When Apple released the iPhone SE (2020), it positioned the device as a budget-friendly powerhouse—same A13 Bionic chip as the iPhone 11 series, but in an older design with a single rear camera. Meanwhile, the iPhone 8 Plus, though two generations prior, featured a dual-camera system with a telephoto lens and optical zoom. On paper, this creates a fascinating dilemma: does newer hardware and smarter software outweigh the advantage of having two lenses?
The answer isn’t straightforward. While megapixels and lens count matter, computational photography, sensor tuning, and image processing play increasingly decisive roles in photo quality. To determine whether the iPhone SE 2020 truly outperforms the iPhone 8 Plus in photography, we need to look beyond specs and into real-world performance.
Sensor and Hardware Comparison
The iPhone SE (2020) uses a 12MP f/1.8 wide-angle sensor borrowed from the iPhone 11. Despite being housed in a compact chassis reminiscent of the iPhone 8, its camera benefits from modern sensor improvements, including larger pixels and deeper integration with Apple’s Neural Engine for machine learning tasks like Smart HDR and noise reduction.
In contrast, the iPhone 8 Plus features a dual-camera setup: a 12MP f/1.8 wide lens and a 12MP f/2.8 telephoto lens. The second lens enables 2x optical zoom and Portrait Mode with depth control—a feature absent on the SE at launch. However, its image signal processor is tied to the older A11 Bionic chip, which lacks the advanced neural capabilities of the A13.
Software and Computational Photography
This is where the iPhone SE (2020) gains significant ground. Apple equipped it with the same image processing pipeline as the iPhone 11, meaning it supports Smart HDR, Deep Fusion, and next-generation noise reduction—all powered by the A13 Bionic’s machine learning capabilities.
Deep Fusion, introduced in iOS 13, analyzes multiple exposures at the pixel level before capturing the final image. It excels in medium-to-low light, preserving texture and detail in fabrics, hair, and complex surfaces where older iPhones often produce smudged or overly smoothed results.
The iPhone 8 Plus, while capable of HDR and basic noise reduction, lacks Deep Fusion entirely. Its Portrait Mode relies on stereo disparity from the dual cameras, which can struggle with fine edges like eyelashes or wispy hair. The SE, even with only one lens, later received Portrait Mode through software-based depth mapping using machine learning—an impressive feat that narrows the gap significantly.
“Modern iPhones prioritize computational intelligence over raw hardware. One well-tuned sensor with advanced processing can outperform older multi-lens systems.” — David Liu, Mobile Imaging Analyst at TechVisuals
Image Quality: Real-World Performance
To assess actual photo output, consider these scenarios:
- Daylight shots: Both phones produce vibrant, well-exposed images. The 8 Plus offers slightly more flexibility with optical zoom, allowing tighter framing without quality loss. However, the SE delivers richer dynamic range and more natural skin tones thanks to Smart HDR.
- Low-light photography: The SE clearly wins here. Its larger effective pixel size, combined with advanced noise suppression, results in cleaner shadows and less grain. The 8 Plus tends to blur details in dim environments to mask noise.
- Portrait Mode: The 8 Plus initially had the edge with true optical depth sensing. But after Apple added Portrait Mode to the SE via software update, the difference became minimal. The SE now applies accurate edge detection and pleasing bokeh, though it occasionally misjudges depth in high-contrast scenes.
- Video recording: Both support 4K at 30fps, but the SE includes extended dynamic range up to 30fps and better stabilization. Audio capture is also improved due to updated microphones.
Camera Feature Comparison Table
| Feature | iPhone SE (2020) | iPhone 8 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Sensor | 12MP, f/1.8, OIS | 12MP, f/1.8, OIS |
| Secondary Camera | None | 12MP, f/2.8, 2x Optical Zoom |
| Portrait Mode | Yes (software-based, post-iOS 13.4) | Yes (dual-lens based) |
| Smart HDR | Yes (3rd generation) | Limited (1st gen HDR) |
| Deep Fusion | Yes | No |
| Night Mode | Yes | No |
| Video Recording | 4K@60fps, EDR, stereo audio | 4K@30fps, basic stabilization |
Mini Case Study: Urban Street Photography
Consider Alex, a travel blogger who owns both phones and frequently shoots in cities. He used the iPhone 8 Plus for years, appreciating the convenience of 2x zoom for candid portraits and street signs. After switching to the SE (2020), he noticed immediate improvements in indoor café shots and evening skyline captures—areas where his previous phone struggled with noise and blown-out highlights.
While he missed the optical zoom initially, he adapted by cropping tightly during editing. Since the SE’s sensor retains ample detail, a 50% crop still yields a usable 6MP image—more than enough for social media. Over time, he found himself relying on Night Mode and faster autofocus for spontaneous shots, ultimately preferring the SE for day-to-day photography despite its single lens.
Checklist: Choosing the Right Phone for Your Photography Needs
Use this checklist to decide which device suits your shooting style:
- ✅ Need excellent low-light performance? → Choose iPhone SE (2020)
- ✅ Want optical zoom without digital loss? → Choose iPhone 8 Plus
- ✅ Prioritize modern features like Night Mode and Portrait Lighting? → Choose iPhone SE (2020)
- ✅ Shoot mostly in daylight with occasional portraits? → Either works, but SE has better processing
- ✅ Editing heavily in post? → SE provides cleaner RAW files with less noise
- ✅ Prefer simplicity and future software support? → SE is newer, receives updates longer
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the iPhone SE (2020) take better portraits than the iPhone 8 Plus?
Surprisingly, yes—in many cases. While the 8 Plus uses dual-lens data for depth, the SE leverages AI-powered segmentation that improves with each iOS update. Recent versions handle hair and background separation remarkably well, and the addition of Portrait Lighting gives it creative flexibility the 8 Plus lacks.
Does the lack of a telephoto lens hurt the SE significantly?
It depends on usage. Casual users won’t miss it much, especially since digital zoom and smart cropping are effective. However, photographers who regularly shoot distant subjects—like concerts or wildlife—will find the 8 Plus’s 2x optical zoom advantageous. For most everyday situations, the SE’s superior main sensor compensates.
Is Night Mode available on the iPhone 8 Plus?
No. Night Mode was introduced with the iPhone 11 series and brought to select older models via software—but not the 8 Plus. This is a major limitation in dark environments. The SE automatically activates Night Mode in low light, producing brighter, clearer images with accurate colors.
Final Verdict: Is the Newer SE Actually Better for Photos?
Yes—the iPhone SE (2020) is generally better for photography than the iPhone 8 Plus, despite having only one rear camera. Advances in sensor tuning, computational photography, and software-driven features like Night Mode and Deep Fusion give it a clear edge in most lighting conditions.
The 8 Plus still holds value for those who prioritize optical zoom or prefer a larger screen for reviewing shots. But if your priority is overall image quality, consistency across environments, and access to current Apple camera technologies, the SE is the superior choice.
Apple’s evolution shows a shift from hardware multiplicity to intelligent optimization. The SE embodies this philosophy: one great camera, enhanced by powerful software, can outperform older multi-camera systems when engineered correctly.
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