Galaxy A40 vs iPhone SE (2020)
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Galaxy A40
Starting at
£71.42£229.00 new
iPhone SE (2020)
Starting at
£75.11£289.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy A40 and iPhone SE (2020)?
Galaxy A40 vs iPhone SE (2020) comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy A40 starts at £71.42, £3.69 less than the iPhone SE (2020). The iPhone SE (2020) is the newer model, released in 2020.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
Main camera
- Chipset: Exynos 7904 on the Galaxy A40, Apple A13 Bionic on the iPhone SE (2020).
- The Galaxy A40 has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.
- The Galaxy A40 has a bigger screen: 5.9 inch vs 4.7 inch.
Galaxy A40 vs iPhone SE (2020) specs
The Galaxy A40 and iPhone SE (2020) are both compact smartphones suited to different needs. The Galaxy A40 has a larger and higher resolution screen with a Super AMOLED display, ideal for watching videos and browsing with more screen space. It offers more RAM and expandable storage through a microSDXC card, which suits users who want to keep many apps open and add extra storage. It has a smaller screen and fewer megapixels on its cameras but supports eSIM and comes with multiple storage options. Each device fits different preferences around screen size, software, and storage flexibility.
Galaxy A40 vs iPhone SE (2020) price
Colour
Galaxy A40 vs iPhone SE (2020) battery life and software updates
Durability here includes software updates, operating system, and design features that affect how long the device stays current and usable.
Software Updates
This suits iPhone SE users who prioritise ongoing software support.
Operating System
The Galaxy A40 runs Android, offering a different app ecosystem and customisation options compared to the iPhone SE (2020), which runs iOS. Your choice here depends on the software environment you prefer and how it fits with your other devices.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy A40 vs iPhone SE (2020) performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy A40 vs iPhone SE (2020) screen
Screen quality affects how content looks and feels to use daily. The Galaxy A40 and iPhone SE (2020) differ in size, resolution, and display technology, which suit different viewing preferences.
Screen Size
The Galaxy A40 has a larger 5.9 inch screen, providing more room for watching videos, reading, and multitasking. The iPhone SE (2020) has a smaller 4.7 inch screen, which is easier to handle with one hand and fits more comfortably in smaller pockets.
Resolution and Detail
With a resolution of 1080 x 2340, the Galaxy A40 offers a sharper image and more detailed content compared to the iPhone SE (2020) which has a 750 x 1334 resolution. This difference is noticeable when viewing high-definition photos, videos, or text.
Screen Type
The Galaxy A40 uses a Super AMOLED screen, known for vibrant colours and deep blacks, enhancing media viewing. The iPhone SE (2020) uses a Retina IPS LCD screen, which offers accurate colours and good viewing angles, suited to users who prefer natural colour tones.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy A40 vs iPhone SE (2020) camera
Camera quality and front camera resolution matter for photos, video calls, and selfies. The Galaxy A40 and iPhone SE (2020) vary in megapixel counts, which affects image detail.
Front Camera
The Galaxy A40 has a 25 megapixel front camera, capturing more detail in selfies and video calls. This suits users who prioritise high-resolution self-portraits or video chat quality. The iPhone SE (2020) has a 7 megapixel front camera, which is suitable for everyday video calls and selfies.
Main Camera
The Galaxy A40 features a 16 megapixel main camera, providing detailed shots for everyday photography. The iPhone SE (2020) has a 12 megapixel main camera, which still captures quality images but with fewer megapixels, suitable for typical photo use.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy A40 vs iPhone SE (2020) size and design
This section covers various practical features that affect daily use, such as connectivity, storage options, and physical characteristics.
Storage Options
The Galaxy A40 comes with 64GB storage and supports microSDXC cards, allowing you to expand your storage as needed. This is useful if you want to keep many photos, videos, or apps without worrying about space. The iPhone SE (2020) offers multiple fixed storage options: 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB, which fits different needs but cannot be expanded.
SIM Card Setup
The Galaxy A40 supports dual physical SIM cards, so you can use two phone numbers with physical SIMs. The iPhone SE (2020) supports one physical SIM and one eSIM, allowing flexibility if you want to use a physical SIM alongside a digital SIM, which can be convenient for travellers or managing work and personal lines.
Connectors and Audio
The Galaxy A40 includes both USB-C and a 3.5mm headphone jack, so you can use wired headphones without an adapter. The iPhone SE (2020) uses a Lightning connector, which requires compatible cables or adapters for wired audio or charging.
Weight
The Galaxy A40 weighs 140 g, making it slightly lighter than the iPhone SE (2020), which weighs 148 g. The difference is subtle but may be noticeable if you prefer a lighter phone.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy A40 or iPhone SE (2020): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy A40 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £71.42, £3.69 less than the iPhone SE (2020)
- you want more RAM (4 GB vs 3 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (5.9 inch vs 4.7 inch)
Buy the iPhone SE (2020) if
- you want longer software support (supported, up to iOS 27 vs ended)
- you want the newer model (2020)
What our customers say
Customers who have bought the Galaxy A40 describe it as fitting well in pockets and note its light and slim design. Many say it looks like new, works well, and is the right size for everyday use. Some mention satisfaction with the condition even when described as fair, and appreciate its reliability for basic needs.
Buyers of the iPhone SE (2020) highlight its spotless condition and performance that feels like a new device. They appreciate its suitability as a first phone for younger users and for family use where parental controls matter. Some mention small screen scratches or battery notices but find these minor, and overall, the phone meets expectations for quality and usability.
The Galaxy A40 suits those wanting a larger, lighter phone with expandable storage and Android features. The iPhone SE (2020) appeals to users who want iOS support with multiple storage options and a compact design that works well in a single hand.
Galaxy A40 vs iPhone SE (2020) FAQs
Galaxy A40 vs iPhone SE (2020) comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Chipset: Exynos 7904 on the Galaxy A40, Apple A13 Bionic on the iPhone SE (2020). The Galaxy A40 has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.
The Galaxy A40 is cheaper refurbished, from £71.42 compared with £75.11 for the iPhone SE (2020).
The Galaxy A40 has a higher-resolution main camera: 16 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
The Galaxy A40 no longer gets updates. The iPhone SE (2020) is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy A40 comes in 64GB, and the iPhone SE (2020) in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB.
