Written by Lucinda
Edited on
13 October 2025
·
14:36
Compare the refurbished iPhone SE 2020 to the refurbished iPhone 8
The refurbished iPhone SE 2020 and refurbished iPhone 8 look identical on the outside. The major difference is on the inside, which is the processor. In this article, you'll read everything on the similarities and differences between the iPhone SE 2020 and the iPhone 8.
Refurbished iPhone SE 2020
- iOS updates until 2025
- Easy controls thanks to the home button
- You can easily hold the iPhone SE 2020 with 1 hand
€ 209,-
Delivered tomorrow for free
Compare the refurbished iPhone SE 2020 to the refurbished iPhone 8
| Refurbished iPhone SE 2020 | Refurbished iPhone 8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Screen quality | Stand | Stand |
| Screen size | 4.7 inches | 4.7 inches |
| iOS updates until | September 2026 | September 2023 |
| Unlock | Touch ID | Touch ID |
| Home button | Yes | Yes |
| Camera quality | Good | Stand |
| Speed class | Very good | Stand |
Screen and size
The screens of these 2 refurbished smartphones are exactly the same. Both iPhone models have a 4.7-inch HD screen. Both the iPhone SE 2020 and the iPhone 8 have an LCD Retina display. There's no difference in quality between the screens of these 2 iPhone models. These iPhone models also both have black borders at the top and bottom of the screen. The iPhone SE 2020 has exactly the same size as the iPhone 8. Thanks to this size, both iPhone models are comfortable to hold.
iOS updates
Refurbished iPhone SE 2020: updates until 2026
With the iPhone SE 2020, we expect you to receive the latest iOS updates until September 2026. This means that you can use the latest function until the next update in 2027. You won't have the latest iOS version after that, but you can still use the device like you're used to. The only downside is that your iPhone is less secure. If you want to receive new software updates for as long as possible, the iPhone SE 2020 is the best choice for you.
Refurbished iPhone 8: updates until 2023
With the iPhone 8, we expect you to receive the latest iOS updates until September 2023. You can use the latest functions until the next update in 2024. You won't have access to the latest iOS version after that, but you can still use the device like you're used to. In this case, an older iOS version is also less secure. Compared to the iPhone SE 2020, the iPhone 8 get 3 fewer software updates.
Unlock with your fingerprint
There's a Home button and a fingerprint sensor at the bottom of these refurbished smartphones. You can unlock both iPhone with your fingerprint, also called Touch ID. Together with the iPhone SE 2022, these are the only iPhone models with a fingerprint sensor. You can't unlock them with Face ID.
Cameras
Refurbished iPhone SE 2020: more functions
Despite having the same camera lenses, the iPhone SE 2020 has more camera options than the iPhone 8. That's because of the built-in A13 Bionic chip. Thanks to this chip, you can use Smart HD for better photos in poorly-lit environments. You can also photograph your friends in portrait mode. This makes the camera more versatile than the camera of the iPhone 8.
Refurbished iPhone 8: fewer functions
With the camera of the Apple iPhone 8, you can't take portrait photos and Smart HDR isn't available. Due to the older A11 processor, the extra camera functions aren't possible. The camera lens is the same. You have a 12-megapixel rear camera and you can record videos in 4K quality, for example. The iPhone 8 scores lower in terms of the cameras.
Speed class
Refurbished iPhone SE 2020: more powerful device
The A13 processor of the iPhone SE 2020 is newer than that of the iPhone 8. This iPhone also has more RAM. This way, the iPhone SE 2020 is the fastest device of these 2 iPhone models. This allows you to use this iPhone for more demanding apps, and you can switch between different tasks more smoothly. You can use your iPhone SE 2020 to play games, for exmaple.
Refurbished iPhone 8: less powerful
The A11 processor of the iPhone 8 is less powerful than the A13. The iPhone 8 also has less RAM than the iPhone SE 2020. That makes this iPhone less suitable for demanding tasks and to quickly switch between apps. You can use this device to update your social media, for example. The iPhone 8 is less powerful and fast compared to the iPhone SE 2020.
Conclusion
The refurbished iPhone SE 2020 comes out on top in this comparison. This iPhone receives more iOS updates, it's more powerful, and it has a better camera compared to the refurbished iPhone 8. For the rest, these 2 iPhone models are almost the same. The screens and the smartphones themselves have the same size, and they both have a Home button with a fingerprint sensor.
Article by Lucinda
Apple Expert.
