Comparison: 2020 iPhone SE vs iPhone 8 vs iPhone 11 Pro

Apple announced the 2020 iPhone SE, and, with it, discontinued the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus. So, let’s compare Apple’s newest iPhone with the older model, and let’s toss in the iPhone 11 Pro in there for good measure.

The new iPhone SE effectively replaces the iPhone 8 in Apple’s lineup, which means we should check out how the two models compare. Is it worth the upgrade? Apple would like to make a case for it, but maybe the specs don’t do the same for iPhone 8 owners. And in addition to that, the iPhone 11 Pro is the start of Apple’s current flagship model, which definitely earns a spot in the comparison.

So let’s break it down, shall we?

2020 iPhone SE compared to the iPhone 8 and iPhone 11 Pro

Colors

2020 iPhone SE

  • Black
  • White
  • (PRODUCT)RED

iPhone 8

  • Gold
  • Silver
  • Space Gray

iPhone 11 Pro

  • Gold
  • Space Gray
  • Silver
  • Midnight Green

Capacity

2020 iPhone SE

  • 64GB
  • 128GB
  • 256GB

iPhone 8

  • 64GB
  • 256GB

iPhone 11 Pro

  • 64GB
  • 256GB
  • 512GB

Size and weight

2020 iPhone SE

  • Height: 5.45 inches (138.4mm)
  • Width: 2.65 inches (67.3mm)
  • Depth: 0.29 inches (7.3mm)
  • Weight: 5.22 ounces (148 grams)

iPhone 8

  • Height: 5.45 inches (138.4mm)
  • Width: 2.65 inches (67.3mm)
  • Depth: 0.29 inches (7.3mm)
  • Weight: 5.22 ounces (148 grams)

iPhone 11 Pro

  • Height: 5.67 inches (144.0mm)
  • Width: 2.81 inches (71.4mm)
  • Depth: 0.32 inches (8.1mm)
  • Weight: 6.63 ounces (188 grams)

Display

2020 iPhone SE

  • 4.7-inch Retina HD display; 1334×750 resolution

iPhone 8

  • 4.7-inch Retina HD display; 1334×750 resolution

iPhone 11 Pro

  • 5.8-inch Super Retina HD display; 2436×1125 resolution

Chip

2020 iPhone SE

  • A13 Bionic processor
  • Third-generation neural engine

iPhone 8

  • A11 Bionic processor
  • Neural engine

iPhone 11 Pro

  • A13 Bionic chip
  • Thirdā€‘generation Neural Engine

Splash, water, and dust resistance

2020 iPhone SE

  • IP67-rated: maximum depth of 1 meter, up to 30 minutes under water

iPhone 8

  • IP67-rated: maximum depth of 1 meter, up to 30 minutes under water

iPhone 11 Pro

  • Rated IP68 (maximum depth of 4 meters up to 30 minutes) under IEC standard 60529

Camera

2020 iPhone SE

  • 12-megapixel Wide camera
  • f/1.8 aperture
  • 5X digital zoom
  • Portrait mode
  • Portrait Lighting (Natural, Studio, Contour, Stage, Stage Mono, High-Key Mono)
  • OIS
  • Six-element lens
  • LED True Tone flash
  • Panorama
  • Sapphire crystal lens
  • Autofocus with Focus Pixels
  • Wide color capture
  • Next-generation Smart HDR
  • Advanced red-eye correction
  • Auto image stabilization
  • Burst mode
  • HEIF and JPEG image formats

iPhone 8

  • 12-megapixel camera
  • f/1.8 aperture
  • 5X digital zoom
  • OIS
  • Six-element lens
  • Quad-LED True Tone flash
  • Panorama
  • Sapphire crystal lens cover
  • Backside illumination sensor
  • Hybrid IR filter
  • Autofocus with Focus Pixels
  • Top to focus
  • Live Photos
  • Wide color capture
  • Improved local tone mapping
  • Body and face detection
  • Auto HDR
  • Auto image stabilization
  • Burst mode
  • HEIF and JPEG image formats

iPhone 11 Pro

  • Triple 12MP Ultra Wide, Wide, and Telephoto cameras
  • Ultra Wide: ʒ/2.4 aperture and 120Ā° field of view
  • Wide: ʒ/1.8 aperture
  • Telephoto: ʒ/2.0 aperture
  • 2x optical zoom in, 2x optical zoom out; digital zoom up to 10x
  • Portrait mode with advanced bokeh and Depth Control
  • Portrait Lighting with six effects (Natural, Studio, Contour, Stage, Stage Mono, High-Key Mono)
  • Dual optical image stabilization (Wide and Telephoto)
  • Fiveā€‘element lens (Ultra Wide); six-element lens (Wide and Telephoto)
  • Brighter True Tone flash with Slow Sync
  • Panorama (up to 63MP)
  • Sapphire crystal lens cover
  • 100% Focus Pixels (Wide)
  • Night mode
  • Auto Adjustments
  • Nextā€‘generation Smart HDR for photos
  • Wide color capture for photos and LiveĀ Photos
  • Advanced redā€‘eye correction
  • Photo geotagging
  • Auto image stabilization
  • Burst mode
  • Image formats captured: HEIF and JPEG

Video recording

2020 iPhone SE

  • 4K video recording at 24 fps, 30 fps, or 60 fps
  • 1080p HD video recording at 30 fps or 60 fps
  • 720p HD video recording at 30 fps
  • Extended dynamic range for video up to 30 fps
  • Optical image stabilization for video
  • 3X digital zoom
  • LED True ToneĀ flash
  • QuickTake video
  • Sloā€‘mo video support for 1080p at 120 fps or 240 fps
  • Timeā€‘lapse video with stabilization
  • Cinematic videoĀ stabilization (4K, 1080p, and 720p)
  • Continuous autofocus video
  • Take 8MP still photos while recording 4K video
  • Playback zoom
  • Video formats recorded: HEVC and H.264
  • Stereo recording

iPhone 8

  • 4K video recording (24 fps, 30 fps, or 60 fps)
  • 1080p HD video recording (30 fps or 60 fps)
  • 720p HD video recording (30 fps)
  • OIS
  • Quad-LED True Tone flash
  • Time-lapse video with stabilization
  • Cinematic video stabilization (1080p and 720p)
  • Continuous autofocus
  • Body and face detection
  • Video geotagging
  • Noise reduction
  • Playback zoom
  • HEVC and H.264 video formats

iPhone 11 Pro

  • 4K video recording at 24 fps, 30 fps, or 60 fps
  • 1080p HD video recording at 30 fps or 60 fps
  • 720p HD video recording at 30 fps
  • Extended dynamic range for video up to 60 fps
  • Optical image stabilization for video (Wide and Telephoto)
  • 2x optical zoom in, 2x optical zoom out; digital zoom up to 6x
  • Audio zoom
  • Brighter True ToneĀ flash
  • QuıckTake video with subject tracking
  • Sloā€‘mo video support for 1080p at 120 fps or 240 fps
  • Timeā€‘lapse video with stabilization
  • Cinematic video stabilization (4K, 1080p, and 720p)
  • Continuous autofocus video
  • Take 8MP still photos while recording 4K video
  • Playback zoom
  • Video formats recorded: HEVC and H.264
  • Stereo recording

Front camera

2020 iPhone SE

  • 7MP camera
  • f/2.2 aperture
  • Portrait mode
  • Portrait Lighting (Natural, Studio, Contour, Stage, Stage Mono, High-Key Mono)
  • 1080p HD video recording at 30 fps
  • Retina flash
  • QuickTake video
  • Wide color capture
  • Auto HDR
  • Auto image stabilization
  • Burst mode
  • Cinematic videos stabilization (1080p and 720p)

iPhone 8

  • 7MP camera
  • f/2.2 aperture
  • Retina flash
  • 1080p HD video recording
  • Auto HDR
  • Auto image stabilization
  • Burst mode
  • Exposure control
  • Backside illumination sensor
  • Timer mode

iPhone 11 Pro

  • 12MP camera
  • ʒ/2.2 aperture
  • Portrait mode with advanced bokeh and Depth Control
  • Portrait Lighting with six effects (Natural, Studio, Contour, Stage, Stage Mono, Highā€‘Key Mono)
  • Animoji and Memoji
  • 4K video recording at 24 fps, 30 fps, or 60 fps
  • 1080p HD video recording at 30 fps or 60 fps
  • Slo-mo video support for 1080p at 120 fps
  • Next-generation Smart HDR for photos
  • Extended dynamic range for video at 30 fps
  • Cinematic videoĀ stabilization (4K, 1080p, and 720p)
  • Wide color capture for photos and LiveĀ Photos
  • Retina Flash
  • Auto image stabilization
  • Burst mode

Touch ID

2020 iPhone SE

  • Fingerprint sensor built into the Home button

iPhone 8

  • Fingerprint sensor built into the Home button

iPhone 11 Pro

  • N/A: This device relies on Face ID for its biometric security measure

Apple Pay

2020 iPhone SE

  • Pay with your iPhone using TouchĀ ID in stores, within apps, and on theĀ web
  • Send and receive money in Messages
  • Complete purchases made with AppleĀ Pay on your Mac

iPhone 8

  • Pay with your iPhone using Touch ID in stores, within apps, and on theĀ web
  • Complete purchases made with Apple Pay on your Mac
  • Receive and redeem rewards using rewards cards

iPhone 11 Pro

  • Pay with your iPhone using FaceĀ ID in stores, within apps, and on theĀ web
  • Send and receive money in Messages
  • Complete purchases made with AppleĀ Pay on your Mac

Apple Card

2020 iPhone SE

  • Credit card created by Apple, designed for iPhone
  • Use the Wallet app to apply for, manage, and use AppleĀ Card
  • Pay with AppleĀ Pay using TouchĀ ID in stores, within apps, and on the web
  • Titanium, laserā€‘etched physical credit card for use where AppleĀ Pay is not accepted yet

iPhone 8

  • Credit card created by Apple, designed for iPhone
  • Use the Wallet app to apply for, manage, and use AppleĀ Card
  • Pay with AppleĀ Pay using FaceĀ ID in stores, within apps, and on the web
  • Titanium, laserā€‘etched physical credit card for use where AppleĀ Pay is not accepted yet

iPhone 11 Pro

  • Credit card created by Apple, designed for iPhone
  • Use the Wallet app to apply for, manage, and use AppleĀ Card
  • Pay with AppleĀ Pay using FaceĀ ID in stores, within apps, and on the web
  • Titanium, laserā€‘etched physical credit card for use where AppleĀ Pay is not accepted yet

Carriers

2020 iPhone SE

  • AT&T
  • Sprint
  • T-Mobile
  • Verizon

iPhone 8

  • AT&T
  • Sprint
  • T-Mobile
  • Verizon

iPhone 11 Pro

  • AT&T
  • Sprint
  • T-Mobile
  • Verizon

Cellular and wireless

2020 iPhone SE

Model A2275:

  • FDDā€‘LTE (Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 29, 30, 66, 71)
  • TDā€‘LTE (Bands 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48)
  • CDMA EVā€‘DO Rev. A (800, 1900 MHz)
  • UMTS/HSPA+/DCā€‘HSDPA (850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz)
  • GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)

All models:

  • Gigabit-class LTE with 2×2 MIMO and LAA
  • 802.11ax Wiā€‘Fi 6 with 2×2 MIMO
  • Bluetooth 5.0 wireless technology
  • NFC with reader mode
  • Express Cards with power reserve

iPhone 8

Model A1863 & model A1864

  • FDD-LTE (Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 66)
  • TD-LTE (Bands 34, 38, 39, 40, 41)
  • TD-SCDMA 1900 (F), 2000 (A)
  • CDMA EV-DO Rev. A (800, 1900, 2100 MHz)
  • UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz)
  • GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)

Model 1905 & model A1897

  • FDD-LTE (Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 66)
  • TD-LTE (Bands 34, 38, 39, 40, 41)
  • UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz)
  • GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)

All models

  • 802.11ac Wiā€‘Fi with MIMO
  • Bluetooth 5.0 wireless technology
  • NFC with reader mode

iPhone 11 Pro

Model A2160

  • FDDā€‘LTE (Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 29, 30, 66, 71)
  • TDā€‘LTE (Bands 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48)
  • CDMA EVā€‘DO Rev. A (800, 1900 MHz)
  • UMTS/HSPA+/DCā€‘HSDPA (850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz)
  • GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)

Model A2161

  • FDDā€‘LTE (Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 29, 30, 66, 71)
  • TDā€‘LTE (Bands 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48)
  • CDMA EVā€‘DO Rev. A (800, 1900 MHz)
  • UMTS/HSPA+/DCā€‘HSDPA (850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz)
  • GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)

All models

  • Gigabitā€‘class LTE with 4×4 MIMO and LAA
  • 802.11ax Wiā€‘Fi 6 with 2×2 MIMO
  • Bluetooth 5.0 wireless technology
  • Ultra Wideband chip for spatial awareness
  • NFC with reader mode
  • Express Cards with power reserve

Location

2020 iPhone SE

  • Built-in GPS/GNSS
  • Digital compass
  • Wiā€‘Fi
  • Cellular
  • iBeacon micro-location

iPhone 8

  • Assisted GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and QZSS
  • Digital compass
  • Wi-Fi
  • Cellular
  • iBeacon micro-location

iPhone 11 Pro

  • Built-in GPS/GNSS
  • Digital compass
  • Wiā€‘Fi
  • Cellular
  • iBeacon microlocation

Video calling

2020 iPhone SE

  • FaceTime video calling over Wiā€‘Fi or cellular

iPhone 8

  • FaceTime video calling over Wiā€‘Fi or cellular

iPhone 11 Pro

  • FaceTime video calling over Wiā€‘Fi or cellular

Audio calling

2020 iPhone SE

  • FaceTime audio
  • Voice over LTE (VoLTE)
  • Wiā€‘Fi calling

iPhone 8

  • FaceTime audio
  • Voice over LTE (VoLTE)
  • Wiā€‘Fi calling

iPhone 11 Pro

  • FaceTime audio
  • Voice over LTE (VoLTE)
  • Wiā€‘Fi calling

Audio playback

2020 iPhone SE

  • Audio formats supported: AAC-LC, HEā€‘AAC, HEā€‘AAC v2, Protected AAC, MP3, Linear PCM, Apple Lossless, FLAC, Dolby Digital (ACā€‘3), Dolby Digital Plus (Eā€‘ACā€‘3), and Audible (formats 2, 3, 4, Audible Enhanced Audio, AAX, and AAX+)
  • Stereo playback
  • Userā€‘configurable maximum volume limit

iPhone 8

  • Audio formats supported: AAC-LC, HE-AAC, HE-AAC v2, Protected AAC, MP3, Linear PCM, Apple Lossless, FLAC, Dolby Digital (AC-3), Dolby Digital Plus (E-AC-3), and Audible (formats 2, 3, 4, Audible Enhanced Audio, AAX, and AAX+)
  • User-configurable maximum volume limit

iPhone 11 Pro

  • Audio formats supported: AACā€‘LC, HEā€‘AAC, HEā€‘AAC v2, Protected AAC, MP3, Linear PCM, Apple Lossless, FLAC, Dolby Digital (ACā€‘3), Dolby Digital Plus (Eā€‘ACā€‘3), Dolby Atmos, and Audible (formats 2, 3, 4, Audible Enhanced Audio, AAX, and AAX+)
  • Spatial audio playback
  • Userā€‘configurable maximum volume limit

Video playback

2020 iPhone SE

  • Video formats supported: HEVC, H.264, MPEGā€‘4 Part 2, and Motion JPEG
  • Supports DolbyĀ Vision and HDR10 content
  • AirPlay Mirroring, photos, and video out to Apple TV (2nd generation or later)
  • Video mirroring and video out support: Up to 1080p through Lightning Digital AV Adapter and Lightning to VGA Adapter (adapters sold separately)

iPhone 8

  • Video formats supported: HEVC, H.264, MPEG-4 Part 2, and Motion JPEG
  • Supports Dolby Vision and HDR10 content
  • AirPlay Mirroring, photos, and video out to Apple TV (2nd generation or later)
  • Video mirroring and video out support: Up to 1080p through Lightning Digital AV Adapter and Lightning to VGA Adapter (adapters sold separately)

iPhone 11 Pro

  • Video formats supported: HEVC, H.264, MPEGā€‘4 Part 2, and Motion JPEG
  • High Dynamic Range with Dolby Vision and HDR10 content
  • AirPlay Mirroring, photos, and video out to Apple TV (2nd generation or later)
  • Video mirroring and video out support: Up to 1080p through Lightning Digital AV Adapter and Lightning to VGA Adapter (adapters sold separately)

Siri

2020 iPhone SE

  • Use your voice to send messages, set reminders, andĀ more
  • Get intelligent suggestions on your Lock screen and in Messages, Mail, QuickType, and more
  • Activate handsā€‘free with only your voice using ā€œHey Siriā€
  • Use your voice to run shortcuts from your favorite apps

iPhone 8

  • Use your voice to send messages, set reminders, andĀ more
  • Get intelligent suggestions in Messages, Mail, QuickType, and more
  • Activate with only your voice using ā€œHey Siriā€
  • Listen and identify songs

iPhone 11 Pro

  • Use your voice to send messages, set reminders, andĀ more
  • Get intelligent suggestions on your Lock screen and in Messages, Mail, QuickType, and more
  • Activate handsā€‘free with only your voice using ā€œHey Siriā€
  • Use your voice to run shortcuts from your favorite apps

Power and battery

2020 iPhone SE

Lasts about the same as iPhoneĀ 8

Video playback:

  • Up to 13 hours

Video playback (streamed):

  • Up to 8 hours

Audio playback:

  • Up to 40 hours

Fastā€‘charge capable:

  • Up to 50% charge in 30 minutes with 18W adapter or higher (sold separately)
  • Built-in rechargeable lithiumā€‘ionĀ battery
  • Wireless charging (works with QiĀ chargers)
  • Charging via USB to computer system orĀ powerĀ adapter

iPhone 8

  • Lasts about the same as iPhoneĀ 7
  • Talk time (wireless): Up to 14 hours
  • Internet use: Up to 12 hours
  • Video playback (wireless): Up to 13 hours
  • Audio playback (wireless): Up to 40 hours
  • Fast-charge capable: Up to 50% charge 30 minutes

iPhone 11 Pro

Lasts up to 4 hours longer
than iPhoneĀ XS

  • Video playback:
    Up to 18 hours
  • Video playback (streamed):
    Up to 11 hours
  • Audio playback:
    Up to 65 hours

18W adapter included

Sensors

2020 iPhone SE

  • TouchĀ ID fingerprint sensor
  • Barometer
  • Threeā€‘axis gyro
  • Accelerometer
  • Proximity sensor
  • Ambient light sensor

iPhone 8

  • Touch ID fingerprint sensor
  • Barometer
  • Three-axis gyro
  • Accelerometer
  • Proximity sensor
  • Ambient light sensor

iPhone 11 Pro

  • FaceĀ ID
  • Barometer
  • Threeā€‘axis gyro
  • Accelerometer
  • Proximity sensor
  • Ambient light sensor

Operating system

2020 iPhone SE

  • iOSĀ 13
    iOS is the worldā€™s most personal and secure mobile operating system, packed with powerful features that help you get the most out of every day.

iPhone 8

  • iOSĀ 13
    iOS is the worldā€™s most personal and secure mobile operating system, packed with powerful features that help you get the most out of every day.

iPhone 11 Pro

  • iOSĀ 13
    iOS is the worldā€™s most personal and secure mobile operating system, packed with powerful features and designed to protect your privacy.

Headphones

2020 iPhone SE

  • EarPods with LightningĀ Connector

iPhone 8

  • EarPods with Lightning Connector

iPhone 11 Pro

  • EarPods with LightningĀ Connector

In the box

2020 iPhone SE

  • iPhone with iOS 13
  • EarPods with LightningĀ Connector
  • Lightning to USB Cable
  • USB Power Adapter
  • Documentation

iPhone 8

  • iPhone 8 or iPhone 8 Plus with iOS 11
  • EarPods with Lightning Connector
  • Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter
  • Lightning to USB Cable
  • USB Power Adapter
  • Documentation

iPhone 11 Pro

  • iPhone with iOS 13
  • EarPods with LightningĀ Connector
  • USB-C to Lightning Cable
  • 18W USB-C Power Adapter
  • Documentation

The new iPhone SE shares a lot of similarities with the original iPhone 8, that’s for sure. But the changes that Apple has made, including the upgraded camera system and the A13 Bionic processor, might make it worthwhile. Compare that to the iPhone 11 Pro, though, and it might be worth opting for the more expensive model depending on what you’re looking for.

Are you planning on picking up the new iPhone SE?