iPhone SE (2020) Vs iPhone X

iPhone SE 2020 vs iPhone X: would you prefer modern internals or a modern design?

The iPhone SE (2020) vs X is an interesting comparison because while the iPhone X has a very modern exterior thanks to its notched full-body display, the SE 2 has newer internals which provide a faster software experience. So whether you want the iPhone X vs SE 2 depends on whether you prefer interior muscle or exterior frills.

iPhone X specs vs iPhone SE (2020) specs: are the internals really that much better?

If you investigate the internal specs of the iPhone SE vs X, perhaps the first detail you’ll notice is that the SE comes equipped with the A13 Bionic chip, whereas the X has an A11 Bionic. This means that the SE has a processor that’s 2 generations newer, which will result in the device feeling faster as a whole (this is especially important if you do a lot of multitasking or mobile gaming).

Of course, you also see some changes in the cameras, battery lives and designs. Otherwise, the iPhone SE 2 specs are pretty similar to the iPhone X specifications. Both are still supported by Apple and are upgradeable to iOS 16.1. 

iPhone SE (2020) dimensions vs iPhone X size

Dimensions of iPhone SE (2020): 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm, 148 grams

Dimensions of iPhone X: 143.6 x 70.9 x 7.7 mm, 174 grams

On the whole, you have a smaller iPhone SE 2 phone size overall. The iPhone X height, width and thickness are bigger than the iPhone SE (2020). The iPhone SE (2020) weight is also lighter by nearly 30 grams.  

iPhone SE (2020) battery life vs iPhone X battery capacity

When you look at the specs of the iPhone X vs SE you’ll notice that the iPhone SE (2020) battery is much smaller. The iPhone SE battery mAh is 1821 vs the iPhone X battery size of 2717mAh. However, these numbers aren’t really telling us the whole story.

This is because the SE has that more efficient A13 chip, while the X comes with a relatively large OLED screen which eats up a lot more battery than the smaller LCD display found inside the SE.

Depending on what battery drain test you run, you may get somewhat different results when comparing these two devices, so we’ll just make it easier for you to understand and say that they’re both relatively equal. If you’re a light or moderate user, you can expect both of these phones to last you a whole day without needing to recharge.

iPhone X camera specs vs iPhone SE (2020) camera specs

The iPhone X and the iPhone SE both have a 12 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide) lens. However, the iPhone X also includes a 12 MP, f/2.4, 52mm (2x telephoto) lens. On the front, they both have a 7 MP, f/2.2, 32mm camera. These front cameras are nearly identical except the iPhone X includes a better depth sensor that it uses for Face ID.  Both phones are able to record 4K @ 24, 30 or 60 fps; and 1080p @ 30, 60, 120 and 240 fps. 

Despite the similarities, you may notice better camera performance in the iPhone SE when it comes to sharpness and colours. This is thanks to the improved processing of the A13 Bionic Chip. However, we can't deny the benefit of having an additional telephoto lens on the iPhone X. Being able to zoom in optically and take portraits with a blurred background are very welcome additions for any mobile photographer.

iPhone SE 2020 vs iPhone X: Touch ID vs Face ID

The iPhone SE gives you the option to use Touch ID to unlock the device—you swipe your thumb over the home button and voilà, magic! The iPhone X, on the other hand, has Face ID, which uses sensors found in the notch to scan your face and unlock the device if it recognizes you.

Neither system is absolutely perfect all the time, but they’re both pretty reliable, and neither is substantially better than the other.

iPhone SE 2020 vs X: we’d rather buy the SE because of the newer internals

It’s hard to really say that the iPhone SE is better than the iPhone X because these devices offer different strengths and weaknesses.

But we’d suggest buying the SE because of the improved internals. Yes, the iPhone X has a bigger screen, and maybe you’d prefer Face ID to Touch ID, but we think the refurbished iPhone SE is a better recommendation for the average user.

If you like watching a lot of videos and spending a lot of time on social media, then the X may be preferable and it’s definitely not a bad choice, either.

We hope this iPhone X vs SE comparison was helpful in showing you the differences between these two devices, and we hope you enjoy whichever refurbished iPhone you end up choosing!