iPhone 12 Vs iPhone SE (2022)

iPhone 12
iPhone 12
Starting at

Refurbished price:£139.00

Versus £649.00 new

See options
iPhone SE (2022)
iPhone SE (2022)
Starting at

Refurbished price:£100.00

Versus £429.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone 12, released in late 2020, and the iPhone SE (3rd Generation), launched in early 2022, represent two distinct approaches to the modern smartphone experience. While the iPhone 12 introduced a refreshed, flat-edge design and advanced display technology, the iPhone SE 2022 maintains a classic aesthetic with updated internal components. Both devices operate on the same iOS ecosystem, ensuring a consistent software experience, yet they cater to different user preferences regarding size, security methods, and screen technology.

Scores

Durability

The iPhone 12 and iPhone SE 2022 offer different advantages regarding their long-term utility and software support timelines based on their respective launch dates.

  • Software Longevity: Because the iPhone SE 2022 was released nearly eighteen months after the iPhone 12 and contains a newer internal processor, it is expected to receive iOS updates for a longer period, potentially extending its functional life by an additional year or two.
  • Hardware Durability: The iPhone 12 features a Ceramic Shield front cover which provides enhanced protection against drops, whereas the iPhone SE 2022 uses standard toughened glass; however, both models are rated for water and dust resistance, making them resilient against everyday accidents.
  • Repairability: Both devices are well-supported by repair networks, though the iPhone SE's older chassis design is often cited by technicians as being straightforward to service for common issues like battery replacements.

Year of Release

2020

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

In terms of daily operation, these two smartphones provide a responsive experience, though they differ in how they handle sustained heavy tasks and multitasking.

  • System Responsiveness: The iPhone SE 2022 benefits from a newer internal engine that allows it to launch demanding applications slightly faster and handle intensive tasks like video editing with ease, ensuring it remains fast for several years.
  • Battery Endurance: The iPhone 12 features a physically larger battery, which generally translates to longer usage times between charges for browsing and media playback compared to the more compact iPhone SE.
  • Multitasking Capabilities: Both devices manage background apps efficiently, but the iPhone 12's thermal management is slightly more robust, allowing it to maintain high performance during long gaming sessions without getting as warm as the smaller SE model.

Memory

4 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

The most immediate difference between these two models is the display technology, which significantly impacts how users consume media and interact with their apps.

  • Display Technology: The iPhone 12 utilises an OLED panel, which offers deep blacks and high contrast, whereas the iPhone SE 2022 uses an LCD screen that provides natural colours but lacks the same level of depth in dark scenes.
  • Viewing Area: With a 6.1-inch screen, the iPhone 12 provides significantly more space for reading and watching videos compared to the 4.7-inch display on the iPhone SE, which prioritises one-handed usability.
  • Clarity and Brightness: The iPhone 12 features a higher resolution and higher peak brightness, making it easier to view content clearly under direct sunlight or when watching high-definition video content.

Resolution

1170 x 2532

750 x 1334

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLED

Retina IPS LCD

Audiovisual

Photography enthusiasts will find that these devices offer different tools for capturing images, with the iPhone 12 providing more versatility in various lighting conditions.

  • Lens Versatility: The iPhone 12 includes both a standard wide lens and an ultra-wide lens, allowing users to capture expansive landscapes or tight indoor spaces, while the iPhone SE 2022 relies on a single high-quality wide lens.
  • Low-Light Performance: Users who frequently take photos in dark environments will find the iPhone 12 more capable due to its dedicated Night Mode, a feature that is absent on the iPhone SE 2022 despite its modern image processing.
  • Video Capabilities: Both smartphones record high-quality 4K video with excellent stabilisation, but the iPhone 12 adds the ability to record in Dolby Vision, providing more detail in highlights and shadows for amateur videographers.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

7 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core specifications, the physical design and connectivity features of these devices influence how they feel in the hand and how they interact with accessories.

  • Biometric Security: The iPhone 12 uses Face ID for hands-free unlocking, while the iPhone SE 2022 retains the classic Home button with Touch ID, which many users still prefer for its tactile feedback and reliability.
  • Connectivity and Charging: Both models support 5G for fast mobile data, but the iPhone 12 includes MagSafe technology, allowing for easy attachment of magnetic chargers and accessories that the iPhone SE 2022 does not support.
  • Portability and Build: The iPhone SE 2022 is one of the lightest and smallest smartphones available, making it ideal for those who want a device that disappears in a pocket, whereas the iPhone 12 offers a more modern, edge-to-edge screen design.

Weight

164 g

144 g

Width

7.15 cm

6 cm

Height

14.67 cm

13 cm

Depth

0.74 cm

0,73 cm

Screen size (in)

6.1

4.7

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

Lightning

Choosing between the iPhone 12 and the iPhone SE 2022 often comes down to a preference for modern design versus classic functionality. User discussions on community forums frequently highlight that the iPhone 12 is praised for its immersive OLED screen and superior camera versatility, particularly for night-time photography. Conversely, the iPhone SE 2022 receives significant appreciation from users who value the familiarity of the physical Home button and the compact size that allows for effortless one-handed use. Some users have noted that the battery life on the SE can be a limitation for power users, while the iPhone 12 is seen as a more balanced all-rounder for media consumption.

Users who prioritise a large, vibrant display and better camera performance in all lighting conditions may find the iPhone 12 better suited to their needs. On the other hand, users who prefer a smaller, more traditional device with a newer processor for long-term software support will likely lean toward the iPhone SE 2022. Both devices are available as a quality-assured refurbished option, providing a sustainable choice for those looking to reduce their environmental impact. Ultimately, the decision rests on whether you value the modern features of the flagship line or the compact, reliable nature of the SE series. Choosing a refurbished model is an eco-friendly alternative that ensures you receive a fully functional device while contributing to a more circular economy.

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