Tech giant Apple expects the budget-conscious customer to go for the brand-new iPhone SE, which is as versatile as the standard iPhone 11. Both iPhone 11 and iPhone SE use the state-of-the-art iOS UI, and the same proprietary A13 bionic mobile chip powers the smartphone models. So if you have had a unique experience exploiting the features of the top-of-the-line iPhone 11, there’s absolutely no reason why you may not take to the iPhone SE.
However, the iPhone 11 enjoys a distinct edge over the iPhone SE in terms of display size, resolution, camera, and various other specs. No wonder the iPhone 11 costs $300 more than the latest budget-friendly smartphone from the Apple stable. There are crucial differences between these two iPhone models that will enable you to decide which smartphone would be more suitable for you.
iPhone SE vs. the iPhone 11: Comparison Table
|
Specifications |
Apple iPhone SE (2020) | Apple iPhone 11 |
|
Resolution |
1334 x 750 pixels |
1792 x 828 pixels |
|
Display Size |
4.7-inch Retina HD | 6.1-inch LCD Liquid Retina |
| Dimensions | 13.8cm x 6.7cm x 0.73cm |
15.1cm x 6.7cm x 0.83mm |
| Pixel Density | 326ppi |
326ppi |
|
Mobile software |
iOS 13 | iOS 13 |
| Weight | 148g (5.22 ounces) |
194g (6.84 ounces) |
|
Front Facing Camera |
7MP | 12MP |
| Main Camera | 12MP |
12MP(wide), 12MP (ultra-wide) |
| RAM | 3GB |
4GB |
|
Storage |
256GB, 128GB, 64GB |
256GB, 128GB, 64GB |
|
Processor |
Apple A13 Bionic | Apple A13 Bionic |
|
Fingerprint Sensor |
Home button |
Not Available |
| Battery | 1,821mAh battery |
3110mAh battery |
|
Expandable Storage |
n/a |
n/a |
| Unique Features | Wireless charging, dual-SIM compatible, IP67 water-resistant |
Wireless charging, dual-SIM compatible, and IP68 water-resistant |
|
Headphone Jack |
Not Available | Not Available |
| Price (USD) | $549(256GB), $449 (128GB), $399 (64GB) |
$849(256GB), $749(128GB), $699(64GB) |
|
Price (AUD) |
AU$999(256GB), AU$829 (128GB), AU$749 (64GB) |
AU$1,449 (256GB), AU$1,279 (128GB), AU$1,199 (64GB) |
| Price (GBP) | £569 (256GB), £469 (128GB), £419 (64GB) |
£879 (256GB), £779 (128GB), £729 (64GB) |
The iPhone 11 Has Astonishing Cameras:
The iPhone 11 features two 12MP back cameras, one having a wide lens and the other extra-wide lens having a 120° FOV (field of view). Both the rear cameras come with practical features like 2x optical zoom, Night Mode, up to 5x digital zoom, improved focusing, depth control, portrait mode, and Smart HDR. The front selfie camera has been upgraded with intelligent HDR, Memoji and Animoji compatibility, 12MP, and portrait mode functionalities.
In sharp contrast, the iPhone SE sports a 7MP selfie camera with portraiture mode. There is only one 12MP single-lens camera at the back with depth control (for adjusting background blurriness), up to 5x digital zoom, portrait mode, and Smart HDR.
The fact that the iPhone 11 sports an extra 12MP camera at the backside tips the scales in its favor compared to iPhone SE.
The iPhone 11 Comes With A More Powerful Battery:
The iPhone SE allegedly has a 1821mAh battery, the same battery that the iPhone 8 carries. Users and mobile phone reviewers are yet to give their feedback on the battery life of the SE; it seems to be standard. Alternatively, the iPhone 11 is equipped with a more powerful 3110mAh battery because of its bigger size.
Since the iPhone 11 has a larger display and a better resolution than iPhone SE, it naturally needs a more performance-oriented battery.
The iPhone 11 Has Slightly Better Memory Than iPhone SE:
That the iPhone SE comes embedded with the same A13 Bionic mobile chip and runs on similar iOS13 software puts it on an even keel with the iPhone 11. You can expect the SE to perform as effectively as the iPhone 11 and also stay functional for years to come. Nevertheless, all apps you open will continue to be active in the background in the iPhone 11, thanks to its 4GB RAM compared to SE’s 3GB RAM.
The iPhone SE might also take a tad longer time to open an app you have not used recently due to its lesser memory capability.
The iPhone 11 Wins In Terms of Display Size and Resolution:
The iPhone 11 has a somewhat larger display, and a higher resolution than the iPhone SE translates into an enhanced user experience. Though both smartphones have the same pixel density (326ppi), you’ll still feel the qualitative difference owing to the iPhone featuring an LCD liquid Retina HD display.
The iPhone 11’s Avant-Garde Design Versus iPhone SE’s Classic Looks:
If you’re the old-school type, you might prefer the iPhone SE’s classic bezel design. The iPhone 11 resembles the iPhone X in terms of looks with a narrower and sleeker bezel. The iPhone 11 is also resistant to water up to a depth of 2m for half an hour. How? Because of its IP68 water resistivity feature.
By contrast, the SE integrated with IP67 can resist water up to a depth of 1.5m for 30 minutes maximum.
The iPhone SE Is More Affordable:
You end up paying $699.00 for the iPhone 11 (64GB) model, whereas iPhone SE (64GB) costs $399.00. Therefore if you’re willing to overlook the iPhone 11’s better features (in terms of camera, memory, and battery life), opting for the iPhone SE makes practical sense.
Sources:
https://www.cnet.com/news/iphone-11-vs-iphone-se-features-your-miss-when-you-save-that-extra-300-dollars/
https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/there-are-6-major-differences-between-the-new-400-iphone-se-and-the-700-iphone-11-that-can-help-you-decide-which-one-to-buy/slidelist/75261603.cms