The iPhone SE 2 was announced by Apple with the same idea as the original iPhone SE: both have advanced specifications and designs based on older phones, intending to make the smartphone cheaper. Both phones have thick edges and a Home button, but the new generation’s data sheet is more powerful. In the following lines, learn what changes from the original SE to SE 2020.
It is worth remembering that the iPhone SE 2 arrived for the initial price of $399 in white, red, and black. The traditional iPhone SE was launched in May 2016 for $299 and is currently found in the $120 range.
iPhone SE and iPhone SE 2 Specifications
| iPhone SE | iPhone SE 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Launch | May 2016 | April 2020 |
| Current price | from $120 | $399 |
| Screen | 4 inches | 4.7 inches |
| Screen resolution | 1136 x 640 pixels | HD (1334 x 750 pixels) |
| Processor | A9 | A13 Bionic |
| RAM | 2 GB | 3 GB |
| Storage | 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB or 128 GB | 64 GB, 128 GB or 256 GB |
| Memory card | no support | no support |
| Main camera | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Front camera (selfie) | 1.2 MP | 7 MP |
| Operating system | iOS 9.3.2, being able to update to iOS 13.4 | iOS 13 |
| Battery | 1,624 mAh | 1,821 mAh |
| Telephony | SIM card support | SIM card and eSIM support |
| Dimensions and weight | 123.8 x 58.6 x 7.6 mm; 113 grams | 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm; 148 grams |
| Colors | space gray, rose gold, silver, and gold | black, white, and red |
Screen and Design
Although iPhone SE has features closer to the iPhone 6S, the design of the original iPhone SE is similar to that of the iPhone 5S. The phone’s display is more compact and features a 4-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 1136 x 640 pixels. The iPhone SE 2 follows the iPhone 8 look, with a 4.7-inch LCD screen and HD Retina resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels. The new smartphone also features TrueTone, which adjusts hues to ambient light.
The similarity is due to the thick edges and the Home button, with Touch ID biometrics, which replaces the Face ID feature. Both models have an aluminum frame. The iPhone SE 2 features glass in the front and back, while the original SE has an aluminum back.
Camera
Both phones feature a single 12 Megapixels rear camera. The sensor on the new Apple smartphone features f/1.8 aperture and more advanced technical specifications, such as computer photography benefits, six portrait lighting effects, and depth control. Also, it comes with Portrait Mode, an effect that makes the person appear crisp, and the background appears blurred. The original SE camera aperture is f/2.2 and does not come with these more modern features.
The front camera of the old phone is only 1.2 MP with f/2.4 aperture, while the new iPhone’s is 7 MP and f/2.2 aperture. Both cameras have face detection and panoramic mode, but only the new model can record in front with Full HD resolution (1080p) and Quick Time function (lock the video during shooting).
About the video, both can record at 4K to 30 frames per second. iPhone SE 2 also records at 4K at 60 frames per second and Full HD at 120 and 240 frames per second, in addition to having stereo audio recording, extended dynamic range, and cinematic video stabilization on the front and rear cameras.
Performance and Storage
The original iPhone SE features the A9 chip and a dual-core processor (two cores) that can run at speeds up to 1.84 GHz. The RAM is only 2 GB, which makes it difficult to run heavier programs at these times.
The iPhone SE 2 has specifications equivalent to the most modern iPhones. The mobile’s chip is the A13 Bionic, the same one found on the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max. The processor has eight cores and is capable of performing about 5 trillion operations per second. The RAM is 3 GB.
iPhone SE storage is 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, or 128GB. iPhone SE 2020 offers more space as it sells in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB versions. None of them support memory cards, as is traditional with Apple phones.
Battery
The iPhone SE battery is 1,624 mAh, which Apple claims to keep the phone running for up to 14 hours. The iPhone SE 2 has a 1,821 mAh battery and features Qi-standard wireless charging, which can deliver up to 50 percent charge in 30 minutes. According to Apple, the battery of the new phone would be enough to play up to 13 hours of videos. Both models feature a non-removable lithium-ion battery.
iOS Version and Additional Features
The old phone has iOS 9.3.2 from the factory and can be updated to iOS 13.4. The new model has iOS 13 when it comes out of the box.
iPhone SE is compatible with 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi and hotspot tracks. Also, it features version 4.2 of Bluetooth, while Apple’s launch features the same tracks in addition to Wi-Fi 6 (802.11 ax), dual-band, and Bluetooth 5.0.
Both have GPS and NFC (proximity payment), Touch ID sensors, gyroscope, accelerometer, proximity sensor, and ambient light sensor. The iPhone SE also has an output for conventional headphones, an extinct feature of most modern smartphones.
The old phone has no protection against water, while the new has IP67 certification, which allows the phone to be submerged in water for up to 30 minutes, provided it is at a maximum depth of one meter. Also, the new phone supports the SIM card and eSIM. The old model has SIM card input only.
Price
Recently announced, the iPhone SE 2 comes for the initial amount of $399 in white, black, and red. Customers will also be able to exchange old mobile phones for the brand’s new smartphone at a discount through the Apple website.
The iPhone SE was launched in May 2016 for $299. Currently, it is possible to find the model starting at a price of $120 in the colors gold, silver, space gray, and red depending on the offer of the day.
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