Apple iPhone 12 vs Apple iPhone SE (2022)
Compare Apple iPhone 12 vs Apple iPhone SE (2022) side by side: Apple A14 Bionic vs Apple A15 Bionic (4-core GPU), 12MP vs 12MP camera, 2815mAh vs 2018mAh…
Apple
iPhone 12
$699
7categories won
Apple
iPhone SE (2022)
$429
2categories won
11 categories tied · 20 scored in total · add a third phone
Which one wins?
Apple iPhone 12 takes the overall win
The Apple iPhone 12 claims the overall win over the Apple iPhone SE (2022), delivering a stronger technical package across battery endurance and core hardware. In camera testing, the iPhone 12 leads with sharper imaging, while battery endurance leans towards the iPhone 12. Choose the iPhone 12 if you want the highest performance ceiling, or opt for the iPhone SE (2022) if its lower retail price better fit your budget.
iPhone 12 wins on endurance with 2,815 mAh and 20W fast charging.
Both handsets deliver top-tier speed with Apple A14 Bionic and smooth everyday multitasking.
iPhone 12 wins photography with 12MP main imaging.
iPhone SE (2022) wins on budget and value at $429 compared to $699.
Category verdicts are computed algorithmically from verified technical specifications and hardware benchmarks. Rows where neither figure is objectively better — screen size preference, operating system choice, aesthetic build materials — are displayed for direct reference without scoring bias.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone SE (2022): specifications compared
Display
| Specification | iPhone 12 | iPhone SE (2022) |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.1" | 4.7" |
| Resolution | 1170 x 2532Winner | 750 x 1334 |
| Pixel density | 457 ppiWinner | 326 ppi |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz | 60 Hz |
| Peak brightness | 1200 nitsWinner | 625 nits |
Performance
| Specification | iPhone 12 | iPhone SE (2022) |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic | Apple A15 Bionic (4-core GPU) |
| Process node | 5 nm | 5 nm |
| AnTuTu score | 3,200,000 | 3,200,000 |
| Geekbench multi | 10800 | 10800 |
| Maximum RAM | 4 GB | 4 GB |
| Maximum storage | 256GB | 256GB |
Camera
| Specification | iPhone 12 | iPhone SE (2022) |
|---|---|---|
| Main sensor | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Rear cameras | 2Winner | 1 |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP | — |
| Selfie camera | 12 MPWinner | 7 MP |
| Max video | 4K at 60fps Dolby Vision | 4K at 60fps |
Battery and charging
| Specification | iPhone 12 | iPhone SE (2022) |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 2,815 mAhWinner | 2,018 mAh |
| Wired charging | 20 W | 20 W |
| Wireless charging | 15 WWinner | 7.5 W |
Design
| Specification | iPhone 12 | iPhone SE (2022) |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 164 g | 144 gWinner |
| Thickness | 7.4 mm | 7.3 mm |
| Water resistance | IP68 | IP67 |
| Build | Ceramic Shield front, glass back and aluminum design | Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame |
Software and support
| Specification | iPhone 12 | iPhone SE (2022) |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | iOS 14.1, upgradable to iOS 18 | iOS 15.4, upgradable to iOS 18 |
| OS updates | 6 years | 6 years |
| Security updates | 6 years | 6 years |
Connectivity and value
| Specification | iPhone 12 | iPhone SE (2022) |
|---|---|---|
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be, tri-band 2.4/5/6GHz, 320MHz bandwidth) | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be, tri-band 2.4/5/6GHz, 320MHz bandwidth) |
| Storage expansion | None | None |
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| Launch price | $699 | $429Winner |
Apple iPhone 12
The Apple iPhone 12 upgraded the best-selling base model formula with a stunning Super Retina XDR OLED panel, Ceramic Shield glass, 5G capabilities, and featherlight 164g ergonomics.
- Display
- 6.1"
- Chipset
- Apple A14 Bionic
- Main camera
- 12MP
- Battery
- 2,815mAh
Apple iPhone SE (2022)
The Apple iPhone SE (2022) combined the blisteringly fast Apple A15 Bionic processor, 5G wireless connectivity, and iOS 18 capability with the beloved classic 4.7-inch Touch ID home button form factor.
- Display
- 4.7"
- Chipset
- Apple A15 Bionic (4-core GPU)
- Main camera
- 12MP
- Battery
- 2,018mAh