Choosing between the iPhone SE (2020) and the iPhone 7 Plus isn’t just about new versus old—it’s about value, longevity, and how each device fits into your daily life. While the iPhone 7 Plus was once a flagship powerhouse with its dual-camera system and large display, the iPhone SE 2020 brings modern internals into a compact, affordable body. But does that automatically make it the better choice? For users still clinging to their 7 Plus or considering a budget-friendly upgrade, the answer isn’t always straightforward.
This comparison dives deep into design, performance, camera capabilities, battery life, software support, and real-world usability to determine whether the iPhone SE 2020 truly outshines its predecessor—or if the older giant still holds its ground.
Design and Display: Size vs. Practicality
The most immediate difference between these two phones lies in their form factor. The iPhone 7 Plus features a 5.5-inch Retina HD display with a resolution of 1920x1080, offering generous screen real estate for media, gaming, and multitasking. Its larger size makes it ideal for users who prioritize viewing comfort over portability.
In contrast, the iPhone SE 2020 uses a 4.7-inch Retina HD display—the same size as the original iPhone 7—making it significantly more compact. This smaller footprint appeals to those who prefer one-handed use or dislike bulky smartphones. However, both devices share similar display technology: IPS LCD panels with comparable brightness and color accuracy, though the 7 Plus benefits from higher pixel density due to its larger resolution on a slightly bigger screen.
Both phones feature Touch ID and physical home buttons, lack Face ID, and have thick bezels by today’s standards. The build quality is nearly identical—aluminum chassis with glass back (for wireless charging on the SE 2020). However, only the iPhone SE 2020 supports IP67 water resistance, compared to the 7 Plus’s IP67 rating introduced later via firmware confirmation—an edge for durability in wet conditions.
Performance: A Generational Leap
Under the hood, there’s no contest. The iPhone SE 2020 is powered by Apple’s A13 Bionic chip—the same processor found in the iPhone 11 series—making it dramatically faster than the iPhone 7 Plus’s A10 Fusion chip.
Benchmarks tell the story clearly: the A13 delivers up to 2.5x faster CPU performance and nearly 4x faster graphics processing. Real-world usage reflects this. Apps launch quicker, multitasking is smoother, and demanding games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile run far more reliably on the SE 2020.
“Even with modest specs on paper, the iPhone SE 2020 punches well above its weight thanks to the A13 Bionic. It’s not just faster—it’s future-proofed.” — David Kim, Mobile Performance Analyst at TechPulse Insights
RAM also plays a role: the iPhone 7 Plus has 3GB, while the SE 2020 has 3GB as well, but paired with a much more efficient chipset and iOS optimization, resulting in noticeably snappier performance despite similar memory capacity.
Camera Comparison: Megapixels vs. Processing
The iPhone 7 Plus had a major advantage in its time: a dual-lens rear camera system featuring a 12MP wide and 12MP telephoto lens, enabling 2x optical zoom and Portrait Mode with depth control. The iPhone SE 2020, however, relies on a single 12MP wide lens—same sensor size—but leverages the power of the A13 Bionic to simulate depth effects using computational photography.
While the SE 2020 lacks optical zoom, its image signal processor and machine learning algorithms produce surprisingly good Portrait Mode results, especially in good lighting. More importantly, it supports Smart HDR, improved noise reduction, and better low-light performance than the 7 Plus.
| Feature | iPhone SE 2020 | iPhone 7 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Camera | 12MP f/1.8 (wide only) | 12MP f/1.8 + 12MP f/2.8 (dual) |
| Front Camera | 7MP f/2.2 | 7MP f/2.2 |
| Portrait Mode | Yes (software-based) | Yes (hardware-assisted) |
| Smart HDR | Yes | No |
| Video Recording | 4K@60fps | 4K@30fps |
In daylight, both cameras capture sharp, natural-looking photos. But in mixed or low light, the SE 2020 pulls ahead thanks to next-gen processing. Its ability to handle dynamic range and reduce grain gives it a clear edge for modern social media sharing and video calling.
Battery Life and Charging: Trade-offs in Efficiency
Despite its smaller size, the iPhone SE 2020 manages respectable battery life—Apple claims up to 13 hours of video playback. The iPhone 7 Plus, with its larger battery, offers up to 14 hours, making it slightly better for heavy users.
However, efficiency matters. The A13 chip’s power management means the SE 2020 often lasts a full day with moderate use, even when running newer apps and background services. The 7 Plus, now burdened by running iOS versions beyond its original design intent, can feel sluggish and drain faster under similar loads.
Charging is another consideration. Neither phone includes fast charging in the box, but the SE 2020 supports 18W fast charging (with optional adapter), while the 7 Plus maxes out at slower speeds. Additionally, the SE 2020 supports Qi wireless charging—a feature absent on the 7 Plus—adding flexibility for modern charging setups.
Software Support and Longevity
This is where the iPhone SE 2020 gains a decisive advantage. Released in 2020, it launched with iOS 13 and has received updates through iOS 17, with expectations of support into iOS 18 or even iOS 19. That means five to six years of security patches and feature upgrades.
The iPhone 7 Plus, released in 2016, stopped receiving major iOS updates after iOS 16. While it remains functional, it will not get new features, improvements in privacy tools, or compatibility with future app requirements. Many developers are beginning to phase out support for devices unable to run iOS 17.
Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma
Sarah has used her iPhone 7 Plus since 2017. By 2023, she noticed apps taking longer to load, frequent crashes on Instagram and WhatsApp, and poor performance when recording video. She hesitated to upgrade, loving the big screen and camera zoom. After testing a friend’s iPhone SE 2020, she was shocked at how smoothly TikTok scrolled, how quickly photos processed, and how cleanly FaceTime calls ran—even on cellular data. Despite missing the larger display, she upgraded and hasn’t looked back. “It feels like my phone finally keeps up with me,” she said.
Checklist: Should You Switch from iPhone 7 Plus to iPhone SE 2020?
- ✅ Need faster performance for modern apps and games?
- ✅ Want longer software support (iOS updates until at least 2025)?
- ✅ Prefer compact size and easier handling?
- ✅ Value better low-light photos and modern HDR video?
- ✅ Interested in wireless charging or improved water resistance?
- ❌ Rely heavily on optical zoom or split-screen multitasking?
- ❌ Dislike smaller screens for reading or watching videos?
If most checks are ✅, the SE 2020 is a worthy upgrade. If ❌ dominates, consider holding out for a newer model with a larger screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the iPhone SE 2020 replace the iPhone 7 Plus effectively?
Yes, for most users. While it lacks the dual-camera system and larger screen, its superior processor, updated software support, and modern features make it a more sustainable long-term device.
Is the camera on the iPhone SE 2020 better than the 7 Plus?
In overall quality, yes—especially in low light and video. The 7 Plus wins for optical zoom and portrait depth accuracy, but the SE 2020’s computational photography closes the gap significantly in everyday scenarios.
Will the iPhone 7 Plus stop working soon?
No, it will continue to function, but app compatibility, security risks, and degraded performance increase as it falls behind on iOS updates. Critical services may eventually drop support for iOS 16 and earlier.
Conclusion: The Verdict on Upgrading
The iPhone SE 2020 isn’t just a minor refresh—it’s a strategic evolution of Apple’s budget lineup. When compared directly to the iPhone 7 Plus, it proves that raw hardware advancements can outweigh nostalgic preferences. Despite its smaller screen and single rear camera, the SE 2020 delivers a faster, more secure, and future-ready experience.
For former 7 Plus users clinging to familiarity, the transition might feel like a step back in size and camera versatility. But in terms of speed, longevity, and real-world usability, the iPhone SE 2020 is unequivocally the better device in 2024. It’s not merely an upgrade—it’s a necessary leap into modern smartphone expectations.
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