iPhone 8 Plus vs iPhone SE (2020)

The iPhone 8 Plus, released in September 2017, and the iPhone SE (2020), launched in April 2020, represent different approaches to Apple's smartphone lineup. While both devices share a classic iPhone design with a physical home button, the iPhone SE (2020) integrates a more modern internal processor, offering enhanced performance and computational photography capabilities in a more compact form factor. Both models operate on Apple's iOS platform, ensuring a consistent user experience and access to the same app ecosystem.

When considering the longevity of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release dates, software support, and physical repairability.

• Release Timeline: The iPhone 8 Plus was released in September 2017, making it an older device compared to the iPhone SE (2020), which launched in April 2020. This difference in release date directly impacts their expected software support lifespan.
• Software Longevity: The iPhone SE (2020) benefits from a newer processor, which typically translates to a longer period of iOS updates. Users can expect the iPhone SE (2020) to receive software updates for several years longer than the iPhone 8 Plus, extending its functional life. The iPhone 8 Plus received updates up to iOS 16.7.15, released in March 2026.
• Repairability: Both devices generally receive a moderate repairability score. The iPhone SE (2020) scored 6 out of 10 from iFixit, with common repairs like screen and battery replacement being relatively straightforward due to shared components with the iPhone 8. The iPhone 8 Plus also received a repairability score of 6 out of 10, with the screen and battery being relatively easy to replace, though the glass back is difficult to repair.

The internal components of these two iPhones lead to distinct performance profiles, particularly in demanding tasks and overall system responsiveness.

• Processor Capabilities: The iPhone SE (2020) features a newer-generation processor, which provides a significant boost in processing power compared to the iPhone 8 Plus. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and more efficient handling of graphically intensive applications and games on the iPhone SE (2020).
• System Responsiveness: Users will generally experience a more fluid and responsive interface on the iPhone SE (2020) due to its advanced processor. While the iPhone 8 Plus remains capable for everyday tasks, the newer device offers a noticeable improvement in overall speed and efficiency.
• Battery Behavior: The iPhone 8 Plus has a larger battery capacity (2691 mAh) compared to the iPhone SE (2020) (1821 mAh). Despite the smaller battery, the iPhone SE (2020)'s more efficient processor can lead to comparable or even slightly better battery life for typical usage, though heavy users might find the iPhone 8 Plus's larger capacity more enduring.

The visual experience on these devices differs primarily in screen size and overall display characteristics.

• Display Technology and Size: Both the iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone SE (2020) utilize Retina HD LCD displays. The iPhone 8 Plus features a larger 5.5-inch display, offering more screen real estate for media consumption and multitasking. In contrast, the iPhone SE (2020) has a more compact 4.7-inch display.
• Resolution and Clarity: The iPhone 8 Plus has a higher resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 401 ppi. The iPhone SE (2020) has a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels, with a pixel density of 326 ppi. While the 8 Plus offers a sharper image due to its higher resolution and pixel density, both displays provide clear visuals for everyday use.
• Brightness and Features: Both models offer a typical maximum brightness of 625 nits, wide color (P3) support, and True Tone technology, which adjusts the display's white balance to match ambient lighting.

The camera systems on the iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone SE (2020) offer different strengths, influenced by both hardware and software processing.

• Rear Camera System: The iPhone 8 Plus features a dual 12MP rear camera system, including a wide-angle lens and a telephoto lens, enabling 2x optical zoom and Portrait mode with advanced bokeh effects. The iPhone SE (2020) has a single 12MP wide-angle rear camera. Despite having only one lens, the iPhone SE (2020) leverages its newer processor for enhanced computational photography, such as Smart HDR and Portrait Mode with Depth Control.
• Photography Performance: In good lighting, both phones produce quality images. The iPhone SE (2020) often yields brighter images, though sometimes with more noise, while the iPhone 8 Plus can produce darker but cleaner images with better noise management. The iPhone SE (2020) is often considered to have a superior camera for general photography due to its advanced image processing, especially in dynamic range. However, the 8 Plus retains an advantage in optical zoom due to its dedicated telephoto lens.
• Video Recording and Front Camera: Both devices support 4K video recording at 60 frames per second. Both also feature a 7MP FaceTime HD front-facing camera. The iPhone SE (2020) extends Portrait Mode and Portrait Lighting to its front camera, a feature not available on the iPhone 8 Plus.