Apple iPhone SE (2022) vs. iPhone 12: Which low-cost iPhone should you buy? (2023)

FAQs

Should i buy iPhone 12 or iPhone SE 2022? ›

The iPhone SE (2022) and iPhone 12 are the cheapest iPhones you can buy. The iPhone SE is the least expensive iPhone and it uses the same processor as the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14. But the iPhone 12 is the better phone overall, thanks to its design, screen size, battery life, and cameras.

Best iPhone in Affordability: iPhone SE

The iPhone SE, released in 2022, is the least expensive iPhone model that you buy. The iPhone SE is superb in its performance - it runs on the same processor as the iPhone 14 and offers decent battery life.

For $170 more, the ‌iPhone 12‌ offers a more modern design and a larger, OLED display, as well as ‌Face ID‌, an Ultra Wide camera, Night mode, considerably better front-facing and Main cameras, ‌MagSafe‌, and longer battery life.

Apple iPhone SE (2022)

The iPhone SE (2022) is the absolute cheapest iPhone right now that you can buy brand new. If you want the absolute cheapest iPhone possible (that's not used or several years old), the iPhone SE 3 (2022) is the only sub-$430 iPhone around.

Overview. As with any iPhone, the iPhone SE offers a stellar combination of intuitive design and high-end features. With this phone, you'll have access to useful iPhone apps for seniors, in addition to the music, video, and gaming capabilities Apple is known for.

Apple supports its phones with software updates for many years, and the processing power inside the iPhone SE (2022) means it'll have no problems with apps or general performance for a significant length of time. It's highly advisable to buy a model with as much storage as you can afford, though.

Tom's Guide Verdict. The iPhone SE 2022 is the fastest phone you can buy under $500 and it delivers great photos from its single rear camera. It's also the best small phone, but there are better affordable options if you want a bigger screen and longer battery life.

If you're looking for an affordable iPhone with a great camera, long battery life, and a high-quality display — a used iPhone 12 is absolutely worth it, especially when you consider the savings associated with buying a gently used model.

What iPhone is better than the SE iPhone? ›

At first blush, in comparing the two, the iPhone 13 mini seems hands-down like the better option; it has a bigger screen, higher-end camera systems front and rear, and packs more advanced features...but it's also more expensive. The newest iPhone SE starts at $429, while the iPhone 13 mini starts at $599.

iPhone 13 became the best-selling smartphone globally in 2022 according to the Global Monthly Handset Model Sales Tracker report of Counterpoint Research.

Apple sold the best-selling phone of 2022, the iPhone 13. Apple also sold the second-best selling phone of 2022, the iPhone 13 Pro Max.

In February 2023, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported that Apple is moving forward with a 6.1-inch OLED display for the iPhone SE 4. Overall design and features are expected to be similar to the base iPhone 14 (which will be a 1.5-year old model by the time the SE 4 is released).

The iPhone SE 2022 too is a good phone. It is an extremely fast phone with a good -- but small -- screen and a slick design. Its camera system doesn't have many tricks, but it is a capable camera system, particularly in good light.

As far as battery life goes, Apple states that it added about two hours of use to the iPhone SE's battery when compared to the second-generation iPhone SE. That equates to 15 hours of video playback, compared to 13 hours of the previous model.

Relatively low quality camera compared to more expensive iPhone models. Battery life is significantly worse than physically larger iPhone models with bigger batteries. Not as waterproof as more expensive iPhone models (IP68). Display is small and relatively low quality compared to more expensive iPhone models.

For many the camera is one of the most important factors in a decision about which iPhone to buy and it is here where the iPhone 13 really outshines the iPhone SE. The iPhone 13 boasts twin 12Mp cameras (f/1.6 Wide and f/2.4 Ultra Wide) as opposed to the 12Mp f/1.8 main camera on the iPhone SE.

Apple iPhone SE (2022) Specs

If you own an older model and want a more future-proof phone, or you simply don't want to spend a lot more on a high-end handset, the new iPhone SE is definitely worth considering. But the admittedly pricier iPhone 13 ($799) remains our Editors' Choice winner in Apple's current lineup.

Is Costco a good place to buy an iPhone? ›

If you buy your Apple device from Costco, you'll get a two-year warranty on your device without any additional cost. That's twice as long as the warranty that Apple offers. Since these devices may develop problems over time, you'll appreciate this longer warranty option on such a valuable investment.

iPhone 14 Pro/Pro Max owners were the most likely to go for color with 42% opting for the unique Deep Purple and 24% going for gold. That's 2/3rds of 14 Pro customers going for the more vibrant finishes.

iPhones Retain Their Performance for a Longer Time

Compared to Android flagships, Apple's A-series chips for its iPhones perform better. Since it's custom-made for the iPhone, it can deliver an uninterrupted and smooth experience. It incorporates expensive and top-tier parts, making it super efficient and fast.

Without any doubt, the iPhone 12 is a device that is very worthwhile in 2023. We are facing an iPhone that has hardly changed in the new generations. If we compare the iPhone 12 with the iPhone 13 we will not find many differences, and there are no great improvements compared to the iPhone 14 either.

Apple IPhone SE (2022) price starts from NGN 267890 Nigeria. 5.00 average based on 90214 reviews.

Apple IPhone 12 price starts from NGN 409,360 Nigeria. 5.00 average based on 2363 reviews.

A lot of this can depend on wear and tear, along with how many times you've dropped your iPhone, but since this seems to be a pretty consistent trend for most iPhone users, I think two and a half years is a more accurate measure for how long your iPhone will work well.

How do I transfer everything from my old iPhone to a new iPhone? ›

Once you have backed up your old iPhone into iCloud, turn on your new iPhone. Proceed in the setup process and connect the new iPhone to WiFi. In the “Apps & Data” -view, select “Restore from iCloud Backup” and sign in to iCloud. Choose the backup you want to restore and wait for the backup to finish.

The iPhone 12 battery offers up to 17 hours of video playback, up to 11 hours of streaming video playback, and up to 65 hours of audio playback. Because the iPhone 12 mini is smaller, it has a shorter battery life.

The new iPhone SE gives you: The A15 Bionic chip for up to 1.2x faster graphics than A13 Bionic. A battery that delivers up to 2 more hours video playback. 5G for faster streaming, multiplayer gaming, and downloads with less lag.

The iPhone SE is Apple's entry-level iPhone, starting at $429. The device offers an affordable entry point to the iPhone lineup, with many important features such as a powerful A-series chip, a high-quality camera with 4K video recording, Haptic Touch, wireless charging, water and dust resistance, and more.

As of January 2023, Apple's iPhone 14 Pro Max was the most popular smartphone model sold in the United States, accounting for 17 percent of total smartphone sales. the iPhone was the most popular smartphone in the United States at that time, occupying the top five smartphone spots.

Apple and Samsung produce the most popular smartphones

Apple's iPhone is the most popular smartphone with U.S. American consumers, with 51 percent of subscribers using an Apple device as of January 2022.

The standard iPhone 14 offers a slight camera upgrade over the iPhone 13, along with better battery life and new safety tools. It could be a worthy choice for people upgrading from the iPhone 11 or older, or those who find value in the new emergency features.

Pricing for each model starts at: iPhone 14: $799* iPhone 14 Plus: $899* iPhone 14 Pro: $999.

What's the best iPhone 12? ›

Apple's iPhone 12 Pro Max was our top pick, offering a huge 6.7-inch display, a LiDAR sensor for faster autofocus and the longest battery life. But the iPhone 14 Pro Max replaces it and is currently the best phone overall.

Apple has informed suppliers that it has canceled plans to release a fourth-generation iPhone SE in 2024, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

One reason why the iPhone SE 2022 is still relevant at all in 2023: Apple's very good software update policy. After all, the cheapest iPhone should receive software updates for at least four years, just like its brothers. So, if we assume iOS 15 in 2022, you can theoretically use the smartphone with iOS 20 until 2027.

The iPhone SE 2022 is the fastest phone you can buy under $500 and it delivers great photos from its single rear camera. It's also the best small phone, but there are better affordable options if you want a bigger screen and longer battery life.

TL;DR: Yes. If you're looking for an affordable iPhone with a great camera, long battery life, and a high-quality display — a used iPhone 12 is absolutely worth it, especially when you consider the savings associated with buying a gently used model.

Based on our review experience, we wouldn't recommend upgrading from the iPhone SE 2020 to the iPhone SE 2022, but if you're looking for a new and affordable Apple smartphone then the iPhone SE 2022 is the one to get.

After eight years of reviewing and covering phones, I can surmise that the 2022 iPhone SE should be an ideal option for anyone looking to buy an iPhone without spending over $500. After all, it shares the performance of even Apple's most expensive phone, the $1,100 iPhone 13 Pro Max.

Apple iPhone SE (2022) Specs

If you own an older model and want a more future-proof phone, or you simply don't want to spend a lot more on a high-end handset, the new iPhone SE is definitely worth considering. But the admittedly pricier iPhone 13 ($799) remains our Editors' Choice winner in Apple's current lineup.

A good value if you don't need the latest bells and whistles

The iPhone 12 sports a gorgeous design, full 5G support, great cameras and strong performance. However, you don't get a 120Hz display or telephoto lens, and the newer iPhone 14 offers better cameras.

How many years should an iPhone 12 last? ›

However when it comes to iPhones, you can expect between three to five years (maybe more) with proper care.

The extra $30 cost of the iPhone SE (2022) is all about the processor and the modem. Apple's partners can make the case easily and cheaply, and we're being saved from the new model costing $450 or more just so it can look a bit different.

And as good as the iPhone SE is, you'd have to acknowledge that the iPhone 12 models are superior in nearly every way, from design to performance to cameras. Only in the subject of battery life does the iPhone SE hold its own, and that's really only with the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12.