11/09/2023
Affordable iPhones, SE 2020 vs XR
Both the iPhone SE 2020 and iPhone XR were launched as entry-level models by Apple. This means they are much cheaper than the standard models but also come with fewer advanced features. However, these affordable iPhones are quite different from each other. In this overview, we'll explain the differences to you.
The Apple iPhone XR, on the other hand, was released simultaneously with the iPhone XS in 2018. While the XS is a more powerful version of the iPhone X, the XR can be considered the budget version. The iPhone XR has slightly thicker bezels around the screen than the iPhone X, its housing is made of aluminum instead of stainless steel, and the XR has only one camera instead of two.
As for technical specifications, there are no differences between the screens of these two affordable iPhones. Both feature an LCD screen with a pixel density of 326 ppi. Additionally, neither device is fully waterproof, but they are resistant to dust and water splashes.
In the year and a half between the release of the iPhone XR and the iPhone SE 2020, Apple has enhanced some camera features. For instance, the portrait lighting has been improved. On the other hand, with the iPhone XR, you can create Animojis and Memojis, which is not possible with the iPhone SE 2020. Neither of these iPhones has newer features like Night Mode.
Of course, price is also a major factor when purchasing a new phone. These affordable iPhones were already available at a lower price point, but refurbished models are even more attractive. A refurbished iPhone SE 2020 is available starting at 309 euros. The refurbished iPhone XR also has a great price, starting at 335 euros. That's only a 25-euro difference!
The biggest difference between these two iPhones is how you unlock them. The iPhone SE 2020 unlocks with Touch ID, while the iPhone XR uses Face ID. This unlocking method is likely to be the deciding factor in your choice between these affordable iPhones.
Which of these affordable iPhones will you choose?
Design
The Apple iPhone SE 2020 is the successor to the first version of the iPhone SE, which was launched in 2016. Like its predecessor, the 2020 edition features an older design, in this case, that of the iPhone 8, but with the internal technology of a more recent model, the iPhone 11. This has resulted in a compact yet powerful iPhone with the iPhone SE 2.The Apple iPhone XR, on the other hand, was released simultaneously with the iPhone XS in 2018. While the XS is a more powerful version of the iPhone X, the XR can be considered the budget version. The iPhone XR has slightly thicker bezels around the screen than the iPhone X, its housing is made of aluminum instead of stainless steel, and the XR has only one camera instead of two.
Screen
The iPhone SE 2020 and iPhone XR obviously look quite different at first glance. For example, the iPhone SE 2020 still has a home button with Touch ID, while the iPhone XR is one of the first models to be unlocked using Face ID. This results in the bezels around the screen being much smaller on the iPhone XR compared to the iPhone SE 2020, except for the notch, which houses all the sensors for Face ID. In short, the iPhone SE 2020 has a 4.7-inch screen, while the iPhone XR has a 6.1-inch screen.As for technical specifications, there are no differences between the screens of these two affordable iPhones. Both feature an LCD screen with a pixel density of 326 ppi. Additionally, neither device is fully waterproof, but they are resistant to dust and water splashes.
Camera
There are also no significant differences when it comes to the camera. Both models feature a single rear camera, a wide-angle lens. This is the same 12-megapixel camera with image stabilization, meaning you're less likely to take blurry photos. On the front, both iPhones have the same 7-megapixel selfie camera.In the year and a half between the release of the iPhone XR and the iPhone SE 2020, Apple has enhanced some camera features. For instance, the portrait lighting has been improved. On the other hand, with the iPhone XR, you can create Animojis and Memojis, which is not possible with the iPhone SE 2020. Neither of these iPhones has newer features like Night Mode.
Processor
Where these two iPhones differ significantly is in their internal specifications. As mentioned earlier, the iPhone SE 2020 runs on the same chip as the iPhone 11, the A13 Bionic. The iPhone XR is slightly older and runs on the A12 Bionic, which is a bit less powerful. In practice, however, you won't notice much difference. Both devices are extremely fast and can handle games or endless streaming of your favorite shows with ease. However, it's likely that the iPhone SE 2020 will be supported with iOS updates for a longer period than the iPhone XR due to its newer chip.Other Features
Both iPhones have the same options when it comes to storage capacity: 64, 128, or 256 GB. The iPhone SE 2020 and iPhone XR are also no different in terms of wireless charging and Dual-SIM capabilities. These phones aren't compatible with MagSafe but can be charged wirelessly with a Qi charger. Both iPhones can be used with two SIM cards, via a nano-SIM and an eSIM.Of course, price is also a major factor when purchasing a new phone. These affordable iPhones were already available at a lower price point, but refurbished models are even more attractive. A refurbished iPhone SE 2020 is available starting at 309 euros. The refurbished iPhone XR also has a great price, starting at 335 euros. That's only a 25-euro difference!
The biggest difference between these two iPhones is how you unlock them. The iPhone SE 2020 unlocks with Touch ID, while the iPhone XR uses Face ID. This unlocking method is likely to be the deciding factor in your choice between these affordable iPhones.
Conclusion
Both phones are still excellent choices in 2022 and will last for years to come. This comparison shows that there are very few significant differences between these two iPhones. That's not surprising, as they were released relatively close to each other. If you don't need a large screen and prefer a compact iPhone, go for the refurbished iPhone SE 2020. If you frequently watch series or YouTube videos on your phone and prefer unlocking with your face, go for the refurbished iPhone XR.Which of these affordable iPhones will you choose?