Choosing between the iPhone SE (2020) and the iPhone 7 Plus isn’t just about picking the newer model. While the SE was released three years after the 7 Plus, both phones have carved out loyal followings for different reasons. The 7 Plus offers a large screen and dual cameras, while the SE packs modern power into a compact body. But does “newer” always mean “better”? A closer look at design, performance, camera capabilities, software support, and real-world use reveals a more nuanced answer.
Design and Display: Bigger Isn't Always Better
The most immediate difference between the two models is their physical design. The iPhone 7 Plus features a 5.5-inch Retina HD display with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. Its larger size makes it ideal for media consumption, gaming, and multitasking. However, its bulk can be cumbersome for users with smaller hands or those who prefer one-handed operation.
In contrast, the iPhone SE 2020 revives the classic iPhone 8 form factor—4.7 inches with Touch ID centered below the screen. It’s significantly lighter and easier to handle. Despite its smaller size, the display quality holds up well, especially for everyday tasks like messaging, browsing, and navigation.
While the 7 Plus supports wide color gamut and true tone (on later units), the SE 2020 matches it in color accuracy and brightness. Neither has OLED, but Apple’s LCD panels remain competitive. Ultimately, this category depends on preference: size versus portability.
Performance: A Clear Win for the iPhone SE 2020
Beneath the surface, the gap widens dramatically. The iPhone SE 2020 is powered by the A13 Bionic chip—the same processor found in the iPhone 11 series. This gives it exceptional speed, efficiency, and future-proofing. Apps launch instantly, multitasking is smooth, and even graphics-intensive games run without lag.
The iPhone 7 Plus, meanwhile, uses the older A10 Fusion chip. While it was powerful in 2016, it now struggles with heavier apps and long-term software updates. In benchmark tests, the A13 outperforms the A10 by over 2.5x in CPU tasks and nearly 4x in GPU performance.
“Even though the 7 Plus felt fast when it launched, today’s iOS demands expose its age. The SE 2020 handles modern workloads effortlessly.” — David Lin, Mobile Performance Analyst at TechPulse
Real-world impact? The SE opens apps faster, handles background processes better, and sustains performance under load. For anyone planning to keep their phone beyond two years, the SE’s processing power is a decisive advantage.
Camera Comparison: Trade-offs Between Hardware and Software
The iPhone 7 Plus made headlines for introducing portrait mode via its dual-camera system: a 12MP wide lens and a 12MP telephoto lens enabling 2x optical zoom. This setup still delivers strong low-light photos and convincing depth effects, especially when manually adjusted.
The iPhone SE 2020, despite having only a single 12MP wide lens, leverages the A13’s machine learning to simulate portrait mode using software algorithms. Results are impressive for a single-lens phone, though they lack the natural bokeh and zoom flexibility of the 7 Plus. Where the SE shines is consistency—its image signal processor produces vibrant colors, accurate skin tones, and excellent dynamic range.
| Feature | iPhone SE 2020 | iPhone 7 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Cameras | Single 12MP (wide) | Dual 12MP (wide + telephoto) |
| Portrait Mode | Software-based (all focal lengths) | Hardware-assisted (telephoto only) |
| Video Recording | 4K at 60fps, extended dynamic range | 4K at 30fps, no EDR |
| Night Mode | Yes | No |
| Front Camera | 7MP, Retina Flash | 7MP, no advanced features |
The SE also introduces Night Mode, which dramatically improves low-light photography—a feature absent on the 7 Plus. Combined with superior video stabilization and higher frame rate options, the SE pulls ahead in versatility despite fewer lenses.
Battery Life and Charging: Practicality Meets Limitations
The iPhone 7 Plus has a larger battery and typically lasts longer per charge than the SE 2020. Apple rated it for up to 13 hours of video playback; real-world usage often sees 8–10 hours of screen-on time. The SE, due to its smaller chassis, carries a smaller battery and averages around 6–7 hours of screen time.
However, the A13’s power efficiency helps close the gap. Under light use—such as email, social media, and occasional calls—the SE can easily last a full day. Heavy users may need to recharge by evening.
Charging is another consideration. Both phones support only 5W wired charging out of the box, meaning a full charge takes over two hours. Neither supports wireless charging natively, though third-party cases can add limited Qi compatibility.
Software Support and Longevity
This is where the iPhone SE 2020 pulls far ahead. Released in April 2020, it shipped with iOS 13 and remains supported through iOS 17, with a strong likelihood of receiving iOS 18. That means five to six years of OS updates—a hallmark of Apple’s longevity promise.
The iPhone 7 Plus, launched in 2016, stopped receiving major updates with iOS 16. It will not support iOS 17 or beyond, limiting access to new features, security patches, and app compatibility. Many developers already optimize primarily for iOS 15+, leaving older devices behind.
For long-term ownership, the SE offers peace of mind. Even at similar price points in the used market, its ability to run current and future apps makes it the smarter investment.
Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma
Sarah had been using her iPhone 7 Plus since 2017. By 2021, she noticed apps crashing, slow loading times, and frequent prompts that her device wasn’t compatible with new software. She considered buying another used 7 Plus for $150 but decided instead to spend $399 on a refurbished iPhone SE 2020.
“I missed the big screen at first,” she said, “but within a week, I realized how much faster everything was. My banking app loads instantly, my photos look better at night, and I don’t worry about being left behind when iOS updates drop.”
Two years later, Sarah still uses the SE daily with no signs of slowdown—proof that upgrading core components matters more than clinging to outdated hardware.
Checklist: Should You Choose the iPhone SE 2020 Over the 7 Plus?
- ✅ Need faster performance for modern apps and games?
- ✅ Want at least 3–4 more years of iOS updates?
- ✅ Prefer a compact, lightweight phone for easy handling?
- ✅ Value better low-light photos and improved video recording?
- ✅ Use your phone for productivity, messaging, or navigation rather than media binging?
If you answered yes to most of these, the iPhone SE 2020 is the clear choice—even with its smaller screen and single rear camera.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the iPhone SE 2020 replace a phablet like the 7 Plus?
It depends on usage. If you watch a lot of videos or play mobile games extensively, the 7 Plus’ larger screen is advantageous. But for communication, browsing, and general tasks, the SE performs equally well—and fits in pockets more comfortably.
Is the portrait mode on the SE as good as the 7 Plus?
It’s different. The 7 Plus uses dual sensors for depth mapping, resulting in more accurate edge detection in some lighting conditions. However, the SE applies AI enhancements across all distances and includes adjustable depth sliders post-capture, offering greater creative control.
Which phone holds resale value better?
The iPhone SE 2020 retains value more effectively due to its newer chipset and ongoing software support. Used 7 Plus units have depreciated sharply since losing update eligibility.
Conclusion: Yes, the iPhone SE 2020 Is a True Upgrade
The iPhone SE 2020 isn’t just newer—it’s fundamentally more capable in ways that matter today and will continue to matter tomorrow. While the 7 Plus offered innovation in its time, particularly with portrait photography and screen size, it’s now technologically obsolete.
The SE delivers modern performance, better cameras with computational advantages, extended software support, and a design suited for contemporary lifestyles. For anyone transitioning from a 7 Plus—or considering holding onto one—the data is clear: upgrading to the SE 2020 brings tangible benefits that outweigh nostalgic preferences.
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