There are, technically, two $399 iPhones still in the market today. That used to be just iPhone 8, but since mid-April, the all-new iPhone SE arrived to claim the spot. Outside Apple’s official store, though, the iPhone 8 still exists, so it is worth reviewing why the newer device is the better choice.
iPhone SE vs. iPhone 8 specs comparison
On the surface, pointing out that the second-generation iPhone SE is a newer device in the same price range should be enough to convince people why this is the smartphone to choose. But to those who want to learn the nitty-gritty, they should expect to see the same answer.
The iPhone SE is practically an improved version of the iPhone 8, but without the price increase. But it should be noted that both devices share many similar features and specs. But what makes the newer device the right option to spend $399 on is that it is powered by the A13 chip.
For the same price, Apple fans can have a smartphone running on the same processor as the iPhone 11 series. However, that does not mean the iPhone SE performs on the same level as the flagship iPhones. The latest entry-level device only has 3GB RAM while the iPhone 11 series has 4GB RAM. That should make a great distinction between their speed and performance.
The point remains, however, that the A13 Bionic makes the iPhone SE a more powerful device than the iPhone 8, which only has 2GB RAM and runs on the two years older A11 chip. These upgrade has also made it possible for the newer smartphone to support as much as 256GB storage, whereas, the iPhone 8’s capacity stops at 128GB.
Selfie-loving fans will also find the iPhone SE a more desirable purchase. Aside from the processor, most of the changes between the two devices are found in the front camera features. Despite having the same hardware specs – 7MP resolution and f/22 aperture – the new iPhone SE is equipped with more advanced photo effects. It has the Portrait mode with advanced bokeh and Depth Control that the iPhone 8’s selfie camera cannot achieve in one click.
iPhone SE vs. iPhone 8: Where to buy
Even in the process of buying these smartphones, the iPhone SE holds the advantage. Tech fans can simply open the Apple online store to order it. Meanwhile, the iPhone 8 has been kicked out of the website since SE’s launch on April 15. Many iPhone 8 units, brand new or refurbished, are still in the market, though.


Ford Targets Level 3 Autonomous Driving by 2028 with New EV Platform and AI Innovations
FCC Approves Expansion of SpaceX Starlink Network With 7,500 New Satellites
AMD Unveils Next-Generation AI and PC Chips at CES, Highlights Major OpenAI Partnership
Samsung Forecasts Strong Q4 Profit on AI-Driven Memory Chip Boom
Supreme Court to Hear Cisco Appeal on Alien Tort Statute and Human Rights Liability
xAI Cash Burn Highlights the High Cost of Competing in Generative AI
Mercedes-Benz to Launch Advanced Urban Self-Driving System in the U.S., Challenging Tesla FSD
Lenovo Unveils AI Cloud Gigafactory With NVIDIA and Launches New AI Platform at CES 2026
Hyundai Motor Shares Surge on Nvidia Partnership Speculation
Intel Unveils Panther Lake AI Laptop Chips at CES 2025, Marking Major 18A Manufacturing Milestone
BESI Reports Strong Q4-25 Orders Surge Driven by Data Center and Hybrid Bonding Demand
Anthropic Launches HIPAA-Compliant Healthcare Tools for Claude AI Amid Growing Competition
SK Hynix to Invest $13 Billion in Advanced Chip Packaging Plant as AI Memory Demand Surges
OpenAI Sets $50 Billion Stock Grant Pool, Boosting Employee Equity and Valuation Outlook
China Reviews Meta’s $2 Billion AI Deal With Manus Amid Technology Control Concerns
EU Orders Elon Musk’s X to Preserve Grok AI Data Amid Probe Into Illegal Content
China’s AI Sector Pushes to Close U.S. Tech Gap Amid Chipmaking Challenges 



