IPhone SE Vs IPhone 8 Plus: Which Should You Buy?
Choosing between the iPhone SE and the iPhone 8 Plus can be tricky, especially since both offer unique advantages at different price points. In this comprehensive comparison, we'll dive deep into the specifications, features, and overall user experience of each device to help you make an informed decision. Let's get started, guys!
Design and Build Quality
When it comes to design and build quality, the iPhone SE and iPhone 8 Plus represent different eras of Apple's design philosophy. The iPhone SE sports a retro design reminiscent of the iPhone 8, featuring a compact form factor with thick bezels and a physical home button. This makes it incredibly pocketable and easy to use one-handed, which is a major plus for many users. The build quality is solid, with an aluminum frame and glass front and back, giving it a premium feel despite its older design. For those who appreciate a smaller phone that's easy to handle, the iPhone SE is a great choice.
On the other hand, the iPhone 8 Plus boasts a larger display and a more modern (at the time) design. It also features an aluminum frame and glass back, but its larger size makes it less convenient for one-handed use. The bigger screen is fantastic for media consumption, gaming, and multitasking, providing a more immersive experience. However, its size can be a drawback for those who prefer a more compact device. The iPhone 8 Plus also includes a dual-camera setup on the rear, which is housed in a horizontal module.
In summary, the iPhone SE is all about compactness and simplicity, while the iPhone 8 Plus focuses on a larger display and enhanced multimedia capabilities. Your preference here will largely depend on what you prioritize in terms of usability and screen size. If you like a phone that doesn't take up too much space and is easy to manage, the iPhone SE is perfect. But if you're after a bigger screen for a better viewing experience, the iPhone 8 Plus has you covered.
Display
Display technology is another key area where these two iPhones differ significantly. The iPhone SE features a 4.7-inch Retina IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels. While the display is sharp and offers accurate colors, it lacks the immersive experience of larger screens. The smaller size can be a limitation for activities like watching videos or browsing the web, where more screen real estate is always beneficial. However, the display is still perfectly adequate for everyday tasks and offers good visibility in most lighting conditions.
In contrast, the iPhone 8 Plus sports a 5.5-inch Retina IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. The larger screen and higher resolution result in a sharper and more vibrant viewing experience. This makes the iPhone 8 Plus ideal for watching movies, playing games, and multitasking. The additional screen real estate also makes it easier to read text and view images, reducing eye strain during extended use. The iPhone 8 Plus also supports features like True Tone, which automatically adjusts the display's color temperature to match the ambient lighting, providing a more comfortable viewing experience.
The difference in display size and resolution significantly impacts the overall user experience. The iPhone SE's smaller display is more practical for those who prioritize portability and ease of use, while the iPhone 8 Plus's larger display is better suited for media consumption and productivity. If you frequently watch videos or play games on your phone, the iPhone 8 Plus is the clear winner. However, if you prefer a smaller, more pocketable device, the iPhone SE's display is still perfectly capable.
Performance
Performance is where the iPhone SE truly shines. Despite its older design, it's powered by the A13 Bionic chip, the same processor found in the iPhone 11 series. This gives the iPhone SE a significant performance advantage over the iPhone 8 Plus, which is powered by the A11 Bionic chip. The A13 Bionic chip offers faster processing speeds, improved graphics performance, and better energy efficiency. This means the iPhone SE can handle demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and multitasking with ease. Apps launch quickly, animations are smooth, and overall performance is incredibly responsive.
The iPhone 8 Plus, with its A11 Bionic chip, is still a capable performer, but it can't quite match the speed and efficiency of the A13 Bionic. While it's still perfectly adequate for most everyday tasks, it may struggle with more demanding applications or games. The A11 Bionic chip also consumes more power than the A13, which can impact battery life.
In terms of raw performance, the iPhone SE is the clear winner. Its A13 Bionic chip ensures that it remains fast and responsive for years to come. If you prioritize performance and want a phone that can handle anything you throw at it, the iPhone SE is the better choice. The iPhone 8 Plus is still a decent performer, but it's starting to show its age compared to the iPhone SE.
Camera
Regarding camera capabilities, both the iPhone SE and iPhone 8 Plus offer excellent image quality, but they differ in their features and versatility. The iPhone SE features a single 12MP wide-angle lens with an aperture of f/1.8. Despite having only one lens, it can take impressive photos in good lighting conditions, thanks to the A13 Bionic chip's image processing capabilities. It also supports features like Portrait mode and Smart HDR, which enhance the dynamic range and overall quality of your photos. However, it lacks features like optical zoom and ultra-wide-angle photography.
The iPhone 8 Plus, on the other hand, features a dual-camera setup with a 12MP wide-angle lens and a 12MP telephoto lens. This allows for 2x optical zoom and improved portrait mode shots with better depth of field. The dual-camera system also enables features like Portrait Lighting, which allows you to adjust the lighting effects in your portrait photos. While the iPhone 8 Plus's camera performance is excellent, it's not quite as advanced as the iPhone SE in terms of image processing, due to its older A11 Bionic chip.
The choice between the two depends on your photography priorities. If you value versatility and want the ability to zoom in on your subjects without losing quality, the iPhone 8 Plus is the better choice. Its dual-camera system offers more flexibility and creative options. However, if you prioritize image quality and don't need the extra features, the iPhone SE's single-lens camera is still capable of taking stunning photos. Moreover, the A13 Bionic chip in the iPhone SE ensures that your photos are processed efficiently, resulting in better dynamic range and overall clarity.
Battery Life
Battery life is an important consideration for any smartphone user. The iPhone SE has a smaller battery compared to the iPhone 8 Plus, which is understandable given its smaller size. In real-world usage, the iPhone SE can typically last a full day with moderate use, but heavy users may need to charge it before the day is over. The A13 Bionic chip's efficiency helps to extend battery life, but the smaller battery capacity is still a limitation.
The iPhone 8 Plus, with its larger battery, offers significantly better battery life than the iPhone SE. It can easily last a full day with heavy use, and even longer with moderate use. This makes it a great choice for users who need a phone that can keep up with their busy lifestyles. The larger size of the iPhone 8 Plus allows for a bigger battery, which translates to more hours of usage between charges.
If battery life is a top priority, the iPhone 8 Plus is the clear winner. Its larger battery ensures that you can go through the day without worrying about running out of power. The iPhone SE's battery life is decent, but it may not be sufficient for heavy users. Keep this in mind when making your decision, especially if you frequently use your phone for extended periods.
Price and Value
Price and overall value are crucial factors to consider when choosing between the iPhone SE and iPhone 8 Plus. The iPhone SE is typically the more affordable option, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers. Despite its lower price, it offers flagship-level performance thanks to the A13 Bionic chip. This makes it an incredible value for those who want a fast and responsive iPhone without breaking the bank.
The iPhone 8 Plus, while still a good phone, is generally priced higher than the iPhone SE, especially if you're buying it new. While it offers a larger display and a dual-camera system, its older processor and larger size may not be worth the extra cost for some users. However, if you can find a used or refurbished iPhone 8 Plus at a good price, it can still be a viable option, especially if you value its larger screen and dual cameras.
In terms of value for money, the iPhone SE is hard to beat. It offers top-notch performance at a price that's accessible to a wide range of users. The iPhone 8 Plus is still a solid choice, but its higher price and older hardware may not make it the best value proposition in today's market. Consider your budget and what features are most important to you when making your decision.
Conclusion
So, which one should you buy? The iPhone SE excels in performance and value, making it ideal for those who want a fast, affordable, and compact iPhone. The iPhone 8 Plus, on the other hand, offers a larger display and a dual-camera system, making it better suited for media consumption and photography enthusiasts. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences.
If you prioritize performance, affordability, and portability, the iPhone SE is the way to go. Its A13 Bionic chip ensures that it will remain fast and responsive for years to come, and its compact size makes it easy to use one-handed. However, if you value a larger display, better battery life, and a more versatile camera system, the iPhone 8 Plus is a solid choice, especially if you can find it at a good price.
