iPhone 14 Pro Vs iPhone SE (2020)

iPhone 14 Pro
iPhone 14 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:£304.00

Versus £1,099.00 new

See options
iPhone SE (2020)
iPhone SE (2020)
Starting at

Refurbished price:£67.00

Versus £289.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone 14 Pro, released in 2022, and the iPhone SE 2020, launched two years earlier, represent two very different approaches to the modern smartphone experience. While the iPhone 14 Pro serves as a feature-rich flagship with a large, modern display and advanced internal hardware, the iPhone SE 2020 maintains a classic design with a physical home button and a more compact footprint. Both devices operate on Apple's iOS, ensuring a familiar interface and access to the same ecosystem of apps, though their hardware capabilities cater to distinct user needs regarding photography, battery life, and screen technology.

Scores

Durability

The two-year gap between these models significantly impacts their expected software longevity and physical resilience in daily use.

  • Software Longevity: The iPhone 14 Pro is expected to receive iOS updates for several years longer than the iPhone SE 2020, making it a more viable option for users who plan to keep their device for half a decade or more without losing access to new features.
  • Build Materials: The iPhone 14 Pro features a stainless steel frame and Ceramic Shield front glass, which offers higher resistance to drops and scratches compared to the aluminum and standard ion-strengthened glass construction of the iPhone SE 2020.
  • Repairability: Both devices have widely available parts for maintenance, but the iPhone SE 2020's older, simpler internal layout is often cited by technicians as being more straightforward for common repairs like screen or battery replacements.

Year of Release

2022

2020

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance differences between these two models are most noticeable when handling demanding applications, high-end mobile gaming, or multitasking between several high-resource tools.

  • System Responsiveness: The iPhone 14 Pro handles intensive tasks like high-resolution video editing and complex apps with ease, whereas the iPhone SE 2020 is better suited for everyday communication, social media browsing, and light productivity tasks.
  • Battery Endurance: Users will find that the iPhone 14 Pro comfortably lasts through a full day of heavy use on a single charge, while the iPhone SE 2020 has a much smaller capacity that may require a midday top-up for active users.
  • Multitasking Capacity: With more internal memory, the iPhone 14 Pro keeps more apps open in the background without needing to refresh them, providing a smoother experience for professionals who switch frequently between different work tools.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

3 GB

Screen quality

The viewing experience is perhaps the most immediate difference between these two smartphones, affecting everything from reading text to watching high-definition videos.

  • Display Technology: The iPhone 14 Pro uses an OLED panel that provides deep blacks and high contrast for a more immersive experience, while the iPhone SE 2020 uses an LCD screen which, while clear and color-accurate, lacks the same level of visual depth.
  • Motion Smoothness: Featuring a high refresh rate, the iPhone 14 Pro offers fluid scrolling and animations, whereas the iPhone SE 2020 uses a standard refresh rate that feels traditional but less responsive during fast on-screen movement.
  • Outdoor Visibility: The iPhone 14 Pro can reach much higher brightness levels, making the screen significantly easier to read under direct sunlight compared to the iPhone SE 2020, which may appear dim in bright environments.

Resolution

1179 x 2556

750 x 1334

Screen type

LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED

Retina IPS LCD

Audiovisual

Photography and media consumption capabilities vary greatly due to the different hardware configurations and processing power available in each model.

  • Camera Versatility: The iPhone 14 Pro includes three distinct lenses—main, ultra-wide, and telephoto—allowing for zoomed-in shots and wide landscapes, while the iPhone SE 2020 relies on a single lens for all photography needs.
  • Low-Light Performance: Nighttime photos are much clearer on the iPhone 14 Pro thanks to larger sensors and advanced software processing, whereas the iPhone SE 2020 lacks a dedicated night mode, resulting in grainier images in dark environments.
  • Video Features: For content creators, the iPhone 14 Pro offers advanced stabilization and cinematic modes that mimic professional cameras, while the iPhone SE 2020 provides reliable but basic 4K video recording suitable for casual memories.

Main camera

48 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

7 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core specifications, the physical handling and connectivity of these devices influence daily convenience and long-term utility.

  • Connectivity Standards: The iPhone 14 Pro supports 5G networks for faster mobile data speeds in supported areas, while the iPhone SE 2020 is limited to 4G LTE, which is still functional but less future-ready for evolving network infrastructures.
  • Biometric Security: Users who prefer facial recognition will appreciate the iPhone 14 Pro's Face ID, while those who prefer a physical fingerprint sensor will find the iPhone SE 2020's Touch ID more familiar and convenient.
  • Portability and Weight: The iPhone SE 2020 is significantly lighter and smaller, making it ideal for one-handed use and small pockets, whereas the iPhone 14 Pro is heavier and more substantial, requiring a more secure grip.

Weight

206 g

148 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

4.7

Mobile network

5G

4G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

Lightning

User feedback for the iPhone SE 2020 often highlights its compact form factor and the reliability of the physical home button, which remains a favorite for those who find gesture-based navigation less intuitive. However, a common criticism among long-term owners is the battery life, which can struggle to keep up with modern app demands. On the other hand, the iPhone 14 Pro receives high praise for its exceptionally bright display and the versatility of its triple-camera system, though some users find the weight of the stainless steel frame to be a bit cumbersome during extended use.

Choosing between these two depends largely on individual priorities. Users who prioritize a compact, lightweight device for basic communication and prefer a traditional interface will find the iPhone SE 2020 well-suited to their needs. Conversely, those who require a high-performance tool for photography, gaming, or long days of travel will benefit from the iPhone 14 Pro's advanced features and superior battery endurance. For those looking to make a sustainable choice, a quality-assured refurbished option provides a way to access these technologies while reducing electronic waste. Ultimately, both devices offer the reliable iOS experience, but they cater to very different lifestyles and technical requirements.

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