PHONE AiPhone 12
No fresh verified price
Full specs →DATA-DRIVEN PHONE COMPARE
iPhone 12 vs iPhone SE (2nd generation)
22 source-backed differences · 8 fields the same. Official sources below.
✓Both records verified · latest Aug 19, 2026
Comparing shared product base specs.
PHONE A
PHONE BiPhone SE (2nd generation)
No fresh verified price
Full specs →Direct answer
iPhone 12 has advantages in battery, rear cameras, while iPhone SE (2nd generation) has advantages in design & dimensions.
Top Differences
Prioritize what matters to you, then expand the full shared field set.
✓34 registry fields
What Changed
Deterministic differences from the verified structured records.
625 nits typical; 1,200 nits hdr compared with 625 nits typical
11 compared with 8
Yes compared with Unknown
6.1 in compared with 4.7 in
A14 Bionic compared with A13 Bionic
Full Comparison
Expand every verified field and inspect the complete side-by-side data.
✓34 registry fields
FieldiPhone 12iPhone SE (2nd generation)Why it matters
Front cameraMinor difference2 official sources12 MP7 MPFront camera changes affect selfies and video calls.
TypeMarginal difference2 official sources12MP camera7MP cameraNo universal winner; decide based on your use case.
FieldiPhone 12iPhone SE (2nd generation)Why it matters
Display sizeMarginal difference2 official sources6.1 in4.7 inMore screen space changes reading and media comfort.
Outdoor brightnessMeaningful difference2 official sources625 nits typical; 1,200 nits hdr625 nits typicalHigher outdoor brightness improves sunlight readability.
HdrMeaningful difference1 official sourceYesUnknownNo universal winner; decide based on your use case.
ResolutionMarginal difference2 official sources2532-by-1170-pixel resolution at 460 ppi1334-by-750-pixel resolution at 326 ppiNo universal winner; decide based on your use case.
TechnologyMarginal difference2 official sourcesSuper Retina XDR displayRetina HD displayNo universal winner; decide based on your use case.
FieldiPhone 12iPhone SE (2nd generation)Why it matters
ChipMarginal difference2 official sourcesA14 BionicA13 BionicNewer silicon generally extends performance headroom.
Neural engine coresMarginal difference2 official sources168No universal winner; decide based on your use case.
FieldiPhone 12iPhone SE (2nd generation)Why it matters
Video playbackMarginal difference2 official sources17 hours13 hoursApple’s common playback test gives a comparable endurance signal.
Fast chargeMarginal difference2 official sourcesUp to 50% charge in 30 minutes 13 with 20W adapter or higher (sold separately)Up to 50% charge in 30 minutes 12 with 18W adapter or higher (sold separately)Shorter top-up time matters during travel and busy days.
Audio playback hoursMarginal difference2 official sources6540No universal winner; decide based on your use case.
Streamed video hoursMeaningful difference2 official sources118No universal winner; decide based on your use case.
FieldiPhone 12iPhone SE (2nd generation)Why it matters
WeightMinor difference2 official sources164 g148 gWeight affects long sessions and one-handed comfort.
Depth mmMarginal difference2 official sources7.47.3No universal winner; decide based on your use case.
Height mmMarginal difference2 official sources146.7138.4No universal winner; decide based on your use case.
Width mmMarginal difference2 official sources71.567.3No universal winner; decide based on your use case.
FieldiPhone 12iPhone SE (2nd generation)Why it matters
ContentsMarginal difference2 official sourcesiPhone 12, USB-C to Lightning Cable, Documentation, We encourage you to re-use your current USB-A to Lightning cables, power adapters, and headphones which are compatible with this iPhone. But if you need any new Apple power adapters or headphones, they are available for purchase.iPhoneSE, USB-C to Lightning Cable, Documentation, We encourage you to re-use your current USB-A to Lightning cables, power adapters, and headphones which are compatible with this iPhone. But if you need any new Apple power adapters or headphones, they are available for purchase.No universal winner; decide based on your use case.
RatingMarginal difference2 official sourcesRated IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes) under IEC standard 60529Rated IP67 (maximum depth of 1 meter up to 30 minutes) under IEC standard 60529No universal winner; decide based on your use case.
ListMarginal difference2 official sourcesFace ID, Barometer, Three-axis gyro, Accelerometer, Proximity sensor, Ambient light sensorTouch ID fingerprint sensor, Barometer, Three-axis gyro, Accelerometer, Proximity sensor, Ambient light sensorNo universal winner; decide based on your use case.
FieldiPhone 12iPhone SE (2nd generation)Why it matters
CellularMarginal difference2 official sources5G sub-6 GHz and mmWaveLTENo universal winner; decide based on your use case.
FieldiPhone 12iPhone SE (2nd generation)Why it matters
WifiMarginal difference2 official sourcesWi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)802.11ax Wi-FiNo universal winner; decide based on your use case.
What’s the same
Which should you buy?
iPhone 12 and iPhone SE (2nd generation) trade strengths: iPhone 12 leads in Battery and Camera, while iPhone SE (2nd generation) leads in Design.
- Choose iPhone 12 if you prioritize battery and camera.
- Choose iPhone SE (2nd generation) if you prioritize design.
Category-by-category
Leads in battery.
Leads in design.
Leads in camera.
Comparable across display.
Comparable across performance.
Comparable across other.
Comparable across cellular.
Comparable across connectivity.
FIELD-LEVEL PROVENANCE
3 official sources
Every compared field traces to an official product source. No model-generated specs, prices or winners.