Google Pixel 3a vs. iPhone SE (2020): Which Is Better for You?
The iPhone SE (2nd generation) has the edge in performance and documented current iOS compatibility; the Pixel 3a brings a larger OLED, headphone jack, and Google camera features.
For most people choosing between these two older phones today, the iPhone SE (2nd generation, released in 2020) is the more defensible pick if current iOS compatibility, compact size, and performance matter most. The Pixel 3a offers a larger OLED display, a headphone jack, and Google camera features such as Night Sight. Both are legacy devices, so the condition and price of a particular used unit matter as much as its original specifications.
Pixel 3a vs. iPhone SE (2020): at a glance
Feature
Google Pixel 3a
iPhone SE (2nd generation)
What it means
Introduced
2019
2020
“iPhone SE” refers to multiple generations; this comparison is specifically about the 2020 model.
Display
5.6-inch OLED, 2220 × 1080, 441 ppi
4.7-inch LCD, 1334 × 750, 326 ppi
Pixel offers more screen area and OLED contrast; SE is smaller. These specifications are not a substitute for a visual comparison.
Processor
Qualcomm Snapdragon 670
Apple A13 Bionic
The SE has the stronger performance case on paper.
Rear camera
12.2 MP, f/1.8, OIS/EIS; Night Sight and Super Res Zoom
12 MP, f/1.8, optical image stabilization; 4K recording up to 60 fps
Pixel emphasizes still-photo features; Apple documents higher-frame-rate 4K video.
Front camera
8 MP
7 MP
Megapixel counts alone do not establish which camera produces better images.
Storage options
64 GB
64 GB, 128 GB, or 256 GB
The SE has more capacity choices; check the exact model offered used.
Useful extras
3.5 mm headphone jack, USB-C, rear fingerprint sensor
Lightning, Touch ID home button, IP67 rating, Qi wireless charging
Choose according to your headphone, charging, and water-resistance needs.
Software position
Google promised three years of OS and security updates at launch; that period has elapsed.
Included on Apple’s iOS 26 compatibility list consulted on 2026-10-04.
The SE has the stronger documented current-software position, without a guaranteed future support end date.
Battery information
3,000 mAh capacity listed by Google
Apple claims up to 13 hours of video playback or up to 8 hours of streamed video under its test method.
These are unlike measures, not a direct battery-life comparison. Used battery condition is crucial.
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Which phone is better for you?
Choose the iPhone SE (2nd generation) if software currency and speed come first
Apple’s A13 Bionic gives the SE the stronger performance case on paper, and Apple’s iOS 26 compatibility page includes the second-generation SE. That makes it the more practical choice for someone who wants a compact iPhone and current major-version iOS compatibility. Compatibility today does not promise a specific number of future support years.
Choose the Pixel 3a if you want a larger OLED and a headphone jack
The Pixel’s 5.6-inch OLED is larger than the SE’s 4.7-inch LCD, and its 3.5 mm jack lets you connect wired headphones without a Lightning adapter. It also has a rear fingerprint sensor and USB-C charging. Those conveniences may outweigh its older software position for someone who values them and understands the trade-off.
Capture stunning photos with features like night sight, portrait mode, and HDR+.
Is the iPhone SE faster?
On the published hardware specifications, yes: the SE’s A13 Bionic is a substantially newer, faster class of chip than the Pixel 3a’s Snapdragon 670. A contemporary Android Central comparison also highlighted the SE’s performance advantage: Google Pixel 3a vs. iPhone SE (2020): Which should you buy?. No controlled current benchmark figures are established here, so a precise speed ratio would be misleading.
Does the Pixel 3a take better photos?
There is no basis here for declaring a universal camera winner from a controlled side-by-side image test. The Pixel 3a’s camera feature set includes Google’s Night Sight and Super Res Zoom, which are useful reasons to consider it for still photography. The SE offers a 12 MP rear camera with optical image stabilization and Apple documents 4K video recording up to 60 frames per second. Apple’s description of the SE camera as the best single-camera system in an iPhone was its own launch-era promotional claim, not an independent comparison. See Google’s Pixel 3a launch announcement and Apple’s 2020 iPhone SE announcement.
Google’s 2019 launch post promised Pixel 3a owners three years of operating-system and security updates: “We’ll make sure your Pixel 3a is protected against new threats, by providing three years of security and operating system updates.” That original commitment period has passed. Apple’s iOS 26 compatibility list includes the iPhone SE (2nd generation), which establishes compatibility with that release as of the consulted page, but not how many future iOS versions or security updates it will receive.
The numbers available are not directly comparable. Google lists a 3,000 mAh battery for the Pixel 3a, while Apple claims up to 13 hours of video playback and up to 8 hours of streamed video for the SE under Apple’s test method. Apple notes actual results vary with use and settings, and batteries have limited recharge cycles. Capacity is not runtime, and those manufacturer figures do not establish which phone lasts longer under the same workload.
On a used phone, battery wear or a replacement battery can matter more than either model’s original rating. Ask for the battery’s condition or health information where available, and factor likely replacement needs into the total cost.
Possibly, if the price, condition, and intended use make sense. Neither should be treated as a current new-budget-phone recommendation: these are older models, and there is no verified live price or inventory to identify a good deal. Before paying, check:
Compatible with Most GSM + CDMA Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Sprint.
Exact model and storage: confirm the Pixel 3a or iPhone SE (2nd generation, 2020), not a different generation, and verify the listed storage capacity.
Battery condition: ask about battery health, replacement history, or an available return option if condition cannot be confirmed.
Network compatibility: verify that the exact handset will work with your carrier and network in your region.
Activation and account locks: confirm the seller has removed their account and that you can activate the phone before the return window closes.
Returns and warranty: read the seller’s terms and understand what protection applies to that specific used or refurbished unit.
Total price: compare the final cost with the phone’s age, condition, storage, and any repair needs rather than relying on its original launch price.
Availability, seller quality, carrier acceptance, warranties, and current prices vary; confirm them for the specific listing rather than assuming a model is in stock or suitable.
Exclusive fabrics, designed from scratch and knit to fit.
Soft microfiber lining for cushioned scratch protection.
Raised-edge protection, for the day-to-day and the rough-and-tumble.
Squeeze for help.
Perfectly made for your phone, the Pixel 3a Case works with Active Edge. Just squeeze your Pixel to access the Google Assistant.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
