When Apple released the iPhone SE (2020), it positioned the device as a powerful budget alternative to its flagship models. With the same A13 Bionic chip as the iPhone 11, many wondered: does the camera perform similarly? After all, hardware specs don’t always translate to real-world results. For users considering an upgrade from an older iPhone—or choosing between these two models—the camera is often a deciding factor. But is the iPhone 11’s camera truly superior, or is the difference mostly marketing?
This breakdown dives into sensor quality, software processing, low-light performance, and user experience to determine whether the iPhone 11’s camera upgrade is meaningful or merely overhyped.
Sensor and Hardware Differences
The most significant distinction between the iPhone 11 and iPhone SE (2020) lies in their camera hardware. The iPhone 11 features a dual-camera system: a 12MP wide lens and a 12MP ultra-wide lens. This allows for a 2x optical zoom out and greater flexibility in framing landscapes, architecture, or group shots without stepping back.
In contrast, the iPhone SE (2020) has only a single 12MP wide camera—identical in resolution to the iPhone 11’s primary sensor. While it uses a similar sensor size and pixel technology, the lack of a secondary lens limits compositional options. You can’t capture true ultra-wide shots or benefit from depth mapping via a second camera, which affects portrait mode accuracy and background blur realism.
Low-Light Performance and Night Mode
One of the standout features of the iPhone 11 is Night Mode—a computational photography feature that automatically activates in dim lighting. It captures multiple long-exposure frames and merges them to reduce noise and enhance brightness, delivering remarkably clear photos in near-dark conditions.
The iPhone SE (2020), despite sharing the same processor, does not support Night Mode at launch. Apple later added Night Mode via a software update (iOS 15), but due to hardware limitations—specifically the absence of sensor-shift stabilization and smaller lens aperture—it performs less effectively than on the iPhone 11. Photos taken in low light with the SE tend to be noisier, with less detail in shadows and slightly muted colors.
“Even with identical chips, camera software like Night Mode depends heavily on sensor input and optical stability. The hardware gap matters.” — David Kim, Mobile Imaging Analyst at DXOMARK
Portrait Mode and Depth Sensing
Portrait mode simulates a shallow depth-of-field effect, blurring the background while keeping the subject sharp. On the iPhone 11, this feature benefits from stereo depth mapping using both rear cameras, resulting in more accurate edge detection around hair, glasses, or complex shapes.
The iPhone SE (2020) relies solely on software algorithms and focus information from the single lens to estimate depth. While Apple’s machine learning does a decent job, it occasionally misjudges edges, especially in busy backgrounds or low-contrast scenes. Users report halos around subjects or inconsistent blurring when shooting portraits.
Additionally, the iPhone 11 supports Portrait mode for pets, objects, and even landscapes—options unavailable on the SE. This expands creative possibilities for casual photographers.
Video Capabilities Compared
Both phones record 4K video up to 60fps and offer excellent stabilization and dynamic range for their class. However, the iPhone 11 has a distinct advantage: extended dynamic range for video at 30fps, which preserves more detail in highlights and shadows during high-contrast scenes.
The iPhone 11 also supports stereo audio recording thanks to its three-microphone array, while the SE uses a simpler setup that captures sound adequately but lacks spatial richness. For vloggers or anyone recording interviews or music clips, this difference can impact production quality.
| Feature | iPhone 11 | iPhone SE (2020) |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Cameras | Dual: 12MP Wide + 12MP Ultra-Wide | Single: 12MP Wide |
| Night Mode (Photos) | Yes (native, effective) | Limited (added via iOS 15, weaker performance) |
| Portrait Mode Subjects | People, pets, objects | People only |
| Ultra-Wide Shots | Yes | No |
| Video Dynamic Range | Extended HDR (30fps) | Standard HDR |
| Slofies (Slo-Mo Selfies) | Yes (1080p at 120fps) | No |
Real-World Example: Travel Photography Showdown
Consider Sarah, a frequent traveler upgrading from an iPhone 6s. She’s torn between the iPhone SE (2020) for its affordability and the iPhone 11 for its reputation. During a weekend trip to Paris, she tests both devices side by side.
At Notre-Dame, the ultra-wide lens on the iPhone 11 captures the entire façade without requiring her to step into traffic. The SE forces her to either crop heavily or miss architectural details. Inside a dimly lit café, the iPhone 11 produces warm, clear images with readable menus and natural skin tones. The SE image is darker, grainier, and requires manual editing to brighten.
Later, taking a selfie with the Eiffel Tower behind her, the iPhone 11 records a smooth 120fps slow-motion clip (“slofie”) with excellent exposure. The SE can’t record slo-mo selfies at all. By the end of the trip, Sarah realizes that while the SE handles basic shots well, the iPhone 11 consistently delivers more professional-looking results with less effort.
Is the Upgrade Worth It? A Practical Checklist
Before deciding whether the iPhone 11’s camera is worth the extra cost, ask yourself the following:
- Do I often take photos in low light (restaurants, concerts, night walks)? → iPhone 11 wins.
- Do I shoot landscapes, architecture, or group photos where space is limited? → Ultra-wide lens helps.
- Do I care about portrait mode for pets or creative projects? → Only available on iPhone 11.
- Am I primarily using my phone for social media, texting, or occasional snapshots? → SE may suffice.
- Is budget a major constraint? → SE offers strong core performance at lower price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the iPhone SE (2020) take good photos during the day?
Absolutely. In well-lit conditions, the iPhone SE produces vibrant, detailed images very close to the iPhone 11. For daylight snapshots, food photos, or document scanning, it performs admirably.
Does the iPhone SE have Smart HDR like the iPhone 11?
Yes. Both phones use Smart HDR, leveraging the A13 chip to balance highlights and shadows in real time. However, the iPhone 11 benefits from additional tone mapping and color grading due to its dual-camera data input.
Is the front camera better on the iPhone 11?
Yes. The iPhone 11 features a 12MP TrueDepth front camera with 4K video, slow-motion selfies, and advanced portrait lighting modes. The SE uses a 7MP front camera with HD video only, limiting selfie quality and versatility.
Final Verdict: Beyond the Hype
The iPhone SE (2020) is an impressive device for its price, offering flagship-level processing and solid camera performance in ideal conditions. But calling its camera “just as good” as the iPhone 11 oversimplifies reality. The differences aren’t always dramatic, but they accumulate across scenarios—low light, composition, video, and portraits—where the iPhone 11 clearly pulls ahead.
The upgrade isn’t about one jaw-dropping feature; it’s about consistent reliability, creative flexibility, and fewer compromises. If photography plays any meaningful role in how you use your phone, the iPhone 11’s camera is worth the investment. For casual users who prioritize battery life, speed, and cost, the SE remains a smart choice—but with acknowledged limitations.
Ultimately, the hype isn’t entirely justified if you expect identical results. But the real-world advantages of the iPhone 11’s camera are measurable, practical, and enduring across daily use.
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