Choosing a new iPhone can feel like navigating a maze, especially when you're looking at models that are a few years old but still pack a punch. Today, we're pitting the iPhone XR, iPhone 11, and iPhone SE (2020) against each other. These iPhones hit the sweet spot offering a balance of features, performance, and price. Which one is the right fit for you? Let's dive in!

Design and Build Quality

When it comes to design and build quality, these three iPhones offer distinct experiences. The iPhone XR and iPhone 11 share a similar design language, featuring an all-screen front with a notch for the front-facing camera and Face ID sensors. The iPhone XR boasts a vibrant LCD display, while the iPhone 11 steps it up with a Liquid Retina LCD, offering slightly better color accuracy and brightness. Both phones feel substantial in hand, thanks to their aluminum frames and glass backs, which enable wireless charging.

On the other hand, the iPhone SE (2020) takes a trip down memory lane with its iPhone 8-inspired design. It sports a smaller 4.7-inch Retina display with noticeable bezels at the top and bottom, and it includes a physical Home button with Touch ID. While some may find the design dated, others appreciate the compact size and the familiarity of Touch ID. The iPhone SE (2020) also features an aluminum frame and glass back, providing a premium feel despite its lower price point.

The iPhone XR and 11 are larger and offer more screen real estate, which is great for media consumption and multitasking. They also come in a variety of fun colors, allowing you to express your personality. The iPhone SE (2020) is more pocketable and easier to use one-handed, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize portability. Ultimately, the best design depends on your personal preferences and how you intend to use your phone. If you want a modern, immersive display, the iPhone XR or 11 are the way to go. But if you prefer a classic design with a smaller footprint and Touch ID, the iPhone SE (2020) is a solid option.

Display

Display quality is a crucial factor when choosing a smartphone, as it significantly impacts your viewing experience. The iPhone XR features a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD display with a resolution of 1792 x 828 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 326 ppi. While it's not the sharpest display on the market, it offers good color accuracy and brightness for everyday use. The iPhone 11 also sports a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD display with the same resolution and pixel density as the XR. However, the iPhone 11's display is slightly improved with better color accuracy and a higher maximum brightness, making it more enjoyable to use in direct sunlight.

The iPhone SE (2020), in contrast, has a much smaller 4.7-inch Retina LCD display with a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels and a pixel density of 326 ppi. While the pixel density is the same as the XR and 11, the smaller screen size makes the display appear sharper. However, the smaller display can feel cramped for multitasking or watching videos, especially if you're used to larger screens. The iPhone SE (2020)'s display also lacks the wide color gamut found on the XR and 11, resulting in less vibrant colors.

If you prioritize screen size and immersive viewing, the iPhone XR and 11 are better choices. Their larger displays are ideal for watching videos, playing games, and browsing the web. The iPhone 11's slightly improved display quality gives it a slight edge over the XR. However, if you prefer a more compact phone and don't mind a smaller screen, the iPhone SE (2020) is still a decent option, especially considering its lower price point. Keep in mind that the smaller display may not be ideal for everyone, particularly those who consume a lot of media on their phones.

Performance

Performance is where these iPhones truly shine, despite their age. The iPhone XR is powered by Apple's A12 Bionic chip, which is still incredibly capable for most tasks. It can handle everyday apps, web browsing, and social media with ease, and it can even run demanding games without significant lag. The iPhone 11 takes it up a notch with the A13 Bionic chip, offering a noticeable performance boost over the XR. The A13 chip is faster and more efficient, resulting in smoother multitasking, quicker app launches, and better overall responsiveness. It also provides improved graphics performance, making it ideal for gaming and other graphically intensive tasks.

The iPhone SE (2020) packs the same A13 Bionic chip as the iPhone 11, making it a performance powerhouse in a compact package. Despite its smaller size and lower price, the iPhone SE (2020) delivers flagship-level performance, easily outperforming the iPhone XR in most tasks. It's perfect for users who want a fast and responsive phone without breaking the bank. The A13 chip also ensures that the iPhone SE (2020) will continue to receive software updates and support for years to come.

For those who prioritize performance, the iPhone 11 and iPhone SE (2020) are the clear winners. The A13 Bionic chip provides a significant performance advantage over the A12 Bionic chip in the iPhone XR. Whether you're a gamer, a multitasker, or simply someone who wants a fast and responsive phone, the iPhone 11 and iPhone SE (2020) won't disappoint. The iPhone SE (2020) is particularly appealing due to its affordability and compact size, making it a great value for the performance it offers.

Camera

The camera capabilities of these iPhones vary significantly. The iPhone XR features a single 12MP wide-angle lens with an f/1.8 aperture. It takes excellent photos in good lighting conditions, with accurate colors and good dynamic range. However, it lacks the versatility of multiple lenses and struggles in low-light situations. The iPhone 11 steps up the camera game with a dual-lens system, featuring a 12MP wide-angle lens and a 12MP ultrawide-angle lens. The addition of the ultrawide lens allows you to capture more of the scene in your photos, making it ideal for landscapes and group shots. The iPhone 11 also boasts improved low-light performance, thanks to its Night mode feature.

The iPhone SE (2020) also has a single 12MP wide-angle lens, similar to the iPhone XR. While it takes decent photos in good lighting, it lacks the ultrawide lens and Night mode found on the iPhone 11. However, the iPhone SE (2020) benefits from the A13 Bionic chip's image processing capabilities, resulting in improved dynamic range and detail compared to the iPhone XR. It also offers Portrait mode, which uses software to create a blurred background effect.

If you're a photography enthusiast, the iPhone 11 is the best choice. Its dual-lens system and Night mode provide more versatility and better low-light performance. The iPhone XR is a decent option for casual photographers who primarily shoot in good lighting conditions. The iPhone SE (2020) is a capable camera phone, but it lacks the advanced features of the iPhone 11. Consider your photography needs and preferences when making your decision.

Battery Life

Battery life is an important consideration for any smartphone user. The iPhone XR offers excellent battery life, typically lasting a full day on a single charge with moderate usage. The iPhone 11 provides even better battery life, thanks to its more efficient A13 Bionic chip and larger battery capacity. You can easily get through a full day of heavy usage on the iPhone 11, and it may even last into the second day with lighter usage.

The iPhone SE (2020) has the shortest battery life of the three iPhones, due to its smaller battery capacity. It can typically last a full day with moderate usage, but you may need to charge it before the end of the day if you're a heavy user. The iPhone SE (2020)'s battery life is still decent for its size, but it's not as impressive as the iPhone XR and 11.

If battery life is a top priority, the iPhone 11 is the clear winner. Its combination of an efficient chip and a large battery ensures that you can stay powered up throughout the day. The iPhone XR is a close second, offering excellent battery life for most users. The iPhone SE (2020) is still a viable option, but you may need to be mindful of your usage to avoid running out of battery.

Price

Price is often a deciding factor when choosing a smartphone. The iPhone SE (2020) is the most affordable of the three, making it an excellent value for budget-conscious buyers. The iPhone XR is typically priced higher than the SE (2020) but lower than the iPhone 11. The iPhone 11 is the most expensive of the three, but it offers the most features and the best overall performance. Keep in mind that prices may vary depending on the retailer and the storage capacity you choose.

When considering the price, it's important to weigh your needs and priorities. If you're on a tight budget and want a fast and capable phone, the iPhone SE (2020) is a great choice. If you're willing to spend a bit more for a larger display and better camera, the iPhone XR is a solid option. If you want the best possible performance, camera, and battery life, the iPhone 11 is worth the investment.

Conclusion

So, which iPhone should you buy? It depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you want a compact and affordable phone with flagship-level performance, the iPhone SE (2020) is the best choice. If you prefer a larger display and a more modern design, the iPhone XR is a solid option. And if you want the best possible camera, performance, and battery life, the iPhone 11 is the way to go. Consider what features are most important to you and choose the iPhone that best fits your needs and budget. No matter which one you choose, you'll be getting a capable and reliable smartphone that will serve you well for years to come.