iPhone 11 • Unlocked vs iPhone SE (2022) • Locked Verizon

iPhone 11 • Unlocked
iPhone 11 • Unlocked
Starting at

Refurbished price:$152.00

Versus $499.00 new

See options
iPhone SE (2022) • Locked Verizon
iPhone SE (2022) • Locked Verizon
Starting at

Refurbished price:$124.00

Versus $429.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone 11, released in September 2019, and the iPhone SE (2022), launched in March 2022, represent different approaches within Apple's smartphone lineup. While the iPhone 11 offers a larger display and a dual-camera system, the iPhone SE (2022) provides a more compact form factor and a newer, more powerful internal processor. Both devices run on Apple's iOS operating system, ensuring a consistent software experience, though the SE (2022) benefits from a longer expected support window due to its later release.

Scores

Durability

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines and expected software support.

  • Release Timeline: The iPhone 11 was released in September 2019, while the iPhone SE (2022) followed in March 2022. This nearly two-and-a-half-year difference means the SE (2022) is a significantly newer device.
  • Software Longevity: Apple typically provides major iOS updates for 5-7 years from a device's release. The iPhone 11 is expected to receive major iOS updates until approximately fall 2026, with security updates potentially extending beyond that. The iPhone SE (2022), being newer and equipped with a more recent processor, is anticipated to receive major iOS updates for an additional 2-3 years compared to the iPhone 11, likely until around 2029-2033.
  • Repairability and Durability: Both models feature glass front and back designs. The iPhone 11 has an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, allowing submersion up to 2 meters for 30 minutes, while the iPhone SE (2022) has an IP67 rating, for submersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. The iPhone SE (2022) incorporates tougher glass on both its front and back compared to its predecessor, which may offer enhanced resistance to drops.

Release Year

2019

2022

Last OS Compatibility

Yes

Yes

OS

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The internal components of these two iPhones lead to distinct performance characteristics, particularly in demanding tasks and overall responsiveness.

  • Processor Capabilities: The iPhone SE (2022) is equipped with a significantly newer processor, which allows it to handle demanding applications and multitasking with greater efficiency and speed. This newer processor also enables advanced computational photography features. The iPhone 11, while still capable for everyday use, features an older generation processor.
  • System Responsiveness: Users will find the iPhone SE (2022) to be highly responsive, with quick app loading times and smooth transitions, making it well-suited for mobile gaming and intensive applications. The iPhone 11 offers solid performance for general tasks, but may show a slight delay in comparison when running the most resource-intensive apps or games.
  • Battery Behavior: Despite the iPhone SE (2022)'s more efficient processor, the iPhone 11 generally offers longer battery life due to its larger physical battery capacity. In typical usage, the iPhone 11 can provide more hours of video playback and mixed use on a single charge. The iPhone SE (2022) offers improved battery life compared to its direct predecessor, but heavy users may find themselves charging it more frequently than the iPhone 11.
  • Storage Options: Both devices are available with 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB of internal storage, providing options for different user needs without expandable storage.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on these two iPhones differs primarily in screen size and design, as both utilize similar display technology.

  • Display Technology and Size: Both the iPhone 11 and iPhone SE (2022) feature Liquid Retina IPS LCD displays. The iPhone 11 has a larger 6.1-inch display, offering a more expansive viewing area. In contrast, the iPhone SE (2022) has a more compact 4.7-inch display, maintaining the classic iPhone design with prominent bezels and a home button.
  • Resolution and Clarity: The iPhone 11 features a resolution of 1792 x 828 pixels, while the iPhone SE (2022) has a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels. Both displays offer a pixel density of approximately 326 pixels per inch (ppi), resulting in clear text and images for typical viewing distances.
  • Brightness and Features: Both screens offer a typical maximum brightness of 625 nits, providing adequate visibility in various lighting conditions, though direct sunlight might challenge both. They also support True Tone technology, which adjusts the display's white balance to match the ambient light, and Wide Color (P3) for accurate color reproduction.

Resolution

828 x 1792

750 x 1334

Screen type

Liquid Retina IPS LCD

Retina IPS LCD

Audiovisual

The camera systems present a significant difference between the iPhone 11 and iPhone SE (2022), impacting photographic versatility and low-light performance.

  • Rear Camera System: The iPhone 11 features a dual-camera setup, including a 12-megapixel wide lens and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens. This ultra-wide lens allows for capturing broader scenes and offers more creative flexibility. The iPhone SE (2022) has a single 12-megapixel wide camera.
  • Photography Features: A key advantage of the iPhone 11 is its Night Mode, which significantly improves photo quality in low-light environments. The iPhone SE (2022) lacks Night Mode, which can result in less detailed and brighter images in dim conditions. Both phones support features like Deep Fusion and Smart HDR for improved image processing, with the SE (2022) benefiting from Smart HDR 4 due to its newer processor. The iPhone 11 also offers Portrait Mode for animals, a feature not present on the SE (2022).
  • Front Camera and Video: The iPhone 11 includes a 12-megapixel front-facing camera, while the iPhone SE (2022) has a 7-megapixel front camera. Both devices can record video up to 4K at 60 frames per second with optical image stabilization on the main rear camera.
  • Audio Experience: The iPhone 11 supports Dolby Atmos audio playback, which can enhance the media consumption experience. Both devices offer stereo speaker output.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

7 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements differentiate the user experience of the iPhone 11 and iPhone SE (2022).

  • Connectivity: The iPhone SE (2022) supports 5G cellular connectivity, offering faster download and upload speeds in areas with 5G coverage. It supports C-Band 5G networks, which are being rolled out by carriers like Verizon, but it does not support mmWave 5G, which offers the fastest speeds on Verizon's Ultra Wideband network. The iPhone 11 is limited to 4G LTE connectivity. Both devices support Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0.
  • Biometric Authentication: The iPhone 11 utilizes Face ID for secure authentication and unlocking, which involves facial recognition. The iPhone SE (2022) retains the classic home button with Touch ID, providing fingerprint-based authentication.
  • Physical Design and Handling: The iPhone 11 features a more modern, edge-to-edge display design with a notch, and dimensions of 150.9 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm, weighing 194 grams. The iPhone SE (2022) maintains the compact design of the iPhone 8, measuring 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm and weighing 144 grams, making it lighter and easier for one-handed use.
  • Ports: Both models feature a Lightning connector for charging and data transfer.

Weight

7 oz

3 oz

Screen size (inches)

6.1

4.7

Network

LTE

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Verizon

Connector

Lightning

Lightning

User feedback on platforms like Reddit often highlights the distinct advantages of each iPhone model. For the iPhone 11, common praise points include its larger display, which enhances media consumption and general browsing, and its versatile dual-camera system, particularly the inclusion of an ultra-wide lens and Night Mode for improved low-light photography. Users also frequently appreciate its generally longer battery life compared to the SE (2022).

Conversely, the iPhone SE (2022) receives commendation for its compact size, making it comfortable for one-handed use and pocketability. Its newer, more powerful processor is a significant draw for those prioritizing raw speed and future software longevity. The return of Touch ID is also a frequent positive, especially for users who prefer fingerprint authentication over facial recognition.

Criticisms for the iPhone 11 sometimes revolve around its older processor and lack of 5G connectivity. For the iPhone SE (2022), the main concerns often include its smaller, older-style display with large bezels, the absence of an ultra-wide camera and Night Mode, and its comparatively shorter battery life.

Users prioritizing a larger screen for media, a more versatile camera system with better low-light capabilities, and longer battery endurance may prefer the iPhone 11. Conversely, users who value a compact, lightweight device, the latest processing power for future-proofing, 5G connectivity, and Touch ID will find the iPhone SE (2022) well-suited to their needs. Both devices offer a quality-assured refurbished option, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

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