Sometimes, it feels like Apple digs into my mind and pulls out every update I needed to see in the next iPhone series. And maybe it’s same with you too, who knows?
With every iPhone model launch, it brings extra features and it just gets better with each passing year.
When iPhone SE 2020 was first released, it was like a reincarnation of the once released iPhone 8 and not many people were excited about that idea except for some of the new features that came with it.
And three years after its release, there’s a need to review the specification of the iPhone 8 in comparison to the iPhone SE 2020.
Perhaps, you’ve been wondering what the difference between the iPhone SE 2020 and the iPhone 8 is, you’re not alone because I once had same thoughts.
Well, my curiosity is what spurred me to write this article. So, let me crave your indulgence as I bring answers to the questions on your mind.
So, hop in as I take you on this ride to knowing the differences between the iPhone SE 2020 and the iPhone 8 and just so you don’t get bored on this journey, please grab some spicy chicken and chips and maybe some fruit juice for a treat.
And if you are meticulous in reading through this article, there is a special token for you somewhere in this article.
While this article would not delve deeply into the similarities, it will focus majorly on the difference that exists between the two devices.
A great way to get started on this journey is to tell you about some of the similar features between the two devices as you would read below;
If you’re a lover of the home button on iPhone series, then Apple sure knows how to satisfy your every craving. So, if you missed the opportunity of using the home button in newer models of iPhone, Apple brought that back in the iPhone SE 2020. I’d let you in on this one because you would never get this feature on any other newly produced iPhone so, make use of this opportunity.
You would remember that the initial iPhone SE is a remodel of the iPhone 5s this means the iPhone SE 2020 is an upgraded version of the iPhone 8 but this doesn’t go without hinting that it came with its special features which makes it different from the iPhone 8 – one reason you should read through till the end.
iPhone SE 2020 vs iPhone 8 – What’s the difference?
For better understanding and easy reading, I have categorized this section of the article into various subheadings as will be seen below;
Size
The first noticeable feature of the iPhone SE and iPhone 8 is the size – both have the same size and shape. They are of dimension 138.4×67.3×7.3mm and their grammage (weight) is about 148 grams.
Although both devices have just one rear camera and which has a flash with a glass back on the same axis but there lies a difference in the manner in which the Apple logo is positioned. On the iPhone 8, the Apple logo is quite similar to that seen in iPhone 11 while it is a bit below the iPhone SE.
Design
In terms of design, the iPhone SE 2020 is available in the colour red while the iPhone 8 series has the characteristic gold colour.
Display
While some degree of similarities exists between the two devices as a result of their 4.7-inch Retina HD 1334×750 resolution at 326 PPI, possessing wide colour, true tone and a maximum brightness level of 625 nits.
While the touch ID sensor for both devices is located just below their display, the difference is seen in the 3D touch and it is present in the iPhone 8 but absent in the iPhone SE. However, the latter has the haptic touch system just as in the iPhone 11. This difference is somewhat subtle and not really observed by users.
Special tokens: I’m about to ditch all of those rumours flying around about Apple launching iPhone SE 3 sometime in the year 2021 – well, you just might have heard wrongly as there is nothing pertaining to that from inside sources.
Storage
Here lies the major difference between both devices as the iPhone SE operates on Apple’s A13 Bionic chip while the iPhone 8 runs on an A11 Bionic chip. Apparently, the iPhone SE will be faster and run smoothly as a result of its OS and its third-generation neutral engine.
While the RAM storage for apple devices always remain anonymous, a wide guess from different pieces of information garnered suggests that the iPhone SE possesses the same 2GB RAM as that of the iPhone 8. However, both devices are available in 64GB and 128GB storage capacities but iPhone SE has additional storage of 256GB which gives it an edge over the iPhone 8.
The ratings for both devices are IP67 for water and dust resistance so, don’t get paranoid when your phone gets into the water. Also, both devices have Bluetooth 5, stereo speakers and Apple pay support through NFC.
Camera
When it comes to the iPhone SE vs iPhone 8 camera comparison, both devices have a single 12MP, f/1.8 wide camera with 5X digital zoom and recording 4K video, the iPhone SE has proved to be ahead of the iPhone 8.
For instance, the sapphire crystal lens covers which are present in iPhone SE but absent in iPhone 8, you would enjoy some features like portrait mode for people and portrait lighting, QuickTake video and Smart HDR. In addition, portrait videos can be taken with the 7MP, f/2.2 selfie camera available on the iPhone SE.
Battery Life
For the iPhone 8 vs iPhone SE 2020 battery life, both devices are almost similar in the capacity as they possess 1,821mAh but the iPhone SE has an additional 20 minutes (3hrs 37 minutes) in its running time as opposed to the 3hrs 17 mins of the iPhone 8.
AppleCare
+Just like in all of their other devices, Apple replicated the same AppleCare+ in the iPhone SE but at a cheaper price. In the iPhone 8, the Apple+ costs $129 but you can get it for $79 on the iPhone SE. A subtle reminder that the Apple+ service has run for 2 years.
Price
Just like the popular saying; save the best for the last, here is the much-awaited information you’ve been wanting to read. For the iPhone 8, the 64GB sells at $449 while the 128GB sells for $499. While for the iPhone SE 2020, 64GB foes for $399, the 128GB sells at $449 and the 256GB goes for $549.
Although you won’t find the iPhone 8 up for sale on Apple’s website but when available, the 64GB model is priced at $339 and the 256GB model is priced at $469 which is quite cheaper than the iPhone SE.
