iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone SE (2020)
Shop iPhone
iPhone 12 Pro
Starting at
£274.51£879.00 new
iPhone SE (2020)
Starting at
£75.11£289.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone SE (2020)?
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone SE (2020) comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Refurbished, the iPhone SE (2020) starts at £75.11, £199.40 less than the iPhone 12 Pro.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
Front camera
- Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12 Pro, Apple A13 Bionic on the iPhone SE (2020).
- The iPhone 12 Pro has more RAM: 6 GB vs 3 GB.
- The iPhone 12 Pro has a bigger screen: 6.1 inch vs 4.7 inch.
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone SE (2020) specs
The iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone SE (2020) both come from the same release year and offer solid Apple experiences, but they suit different needs. The iPhone 12 Pro has a larger and higher-resolution OLED screen, more RAM, 5G connectivity, and a heavier weight that fits those wanting a spacious display and faster mobile network. The iPhone SE (2020) offers a smaller screen with an LCD panel, fewer gigabytes of RAM, and 4G support, making it a good choice for everyday use or users who prefer a compact phone. Both have 12 megapixel main cameras and support software updates up to iOS 27, so your choice depends on screen size, speed, and network preferences.
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone SE (2020) price
Colour
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone SE (2020) battery life and software updates
Durability covers the physical build and software lifespan, which are important for how long your device stays useful and supported. Both iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone SE (2020) share the same software update support and release year, so their core longevity in this regard is similar.
Software Updates Support
Both the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone SE (2020) receive software updates up to iOS 27. This means you can expect ongoing improvements and security patches for a similar length of time, keeping both devices current in terms of software features and compatibility.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone SE (2020) performance
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone SE (2020) screen
Screen quality affects how you see content, watch videos, and interact with apps. The iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone SE (2020) have different screen sizes, resolutions, and panel types, which suits different preferences for display size and image quality.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 12 Pro has a 6.1 inch screen with a resolution of 1170 x 2532, providing a much larger and sharper viewing area. This suits users who watch videos, browse photos, or prefer more space for apps. The iPhone SE (2020) has a 4.7 inch screen at 750 x 1334 resolution, which fits well in smaller hands and pockets and is ideal if you want a compact phone.
Screen Type
The iPhone 12 Pro uses a Super Retina XDR OLED screen, known for deeper blacks and more vibrant colours. The iPhone SE (2020) has a Retina IPS LCD screen, offering good clarity and colour accuracy suitable for everyday use. OLED on the 12 Pro enhances contrast, which can improve viewing in darker scenes.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone SE (2020) camera
Camera and front-facing camera quality are key for photos, videos, and video calls. Both devices share the same resolution for their main cameras but differ in front camera megapixels.
Main Camera
Both the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone SE (2020) have a 12 megapixel main camera. This means you can expect similar detail levels in photos taken with either device, suitable for everyday photography needs.
Front Camera
The iPhone 12 Pro offers a 12 megapixel front camera compared to 7 megapixels on the iPhone SE (2020). This higher resolution on the 12 Pro can capture more detail in selfies and video calls, which matters if you often use the front camera for social media or video chats.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone SE (2020) size and design
Other factors like mobile network support, weight, and storage options can influence daily use and convenience. The iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone SE (2020) differ in these areas, so your choice depends on what fits your lifestyle and needs.
Mobile Network
The iPhone 12 Pro supports 5G, providing faster mobile internet speeds where available. The iPhone SE (2020) supports 4G, which is sufficient for everyday browsing and streaming but does not offer 5G speeds. If you want the fastest mobile data, the 12 Pro is suited for that.
Weight
Weighing 187 g, the iPhone 12 Pro is heavier than the iPhone SE (2020) at 148 g. The SE's lighter weight makes it easier to carry and handle for longer periods, which can be preferable if you want a less bulky phone.
Storage Options
The iPhone 12 Pro offers storage options of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, ideal if you need more space for apps, photos, and media. The iPhone SE (2020) comes in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB, which suits everyday use and lighter storage needs.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 Pro or iPhone SE (2020): which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 Pro if
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 3 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (6.1 inch vs 4.7 inch)
- you want an OLED screen
Buy the iPhone SE (2020) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £75.11, £199.40 less than the iPhone 12 Pro
- you want a lighter build (148 g vs 189 g)
What our customers say
Customers say the iPhone 12 Pro looks and works like new, with many praising its solid battery life and smooth performance. The larger screen and good condition across many purchases are frequently mentioned, making it a reliable choice for users valuing a bigger display and extra speed. Some note the phone handles apps well and offers good value for a refurbished device, with battery health often reported as strong.
For the iPhone SE (2020), customers appreciate the phone's compact size and spotless condition. It is a popular choice for those buying a first phone or a gift, with many highlighting its affordability and solid working condition. The device is described as feeling like new and performing well for everyday tasks, with good battery life and a straightforward setup experience.
The iPhone 12 Pro suits those wanting a larger screen, more storage, and faster mobile networks, while the iPhone SE (2020) fits users who prefer a smaller device with reliable performance and a lower price point.
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone SE (2020) FAQs
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone SE (2020) comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12 Pro, Apple A13 Bionic on the iPhone SE (2020). The iPhone 12 Pro has more RAM: 6 GB vs 3 GB.
The iPhone SE (2020) is cheaper refurbished, from £75.11 compared with £274.51 for the iPhone 12 Pro.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 12 Pro is still supported and can run iOS 27. The iPhone SE (2020) is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 Pro comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone SE (2020) in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB.
