After years of rumors, Apple’s new iPhone SE was finally released in April 2020 to much fanfare. The official followup to the first generation iPhone SE that launched back in 2016, the iPhone SE (2020) shares more in common with the now discontinued iPhone 8. In fact, the phones nearly identical.
Since the iPhone SE (2020) is currently the cheapest iPhone you can buy from Apple in 2020, you might be wondering how that compares to the now discontinued iPhone 8? To help make sense of it all, we’ll be comparing the iPhone SE 2020 vs iPhone 8, detailing all the differences in the specs, features and price.
iPhone SE (2020) vs iPhone 8 specs
| iPhone SE (2020) | iPhone 8 (2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 4.7-inch Retina LCD (True Tone) | 4.7-inch Retina LCD (True Tone) |
| Camera | 12MP rear / 7MP front (Smart HDR, Portrait mode, 4K HDR) | 12MP rear / 7MP front |
| Chipset | A13 Bionic | A11 Bionic |
| RAM | 3GB | 2GB |
| Storage | 64GB / 128GB / 256GB | 64GB / 256GB |
| Battery | 1,821mAh | 1,821mAh |
| Wireless charging | Yes | Yes |
| Water resistant | IP67 | IP67 |
| SIM | Dual (Nano + eSIM) | Single (Nano) |
iPhone SE (2020) vs iPhone 8 features
Take one look at the two and you’re sure to notice that the new iPhone SE is essentially a carbon copy of the iPhone 8. While the iPhone SE and iPhone 8 have the same size, shape and body, Apple did manage to update a few key hardware specs. In some ways this breathes new life into the iPhone 8, with Apple officially bringing it up to speed with their 2019 iPhone lineup.
Performance
Inside, the new iPhone SE gains 3GB of RAM for better multitasking, and a more powerful A13 processor, the same chipset you’ll find on the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max. So when it comes to performance, the new iPhone SE is definitely no slouch. The updated processor also means you can expect faster WiFi and cellular data, something that contributes greatly to the overall feeling of speed.
Camera
Both the iPhone SE (2020) and iPhone 8 feature the same 12MP sensor, but the SE’s A13 Bionic chip brings improved photo and video quality. This is thanks to Apple’s Smart HDR which combines several photos of varying exposures, combining them for a much sharper image with better dynamic range.
This also extends to video, where the iPhone SE can record 4K HDR (high dynamic range), and adds 4K video stabilization, and new QuickTake video capture. And despite having only a single lens, the iPhone SE can also capture Portrait mode photos, even going as far as adding Apple’s latest depth control feature to fine tune the virtual bokeh.
Unfortunately, the new iPhone SE doesn’t feature Night mode for extreme low light photos, a feature still exclusive to the iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max. When compared against the iPhone 8, the iPhone SE (2020) camera quality and features absolutely blows the 8 out of the water in all respects.
Everything else
As for what has remained the same, you’ll find the iPhone SE (2020) and iPhone 8 both feature the same Qi wireless charging, Touch ID home button, IP67 water resistance, and both are running the latest iOS 13 operating system. The iPhone SE (2020) now includes dual SIM (Nano and eSIM) and adds a 128GB storage option, the sweet spot sorely lacking from the iPhone 8.
iPhone SE (2020) vs iPhone 8 size
| iPhone SE (2020) | iPhone 8 (2017) | |
| Screen size | 4.7 inches | 4.7 inches |
| Dimensions | 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm | 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm |
How big is the new iPhone SE (2020)? It’s as small as current iPhones get, carrying the same 4.7-inch screen size as the iPhone 8, while the overall size remains completely unchanged (5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 in). This makes the iPhone SE a great option for those that prefer smaller iPhones, but leaves the door wide open for those who want something much larger.
Wish there was a larger iPhone SE Plus?
Do you wish Apple had released a larger iPhone SE Plus? Well, you’re not alone. Our advice for those interested in the iPhone SE’s features and price, but were hoping for something with a bit more screen real estate, need to check out the iPhone XR. With prices starting at $389, the iPhone XR is just as affordable as the new iPhone SE (2020), only it carries a much more modern design. Visit the Swappa marketplace and start shopping using the button below.
iPhone SE (2020) vs iPhone 8 price
The second generation iPhone SE is the latest in Apple’s affordable “SE” line to be released. With the original iPhone SE (1st generation) launching all the way back in 2016, it’s certainly been a long time coming.
Of course, the biggest selling point of the iPhone SE is the value it offers, something directly related to its low entry price. How much is the iPhone SE (2020)? On Apple, the new iPhone SE price starts at $399 (64GB), and goes up to $449 (128GB) or $549 for 256GB of storage.
Despite only being released in April, you can already find a handful of the new second gen iPhone SE models being sold in the Swappa marketplace. On Swappa, iPhone SE prices start at around $213 and with prices dropping all the time, there’s never a bad time to buy.
Of course if you want to save even more money (and who doesn’t?), the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus are easily the best value iPhones you can get for the price. You get new features like wireless charging, 18W fast charging, and Portrait mode (iPhone 8 Plus only), but in a traditional iPhone design complete with Touch ID home button.
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Although the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus were officially retired with the release of the iPhone SE (2020), you can still find gently used models on Swappa. Why pay $400 for the new iPhone SE when you can get an iPhone 8 — with most of the same hardware and features — for almost half the price?
On Swappa, the price of the iPhone 8 starts at $170, while the larger iPhone 8 Plus starts at $249. Pick up either model and tell your friends it’s the new iPhone SE or SE Plus — your secrets safe with us.
