Comparison of iPhone SE (2020) vs iPhone 8: what are the differences?

In 2016, Apple unveiled the very first iPhone SE. Like the iPhone 5c, this model was intended to be more affordable. This is also the same strategy that was adopted during the launch of the iPhone 8, at the same time as the iPhonemid-rangethan its big brothers, for a lower price.

Buy iPhone SE 2

A profitable positioning, since the product manufacturer seems to have repeated the operation with the iPhone SE (2020). This is based on a technical sheet very similar to that of the iPhone 8, but still benefits from someassetscompared to his cousin.

Operating system: the best quality of service on iPhone

The iPhone 8, like the iPhone SE (2020), is equipped withiOS. If the first was released with the eleventh version of the software, the second accesses directly to the version13.4. This adds some interesting features to the phone, including:

• file sharing in iCloud, to work remotely on the same document (like Google Drive)
• additional shortcuts with the Shazam app
• a revisited design for the Mail client toolbar

Despite everything, if you still choose the iPhone 8 rather than the iPhone SE (2020), know that the former is still supported by Apple. It is therefore entirely possible to update it to iOS 13.4 manually.

The manufacturer also advises always installing the latest edition of its OS, because this also corrects security vulnerabilities discovered after the program was made official. However, we must always keep in mind that dating from 2017,iPhone 8s may no longer be compatible with the latest iterations of iOS beforethat the second generation iPhone SEs meet the same fate (but probably not before 2022 given Apple's habits in this area).

Did the iPhone SE (2020) copy its design from the iPhone 8?

At first glance, most consumers will be struck by theresemblancebetween the iPhone 8 and the second iPhone SE. And that's to be expected: both devices are designed with a Gorilla Glass front and back, all surrounded by an aluminum structure. In addition, the two devices both weigh 148 grams and have the same dimensions, notably 7.3 mm thick.

As for thecolors, the iPhone SE offers white, black as well as a PRODUCT(RED) version, part of the profits of which are donated to the fight against AIDS and COVID-19. This edition is also available on the iPhone 8, which is also sold in gold, silver and space gray. But given that it is strongly recommended to protect these devices with a silicone case, to avoid breaking the screen or the rear glass, this specificity should not be a decision factor, except for those who opt for a model transparent.

Small difference to note nonetheless between iPhone 8 and new iPhone SE, the apple on the back has moved to the center of the device on the new model. On the old one, it was higher up. There were also more inscriptions visible at the bottom of the back shell, which is no longer the case on the SE. The latter only displays “iPhone”.

A photo improvement with the iPhone SE

Released more than two years after the iPhone 8, the new iPhone SE still includes asingle dorsal lens. This one is also the same: it is a 28mm EXMOR wide-angle sensor subcontracted by Sony, with a resolution of 12 MPx and an f/1.8 aperture. It can film in 4K, and benefits from an LED flash to illuminate night scenes.

Despite everything, we notice a notable difference (which is mainly caused by a modification of the iOS code): the 2020 iPhone SE can use the “portrait mode“, while this is not the case on the iPhone 8. This is a feature that automatically blurs a background when taking a face shot, but it works much better with multiple sensors as is the case with the iPhone 11 Pro.

For selfies, both the iPhone 8 and the iPhone SE rely on the same 7 megapixel lens on the front, but without TrueDepth and thereforewithout Face ID biometric unlocking.

Screen: the last in a long line?

While most rumors have announced for many months that Apple had chosen to completely abandon the production of screensLCD, the second iPhone SE was nevertheless marketed with a panelIPSthe same size as that of the iPhone 8. The service provider that manufactures them would also be the same, which suggests that the component has in fact not changed between the two products. If you were satisfied with this solution, now is the time to take advantage of it, because this is the last time that an iPhone offers such a display. From the iPhone 12, only all-OLED would thus be favored by Cupertino, because it consumes less energy and with deeper blacks (pixels off).

With the same diagonal of4.7 incheson the meter, the iPhone 8 and iPhone SE offer a pixel density of326 ppithanks to Full HD definition and a resolution of 1,334 x 750 pixels. Both are equipped with proprietary True Tune and Retina technologies, which can broadcast sixteen million colors. The only change concerns theabandonment of 3D Touch on the iPhone 8 in favor of Haptic Touch on iPhone SE,an alternative also available on the iPhone 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max.

Performances : iPhone 8 vs iPhone SE (2020)

Let's get down to business: which of the iPhone 8 or the iPhone SE (2) is more powerful? To find out, there are two options: the first consists of looking at the parts used to design the two smartphones, while the second will use abenchmark. This type of service makes it possible to carry out a series of performance and speed tests on the various mobile components, including the battery, the processor and the GPU, then to compare the results obtained. And the assessment is clear: the iPhone SE is better than the iPhone 8.

The battery, on the other hand, is the same: 1821 mAh on both models.

Among the factors of this success, we find:

• the SoCA13 Bionic, engraved in 7 nanometers on the iPhone SE (while the iPhone 8 sticks to the A11 Bionic in 10 nm),
• 3 Go to RAM
• and compatibility with Wi-Fi 6, not present on the iPhone 8

The good deal is…

You understood it by reading this comparison:the iPhone SE (2020) is more of an update to the iPhone 8than a truly unique smartphone. Indeed, whether at the software or hardware level, the two devices offer a very similar value proposition. The only major differences are the arrival of “portrait mode” and that of the new Apple A13 Bionic processor. The first may be considered by some to be anecdotal, since it is possible to edit a photo after taking it in order to achieve a similar effect. As for the SoC engine, it is certainly different, but as with the battery, iOS updates ensure stability and fluidity, regardless of the model.

Asthe iPhone 8 is now cheaper, it could perhaps in the near future constitute an excellent alternative to save several tens of euros on the price of an iPhone SE. The only risk will perhaps be to get your hands, in the case of second-hand purchase, on an iPhone 8 with autonomy at half mast and a battery that needs changing.

Here are the real-time updated pricing tables for the iPhone 8:

And those of the iPhone SE 2020: