Buying a new iPhone always proves both exciting and overwhelming given the myriad options available from Apple targeting diverse budgets and feature needs. Two models continually piquing interest? The iPhone XR and iPhone SE for their blend of functionality, appealing designs and reasonable prices compared to flashy flagship iPhones.
But should you splurge on 2018’s iPhone XR or opt for 2016’s revived iPhone SE? Let’s thoroughly compare these iPhone heavyweights across all major categories – from displays to performance to camera capabilities and beyond – to reveal the right choice depending on your priorities.
Display and Design
The most immediate way the iPhone XRand iPhone SE differ rests in screen sizes and display technology:
| iPhone XR | iPhone SE | |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.1” Liquid Retina LCD | 4.7” Retina LCD |
| Resolution | 1792 x 828 pixels | 1334 x 750 pixels |
| Pixel Density | 326 ppi | 326 ppi |
| Brightness | 625 nits | 625 nits |
| Size | 5.94” x 2.98” x 0.33” | 5.45” x 2.65” x 0.29” |
| Weight | 6.84 oz | 5.22 oz |
Yes, the iPhone XR touts a far more expansive 6.1-inch screen over the 4.7-inch iPhone SE – a dramatic 35% increase in viewable area. Its longer aspect ratio also proves ideal for movies.
But size doesn’t tell the whole story. Both leverage vibrant Liquid Retina and Retina LCDs boasting equal 326 pixels per inch (ppi). Matching ppi means both deliver crisp text and imagery free from disruptive pixelation.
Plus, equivalent 625 nit maximum brightness ratings translate into stellar outdoor visibility. Ultimately the XR promotes immersion while the SE offers pocketable portability – so personal preference rules.
Beyond displays, the iPhone XR demonstrates a larger footprint at 5.94” x 2.98” x 0.33” partly thanks to rounded edges circumscribing its all-screen front. At 5 ounces heavier, some may find the XR less wieldy than the 5.45” x 2.65” x 0.29”, 5.22 ounce iPhone SE with familiar button flanking bottom bezels.
But again, hands-on ergonomics depend on your grip style and tolerance. And both flaunt premium glass and aerospace-grade aluminum builds able to survive scrapes and splashes.
Performance and Battery
Diving deeper, we discover notable iPhone performance and battery deviations:
| iPhone XR | iPhone SE | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | A12 Bionic chip | A13 Bionic chip |
| Performance | 15% faster CPU 50% faster graphics | %20 faster CPU 20% faster graphics |
| Battery Life | Up to 16 hours video | Up to 13 hours video |
Unexpectedly, the 2020 iPhone SE employs Apple’s latest A13 system-on-chip outpacing 2018’s A12 in the iPhone XR for superior processing, graphics and machine learning.
Real-world numbers? With two high-performance cores running 20% quicker, the iPhone SE launches apps, juggles multitasking and breezes through intensive games faster courtesy raw CPU muscle. Its four efficiency cores still help minimize battery drain.
Likewise, a 20% graphics boost translates into smoother gameplay and UI animations. And enhanced neural engine performance expands mobile augmented reality capabilities.
Yet what the iPhone XR lacks in outright speed, it compensates through superior longevity. Smart power management grants upwards of 16 hours of video playback or around 10 hours streamed. With comparable real-world usage, the iPhone SE endures only 75-80% as long. It shines through quicker charging however.
Both pack ample storage. But the iPhone SE clearly surpasses expectations performance-wise despite older guts. Only battery life sways in the XR’s favor for travelers.
Camera and Video Recording
You’ll capture tons of memorable photos and videos regardless, though some hardware differences emerge:
| iPhone XR | iPhone SE | |
|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8 aperture Optical image stabilization | 12MP, f/1.8 aperture Optical image stabilization |
| Front Camera | 7MP, f/2.2 aperture 1080p @ 60 fps video | 7MP, f/2.2 aperture 1080p @ 30 fps video |
Identical 12 megapixel wide-angle cameras with large f/1.8 apertures mean gorgeous portrait shots and professional background blur. Backed by optical stabilization, photos stay crisp even handling hand shake.
Around front, the same 7MP selfie cameras equip both models for detailed FaceTime calls and social shares. But the iPhone XR’s sensor records silky smooth 60 frames-per-second selfie videos over the iPhone SE’s 30 fps clips.
So essentially equivalent optics reside in both iPhones resulting in fantastic images under all but the dimmest conditions. Videographers simply gain added fluidity with the XR.
Authentication and Connectivity
Whether securing personal data or sharing wirelessly on the go, the iPhone XR and iPhone SE feature respective exclusive capabilities:
| iPhone XR | iPhone SE | |
|---|---|---|
| Biometrics | Face ID | Touch ID |
| Security Certification | IP67 water/dust resistance | IP67 water/dust resistance |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac Wi‐Fi | 802.11ac Wi‐Fi |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Wireless Charging | Qi standard | Qi standard |
Most conspicuously, the iPhone XR implements advanced Face ID facial recognition technology for unlocking your phone and authorizing Apple Pay transactions simply by glancing at the screen.
Face ID remains extremely reliable by scanning precise 3D facial maps unaffected by lighting, hats, beards and more. It also enables fun personalized emojis.
Conversely, the iPhone SE sticks with fingerprint authentication via Touch ID but retains comparable security protections like encrypted data isolation and regular firmware updates to thwart sophisticated attacks.
Both even boast identical ruggedness certifications denoting resistance to dust ingress and 30-minute immersions just shy of 5 feet deep – perfect protection against beach trips and rainstorms! You’ll also stay connected on the go thanks to speedy Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0.
So decision here depends on your favored biometric and overall security priorities. But Apple has you covered either way.
Pricing Considerations
Lastly, wallet impact always weighs heavily. MSRP differences have narrowed since release, but remain:
| iPhone XR | iPhone SE | |
|---|---|---|
| Base Storage | 64GB | 64GB |
| Current Price | $220 | $166 |
Launched at $250 higher, the iPhone XR demanded a typical premium for bleeding-edge features and sumptuous 6.1-inch screen. The revival of the iPhone SE naturally promotes exceptional value, hence its lower cost.
Flash forward to today with both models discounted mid-lifecycle, you’ll still pay around a 25% uptick opting for the iPhone XR. But its larger, vibrant Liquid Retina display, smooth 60fps selfie capture and extra few hours of runtime per charge offset outlays for voracious media bingers.
Or economically grab the iPhone SE to snag modern computing and photography chops in a pocket-sized package while spending less.
The Bottom Line
When comparing the iPhone XR versus iPhone SE, plenty of similarities get overshadowed by strategic differences catering to specific preferences around display size, performance, camera capabilities/video and biometrics.
Overall, we recommend the iPhone XR if you:
- Crave a gorgeous 6.1-inch screen for portable movie watching and gaming
- Prefer facial recognition unlocking via Face ID
- Can benefit from lengthiest battery life
Whereas the iPhone SE makes most sense for folks who:
- Want latest A13 Bionic speed in a compact build
- Appreciate Touch ID fingerprint authentication
- Demand wallet-friendly pricing
Either way, both endure as more than capable iPhones that should satisfy for years. But keeping your individual needs and priorities in mind while referencing this guide will lead you to the perfect model!
