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IPhone SE (2020) 256GB vs iPhone XS 512GB

Created date: 2020-04-14 14:10:48, Updated date: 2021-10-20 19:19:08

iPhone SE (2020) 256GBiPhone XS 512GB
iPhone SE (2020) 256GBiPhone XS 512GB

How are the "iPhone SE (2020) 256GB" and "iPhone XS 512GB" different? We have tested and evaluated their differences. We also explain which one may be best for you.

iPhone SE (2020) 256GBiPhone XS 512GB
iPhone SE (2020) 256GB

iPhone XS 512GB

General rating:
Griprating-image3.4
68/100
rating-image3.0
59/100
Screen qualityrating-image2.7
54/100
rating-image4.1
81/100
Performancerating-image3.9
77/100
rating-image4.4
87/100
Storage sizerating-image4.5
90/100
rating-image4.7
93/100
Batteryrating-image4.1
81/100
rating-image4.4
87/100
Rear-camera resolutionrating-image3.5
70/100
rating-image3.5
70/100
Front-camera resolutionrating-image3.8
75/100
rating-image3.8
75/100

What is the difference between the "iPhone SE (2020) 256GB" and the "iPhone XS 512GB"? See a detailed comparison of ease of use and performance

Comparison of weight and size of the "iPhone SE (2020) 256GB" and "iPhone XS 512GB"

The design of iPhone SE (2020) 256GB

The "iPhone SE (2020) 256GB" is 138.4mm long, 67.3mm wide, and 7.3mm thick. It weighs 148.0g.

The design of iPhone XS 512GB

The "iPhone XS 512GB" is 143.6mm long, 70.9mm wide, and 7.7mm thick. It weighs 177.0g.

Which is the better design to use?

In comparison, the size difference is 5.1mm in length, 3.6mm in width, and 0.4mm in thickness. Both the "iPhone SE (2020) 256GB" and "iPhone XS 512GB" are equally easy to use with one hand. "iPhone SE (2020) 256GB" is bigger than "iPhone XS 512GB", which makes it easier to type on it via flick input. Both the "iPhone SE (2020) 256GB" and "iPhone XS 512GB" are basically equally portable and easy to handle.

The difference in weight is 29g. The "iPhone SE (2020) 256GB" is much lighter, putting less burden on the hand.

iPhone SE (2020) 256GB

iPhone XS 512GB

Ease of holding it in one hand76/10071/100
How much it does not feel heavy to hold in one hand55/10034/100
Ease of carrying around68/10064/100

Compare the display of the "iPhone SE (2020) 256GB" and "iPhone XS 512GB"

Display of the iPhone SE (2020) 256GB

The "iPhone SE (2020) 256GB" uses a Retina IPS LCD liquid crystal. The resolution is 750 x 1334, and the pixel density is 325ppi. The "iPhone SE (2020) 256GB" has a 4.7inch screen size.

Display of the iPhone XS 512GB

The "iPhone XS 512GB" uses a True Tone HDR Super Retina HD liquid crystal. The resolution is 1125 x 2436, and the pixel density is 462ppi. The "iPhone XS 512GB" has a 5.8inch screen size.

Which has a better screen?

This makes a 1inch difference in the display sizes. Lining up the displays side by side makes the difference in size clearly visible. The larger display on the "iPhone XS 512GB" is easy on the eyes, making it the better choice for surfing the web or browsing social media. The "iPhone XS 512GB" has the necessary specs for this kind of purpose. In the gaming end, the "iPhone XS 512GB" offers a more suitable screen size. The "iPhone XS 512GB" has the necessary specs for this kind of purpose.

In terms of display, the "iPhone XS 512GB" is a better choice for those looking to use their phone for browsing the web or for gaming. When using the smartphone as a VR, the screen is generally held much closer to the face than when using the smartphone for other purposes, and so the clarity of the screen becomes a rather important factor. The "iPhone XS 512GB" also offers a crisp, cleaner display when using a VR headset than the "iPhone SE (2020) 256GB". The "iPhone XS 512GB" has the necessary specs for this kind of purpose.

iPhone SE (2020) 256GB

iPhone XS 512GB

How suited is the screen for usual usage?63/10074/100
How suited is the screen to play games on?48/10076/100

Compare the camera performances of the "iPhone SE (2020) 256GB" and "iPhone XS 512GB"

Camera performance of iPhone SE (2020) 256GB

The main camera of the "iPhone SE (2020) 256GB" has 12.0MP. The front camera has 7.0MP.

Camera performance of iPhone XS 512GB

The main camera of the "iPhone XS 512GB" has 12.0MP. The front camera has 7.0MP.

Which camera performance is better?

There is very little difference in the performance (or pixel count) of "iPhone SE (2020) 256GB" and "iPhone XS 512GB" when shooting distant objects or Instagrammable landscapes. Also, when using the rear camera to snap close shots of photogenic sweets or meals, there is very little difference between the pixel counts of the two phones. Both the "iPhone SE (2020) 256GB" and the "iPhone XS 512GB" can be easily used for this kind of purpose.

When shooting objects or people with the front phone camera from a short distance, such as taking a selfie with a selfie-stick, there is very little difference between the pixel counts of the two phones, even when it comes to the scenery in the background of such photographs. There is not much difference between the pixel counts of "iPhone SE (2020) 256GB" and "iPhone XS 512GB" when it comes to taking close-up photographs such as selfies or profile pics with the front phone camera.

iPhone SE (2020) 256GB

iPhone XS 512GB

Is is suited to taking far away objects with the rear camera?70/10070/100
Is it suited for taking close objects with the built-in camera?75/10075/100

Comparison of the processing capabilities of the "iPhone SE (2020) 256GB" and "iPhone XS 512GB"

The processing capability of the iPhone SE (2020) 256GB

Performance is defined by the chipset, and the "iPhone SE (2020) 256GB" uses the Apple A13 Bionic SoC. The CPU performance is 2.65GHz+1.8GHz×6(6.0-cores). The memory capacity is 3.0GB.

The processing capability of the iPhone XS 512GB

Performance is defined by the chipset, and the "iPhone XS 512GB" uses the Apple A12 SoC. The CPU performance is 2.49GHz+2.49GHz×6(6.0-cores). The memory capacity is 4.0GB.

Which has the better processing capability?

"iPhone XS 512GB" has a slightly better CPU performance and better specs overall. This is a 1GB difference in memory capacity. The "iPhone XS 512GB" has more memory storage, making the "iPhone XS 512GB" work better for multitasking or running 3D games.

For phone calls, emails, messaging, using SNS or most fundamental features, the differences between the "iPhone SE (2020) 256GB" and the "iPhone XS 512GB" are not large at all. Users looking for a phone to meet their web browsing and video playing needs, with the occasional game every now and then, should definitely go for the "iPhone XS 512GB". Both the "iPhone SE (2020) 256GB" and the "iPhone XS 512GB" can be easily used for this kind of purpose.

For playing 2D and simpler 3D games, "iPhone XS 512GB" is more suitable as the games are less likely to stall. Complex, full-fledged 3D games definitely run better on the "iPhone XS 512GB" than the "iPhone SE (2020) 256GB". The "iPhone XS 512GB" has the necessary specs for this kind of purpose.

iPhone SE (2020) 256GB

iPhone XS 512GB

Review on the CPU capbility and memory capacity when using Social Networks or the Internet85/10089/100
Review on the CPU speed and the memory capacity while playing 3D games69/10083/100

Comparison of the battery life of the "iPhone SE (2020) 256GB" and "iPhone XS 512GB"

Battery performance of iPhone SE (2020) 256GB

The "iPhone SE (2020) 256GB" has a battery capacity of 1821.0mAh.

Battery performance of iPhone XS 512GB

The "iPhone XS 512GB" has a battery capacity of 2800.0mAh.

Which battery perfomances is better?

This makes a difference in battery capacity of 979mAh, but it is not enough to only compare the capacity. With a high-performance CPU, the battery drains faster, and a larger screen also uses more battery.

The "iPhone XS 512GB" is also a great choice for those who only use their phone for occasional phone calls or for checking the time. For average daily use, for example looking things up online, SNS, gaming or occasionally checking your screen I can recommend the "iPhone XS 512GB" slightly more. Both the "iPhone SE (2020) 256GB" and the "iPhone XS 512GB" can be easily used for this kind of purpose.

The battery life of the "iPhone XS 512GB" is well equipped to handle long hours of gaming, video playback, and other kinds of frequent daily use. The "iPhone XS 512GB" has the necessary specs for this kind of purpose.

iPhone SE (2020) 256GB

iPhone XS 512GB

Review on the battery life of a phone mainly using Social Networks and the Internet81/10087/100
Review on the battery life of a phone mainly using mainly games and videos63/10073/100

Compare the storage capacity of the "iPhone SE (2020) 256GB" and "iPhone XS 512GB"

The storage capacity of the iPhone SE (2020) 256GB

The "iPhone SE (2020) 256GB" has 256.0GB of internal memory.

The storage capacity of the iPhone XS 512GB

The "iPhone XS 512GB" has 512.0GB of internal memory.

Which has the easier storage to use?

The difference in internal memory is about 256GB. If you are only downloading a few games and apps (such as SNS) to use on your phone, it really doesn't matter if you choose "iPhone SE (2020) 256GB" or "iPhone XS 512GB". If you are hoping to install many different games on their phone, the amount of storage is the same no matter which of these two devices you choose to buy. Both the "iPhone SE (2020) 256GB" and the "iPhone XS 512GB" can be easily used for this kind of purpose.

Because the speed of loading from or saving to the SD card is slow, it is suited for saving pictures or videos.

iPhone SE (2020) 256GB

iPhone XS 512GB

Review on the storage capacity when playing many games90/10093/100
Review on when you store many pictures and videos - -

Which to buy, the "iPhone SE (2020) 256GB" or "iPhone XS 512GB"

At the end of the day which is better, the "iPhone SE (2020) 256GB" or "iPhone XS 512GB"?

"iPhone SE (2020) 256GB" is easier for the user to hold and is more compact, and so it is recommended. Its perfect screen size of 5.8inch makes the "iPhone XS 512GB" a lot easier to use. "iPhone XS 512GB" is better for users who prefer better functionality and specs. When comparing "iPhone XS 512GB" and "iPhone SE (2020) 256GB" overall, "iPhone XS 512GB" is a more balanced model and is recommended.

iPhone SE (2020) 256GB

iPhone XS 512GB

Handling68/10059/100
Display54/10081/100
CPU specs77/10087/100
General rating67/10075/100

Is it recommended to buy the iPhone SE (2020) 256GB, compared with other smartphones?

Compared to other smart phones, the "iPhone SE (2020) 256GB" has a size that is easy to hold, and looks compact. It can be easily operated with one hand. The screen size is comparable to that of standard smartphones, so it is suited for doing internet searches and browsing or for simple SNS messaging. In addition, its processing capabilities are of a slightly higher specification compared to the average smart phone, and can be said to be more than adequate for normal use. However, its performance may feel slightly inadequate when playing 3D games and such. Looking at the overall specifications, the "iPhone SE (2020) 256GB" is a middle-range to high-end smart phone.

Is it recommended to buy the iPhone XS 512GB, compared with other smartphones?

Compared to other smartphones, the "iPhone XS 512GB" is averagely easy to hold. Although it can be a little difficult, it is the right size to be able to operate with one hand. The screen size is larger than that of standard smartphones. It is suited for typing long texts and so can be used to read or edit office texts. In addition, its processing capability is quite excellent compared to the average smart phone. It is suitable for almost all uses, including games and VR. It may be a bit extravagant for normal use. Looking at the overall specifications, the "iPhone XS 512GB" is a middle-range to high-end smart phone.

What are the spec differences between the "iPhone SE (2020) 256GB" and "iPhone XS 512GB" ?

A summary of the technical specifications of the "iPhone SE (2020) 256GB" and "iPhone XS 512GB". Functions and performance variations on the same model will be highlighted in red.

iPhone SE (2020) 256GBiPhone XS 512GB
iPhone SE (2020) 256GBiPhone XS 512GB
ColorBlack/White/Red/ /
OSiOSiOS
Dimensions (width x height x thickness)67.3mm x 138.4mm x 7.3mm70.9mm x 143.6mm x 7.7mm
Weight148.0g177.0g
Display size4.7inch5.8inch
Display typeRetina IPS LCDTrue Tone HDR Super Retina HD
Screen resolution (width x height)750 x 13341125 x 2436
Pixel density325ppi462ppi
Battery capacity1821.0mAh2800.0mAh
ChipsetApple A13 BionicApple A12
CPU specs2.65GHz+1.8GHz×6(6.0-cores)2.49GHz+2.49GHz×6(6.0-cores)
RAM size3.0GB4.0GB
Storage size256.0GB512.0GB
Rear-camera resolution12.0MP12.0MP
Front-camera resolution7.0MP7.0MP

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