iPhone SE 2020 vs. Other Budget Phones: Is Apple's Handset The Best Buy?

Apple's new iPhone SE is here, and it's priced to take on all midrange smartphones in the budget-friendly category. That said, is it the best buy among all other offerings in the same price range?

Cupertino tech giant Apple has released a formidable entry in the midrange budget-friendly smartphone segment with the 2020 iPhone SE, the successor to the wildly popular 4-inch iPhone SE released in 2016. The new handset features the latest iPhone chipset, enhanced camera capabilities compared to its predecessor, and better connectivity thanks to modern technologies.

Despite the new features and $399 price tag, however, the 2020 iPhone SE can still be overtaken by the features of some budget-friendly handsets in the market today. Those who are looking for a new midrange handset will do well to check these smartphones, CNet noted:

Google Pixel 3a

Google's budget-friendly Pixel 3a has some specs that are better than the iPhone SE for $399.

First, it has a bigger 5.6-inch gOLED display with 2,220 x 1,080 pixel resolution and 441 ppi. Second, it has a 12.2MP rear camera, and an 8MP front-facing camera for selfies (the iPhone SE has a 7MP selfie cam). The device also makes use of the Pixel 3's Night Sight features, which means users can take great shots using the rear camera even at dimly-lit scenarios.

Third, it has a USB-C port for charging, and a 3.5mm headphone jack for wired headphones. The handset runs on Android 9, and is powered by a 2.0GHz octa-core Snapdragon 670 SoC.

Samsung Galaxy A51

Samsung's Galaxy A51 might be a mid-ranger with a $399 price tag, but its specs surely are worth the look, even when the 2020 iPhone SE seems appealing.

First, it has a 6.5-inch FHD AMOLED display with 2,400 x 1,080 pixel resolution and 405ppi. Second, it has powerful camera setups both in front and behind: there's a 32MP front-facing camera for selfies, while a triple-camera setup comprised of a standard 48MP shooter, a 12MP wide-angle lens, a 5MP macro lens and a 5MP depth sensor at the back.

Third, the Galaxy A51 also has more universal USB-C port for charging and a 3.5mm headphone jack for wired headphones. This device runs on Android 10, and is powered by a 2.3GHz octa-core processor.