iPhone Air vs iPhone SE (2020)
Shop iPhone
iPhone Air
Starting at
£687.30£999.00 new
iPhone SE (2020)
Starting at
£75.11£289.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone Air and iPhone SE (2020)?
iPhone Air vs iPhone SE (2020) comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Refurbished, the iPhone SE (2020) starts at £75.11, £612.19 less than the iPhone Air. The iPhone Air is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
Main camera
- Chipset: Apple A19 Pro on the iPhone Air, Apple A13 Bionic on the iPhone SE (2020).
- The iPhone Air has more RAM: 12 GB vs 3 GB.
- The iPhone Air has a bigger screen: 6.5 inch vs 4.7 inch.
iPhone Air vs iPhone SE (2020) specs
The iPhone Air and iPhone SE (2020) differ in screen size, camera quality, performance memory, connector type, and mobile network technology. The iPhone Air has a larger, higher-resolution Super Retina XDR screen and much more memory, making it suited for users wanting a spacious display and smoother multitasking. It also supports 5G and uses USB-C, which fits those who want faster connectivity options. The iPhone SE (2020) has a smaller screen and fewer megapixels on its cameras but offers physical SIM support alongside eSIM and comes with the Lightning connector. It suits buyers who prefer a compact phone with essential features and simpler storage options.
iPhone Air vs iPhone SE (2020) price
Colour
iPhone Air vs iPhone SE (2020) battery life and software updates
Durability covers software support and physical design features.
Software Updates
This means you can expect up-to-date software features and security on both devices.
Physical Design
Neither device is foldable and both maintain a traditional smartphone form. This suits users comfortable with a standard phone shape for everyday use.
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone Air vs iPhone SE (2020) performance
Chipset
RAM
iPhone Air vs iPhone SE (2020) screen
Screen quality affects how you view content and interact with apps. The two devices offer distinctly different screen sizes, resolutions, and display technologies.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone Air has a 6.5 inch screen with a resolution of 2736x1260, providing a larger and sharper viewing area. This suits users who watch videos or multitask with more screen space. The iPhone SE (2020) has a 4.7 inch screen at 750x1334 resolution, which fits those who prefer a smaller, more pocket-friendly device.
Display Type
The iPhone Air features a Super Retina XDR screen, offering higher contrast and brightness levels, ideal for viewing in varied lighting. The iPhone SE (2020) uses a Retina IPS LCD screen, which still delivers clear and vibrant images suitable for everyday use.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone Air vs iPhone SE (2020) camera
Camera quality matters for photos, video calls, and selfies. Both devices offer front and main cameras but differ in megapixel counts.
Front Camera
The iPhone Air's front camera has 18 megapixels, which can capture more detailed selfies and clearer video calls. The iPhone SE (2020) has a 7 megapixel front camera, suitable for straightforward video chats and casual selfies.
Main Camera
With a 48 megapixel main camera, the iPhone Air delivers highly detailed photos, making it suitable for users who want sharper images or to crop photos without losing quality. The iPhone SE (2020)'s 12 megapixel main camera provides good image quality for everyday photography.
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone Air vs iPhone SE (2020) size and design
This section covers connectivity, network compatibility, physical connectors, and other practical features that affect how you use the phone daily.
Network and SIM Options
The iPhone Air supports 5G networks and uses an eSIM, fitting users who want the fastest mobile data and a digital SIM option. The iPhone SE (2020) supports 4G and includes both a physical SIM slot and eSIM, which suits those who prefer using a physical SIM card or switching between SIMs easily.
Connector Type
The iPhone Air uses a USB-C connector, which is common in modern devices and allows for straightforward charging and accessory compatibility. The iPhone SE (2020) has a Lightning connector, which suits users with existing Lightning accessories.
Weight
The iPhone Air weighs 165 g, a bit heavier due to its larger size. The iPhone SE (2020) is lighter at 148 g, making it easier to carry for those who prefer a lighter, smaller phone.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone Air or iPhone SE (2020): which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone Air if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 3 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (6.5 inch vs 4.7 inch)
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
Buy the iPhone SE (2020) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £75.11, £612.19 less than the iPhone Air
- you want a lighter build (148 g vs 165 g)
What our customers say
Customers say the iPhone Air looks almost brand new and comes in premium condition with great battery health. Many appreciate its quality and performance, noting the phone works perfectly and has plenty of storage. The battery life is reported to last all day and the larger screen provides a good experience for video and apps. Some mention the phone feels new and the storage capacity is ample for their needs.
For the iPhone SE (2020), customers find it spotless and working as expected. The condition often feels like new even after use, and users appreciate the price point paired with reliable performance. The phone is popular as a first phone for younger users or as a gift. Battery health is generally good, and many find the phone perfect for everyday use. Some mention minor screen imperfections but overall satisfaction with the device.
The iPhone Air suits users wanting a larger screen, higher camera detail, and 5G connectivity. The iPhone SE (2020) fits those looking for a smaller, simpler device with solid everyday features.
iPhone Air vs iPhone SE (2020) FAQs
iPhone Air vs iPhone SE (2020) comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Chipset: Apple A19 Pro on the iPhone Air, Apple A13 Bionic on the iPhone SE (2020). The iPhone Air has more RAM: 12 GB vs 3 GB.
The iPhone SE (2020) is cheaper refurbished, from £75.11 compared with £687.30 for the iPhone Air.
The iPhone Air has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
The iPhone Air is still supported and can run iOS 27. The iPhone SE (2020) is still supported and can run iOS 27.
The iPhone Air adds more RAM (12 GB vs 3 GB), a bigger screen (6.5 inch vs 4.7 inch) and a higher-resolution main camera (48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels). Refurbished, it costs £612.19 more (from £687.30 vs £75.11).
Refurbished, the iPhone Air comes in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, and the iPhone SE (2020) in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB.
