iPhone 14 Plus • Locked T-Mobile vs iPhone SE (2020) • Unlocked

The iPhone 14 Plus, released in October 2022, and the iPhone SE 2020, launched in April 2020, represent distinct approaches within Apple's smartphone lineup. While both operate on Apple's iOS ecosystem, they cater to different user preferences through their design, display size, and core capabilities. The iPhone 14 Plus offers a significantly larger screen and enhanced camera system, whereas the iPhone SE 2020 maintains a more compact form factor with a traditional home button.

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is influenced by its release date, software support, and physical resilience. These two models, separated by over two years, offer different expectations in these areas.

• Release Timeline: The iPhone 14 Plus was released in October 2022, making it a newer device compared to the iPhone SE 2020, which launched in April 2020. This difference in release year directly impacts their remaining software support.
• OS Support Duration: The iPhone 14 Plus is expected to receive iOS updates for a longer period than the iPhone SE 2020, typically extending its software longevity by at least two years due to its later release. The iPhone SE 2020 originally shipped with iOS 13.4 and has received updates to iOS 26.4 as of March 2026.
• Durability Features: The iPhone 14 Plus features a Ceramic Shield front cover and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, allowing submersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes. The iPhone SE 2020 has an IP67 rating, protecting against dust and water submersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. Both devices utilize glass and aluminum in their construction.

Performance differences between these two iPhones are notable, primarily due to the generational gap in their internal components, impacting everything from app responsiveness to battery endurance.

• Processor Capabilities: The iPhone 14 Plus incorporates a more recent generation processor with a 5-core GPU, enabling smoother performance for demanding applications, advanced gaming, and complex multitasking. The iPhone SE 2020, while still capable, uses an earlier generation processor, which handles everyday tasks efficiently but may show limitations with the most intensive apps or future software updates.
• Battery Behavior: The iPhone 14 Plus is recognized for its extended battery life, with users often reporting it can last through a full day of heavy use and potentially up to two or three days with moderate usage. This is attributed to its larger physical size allowing for a bigger battery and efficient components. The iPhone SE 2020 has a smaller battery capacity, which typically requires more frequent charging for users with high usage demands.
• Storage Options: The iPhone 14 Plus is available with 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage configurations. The iPhone SE 2020 offers 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB options.

The visual experience on these devices differs significantly, primarily due to advancements in display technology and physical dimensions.

• Display Technology and Size: The iPhone 14 Plus features a larger 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, offering deep blacks, vibrant colors, and a high contrast ratio. The iPhone SE 2020 has a more compact 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD display, which provides good color accuracy and brightness but does not match the contrast levels of an OLED panel.
• Resolution and Clarity: The iPhone 14 Plus boasts a higher resolution of 2778 x 1284 pixels at 458 pixels per inch (ppi), resulting in sharper images and text on its larger screen. The iPhone SE 2020 has a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels at 326 ppi, which is clear for its size but less dense than the 14 Plus.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: The iPhone 14 Plus offers a typical brightness of 800 nits and a peak HDR brightness of 1200 nits, improving visibility in bright conditions and for HDR content. Both models feature a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which provides a smooth experience for general use, though some users might notice the difference compared to higher refresh rate displays found on other devices.

Camera capabilities are a significant differentiator, with the newer iPhone 14 Plus offering a more advanced system compared to the iPhone SE 2020.

• Rear Camera System: The iPhone 14 Plus features a dual-camera system with a 12MP Main camera (f/1.5 aperture with sensor-shift optical image stabilization) and a 12MP Ultra Wide camera (f/2.4 aperture). It benefits from the Photonic Engine for improved low-light performance and features like Action Mode for stable video. The iPhone SE 2020 has a single 12MP Wide camera (f/1.8 aperture with optical image stabilization), which performs well in good lighting conditions and supports Portrait Mode for people.
• Front Camera: The iPhone 14 Plus includes a 12MP TrueDepth front camera with autofocus and a wider f/1.9 aperture, enhancing selfie quality and low-light performance. The iPhone SE 2020 has a 7MP front camera with an f/2.2 aperture.
• Video Recording: Both phones are capable of recording 4K video. The iPhone 14 Plus offers more advanced video features like Cinematic Mode in 4K and Action Mode for enhanced stabilization.