So, Apple just dropped the 2020 iPhone SE a couple of days back and it would be an understatement if we said we’re a bit hyped up. Finally, after years and years of wait, we have another budget-friendly option from Apple; this time packing the power of the iPhone 11 in the body of iPhone 8. I know a lot of us will be considering upgrading their iPhones, so I’m here to answer the question in everyone’s mind: iPhone SE or iPhone 12? Should you wait for the latter to drop? And is it worth waiting for iPhone 12 at all?
Well, here’s what I think.
The Wait
With the lockdown still going strong in India, there’s really no saying when we’ll actually be able to get our hands on any of the new Apple products in India, even if you’re already convinced you’re buying. And by the time you’re able to buy the iPhone SE, who knows, iPhone 12 might be close already.
The Pricing
Let’s be real, the biggest perk of the iPhone SE for many users is getting to own the latest iPhone without going completely broke. It’s the best time to upgrade from an older iPhone model or switch over from Android and enjoy the Apple ecosystem without having to settle for a second-hand model. However, the iPhone SE, while definitely a whole lot cheaper, still costs you ₹42.5K for the 64GB model.
And if you’re already paying that much… perhaps saving up a little for the iPhone 12 base model might be more to your taste.
The Specs
There’s no doubt that the iPhone SE is the best smartphone in the market in its price range, especially considering it has iPhone 11’s A13 chip. However, iPhone 12 is expected to feature Apple’s new A14 chips, which will no doubt be faster, more efficient, and increase the longevity of your iPhone. And while the battery life on iPhone SE is nothing to joke about (Apple claims you can stream for 13 hours on one charge), the iPhone 12 will definitely last longer with its faster processor. So keep this in mind while making your decision, if that’s something you really care about.
What’s more, iPhone 12 is expected to come with 5G technology. And while it’s still in the nascent stages and not something to be overly concerned about, there’s no doubt that 5G is the future and we might see it overtake 4G LTE in the coming years.
The Size
If you’re one of those who dislike big, bulky smartphones that would sooner fall out of your hand than fit in your pocket, then iPhone SE is really the obvious choice for you with its 4.7-inch display. But! There are rumours going around that the base model for the iPhone 12 series might feature a 5.4-inch display. And without the top and bottom bezels that the iPhone SE features, there might not be much size difference at all between the two.
The Home Button
There’s one thing that probably holds the biggest sway in the iPhone SE or iPhone 12 debate: the presence of the home button and, consequently, the absence of Face ID. Users who missed the Touch ID or are spooked by Face ID might find this favourable, but those of us who want to enjoy the perks of quickly unlocking our iPhones with just their face will find this extremely limiting.
The Camera
Apple’s calling the iPhone SE’s rear camera the “best single-camera system ever in an iPhone”, seeing as it has iPhone 11’s 12MP and f/1.8 rear camera, which means you’re probably not going to miss out on a lot if your needs are just taking high-quality photos and videos. However, if you want iPhone 11’s double or triple-camera setup with a telephoto and an ultra-wide lens as well, you might want to wait for iPhone 12.
Another drawback that might keep you from getting an iPhone SE is the AR functionality that, while good enough in the SE, is supposed to get a heck lot better with iPhone 12 if it does actually feature the LiDAR sensor in this year’s iPad Pro.
The Conclusion
All in all, my take on this is that with everything going on and the iPhone 12 right around the corner, it might just be better to wait for iPhone 12’s release rather than rushing to the stores to get the iPhone SE. Of course, if you’re really sold on the SE—and honestly, I can’t blame you—then you’ll probably have to wait still for it to become available in India amidst this global pandemic.
What are your thoughts? Do you think it’s worth waiting for the iPhone 12 or are you getting your iPhone SE as soon as this lockdown is over? Talk to us in the comments below!
