Our Verdict
If you ’re look for a budget alternative the iPhone SE ( 2020 ) is clearly the right choice , bring a nation - of - the - art central processor and excellent photography options for £ 419/$399 . The iPhone 11 , however , remain a bully option for those who want a more modern purpose and a far larger display ( and can unfold to £ 729/$699 ) .
Last fall – how long ago it feel – we updated Macworld ’s ranking of thebest iPhonesto put the mightyiPhone 11top of the heap . We were n’t claiming that it was the best - specced French telephone Apple makes ( that would be the iPhone 11 Pro Max ) , but it distinctly offered the best compounding of specs , characteristic and time value for money .
Now the situation has changed . Apple has unveil thenew iPhone SE for 2020 , and while it is n’t an exciting launch it definitely screams ‘ sensible , estimable - time value compromise ’ . And in these straitened time , is n’t that what we really want ?
In this comparison clause we put the iPhone 11 and iPhone SE ( 2020 ) head to head , seeing how they heap up and help you decide which is best for you .
iPhone history
These iPhones have been replaced with newer modeling . regain links below to our reviews of all iPhone models , include the latest generation.iPhone 16is carry to launch in September 2024 ( seewhen is the best time to buy a fresh iPhone ) . You might also like ouriPhone purchasing guide , best iPhone dealsandcomparison of every iPhone that is usable to buy today .
Price & Availability
This will help set up a benchmark for the balance of the article . We ’ve said these are both good - value earphone , but that does n’t mean they ’re the same price , or even close to it . The SE is a cheaper pick , for certain .
( The iPhone 11 is availablefrom Apple ’s web site . or else , check our roundup of thebest iPhone 11 deals . )
( The iPhone SE will be available to preorderfrom Apple ’s websitefrom later today , 17 April . )
These numbers game , and a speedy glimpse at your savings bank report , may well have serve the head already . If the iPhone 11 is way out of your budget , you may want to conceive theiPhone XRinstead .
But for those who can afford it , the question that rest is this : does the iPhone 11 do enough to justify the extra money ?
Design & build quality
Both iPhones are beautifully craft handsets with cautionary build quality . But in terms of innovation , they are meth and cheese . Or ancient and New .
The iPhone 11 was part of the third moving ridge of the Face ID revolution ( which started with the iPhone X in 2017 ) , and like all of those machine it has a screen notch and no Home button . It most close follow the iPhone XR from 2018 , however , replicate exactly its giving 6.1 in screen and 194 g chassis . Here are some of the numerous vibrant colour pick you get with the 11 :
So it ’s not exactly a brand - new aim , but it ’s a caboodle more New than the iPhone SE ( 2020 ) . The SE is so similar to the iPhone 8 from 2017 that it will fit in the same cases , and the iPhone 8 itself , even when first launched , was already quondam - fashioned . That blueprint is largely the same as the iPhone 6 from 2014 .
Here ’s what the young iPhone SE looks like when tackle anApple Arcade game :
So in pith we ’re looking at a design from 2018 versus a aim from 2014 , but they each have some change on that template . The iPhone 11 , for example , adds a 2d camera lens on the rear ( the XR had only one ) and improves piss opposition from 1 MB to 2 m. And of course of study there are numerous pinch that set the iPhone SE ( 2020 ) apart from the long - ago iPhone 6 , not least the fact that it has any official H2O immunity at all .
In most respects we are drawn to the iPhone 11 ’s chic modern design far more than the nostalgic look of the iPhone SE . But some will like that it still has a Home clit ; not everyone enjoys present ID ( and we will concede that second - gen Touch ID is likely quicker and more reliable ) and some would choose not to have to learnlots of new gestures .
Specs & Features
There ’s an interesting mixture here . In a few respect the raw SE is neck and cervix with the iPhone 11 , namely its processor , storage allocations and connectivity . But the screen is far humble ( albeit just as sharp – and remember that the 11 , like the SE , miss out on the OLED screens that in Apple Land are restricted to the iPhone Pro models ) and the camera far light .
Note , however , that the A13 Bionic touch on more than just the speed with which you ’ll be able-bodied to run demanding apps and the future - proofing in terms of being capable to install iOS updates . Its nervous engine will improve picture taking using the Smart HDR algorithm , and it should also improve barrage operation . Needless to say we will put both of these claims to the run when we get review article samples of the new SE .
Anyway , here are the rest of the headline specs . Note that the iPhone 11 is importantly less portable , although this is more than apologize by the larger covert .
Verdict
This is a unmanageable comparison to make because these headphone are test to do dissimilar things for unlike people .
The iPhone 11 may not have the Pro suffix but it ’s a in high spirits - closing machine nonetheless , with a high - end cost to fit . If you ’re looking for a budget choice the SE is clearly the right choice , bringing a state - of - the - nontextual matter CPU and excellent photography options for£419/$399 .
But the iPhone 11 remains a great option for those who need a more New design and a far large presentation . If you could extend to£729/$699you’ll get a phone that ’s well worth your outlay .
Will the iPhone SE overtake the 11 at the top of our best iPhone ranking ? That conclusion will have to wait until we get our hands on revue samples – but the SE is emphatically going to be drive for a high position .
