Choosing between the iPhone XR and the iPhone SE (2020) isn’t just about price—it’s about balancing performance, design, and long-term usability. Both phones were released within two years of each other, yet they represent very different philosophies in Apple’s lineup. The XR brought modern design and a large display to the mid-tier market, while the SE 2020 revived the classic iPhone form with flagship-level internals. For users deciding between them today—especially on the used or refurbished market—understanding their real-world differences is critical.
Design and Display: Modern vs Minimalist
The most immediate difference lies in their physical design. The iPhone XR features a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD display with slim bezels and a notch for Face ID. It offers an immersive viewing experience ideal for media consumption, gaming, and multitasking. In contrast, the iPhone SE 2020 sticks to the older iPhone 8 form factor: a 4.7-inch Retina HD display, thick top and bottom bezels, and a Touch ID home button. While compact and easy to handle one-handed, its screen feels outdated by today’s standards.
For users who prioritize screen real estate and modern aesthetics, the XR is clearly superior. Its edge-to-edge design and vibrant colors make everyday tasks more engaging. The SE, however, appeals to those who prefer smaller phones or dislike facial recognition. It's also slightly more durable in drops due to its shorter height and sturdier build, though both have similar IP67 water resistance.
Performance: A Surprising Tie
Under the hood, both devices are powered by Apple’s A13 Bionic chip—the same processor found in the iPhone 11 series. This means that despite the SE being significantly cheaper, it matches the XR in raw computational power. Whether you're editing photos, playing graphics-intensive games, or switching between apps, both deliver snappy, lag-free performance.
However, sustained performance can differ slightly due to thermal management. The XR’s larger chassis allows for better heat dissipation during extended use, which can help maintain peak performance during long gaming sessions or video rendering. The SE, being smaller, may throttle slightly sooner under heavy load. But for typical daily usage—social media, browsing, messaging, and even moderate photo editing—this difference is negligible.
“Apple’s A13 Bionic was so well-optimized that even three years later, both the XR and SE 2020 feel remarkably fast.” — David Kim, Mobile Hardware Analyst at TechPulse
Camera Comparison: One Wins Clearly
When it comes to photography, the iPhone XR pulls ahead decisively. It features a single 12MP wide-angle rear camera but supports Portrait mode and advanced depth control thanks to software algorithms and its larger sensor. More importantly, it has Smart HDR and better low-light processing, resulting in richer detail and dynamic range.
The iPhone SE 2020 uses a similar 12MP sensor but lacks some of the XR’s image-processing advantages. While it supports Portrait mode via software, the results are less accurate, especially around hair or complex edges. Video recording is identical on both—4K at 60fps with extended dynamic range—but the XR consistently produces more balanced exposures and better color science.
| Feature | iPhone XR | iPhone SE 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Camera | 12MP f/1.8 Wide | 12MP f/1.8 Wide |
| Portrait Mode | Yes (depth mapping) | Yes (software-only) |
| Front Camera | 7MP f/2.2 | 7MP f/2.2 |
| Smart HDR | Yes | Limited |
| Video Recording | 4K@60fps, EIS | 4K@60fps, EIS |
In practical terms, if you frequently take photos—especially portraits or in mixed lighting—the XR offers a noticeably better experience. The SE gets the job done, but it doesn’t impress.
Battery Life and Charging: XR Takes the Lead
Battery life is another area where size matters. The iPhone XR delivers up to 16 hours of video playback, making it one of the longest-lasting iPhones of its generation. The SE 2020, constrained by its smaller body, manages around 13 hours under similar conditions. Real-world usage typically sees the XR lasting a full day with moderate to heavy use, while the SE may require a midday charge for power users.
Both support fast charging (with a 18W adapter sold separately) and Qi wireless charging. However, Apple includes only a 5W charger in the box for both models, meaning faster charging requires an additional investment.
Software Support and Longevity
As of 2024, both devices run iOS 17 and are expected to receive updates through at least iOS 18. Given Apple’s track record, they may even see iOS 19. This makes either phone a viable option for users seeking long-term reliability. However, future performance could diverge as newer iOS versions demand more from hardware. The XR’s extra RAM (3GB vs 3GB—same in this case) and optimized camera pipeline may help it age slightly better.
That said, the SE 2020 was designed as a budget gateway to the iOS ecosystem, and Apple continues to treat it as such in terms of update priority. There’s no indication either will be dropped prematurely.
Mini Case Study: Sarah Chooses Her Upgrade Path
Sarah, a freelance writer in Portland, needed a new phone after her iPhone 7 failed. She considered both the XR and SE 2020 based on budget and durability. She preferred small phones but did a lot of reading, note-taking, and occasional photography for blog posts.
After testing both in-store, she chose the XR. “The screen made such a difference,” she said. “I’m reading longer articles, watching tutorials, and even editing videos. The SE felt cramped after ten minutes.” She paired it with a rugged case and uses battery-saving mode at night. Two years later, she reports no slowdown and praises the camera for capturing quick shots of her travels.
Her story illustrates a key insight: even users who think they want a compact phone may adapt quickly to a larger display when functionality improves.
Checklist: Which iPhone Fits Your Needs?
- ✅ Need a big screen for videos, books, or multitasking? → iPhone XR
- ✅ Prefer one-handed use and physical home button? → iPhone SE 2020
- ✅ Take frequent photos or portraits? → iPhone XR
- ✅ Want maximum battery life? → iPhone XR
- ✅ On a tight budget or want a backup phone? → iPhone SE 2020
- ✅ Use gloves or masks often? → iPhone SE 2020 (Touch ID advantage)
- ✅ Plan to keep the phone for 3+ years? → Either, but XR offers better longevity
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the iPhone SE 2020 faster than the iPhone XR?
No—they both use the same A13 Bionic chip, so real-world performance is nearly identical. App launches, multitasking, and gaming speeds are equivalent under normal conditions.
Can the iPhone SE 2020 take good photos?
Yes, for casual snapshots and well-lit environments. However, it struggles with depth effects, low light, and fine details compared to the XR. Don’t expect professional-grade results.
Which phone will last longer?
In terms of hardware durability, both are solid. But the XR’s larger battery, superior camera, and bigger screen give it an edge in long-term satisfaction. If you plan to keep your phone beyond two years, the XR is likely the better investment.
Final Verdict: Is the XR Still Worth It?
Yes—the iPhone XR remains worth it over the SE 2020 for most users. While the SE delivers exceptional value with its powerful chip in a low-cost package, the XR offers a more complete, modern smartphone experience. The larger display, better camera system, improved battery life, and Face ID integration make it feel like a true flagship, even years later.
The SE 2020 shines as a secondary phone, a starter device for teens, or for users deeply attached to the classic iPhone design. But if you’re choosing between the two as a primary phone in 2024, the XR provides meaningful advantages that justify its higher price—especially in the refurbished market where the gap has narrowed.
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