iPhone 8 Plus • Unlocked vs iPhone SE (2020) • Unlocked

The iPhone 8 Plus, released in September 2017, and the iPhone SE (2nd generation), launched in April 2020, are two distinct Apple smartphones that share a classic design while offering different internal capabilities. While the iPhone 8 Plus provides a larger display and a dual-camera system, the iPhone SE 2020 integrates a more advanced internal processor, leading to notable differences in performance and software longevity. Both devices operate on Apple's iOS platform, ensuring a consistent user experience.

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, their release timelines and software support are key factors.

• Software Longevity: The iPhone 8 Plus, having been released earlier, concluded its major iOS updates with iOS 16. In contrast, the iPhone SE 2020, benefiting from a later release and a newer processor, continues to receive major iOS updates, including the current iOS 26.4, extending its software support for several more years.
• Expected Practical Lifespan: Users of the iPhone 8 Plus can expect continued security patches for some time, but new features and app compatibility may become limited as developers target newer iOS versions. The iPhone SE 2020 offers a longer runway for accessing the latest features and maintaining broad app compatibility.
• Physical Durability: Both models feature a glass and aluminum construction and are rated IP67 for water and dust resistance, meaning they can withstand immersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.

The internal components of these iPhones dictate their responsiveness and ability to handle demanding tasks.

• Processing Power: The iPhone SE 2020 is equipped with a significantly newer and more powerful processor compared to the iPhone 8 Plus. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and more efficient handling of graphically intensive applications and games on the iPhone SE 2020. The iPhone 8 Plus, while still capable for everyday use, will show its age more readily with newer, more demanding software.
• Battery Behavior: The iPhone 8 Plus generally offers a more robust battery life, with many users reporting it can last a full day or even up to two days with lighter use. The iPhone SE 2020, despite its more efficient processor, often requires more frequent charging for moderate to heavy users, with some reporting it struggles to last a full day.
• Storage Options: Both devices were available with various internal storage capacities, typically starting at 64GB and going up to 256GB, providing ample space for apps, photos, and videos.

The visual experience on these devices is shaped by their display technology and size.

• Display Technology and Clarity: Both the iPhone 8 Plus and the iPhone SE 2020 feature Retina HD LCD displays with IPS technology, offering good color reproduction and viewing angles. The iPhone 8 Plus has a larger 5.5-inch screen with a 1920x1080 pixel resolution and a pixel density of 401 ppi, resulting in a sharper image. The iPhone SE 2020 has a smaller 4.7-inch display with a 1334x750 pixel resolution and 326 ppi.
• Brightness and Color: Both screens offer a maximum brightness of 625 nits and support True Tone technology, which adjusts the display's white balance to match ambient light, and wide color (P3) for vibrant hues.
• Interactive Features: The iPhone 8 Plus includes 3D Touch, which provides pressure-sensitive shortcuts. The iPhone SE 2020 replaces this with Haptic Touch, offering similar contextual menus through a long press.

Photography capabilities differ between these two models, particularly in their hardware configurations.

• Rear Camera System: The iPhone 8 Plus features a dual 12-megapixel camera system, including a wide-angle lens (f/1.8) with optical image stabilization and a telephoto lens (f/2.8) that enables 2x optical zoom and enhanced Portrait Mode with Portrait Lighting effects. The iPhone SE 2020 has a single 12-megapixel wide-angle camera (f/1.8) with optical image stabilization. While it also offers Portrait Mode, it relies on software processing and requires face detection, meaning it cannot apply the effect to objects.
• Photography Performance: Both phones capture 4K video at up to 60 frames per second. The iPhone SE 2020 benefits from its newer processor for improved computational photography, such as Smart HDR, which can lead to better dynamic range and color accuracy in some scenarios compared to the iPhone 8 Plus.
• Front Camera: Both devices are equipped with a 7-megapixel front-facing camera (f/2.2) capable of recording 1080p HD video. The iPhone SE 2020's front camera also supports software-based Portrait Mode.