Iphone Se 2020 Vs Iphone 7 Is The Newer One Really Better Or Just Newer 2

The iPhone SE 2020 arrived with a promise: deliver flagship-level performance in a familiar, compact design at a fraction of the cost. But for owners of the iPhone 7—still a capable device years after its release—the upgrade decision isn’t always clear. Is the iPhone SE 2020 genuinely better, or does it simply carry the appeal of being “newer”? The answer depends on what you value: raw power, long-term software support, camera quality, or design familiarity.

This isn't just about specs on paper. It's about how these phones perform in daily use, how long they'll last in an era of rapid app evolution, and whether the improvements justify the cost—especially if your iPhone 7 still powers through emails, calls, and light social media without issue.

Performance: A Generational Leap Under the Hood

The most significant difference between the two devices lies beneath the surface. The iPhone SE 2020 features Apple’s A13 Bionic chip—the same processor found in the iPhone 11 series. In contrast, the iPhone 7 runs on the A10 Fusion chip, released three generations earlier.

The A13 delivers up to 2.5x faster CPU performance and up to 4x faster graphics compared to the A10. This isn’t just marketing speak; it translates into real-world advantages:

• Apps launch noticeably faster on the SE 2020.
• Complex tasks like photo editing, multitasking, and AR experiences run smoothly.
• Future iOS updates will be supported longer on the SE 2020 due to more powerful hardware.

Tip: If you plan to keep your phone for 3+ years, prioritize processor strength over minor design preferences—it affects longevity more than any other component.

“Hardware determines how long a phone remains usable. The A13 Bionic gives the SE 2020 staying power well beyond what the iPhone 7 can offer.” — David Kim, Mobile Analyst at TechForward Insights

Camera Capabilities: More Than Megapixels

Both phones feature a single 12MP rear camera, but the similarities end there. The iPhone SE 2020 inherits advanced image signal processing from the A13 chip, enabling features previously unavailable on budget iPhones.

Key camera upgrades include:

• Snapdragon Portrait Mode: Available on the SE 2020 despite having only one lens—powered by machine learning.
• Smart HDR: Delivers better dynamic range, preserving highlights and shadows in mixed lighting.
• 4K video at 60fps: The iPhone 7 maxes out at 4K/30fps or 1080p/60fps.
• Faster autofocus and low-light performance: Thanks to improved sensors and computational photography.

In side-by-side tests, the SE 2020 consistently produces sharper images with more natural color grading and superior noise reduction in dim environments. For users who take photos regularly—even casually—the improvement is tangible.

Design and Usability: Comfort vs. Modernity

Apple kept the iPhone SE 2020’s design nearly identical to the iPhone 8 and, by extension, the iPhone 7. That means a 4.7-inch LCD screen, thick bezels, and a Home button with Touch ID.

For some, this is a selling point. Users with smaller hands or those who dislike large-screen phones appreciate the manageable size. One-handed operation remains effortless, and the physical Home button offers reliable biometric access.

However, the iPhone 7 and SE 2020 share the same fundamental limitations:

• No Face ID or gesture navigation.
• LCD instead of OLED (lower contrast, less vibrant colors).
• Lower screen brightness and resolution compared to modern standards.

If you're upgrading solely for design, you won’t find much change. But if you’re coming from an iPhone 7, the SE 2020 feels like a refined version—same comfort, better internals.

Detailed Comparison Table

Feature	iPhone SE 2020	iPhone 7
Processor	A13 Bionic	A10 Fusion
Rear Camera	12MP with Smart HDR, Portrait Mode	12MP, no Portrait Mode
Front Camera	7MP, Retina Flash	7MP, no Retina Flash
Video Recording	4K at 60fps	4K at 30fps
Battery Life (video playback)	Up to 13 hours	Up to 11 hours
Storage Options	64GB, 128GB, 256GB	32GB, 128GB (original models)
iOS Support Expectation	Up to iOS 18–19 (est.)	Ended with iOS 16
Water Resistance	IP67 (1m for 30 mins)	IP67 (1m for 30 mins)
Starting Price (Launch)	$399	$649

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah has used her iPhone 7 since 2017. By 2022, she noticed apps taking longer to load, Safari tabs crashing frequently, and the camera struggling in indoor lighting. She hesitated to upgrade, thinking, “It still works fine.”

After borrowing a friend’s iPhone SE 2020, she tested her usual routine: checking email, using Google Maps, and taking a few photos in a café. The difference was immediate. Maps loaded instantly, photos came out brighter and clearer, and switching between apps felt fluid.

She upgraded and found iOS updates installed faster, new apps ran without lag, and battery life lasted through her workday. For Sarah, the SE 2020 wasn’t just newer—it was meaningfully better in ways that impacted her daily experience.

Software and Longevity: The Hidden Advantage

One often overlooked factor is software support. The iPhone 7 stopped receiving major iOS updates with iOS 16. No security patches or feature upgrades have followed since late 2022.

In contrast, the iPhone SE 2020 launched with iOS 13 and received updates through iOS 17, with expectations of iOS 18 support. This extended lifecycle means:

• Access to new features like enhanced privacy controls and improved Siri.
• Continued compatibility with modern apps that phase out older OS versions.
• Better protection against emerging security threats.

From a longevity standpoint, the SE 2020 offers at least two additional years of relevance—a critical consideration in sustainable tech usage.

Checklist: Should You Upgrade from iPhone 7 to SE 2020?

Use this checklist to evaluate your needs:

1. ✅ Is your iPhone 7 experiencing slow performance in everyday tasks?
2. ✅ Do apps crash or fail to update?
3. ✅ Have you stopped receiving iOS updates?
4. ✅ Do you want better photo quality, especially in low light?
5. ✅ Are you looking for a phone that will remain secure and functional for 2+ more years?
6. ✅ Do you prefer compact phones with physical buttons?

If you answered yes to three or more, the SE 2020 is a smart upgrade path. It preserves the usability you’re accustomed to while delivering meaningful internal improvements.

FAQ

Can the iPhone SE 2020 run the latest games smoothly?

Yes. Thanks to the A13 Bionic chip, the SE 2020 handles demanding games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile at medium to high settings without lag, unlike the iPhone 7, which struggles with current titles.

Is the battery life significantly better on the SE 2020?

Moderately. Apple rates the SE 2020 for up to 13 hours of video playback versus 11 on the iPhone 7. Real-world usage shows about 1–1.5 extra hours of screen time, aided by more efficient hardware and software optimization.

Does the SE 2020 support wireless charging?

Yes. Unlike the iPhone 7, the SE 2020 supports Qi wireless charging, making it more convenient for users with charging pads at home or in the car.

Conclusion: Better, Not Just Newer

The iPhone SE 2020 is more than just a successor to the iPhone 7—it’s a strategic evolution. While the design may look unchanged, the internal advancements in processing power, camera intelligence, software support, and future-proofing make it a genuinely superior device.

For iPhone 7 owners still holding on, the SE 2020 represents one of the most cost-effective upgrades available. It maintains the ergonomic comfort and simplicity many loved about the 7, while addressing its core limitations: aging performance, outdated camera features, and discontinued software support.

🚀 Ready to make the leap? Evaluate your current phone’s performance, check for pending iOS updates, and consider how much longer you need your device to last. If you're due for an upgrade, the iPhone SE 2020 isn’t just newer—it’s built to keep up.