iPhone 12 • Unlocked vs iPhone SE (2020) • Unlocked

The iPhone 12, released in October 2020, and the iPhone SE (2nd generation), launched in April 2020, are two distinct smartphone offerings from Apple. While both operate on the iOS platform, they cater to different user preferences through their design philosophies and feature sets. The iPhone 12 introduced a refreshed design with an advanced display and enhanced camera capabilities, whereas the iPhone SE 2020 maintained a classic form factor while incorporating a powerful internal processor.

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

• Release Timeline & Software Support: The iPhone 12, being released several months after the iPhone SE 2020, is expected to receive major iOS updates for a slightly longer period. The iPhone 12 is anticipated to receive full iOS updates through 2027, with security updates extending beyond that year, making it usable until at least 2028. The iPhone SE 2020, while still receiving current iOS updates (iOS 26.4 as of March 2026), is projected to have its major software support conclude around 2027-2029.
• Repairability: Both devices received a repairability score of 6 out of 10 from iFixit. The iPhone SE 2020 benefits from component commonality with the iPhone 8, potentially making some replacement parts more accessible. However, the iPhone 12 introduced some software-related authentication for screen and camera replacements, which can complicate independent repairs.
• Expected Practical Lifespan: Users can generally expect both phones to remain functional and secure for several years, especially with Apple's consistent provision of security updates even after major iOS feature updates cease. The iPhone 12's newer internal components and slightly longer software support window may offer a marginally extended practical lifespan for those prioritizing the latest features.

The internal components of both smartphones contribute to their overall responsiveness and ability to handle various tasks.

• Processing Power: The iPhone 12 features a newer generation processor compared to the iPhone SE 2020. This translates to the iPhone 12 handling demanding applications, complex games, and intensive multitasking with slightly greater efficiency and speed. The iPhone SE 2020, however, still offers robust performance for everyday tasks, smooth app loading, and capable multitasking, thanks to its powerful internal chip.
• Multitasking & Storage: The iPhone 12 is equipped with 4GB of RAM, while the iPhone SE 2020 has 3GB of RAM. This difference means the iPhone 12 can keep more applications active in the background without needing to reload them, leading to a smoother multitasking experience. Both devices offer storage options of 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB, providing ample space for apps, photos, and media.
• Battery Behavior: The iPhone 12 has a larger battery capacity (2815 mAh) compared to the iPhone SE 2020 (1821 mAh). In real-world usage, the iPhone 12 generally provides good battery life, often lasting a full day for many users. The iPhone SE 2020's smaller battery capacity means heavy users may find themselves needing to charge more frequently.

The visual experience on these two iPhones differs significantly due to their display technologies and physical dimensions.

• Display Technology & Clarity: The iPhone 12 features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, offering deep blacks, high contrast (2,000,000:1 typical), and vibrant colors. The iPhone SE 2020 utilizes a 4.7-inch Retina HD IPS LCD display, which provides good color accuracy and viewing angles, though it cannot match the contrast levels of an OLED panel.
• Resolution & Brightness: The iPhone 12 boasts a higher resolution of 2532x1170 pixels at 460 pixels per inch (ppi), resulting in a sharper image on its larger screen. The iPhone SE 2020 has a resolution of 1334x750 pixels at 326 ppi. Both displays offer a typical maximum brightness of 625 nits, ensuring good visibility in most indoor and outdoor conditions, though the iPhone 12 can reach up to 1200 nits for HDR content.
• Refresh Rate & Viewing Experience: Both devices feature a standard 60Hz refresh rate. The iPhone 12's larger, edge-to-edge OLED display provides a more immersive viewing experience for media consumption and gaming, while the iPhone SE 2020's smaller screen and traditional bezels offer a more compact and one-handed friendly form factor.

The camera systems on the iPhone 12 and iPhone SE 2020 offer different capabilities, impacting photography and videography results.

• Rear Camera System: The iPhone 12 features a dual 12MP camera system, including a Wide (f/1.6) and an Ultra Wide (f/2.4) lens. This allows for more versatile shooting, including wider landscape shots and improved low-light performance on the main sensor. The iPhone SE 2020 has a single 12MP Wide (f/1.8) camera with optical image stabilization. While the SE 2020's single camera is capable, it lacks the versatility of an ultra-wide lens.
• Photography Features: The iPhone 12 includes advanced features like Night mode on all cameras (including the front camera), Deep Fusion, and Smart HDR 3, which significantly enhance image quality in challenging lighting conditions. The iPhone SE 2020 supports Smart HDR and Portrait Mode, but its Portrait Mode is software-based and primarily works with people, not objects. It also lacks Night mode and Deep Fusion.
• Video Recording: Both phones can record 4K video at up to 60 frames per second. The iPhone 12 further enhances video with HDR recording capabilities using Dolby Vision at up to 30 frames per second, offering greater dynamic range in videos. The iPhone SE 2020 also provides good video quality with optical image stabilization.