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2ndphoneclub

Budget picks

iPhone SE (2022) vs iPhone 12: which cheap iPhone should you buy?

Short answer

Get the iPhone 12 for a bigger 6.1-inch screen, Face ID and a second, ultra wide camera. Get the iPhone SE (2022) if you want the cheapest iPhone we sell, a small phone and a home button with Touch ID.

With us, the SE (2022) starts at $80 and the iPhone 12 at $140.

iPhone SE 2022from $80 · 110 in stock
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At a glance

SE (2022) iPhone 12
Screen 4.7 in 6.1 in
Unlock Touch ID (home button) Face ID
Chip A15 Bionic A14 Bionic
Cameras 12MP wide 12MP wide + ultra wide
Battery (video) up to 15 hrs up to 17 hrs
Weight 144 g 164 g
5G Yes Yes
Our price from $80 $160

Which one is right for you?

Pick the SE (2022) if…

  • you want the lowest price
  • you like a home button and Touch ID
  • you want a small, light phone

Pick the iPhone 12 if…

  • you want a bigger screen
  • you take photos of groups or landscapes
  • you'd rather have Face ID

You own it

It's yours

You own the phone outright. There's no contract and nothing to hand back.

Sell it back when you want

After 1 year, 2 years or never. We'll always make you an offer.

Unlike a lease

With a lease or upgrade plan you return the phone and never own it.

Which is the better first iPhone?

For a child's first phone or a simple phone for calls and messages, the SE is hard to beat on price. For anyone who watches videos or takes a lot of photos, the iPhone 12's bigger screen and second camera are worth the difference.

Battery health on phones we have now

SE (2022)
57%
iPhone 12
50%

Share of phones in stock with battery health of 90% or higher.

Which grade should you get?

Price from SE (2022) iPhone 12
ExcellentLooks close to new $90 $175
GoodLight marks you only see in direct light $80 —
FairVisible wear, everything works — $160
ValueOne named issue, shown on the listing (for example No Face ID) $90 —

Every phone is tested, unlocked and has its battery health listed before you buy. How we grade

Common questions

Does the SE (2022) have a home button?

Yes. It has a home button with Touch ID. The iPhone 12 uses Face ID.

Do both have 5G?

Yes, both support 5G.

What battery health will I get?

It's shown on every listing before you buy, as a measured band like 90%+.

Can I sell it back to you later?

Yes. Whenever you want, we'll make you an offer. You can also trade in your current phone when you buy: you get an offer on the product page and we send a free shipping label.

Is it unlocked, and is there a warranty?

Every phone is unlocked, comes with a 12-month warranty and can be returned within 30 days.

Keep reading

Shop refurbished phones · How to buy refurbished · FAQ
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