Apple iPhone 12 vs Apple iPhone SE (2022)

Our Verdict: Comparing Apple iPhone 12 and Apple iPhone SE (2022), the choice mostly comes down to display quality versus portability. The 12 gives you a larger 6.1-inch screen, a sharper 457 PPI display, and its Super Retina XDR OLED panel, while the SE (2022) is more appealing for a lighter 144g body. A bigger mAh figure is useful context, but real battery life still depends on software and chipset efficiency. Choose the 12 for display quality; choose the SE (2022) if portability matters more.

Over a full contract, the SE (2022) works out around £311 all-in, about £204 less than the 12.

Expert Rating
4.3
18 reviews
3.9
10 reviews
Screen
6.1" 4.7"
Display
Super Retina XDR OLED IPS LCD
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 A15 Bionic
Battery
2,815 mAh 2,018 mAh
Storage
64GB, 128GB, 256GB 64GB, 128GB, 256GB
OS
iOS 14.1 Apple iOS
SIM Type
Standard SIM nano-SIM and e- SIM
Connectivity
Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6
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 144 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) £8.99/mo (£69.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£149.99 £89.00
Apple iPhone 12 Apple iPhone 12 Apple iPhone SE (2022) Apple iPhone SE (2022)
Expert Rating 4.3
18 reviews
3.9
10 reviews
Screen 6.1" 4.7"
Display Super Retina XDR OLED IPS LCD
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 A15 Bionic
Battery 2,815 mAh 2,018 mAh
Storage 64GB, 128GB, 256GB 64GB, 128GB, 256GB
OS iOS 14.1 Apple iOS
SIM Type Standard SIM nano-SIM and e- SIM
Connectivity Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6
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 144 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
£8.99/mo
£69.00 upfront
SIM-free £149.99 £89.00
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 (2022)
Apple iPhone SE (2022)

24 Months

64GB

Midnight

Refurbished

10GB

Data

Unlimited

Unlimited

£8.99 per month, £69 upfront.

Use code: IDM10OFF (£10 off)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple iPhone 12 or Apple iPhone SE (2022) cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone SE (2022) is cheaper on contract at £310.76 over the life of the deal from £8.99 per month with £69.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 12 or Apple iPhone SE (2022)?

The Apple iPhone 12 has the bigger screen at 6.1" compared to the Apple iPhone SE (2022)'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 (2022) has a IPS LCD.

Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 12 or Apple iPhone SE (2022)?

The Apple iPhone 12 features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Apple iPhone SE (2022) 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 (2022)?

The Apple iPhone SE (2022) is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £89.00.

What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 12 and Apple iPhone SE (2022)?

The Apple iPhone 12 is available in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, while the Apple iPhone SE (2022) comes in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB.

What processors do the Apple iPhone 12 and Apple iPhone SE (2022) use?

The Apple iPhone 12 is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic, while the Apple iPhone SE (2022) uses the Apple A15 Bionic.

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 12 or Apple iPhone SE (2022)?

The Apple iPhone SE (2022) is the more portable of the two: it's 20g lighter at 144 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 (2022)?

The Apple iPhone 12 is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Apple iPhone SE (2022) is rated IP67 - Dust and water resistant.

What operating system do the Apple iPhone 12 and Apple iPhone SE (2022) run?

The Apple iPhone 12 runs iOS 14.1 and the Apple iPhone SE (2022) 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.