Iphone Se 2020 Camera Vs Iphone 8 Is The Newer One Really Better For Photos

The iPhone SE 2020 and iPhone 8 occupy similar spaces in Apple’s lineup—compact designs, physical Home buttons, and familiar industrial styling. But when it comes to photography, does the newer iPhone SE (2020) actually deliver a meaningful upgrade over the older iPhone 8? At first glance, both devices appear nearly identical from the outside, sharing a single 12MP rear camera. However, under the hood, significant differences in processing, software, and sensor tuning make this comparison more nuanced than expected.

For users deciding between upgrading from an iPhone 8 to the SE 2020—or choosing between two used models—the camera performance is often a deciding factor. This article dives into the technical and practical distinctions between their cameras, backed by real-world use cases and expert insights, to determine whether the newer model truly offers superior photo quality.

Sensor and Hardware: More Than Meets the Eye

On paper, both the iPhone SE 2020 and iPhone 8 feature a 12MP f/1.8 wide-angle rear camera with optical stabilization, phase-detection autofocus, and 4K video recording at 30fps. The similarities end there. While they share the same megapixel count and aperture, the SE 2020 uses an updated version of the sensor derived from the iPhone 11 series, not just a recycled component from the iPhone 8.

This means improved low-light sensitivity, better dynamic range, and enhanced color accuracy. Apple confirmed that the SE 2020 benefits from next-generation signal processing, allowing faster readouts and reduced noise in challenging lighting conditions. Additionally, the front-facing 7MP FaceTime HD camera on the SE 2020 supports Portrait Mode and advanced Retina Flash algorithms—features absent on the iPhone 8’s selfie shooter.

Tip: In low light, tap to focus and let the camera stabilize before shooting—this gives both phones time to optimize exposure.

Image Processing and Computational Photography

The most significant difference lies not in hardware but in software and processing power. The iPhone SE 2020 is powered by the A13 Bionic chip—the same processor found in the iPhone 11 series—while the iPhone 8 runs on the older A11 Bionic. This generational leap brings substantial improvements in image signal processing (ISP), machine learning capabilities, and computational photography features.

The A13 enables Smart HDR, which intelligently blends multiple exposures to preserve highlights and shadows. It also powers Deep Fusion, Apple’s pixel-by-pixel image enhancement system that activates in medium-to-low light. Deep Fusion analyzes texture, detail, and noise across different layers of the image, producing sharper, cleaner results than traditional HDR methods.

The iPhone 8 lacks both Smart HDR and Deep Fusion. Its HDR implementation is slower and less refined, often resulting in overprocessed skies or muddy midtones. In direct side-by-side comparisons, the SE 2020 consistently produces images with better contrast, finer details in fabrics and hair, and more natural skin tones.

“Computational photography has become as important as lens quality. The A13 Bionic allows the SE 2020 to punch far above its weight class.” — David Kim, Mobile Imaging Analyst at DXOMARK

Camera Performance Comparison Table

Feature	iPhone SE 2020	iPhone 8
Rear Camera	12MP f/1.8, OIS, Deep Fusion, Smart HDR	12MP f/1.8, OIS, Basic HDR
Front Camera	7MP f/2.2, Portrait Mode, Retina Flash	7MP f/2.2, No Portrait Mode
Processor	A13 Bionic with Neural Engine	A11 Bionic
Low-Light Performance	Improved via Night mode (iOS 14+)	No Night mode support
Video Recording	4K@60fps, Extended Dynamic Range up to 60fps	4K@30fps, EDR only up to 30fps
Portrait Mode	Rear and front cameras	Not supported

Real-World Example: Day vs. Night Photography

Consider a typical user scenario: capturing family moments during a weekend picnic followed by dinner at a dimly lit Italian restaurant. During daylight, both phones produce acceptable results. However, the SE 2020 captures slightly richer greens in foliage, more accurate whites in clothing, and smoother gradients in cloud detail thanks to Smart HDR.

At dinner, the gap widens. The iPhone 8 struggles with mixed lighting—overexposing candle flames while losing facial details in shadow. Colors appear warmer than reality, and noise becomes visible even at moderate zoom levels. In contrast, the SE 2020 applies subtle tone mapping, retains candle glow without blowing out highlights, and preserves texture in dark wood tables. With iOS 14’s Night mode enabled, the SE automatically extends exposure time when handheld stability is detected, brightening the scene naturally without introducing blur.

This isn’t magic—it’s the combination of faster sensors, advanced noise reduction algorithms, and machine learning models trained on billions of images. The result? Photos that look more professional straight out of the camera, reducing the need for post-processing.

Actionable Checklist: Maximizing Your iPhone Camera

• Enable Smart HDR: Go to Settings > Camera > Preserve Settings and ensure Smart HDR is toggled on.
• Use Grid Lines: Turn on the grid in Camera Settings to improve composition using the rule of thirds.
• Clean the Lens Regularly: Smudges are especially noticeable on glossy finishes and can reduce sharpness.
• Avoid Digital Zoom: Both phones rely on cropping; instead, get closer to your subject for better clarity.
• Leverage Portrait Mode (SE 2020): Use it for creative bokeh effects, even on pets or objects.
• Shoot in Good Light When Possible: Even advanced processing can’t fully compensate for poor illumination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 8 get Night mode through a software update?

No. Despite running iOS 14 and later, the iPhone 8 does not support Night mode due to hardware limitations, particularly the lack of motion coprocessor integration and slower sensor response times required for long-exposure stacking.

Is the selfie camera really better on the SE 2020?

Yes. While both have 7MP front cameras, the SE 2020 adds Portrait Mode and Portrait Lighting effects, along with improved noise reduction and face detection. Skin tones are more balanced, and background separation is accurate even in uneven lighting.

Does the SE 2020 shoot better video than the iPhone 8?

Absolutely. The SE 2020 supports 4K video at 60fps (vs. 30fps on the iPhone 8) and includes extended dynamic range for smoother highlight roll-off. Audio recording is also clearer thanks to improved noise suppression during wind interference.

Conclusion: Yes, the Newer One Is Better—But Context Matters

The iPhone SE 2020 delivers a measurable improvement in photo quality over the iPhone 8. Thanks to the A13 Bionic, Smart HDR, Deep Fusion, and eventual access to Night mode, it handles diverse lighting scenarios with greater confidence and consistency. Selfie capabilities, video performance, and overall image refinement place it firmly ahead of its predecessor.

That said, if your primary use involves well-lit environments and casual snapshots, the iPhone 8 remains competent. But for anyone who values low-light clarity, portrait creativity, or future-proof software support, the SE 2020 is the clear winner—even with identical-looking hardware.

💬 Have you upgraded from an iPhone 8 to the SE 2020? Share your experience with camera performance—we’d love to hear how it’s worked for you in real life.