Iphone Se 3rd Gen Vs Iphone 8 Plus Is The Newer Se Really Worth Ditching The Bigger Screen For

For years, the iPhone 8 Plus has been a favorite among users who value durability, solid performance, and a large display—all wrapped in a familiar design. But with the release of the third-generation iPhone SE, Apple brought flagship-level power into a compact, affordable body. If you're still holding onto your iPhone 8 Plus, you might be wondering: is it time to switch? And more importantly, can the smaller, newer SE truly justify leaving behind that spacious 5.5-inch screen?

The answer isn't just about size. It's about how you use your phone, what kind of experience you prioritize, and whether raw performance and future software support outweigh screen real estate and battery life. Let’s break down the key differences and help you decide if the upgrade makes sense for your lifestyle.

Design and Display: Big Screen vs Compact Powerhouse

The most immediate difference between the two phones is their physical form. The iPhone 8 Plus features a 5.5-inch Retina HD LCD display with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. Its larger footprint makes it ideal for media consumption, multitasking, and one-handed typing—though some find it bulky in pockets or small hands.

In contrast, the iPhone SE (3rd generation) uses a 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD screen—the same size as the original iPhone 8. While this means less screen area, it also delivers a more pocketable, lightweight device. For users who prefer minimalist design or struggle with larger phones, the SE offers comfort and control.

Tip: If you frequently watch videos, read e-books, or play games on your phone, the 8 Plus’s larger display may still hold an edge despite its age.

Both devices feature Touch ID, physical home buttons, and glass-and-aluminum builds, but only the SE includes IP67 water resistance (vs IP67 on the 8 Plus), meaning both can survive brief submersion, though the SE has slightly better sealing standards.

Performance: A Night-and-Day Difference

This is where the iPhone SE pulls far ahead. Under the hood, it packs Apple’s A15 Bionic chip—the same processor found in the iPhone 13 series. This gives it significantly faster CPU and GPU performance than the iPhone 8 Plus’s A11 Bionic.

In real-world terms, apps launch quicker, multitasking is smoother, and demanding tasks like photo editing or mobile gaming are handled effortlessly on the SE. Even iOS updates will likely be supported longer on the SE due to its modern chipset.

“Hardware longevity is directly tied to silicon efficiency. The A15 Bionic ensures the SE remains relevant for at least five years of iOS updates.” — David Lin, Mobile Analyst at TechPulse Insights

The iPhone 8 Plus, while still capable for basic tasks, begins to show its age when running newer apps or background-heavy workflows. Over time, slower processing can lead to lag, delayed responses, and reduced app compatibility.

Camera Comparison: Quality Over Quantity?

The iPhone 8 Plus boasts a dual-camera system: 12MP wide and 12MP telephoto lenses, enabling optical zoom and Portrait Mode. It was once praised for its depth sensing and low-light capabilities.

The iPhone SE (3rd gen), however, relies on a single 12MP wide lens. Despite having fewer cameras, it leverages the A15’s Neural Engine to deliver improved computational photography. Features like Smart HDR 4, Deep Fusion, and better noise reduction mean photos often look sharper and more balanced—especially in mixed lighting.

Portrait Mode is now software-based on the SE, using machine learning to simulate depth. While not quite as accurate as the 8 Plus’s optical solution, results have improved dramatically and work well on human subjects.

Feature	iPhone 8 Plus	iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
Display Size	5.5 inches	4.7 inches
Chipset	A11 Bionic	A15 Bionic
Rear Cameras	Dual 12MP (Wide + Telephoto)	Single 12MP (Wide)
Front Camera	7MP	7MP
Battery Life (Video Playback)	Up to 14 hours	Up to 15 hours
Water Resistance	IP67	IP67
Charging	Wired (up to 18W with adapter)	Wired (up to 20W), MagSafe compatible
iOS Support Outlook	Likely ends with iOS 18–19	Expected through iOS 21–23

Battery and Charging: Small Gains, Big Implications

Apple claims the iPhone SE offers up to 15 hours of video playback, slightly edging out the 8 Plus’s 14 hours. In daily usage, both phones last a full day for moderate users, though heavy streaming or gaming will drain either within 6–8 hours.

Where the SE shines is in charging flexibility. While neither supports wireless charging natively without accessories, the SE works with MagSafe chargers and supports faster wired charging (up to 20W with a compatible adapter). The 8 Plus, released before fast charging became standard on iPhones, benefits less from high-wattage adapters unless paired with specific hardware.

If you charge frequently throughout the day, the SE’s ability to gain 50% battery in around 30 minutes (with a 20W+ adapter) offers a tangible advantage over the older model.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah has used her iPhone 8 Plus since 2018. She loves watching YouTube tutorials and taking photos of her garden projects. Initially hesitant about the SE’s smaller screen, she upgraded after experiencing slow app launches and failed FaceTime calls due to outdated codec support.

After switching, she noticed immediate improvements: apps open instantly, her photo edits render faster, and video calls are clearer thanks to the SE’s improved audio processing. While she misses the extra screen space when viewing plant diagrams, she appreciates how easily the SE fits in her apron pocket and charges quickly during short breaks.

“I thought I’d miss the big screen,” she said. “But the speed and reliability made the trade-off worth it.”

Should You Upgrade? A Practical Checklist

Use this checklist to evaluate whether moving from the iPhone 8 Plus to the iPhone SE (3rd gen) aligns with your needs:

• ✅ Your current phone feels sluggish when opening apps or switching tasks
• ✅ You want longer iOS update support (SE likely supported until 2027+)
• ✅ You prioritize performance over screen size
• ✅ You charge your phone multiple times a day and value fast charging
• ✅ You don’t rely heavily on optical zoom or dual-lens photography
• ✅ You prefer a lighter, more compact phone that fits comfortably in smaller hands or pockets

If most of these apply, the SE is a smart investment. If you’re deeply attached to the larger display for movies, reading, or productivity, consider pairing your 8 Plus with a tablet or waiting for a compact Android alternative with a bigger screen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone SE replace the iPhone 8 Plus for seniors or users with vision needs?

Yes, but with caveats. The SE supports the same accessibility features—larger text, VoiceOver, Zoom—as the 8 Plus. However, the smaller screen may make reading harder unless display settings are adjusted. Users dependent on screen size should test both devices first.

Does the iPhone SE support 5G?

Yes, the 3rd-gen SE includes 5G connectivity (sub-6GHz bands), offering faster download speeds and better network readiness compared to the LTE-only 8 Plus. This matters most if you stream frequently or live in an area with strong 5G coverage.

Is the iPhone 8 Plus obsolete?

Not yet. It still runs iOS 16 and can handle basic functions like calling, texting, email, and light browsing. However, future iOS versions may further degrade performance, and app developers are increasingly optimizing for newer hardware.

Final Verdict: Worth the Trade-Off?

The iPhone SE (3rd gen) isn’t just an incremental upgrade—it’s a leap forward in processing power, efficiency, and long-term usability. While the iPhone 8 Plus wins in screen size and dual-camera versatility, the SE compensates with blazing-fast performance, extended software support, and modern features like 5G and faster charging.

Ditching the bigger screen isn’t easy, especially if you’ve grown accustomed to it. But for most users, the gains in speed, responsiveness, and future-proofing outweigh the loss of half an inch of display. If you value a phone that stays snappy for years, handles new apps effortlessly, and fits comfortably in hand, the iPhone SE is absolutely worth the switch—even if it means adjusting to a smaller canvas.

🚀 Ready to upgrade smarter? Evaluate your daily usage, try the SE in person if possible, and make the move when performance starts holding you back. Your future self—and your apps—will thank you.