Iphone Se 2020 Vs Galaxy A70 Is The Cheaper Iphone Really Worth It

When choosing between smartphones in the mid-range segment, two models often come up in conversation: the iPhone SE (2020) and the Samsung Galaxy A70. On paper, the Galaxy A70 appears to offer more—larger screen, higher-resolution cameras, bigger battery. But the iPhone SE, despite its older design and lower price, consistently outperforms expectations. The real question isn't just about specs; it's whether the iPhone’s ecosystem, longevity, and software support make it a smarter investment than Samsung’s feature-rich alternative.

Design and Build: Modern vs Minimalist

The Galaxy A70 embraces the full-screen trend with a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display and slim bezels, topped with a waterdrop notch for the front camera. It feels modern, immersive, and ideal for media consumption. Its glass back and plastic frame give it a premium look, though it lacks IP rating for water resistance.

In contrast, the iPhone SE 2020 uses the same chassis as the iPhone 8—4.7 inches, thick bezels, and a physical Home button with Touch ID. It’s compact, lightweight, and surprisingly durable thanks to its IP67 rating. While it may look outdated next to edge-to-edge displays, its small size appeals to users who prioritize one-handed use and portability.

Tip: If you frequently use your phone with one hand or carry it in tight pockets, the iPhone SE’s compact form factor offers unmatched convenience.

Performance: Raw Power vs Real-World Efficiency

This is where the iPhone SE shocks most reviewers. Despite being priced significantly lower than the Galaxy A70, it packs Apple’s A13 Bionic chip—the same processor found in the iPhone 11 series. This silicon remains faster in both CPU and GPU benchmarks than the Snapdragon 675 inside the A70.

In practical terms, the iPhone SE launches apps faster, handles multitasking with ease, and maintains smooth performance even after years of use. iOS optimizations further enhance responsiveness, making everyday tasks feel snappier than on many higher-priced Android phones.

The Galaxy A70, while capable for casual use, shows lag during heavy app switching and gaming. The Snapdragon 675 is adequate but not exceptional. Over time, especially with bloatware and system updates, performance degradation becomes noticeable.

“Apple’s vertical integration means hardware and software are perfectly aligned. Even budget iPhones deliver flagship-level performance.” — David Liu, Mobile Analyst at TechInsider Weekly

Camera Comparison: Simplicity vs Versatility

The Galaxy A70 boasts a triple-lens setup: 32MP main, 8MP ultra-wide, and 5MP depth sensor. On paper, this suggests superior flexibility. In practice, results vary. While daylight photos are sharp and vibrant, low-light performance suffers from noise and inconsistent HDR processing. The ultra-wide lens adds utility but lacks detail at the edges.

The iPhone SE has only a single 12MP rear camera—but it’s tuned by Apple’s computational photography engine. It delivers consistent color science, excellent dynamic range, and reliable Smart HDR. Low-light shots benefit from Night Mode (added via software update), closing the gap with pricier phones.

Front cameras favor the A70 (32MP vs 7MP), and selfies are noticeably sharper. However, the iPhone SE’s True Tone flash and Portrait Mode still produce flattering results.

Feature	iPhone SE (2020)	Galaxy A70
Processor	A13 Bionic	Snapdragon 675
RAM	3GB	6GB / 8GB
Rear Camera	12MP (f/1.8)	32MP + 8MP + 5MP
Front Camera	7MP	32MP
Battery	1,821 mAh	4,500 mAh
Display	4.7\" Retina IPS LCD	6.7\" Super AMOLED
Water Resistance	IP67	None
Software Support	iOS (5+ years)	One UI (2–3 major updates)

Battery Life and Charging: Endurance vs Convenience

The Galaxy A70’s 4,500 mAh battery easily lasts a full day, even with heavy streaming or social media use. It supports 25W fast charging (charger sold separately), allowing a 50% charge in about 30 minutes. However, the large screen and less efficient processor drain power quickly under load.

The iPhone SE’s 1,821 mAh battery seems inadequate by comparison, and indeed, it struggles to match the A70’s endurance. Heavy users will likely need to recharge by late afternoon. That said, iOS power management helps stretch usage, and standby times are excellent.

Charging is slower—only 5W included, though it supports 18W fast charging with an optional adapter. Wireless charging works via Qi, a feature absent on the A70.

Tip: Pair the iPhone SE with a portable wireless charger for quick top-ups on the go—its compact size makes it ideal for travel kits.

Software and Long-Term Value

Here lies the iPhone SE’s greatest advantage. Apple guarantees five to six years of iOS updates. An iPhone SE bought in 2020 likely received updates through 2025 or beyond. This ensures access to new features, security patches, and app compatibility far longer than most Android devices.

Samsung promises three years of OS upgrades and four years of security updates for the Galaxy A70. In reality, many users report slowdowns after two years, and app developers eventually drop support for older Android versions.

iOS also integrates seamlessly with other Apple products—AirPods, Macs, Apple Watch—offering a frictionless experience. Features like iMessage, FaceTime, AirDrop, and iCloud sync add tangible value for users already in the ecosystem.

Mini Case Study: Maria’s Upgrade Dilemma

Maria, a freelance designer, needed a new phone on a tight budget. She considered the Galaxy A70 for its large screen and high-res camera, useful for reviewing client work. But she already owned a MacBook and iPad. After testing both devices, she chose the iPhone SE. “The smaller screen took getting used to,” she admits, “but Handoff and AirDrop save me hours every week. Plus, my apps never crash—even after two years of daily use.”

She now plans to keep the device until 2026, confident it will continue receiving updates. Her colleague, who bought the A70, had to replace his phone in 2023 due to lag and lack of Android 13 support.

Checklist: Which Phone Should You Choose?

• Choose the iPhone SE if:
  • You want maximum performance per dollar
  • You value long-term software support
  • You own other Apple devices
  • You prefer a compact, pocketable phone
  • You plan to keep your phone for 4+ years
• Choose the Galaxy A70 if:
  • You prioritize screen size and media immersion
  • You take lots of selfies and group photos
  • You need all-day battery life without recharging
  • You’re on Android and don’t want to switch ecosystems
  • You prefer expandable storage (microSD supported)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the iPhone SE 2020 still worth buying in 2024?

For light users and those entering the iOS ecosystem, yes—especially if purchased secondhand. While newer models exist, the SE 2020 still runs current iOS versions smoothly and supports essential apps. However, newer alternatives like the iPhone SE (2022) offer better cameras and 5G.

Why does the iPhone SE outperform more expensive phones?

Apple’s A-series chips are designed specifically for iOS, enabling tighter optimization. Combined with minimal background processes and efficient memory management, this allows even older hardware to perform reliably over time.

Can the Galaxy A70 run modern apps smoothly?

Basic apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Chrome work fine. However, heavier applications—video editors, 3D games, or multitasking with multiple tabs—can cause stuttering. Performance degrades noticeably after two years of use.

Final Verdict: Is the Cheaper iPhone Worth It?

The iPhone SE 2020 isn’t the most feature-packed phone, nor does it impress with flashy specs. But it delivers something more valuable: consistency, longevity, and peace of mind. For users who prioritize reliability over novelty, the iPhone SE proves that sometimes, less really is more.

The Galaxy A70 offers compelling advantages on paper—a larger screen, better selfie camera, and longer battery life. Yet, when measured by real-world usability and future-proofing, it falls short. Software stagnation, limited update cycles, and diminishing performance over time undermine its initial appeal.

If you're choosing based solely on upfront features, the A70 might win. But if you're investing in a device that will remain functional, secure, and supported for years, the iPhone SE is the smarter choice—even at a similar price point.

💬 Have you used both phones? Share your experience below. Your insights could help someone make a better decision.