The iPhone SE (2020) and iPhone 8 look very similar. On paper, they look almost the same too. So should you save a few bucks or a handful if you shop around and buy the old phone? We think iPhone SE is a better option for most of you. While much of the hardware is the same, the phone has the same A13 Bionic processor as the iPhone 11. This means it will stay fresh for years to come. It also adds dramatic improvements to the camera and allows you to play demanding games like Fortnite at higher or at least smoother frame rates. Which phone is right for you? Below, we'll explore the exact differences between the iPhone SE and the iPhone 8. We hope our review can help explain what's best for you.
IPhone SE vs iPhone 8 price
The iPhone 8 was the smallest flagship iPhone in 2017 and 2018. It was released in September 2017 and remains one of Apple's best-selling phones to this day. However, it was discontinued in April 2020 when the iPhone SE arrived. The SE is actually an updated iPhone 8 designed to appeal to a new crowd of future iPhone owners who previously couldn't afford it. It costs €399 (£419 / AU$749) for the 64GB version, €449 (£469 / AU$829) with 128GB, and €549 (£569 / AU$999) with 256GB. The entry-level SE is the most powerful phone at its price point at the time of writing. And yes, that includes androids. Apple's iPhone 8 started at $699 (£699, AU$1079) in 2017. But of course you can find it a lot cheaper in 2020. We've seen a 'refurbished' (delivered as-new) iPhone 8 on Amazon US for €274. Some UK retailers are also selling the iPhone 8 for €399 at press time. If you can save big on a "like new" iPhone 8, it might not be a bad buy. But as we'll see, if there's only a slight difference in cost, you should go for the iPhone SE every time. Today's best Apple iPhone SE (2020) and Apple iPhone 8 deals Apple iPhone 8 4.7-inch, 256 GB, ...
IPhone SE vs iPhone 8 design
Color is the only obvious difference between the iPhone 8 and the iPhone SE when you take a look at these phones. They have the same dimensions, 138,4 x 67,3 x 7,3mm, and weigh in at a pleasant 148g. But where the iPhone SE comes in white, black, and red, the iPhone 8 was made in gray, silver, and gold. Both have aluminum sides and glass panels at the front and rear. The first thing we noticed when reviewing the iPhone SE was how this design has aged in one aspect. Their screens are in a 16:9 shape, where almost all priced Androids have an 18:9 or larger screen. This means that there is a lot of empty space above and below the screen. However, this leaves room for the Touch ID fingerprint scanner. It's a nice stuff that Apple doesn't use in its high-end phones. You put your thumb on it and the phone unlocks almost instantly with a nice haptic "click". Image 1 of 2
![iPhone SE]()
The iPhone SE (Image credit: Apple) Image 2 of 2
![IPhone 8]()
The iPhone 8 (Image credit: Future) The only other external hardware difference to mention here doesn't change much. Apple iPhone 8 has a "3D Touch" screen, which allows you to differentiate between hard and soft pressure on the screen. SE no. At one point, we thought it could become a big part of the iOS experience, but it never happened. Support for 3D Touch will be discontinued in iOS 14 anyway, so you don't need to be aware of it. Both phones have IP67 water resistance, a great feature for the $399 iPhone SE. And they have a certain "little phone" charm that's missing from mid-range Androids. These iPhones are perfect for those who don't mind gaming on the big screen and streaming movies.
IPhone SE vs iPhone 8 screen
The display specifications of the iPhone SE and iPhone 8 are the same. They have 16-inch 9:4.7 displays with LCD panels, True Tone color optimization, and 1334 x 750 resolution. That seems like a pretty low resolution in 2020, but it still delivers Apple's Golden Retina pixel density. These little displays are awesome. Both are rated at 625 nits of brightness, enough for good clarity on a clear day. Tests reveal that the iPhone SE can still be a bit brighter, which isn't a surprise for an Apple product. The iPhone 8 has been around for so long that it has probably used very different panels throughout its life. But they are going to be functionally very similar to the iPhone SE. Both displays also support HDR video. However, thanks to the limitations of the LCD panel, in color and contrast, the results are not as impressive as they would be on an iPhone 11 Pro. And is anyone really worried about HDR video quality on a 4.7-inch screen?
IPhone SE vs iPhone 8 camera and battery
![IPhone SE]()
The iPhone SE (Image credit: Future) The camera is where this comparison gets pretty interesting. These two phones have the same sensor, a 12-megapixel Sony chip with 1,22-micron sensor pixels. They have f/1.8 lenses and optical image stabilization. Both can record video up to 4k resolution, 60 frames per second. Take both for one session and you will see some big differences. IPhone SE has much better dynamic range processing. This means you'll see less clipped reflections, which is especially useful if you want to shoot in direct sunlight to capture a dramatic cloud photo. These advantages also affect 4K video and low-light shooting. Where street lights at night can look like glowing orbs through the eyes of the iPhone 8, the iPhone SE brings them back to a more realistic appearance, thanks to a higher dynamic range. The iPhone SE doesn't have the full night shooting mode of the iPhone 11 Pro, which we found disappointing. But the additional images remove Apple from familiar hardware. The iPhone SE also has better video stabilization than the iPhone 8. Stick to shooting at 4K/30fps or lower to see the best results. Raw image quality improvements like this should win over camera geeks, but there's one more obvious camera change that anyone can appreciate. The iPhone SE supports portrait images, while the iPhone 8 does not. This is where the phone determines the subject of your photo, then blurs the background for an appearance closer to an image taken with a larger aperture lens. That's the thing for your next profile picture. Since the iPhone SE doesn't have a second rear camera to use as a depth aid, Portrait only works for photos of people, not objects, but that's another big win for the SE.
![IPhone 8]()
The iPhone 8 (Image credit: Future) It's one of the best phone camera experiences you can get for $399. Even the microphones are improved, for better audio clarity in your videos. However, the iPhone SE doesn't have the improved camera of Apple's more expensive iPhones. You get a 7MP sensor. It's okay, but nothing special. The two phones also have the same battery capacity, 1821 mAh. Some extensive testing will make the iPhone SE last longer, thanks to power optimization such as video playback. However, we don't see a huge difference in longevity in the real world. The iPhone 8 and iPhone SE tend to last a day and no more, with little in the way of getting past midnight on particularly busy days. You may want to purchase an external battery to keep in your bag. That said, those who are interested in these phones as a nifty way to get the basics done, with little interest in watching videos or playing games should hit it off. A little addicted to social networks? It also counts as heavy use. Consider the bump of an iPhone 11 or iPhone XR, which lasts much longer.
Specifications and features iPhone SE vs iPhone 8
The extras of the iPhone SE camera are possible thanks to the processor. It has the Apple A13 Bionic, the same chipset used in the iPhone 11 Pro Max. This is surprising when you consider that the iPhone SE is not only much cheaper, but also has a lower-resolution screen, so it may require less power to get started. The iPhone 8 has the Apple A11 Bionic. He was a murderer in 2017, but today? Well, that's still pretty good. You can play games like Fornite, Call of Duty: Mobile, and PUBG without any problem. iOS will still feel great on an iPhone 8. However, there are also some small gold nuggets for iPhone SE. For example, you can play Fornite at 60 fps instead of 30. An A13 Bionic is also great news if you want a phone you'll keep for years to come. Apple has a tendency to drop support for iOS updates for phones when they just can't handle the next generation of software well. The iPhone SE has a lot more leeway in this area. The processor is not only more powerful, but it has more RAM. iPhone 8 has 2 GB, iPhone SE 3 GB. However, two important features are still missing from the iPhone. iPhone SE does not support Animojis or Face Unlock as it does not have the required face tracking camera hardware. We don't care about face unlock because Touch ID is awesome, but you miss out on the silliness of Animojis. You get Memoji stickers on both phones, but those static images aren't nearly as fun.
Remove iPhone SE vs iPhone 8
Image 1 of 2
![iPhone SE 2020]()
The iPhone SE (Image credit: Future) Image 2 of 2
![IPhone 8]()
The iPhone 8 (Image credit: Future) The iPhone SE looks like an iPhone 8, but it's much better in a number of ways. A newer, faster processor should mean it's supported for much longer. His power per dollar is also stratospheric. The Apple A13 Bionic also allows for significant improvements to the camera, although the hardware is the same, or at least very similar. Images have a greater dynamic range, night photos look better, and you can use Background Blur Portrait mode. Only go for the iPhone 8 if you find it selling for much less than the iPhone SE.