SE vs. iPhone 12: Apple’s Cheapest iPhones Compared and Reviewed

**URL:** <https://intoguide.com/t/iphone-se-vs-iphone-12-apple-s-cheapest-iphones-compared-and-reviewed/1237>\
**Category:** iOS\
**Created:** [April 23, 2026, 3:09pm UTC](https://intoguide.com/t/iphone-se-vs-iphone-12-apple-s-cheapest-iphones-compared-and-reviewed/1237 "2026-04-23T15:09:19Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![wasabi](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex003/user_avatar/intoguide.com/wasabi/32/646_2.png) [@wasabi](https://intoguide.com/u/wasabi)\
**Post date:** [April 23, 2026, 3:09pm UTC](https://intoguide.com/t/iphone-se-vs-iphone-12-apple-s-cheapest-iphones-compared-and-reviewed/1237/1 "2026-04-23T15:09:19Z")

</div>

# 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.

 ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex003/uploads/intoguide1/original/2X/6/6b64f7312d2d93ec7ff00cd607b3ecebc4610873.jpeg)

* * *

# 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

- 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:

- Touch ID (useful for fingerprint unlock lovers)

- Smaller and lighter design

- Lower price

## iPhone 12 advantages:

- 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.