Apple iPhone 12 vs Apple iPhone SE (2020)

Our Verdict: iPhone 12 has the larger battery, 2,815mAh against 1,821mAh. iPhone SE (2020) pushes back because iPhone SE (2020) is easier to carry at 113g versus 164g. iPhone SE (2020) has the lower current starting total, at about £69 versus £65.96 more for iPhone 12. Pay more for iPhone 12 only if its hardware advantages matter to you; otherwise iPhone SE (2020) is the more cost-conscious choice.

Buying outright, the SE (2020) starts at £66 SIM-free.

Expert Rating
4.3
18 reviews
4.2
25 reviews
Screen
6.1" 4.7"
Display
Super Retina XDR OLED Retina HD display
Resolution
1170 x 2532 1334 x 750
Pixels Per Inch
457 326
Rear Camera
12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 7 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A14 Bionic Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+)
Battery
2,815 mAh 1,821 mAh
Storage
64GB, 128GB, 256GB 64GB, 128GB, 256GB
OS
iOS 14.1 Apple iOS
SIM Type
Standard SIM Nano SIM
Connectivity
Up to 5G Up to 4G
Wi-Fi
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax
Bluetooth
5.0 with A2DP, LE 5.0 with A2DP, LE
Dimensions
146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm
Weight
164 grams 148 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP67 - Dust and water resistant
Contracts
£19.00/mo (£9.00 upfront) -
SIM-free
£142.00 £66.00

Prices updated 27 July 2026

Apple iPhone 12 Apple iPhone 12 Apple iPhone SE (2020) Apple iPhone SE (2020)
Expert Rating 4.3
18 reviews
4.2
25 reviews
Screen 6.1" 4.7"
Display Super Retina XDR OLED Retina HD display
Resolution 1170 x 2532 1334 x 750
Pixels Per Inch 457 326
Rear Camera 12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 7 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A14 Bionic Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+)
Battery 2,815 mAh 1,821 mAh
Storage 64GB, 128GB, 256GB 64GB, 128GB, 256GB
OS iOS 14.1 Apple iOS
SIM Type Standard SIM Nano SIM
Connectivity Up to 5G Up to 4G
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax
Bluetooth 5.0 with A2DP, LE 5.0 with A2DP, LE
Dimensions 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm
Weight 164 grams 148 grams
Water Resistance IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP67 - Dust and water resistant
Contracts £19.00/mo
£9.00 upfront
-
SIM-free £142.00 £66.00
Prices updated 27 July 2026
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Apple iPhone 12
Apple iPhone 12

24 Months

64GB

Black

100GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£19 per month, £9 upfront.

Apple iPhone SE (2020)
Apple iPhone SE (2020)

64GB

Black

Refurbished

From £66

Related Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 12 or Apple iPhone SE (2020)?

The Apple iPhone 12 has the bigger screen at 6.1" compared to the Apple iPhone SE (2020)'s 4.7", the Apple iPhone 12 has the sharper display at 457 pixels per inch versus 326, and the Apple iPhone 12 uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Apple iPhone SE (2020) has a Retina HD display.

Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 12 or Apple iPhone SE (2020)?

The Apple iPhone 12 features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Apple iPhone SE (2020) has a 12 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.

Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Apple iPhone 12 or Apple iPhone SE (2020)?

The Apple iPhone SE (2020) is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £66.00.

What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 12 and Apple iPhone SE (2020)?

The Apple iPhone 12 is available in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, while the Apple iPhone SE (2020) comes in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB.

What processors do the Apple iPhone 12 and Apple iPhone SE (2020) use?

The Apple iPhone 12 is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic, while the Apple iPhone SE (2020) uses the Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 12 or Apple iPhone SE (2020)?

The Apple iPhone SE (2020) is the more portable of the two: it's 16g lighter at 148 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm.

Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 12 or Apple iPhone SE (2020)?

The Apple iPhone 12 is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Apple iPhone SE (2020) is rated IP67 - Dust and water resistant.

What operating system do the Apple iPhone 12 and Apple iPhone SE (2020) run?

The Apple iPhone 12 runs iOS 14.1 and the Apple iPhone SE (2020) runs Apple iOS. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.