iPhone SE vs iPhone XR: comparison and differences

On April 15, 2020, Apple presented its new mid-range smartphone with a simple press release: the iPhone SE, the second of the name. The device is sold below the symbolic bar of 500 euros, and should therefore delightbudgetstight.

But the iPhone XR (announced in September2018), also less expensive than the brand's triple sensor mobiles, is still available in stores and online. With similar characteristics, it is therefore confusing. Therefore, it is better to clarify the differences between the iPhone XR and the iPhone SE (2020) to avoid a mistake that could be costly.

A simple question of timing for the operating system

No matter which model you choose, know that the iPhone XR, like the iPhone SE, runs underiOS. The software, published by Apple and only available on its products, is very fluid, regardless of the circumstances on a new phone. The only real difference between the iPhone Indeed, if the iPhone XR comes with iOS 12, this is not the case for the iPhone SE (2) which benefits directly from iOS 13.4.

This edition brings some minor new features, but in any case the iPhone XR is fully eligible for theupdateto the latest version of iOS. The only decision criterion will perhaps be on the side of support for the oldest smartphone, which will logically stop a little earlier than the iPhone SE, around 2023 according to Apple's habits.

You have to choose between a large iPhone XR or a compact iPhone SE

Let's move on to the template. If the design of the second generation iPhone SE is essentially the same as that of the iPhoneglassHowever, there are some differences from one phone to another. First of all, it's anecdotal, but the dome logo found behind the iPhone SE is located in the middle of the case, while it is located higher up on the iPhone XR. Furthermore, the on/off button is more imposing on the latter: useful for less agile hands.

But it is not only this element that is wider on the XR, since this iPhone itself is more slender than the SE, with dimensions of 150.9 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm compared to 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3mm. The diagonal/format ratio is also more complete on the iPhone XR, with79%while the iPhone SE is limited to only 65.4%. And logically, the weight follows, with 194 grams against148 gfor the SE.

To finish with the exterior appearance, you should know that the iPhone SE only offers threecolors: PRODUCT (RED), black and white. The iPhone XR, on the other hand, is much more available in variations, since it also exists in blue, coral and yellow. And, I almost forgot: the rear photo module is vertical on the XR, while it is horizontal on the SE.

One screen better than the other?

The most notable difference between the iPhone SE and the iPhone XR actually lies in their respective panels. That of the iPhone SE does not offerwhat4.7 inches, like the iPhone 8 which particularly resembles it, while the iPhone XR displays6.1 incheson the meter. Enough to place it in the rank ofphablet.

Although on paper it has the same pixel density (326 ppi), the iPhone XR nevertheless suffers from a big downside. Its notch. Indeed, the user experience will be degraded by thisnotchimposing, which takes up three-quarters of the width of the display at the top of the device. But that's the price you pay to enjoy a larger screen.

Photo: the bare minimum, whether with the iPhone XR or the iPhone SE

Are you a fan of premium photos?Instead, turn to the iPhone 11 Pro or its big brother the iPhone 11 Pro Max, which both have three lenses. The iPhone XR is only equipped with a single 26mm sensor.12 megapixelson the back, with an f/1.8 aperture and supported by an LED flash for night photos. However, it can film in 4K, and the same goes for the iPhone SE.

For the front lens, no difference either. The iPhone SE has 7 MPx, with a “portrait mode” practical for selfies, and an f/2.2 aperture. Finally, for video, it will be 1080p, the same as on the iPhone XR.

Performance is a selection factor for the most demanding

On the power side, on the other hand, there is a better quality component on the iPhone SE than on the iPhone XR. This is the processorApple A13 Bionic, engraved in 7 nanometers, with six cores of 2.65 GHz each under the hood. It is exactly the same chip as in the iPhone 11 Pro Max, still considered at the release of our two study subjects as the best iPhone on the market.

The benchmarks prove it by using this component and its predecessor, the difference in performance is significant. But on products leaving the factory, especially knowing that the iPhone XR and the iPhone SE are powered by 3 GB of RAM, the difference is not detectable with the naked eye. Otherwise, theWi-Fi 6integrated on the SE and not on the XR also allows you to decide between the duo.

Security: Face ID vs Touch ID

Apple has always been keen - and especially since the arrival of Tim Cook at the head of the company - to position itself in favor of the protection of privacy. Thereconfidentialityis thus at the heart of its marketing operations, and there is reason for comparison between the biometric unlocking technique of the iPhone XR and that of the iPhone SE of 2020.

The iPhone XR thus has a sensorTrueDepthon the front, which can scan the user's entire face in three dimensions to only allow access to iOS if the software detects the correct identity. The iPhone SE, on the other hand, has a similar alternative:Touch ID. This relies on the home button located under the screen to analyze fingerprints, which can be multiple.

Which of the iPhone XR or the iPhone SE has the better battery?

The iPhone XR has been renowned since its launch for its significant battery life, which is said to be one of the best among all Apple smartphones combined. It therefore lasts the day without really intensive use, and even doesbetter than iPhone 8 Plusaccording to the manufacturer. But the iPhone SE, whose 1,821 mAh battery is equivalent to that of the iPhone 8, would only achieve thirteen hours of non-stop video playback on paper.

iPhone XR vs iPhone SE: Summary of the differences

Neither the iPhone XR nor the iPhone SE are touted as “the best iPhone ever made” by their brand. On the other hand, they are both very well made. Their differences actually come down to a few technical characteristics:

• the iPhone XR may not fit into all pockets due to itssize , while the iPhone SE is smaller
• the iPhone SE is more muscular than the iPhone XR thanks to itsCPUA13 Bionic
• Face ID ou Touch ID

To conclude, we can therefore consider that the iPhone XR is more suitable for:

• big hands,
• less tight budgets (it is well worthmore than 500 euros!)
• and those who lovehave funahead of a good series in transport.

Conversely, the iPhone SE, whose prices are updated in real time below, will be more favored by:

• students or grandparents,
• those who always wanted an iPhone, but didn't have onenot the meanspreviously,
• and those nostalgic for screens of sufficient size (and God knows there are some).