iPhone SE (2022) vs iPhone 12: which one to buy?

Next Friday, October 7th, marks the arrival of Apple's newest line of smartphones in Brazil: the iPhone 14. But because it is a new wave of devices, the value can scare away potential buyers who don't want to spend so much money. So if you want to have an iPhone but can't afford one of the new releases, why not check out some from previous years? Today we will compare the iPhone SE launched this year with the iPhone 12, from 2020 — which are the most affordable current models. Come on?

Design

O iPhone SE has a classic design that refers to the iPhone 6, 2014, with large spaces above and below the screen. This makes the screen size considerably smaller than the overall dimensions of the device. In comparison, newer models such as the iPhone 12, have narrower screen edges that make the device look sleeker and the screen larger while keeping the size a little more compact.

For some users this compact appearance makes the device more comfortable to use while maintaining a perfect screen size. the design of iPhone 12 includes the notch, which houses the Apple Face ID camera and sensor for unlocking the phone. already the iPhone SE uses the old screen model, but still with the reliable fingerprint sensor — the touch ID — at the bottom, which functions as the Home button. Many actually prefer Touch ID over Face ID, but whether it's worth sticking with an older iPhone design and a small screen because of Touch ID is up to you.

Fabric

The 4,7 inch screen of the iPhone SE is small by today's standards. Some people prefer smartphones with smaller screens, either because of the overall size of the device or because its handling fits better in a smaller model. In this sense there is no winner, choosing an iPhone from the screen turns out to be a totally individual factor.

O iPhone 12 It has a superior 6,1-inch screen with OLED technology that offers deeper colors and contrast, which makes apps and content look more current. Compared to the LCD screen of the iPhone SE, the iPhone 12 has an advantage.

The resolution of the iPhone 12's OLED screen is also higher (2.532 x 1.170) than that of the iPhone SE (1.334 x 750), which makes the screen view clearer. However, as the iPhone SE's screen is smaller, it may end up giving that impression of being a little sharper too.

Hardware and performance

O iPhone SE is equipped with the processor A15 Bionic, while the iPhone 12 use the A14 Bionic. That is, the iPhone SE runs on the same processor as the iPhone 13, 13 Pro e iPhone 14, which means it's fast and powerful. Still, the A14 Bionic on the iPhone 12 should not be underestimated, bringing great performance to the model.

The 2022rd Gen iPhone SE was released in 12. Compared to the 2020 iPhone XNUMX, that means it can get an extra two years of iOS support even more, which includes important security updates.

As an example, iOS 16 released in 2022 continues to support the 8 iPhone 2017 — a five-year-old device. So choosing the iPhone 12, a 2020 model, is still advantageous in that sense. If your plans are to keep your iPhone for more than five years, iPhone SE may be the best option. But if you want to update before five years, then consider the iPhone 12.

Cameras

Possibly the biggest criterion for choosing a smartphone, the differences between cameras can certainly define the choice between the two models. O iPhone SE supports the Smart HDR4, which better captures color, contrast, and lighting, compared to Smart HDR3 do iPhone 12. Overall, the iPhone SE and iPhone 12 take similar quality photos with their cameras. 12 MP resolution, but the iPhone 12 offers extra versatility with its ultra-wide camera information which also has 12 MP resolution.

The ultra wide-angle camera is not only ideal for capturing vast landscapes, it can also be useful for capturing some things up close. As for the front camera, the camera with 12 SM of resolution of iPhone 12 takes sharper selfies when compared to the camera it has 7 SM of resolution of iPhone SE.

Battery

One of the main complaints about the iPhone SE — or even iPhones before the 13 — is the short battery life. Despite Apple improving battery performance for the 2022 model, it still doesn't last as long as the iPhone 12.

iPhone SE and iPhone 12 support charging wireless at 7,5 Watts of power by the Qi standard, but the iPhone 12 is also compatible with wireless chargers MagSafe from Apple, which the iPhone SE is not capable. The MagSafe magnetically attaches the charger to the back of the iPhone 12 and even charges quickly with 15 Watt power.

And the iPhone 12 also supports MagSafe accessories, including charging hubs, wallets, PopSockets and more. For wired charging, the iPhone SE and iPhone 12 support Apple's fast charging via a 20 Watt or higher charger. Fast charging means iPhones can charge from 0% to 50% in about 30 minutes.

Connectivity

O iPhone 12 was the first generation of Apple cell phones to offer connectivity 5G. Now the iPhone SE also brings the 5G connection, but this time to a more accessible category in Apple's smartphone catalog. The big difference is that the SE only supports sub-6 bands, while the iPhone 12 also works with mmWave, which is faster.

It will only matter if the network provider you use offers these connections, which doesn't necessarily end up being a problem for most people. In addition, both offer Bluetooth 5, GPS, NFC and Wi-Fi 6, so they are quite compatible with current connection technologies.

Pricing

Because they have variations in internal memory, all iPhone models also have variations in their values ​​— the greater the internal memory, the more expensive. And, of course, the newer also makes the device more expensive. Check it out:

• iPhone SE (2022) 64GB per R$2.973,52;
• iPhone SE (2022) 128GB per R$3.365;
• iPhone SE (2022) 256GB per R$3.871.

• iPhone 12 64GB per R$3.832,20;
• iPhone 12 128GB per R$4.399.

Conclusion

O iPhone SE does a good job of delivering the iPhone experience most people are looking for. It's fast and takes good photos and videos, plus it can use the same iOS and apps as the latest iPhone 14. The design is a bit dated for today, with the small screen starting to feel cramped.

O iPhone 12 it's a better device in pretty much every way despite the processor, but even that isn't really an issue as the A14 Bionic is a component that is still extremely powerful. The downside remains the price. If you want a rugged everyday iPhone, it's hard to compare to the iPhone SE when you consider you'll pay significantly less for it than you would with the iPhone 12.

It may even have a look that should have been retired a long time ago, but in these trying times, the iPhone SE is still too good a smartphone to pass up, especially considering its value and processor. But possibly the iPhone 12 It might be the best option here as it carries a superior camera set, has Face ID security, wirelessly charges via MagSafe and can even have a greater resale effect than the iPhone SE.

Technical specifications

See also other features

iPhone 14 in Brazil: Apple reveals pricing and release date.

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