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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerApple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) vs Google Pixel 8
The Google Pixel 8 is the smarter buy here, especially for those who crave a premium experience. With a stunning 6.2" Actua display boasting 2,000 nits peak brightness, it crushes the Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)'s dated 4.7" screen, which only hits 625 nits. With its 50MP camera, Pixel 8 delivers jaw-dropping photos compared to the 12MP shooter on the SE. 2026 is shaping up to be a big year for smartphones, and these two are great contenders.
📱 Display: 4.7" vs 6.2"⚡ Refresh: 60 Hz vs 120 Hz🔋 Battery: 2018 mAh vs 4575 mAh
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Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
★4.5
(225)•Best Buy
Operating System:iOS
Software Support:Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2022)
Processor:Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
Graphics:Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
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Google Pixel 8
★4.6
(1,129)•Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 years of OS upgrades, security updates, and Feature Drops (until Oct 2030)
Processor:Google Tensor G3 (4nm)
Graphics:Immortalis-G715s MC10
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Key spec differences
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
Google Pixel 8
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
4.7"
Google Pixel 8
6.2"Winner
Refresh Rate
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
60Hz
Google Pixel 8
60Hz - 120Hz (Adaptive LTPS)Winner
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
Google Pixel 8
Google Tensor G3 (4nm)
RAMKey
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
4GB
Google Pixel 8
8GB LPDDR5XWinner
Storage
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
64GB / 128GB / 256GB NVMe
Google Pixel 8
128GB / 256GB UFS 3.1Winner
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
12MP Wide, f/1.8, OIS, Digital Zoom up to 5x
Google Pixel 8
50MP Octa PD, f/1.68, 1/1.31", OIS, EIS, 2x Optical Quality CropWinner
Ultra-Wide Camera
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
No (Not supported)
Google Pixel 8
12MP, f/2.2, 126-degree FOV, Autofocus (Macro Focus)
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
2,018mAh (Approximate)
Google Pixel 8
4,575mAh (Typical)Winner
Wireless Charging
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
7.5W Qi Wireless (No MagSafe magnetic alignment)
Google Pixel 8
18W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen) / 12W (Qi-certified)
Design2 specs
Weight
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
5.09 oz (144 g)Winner
Google Pixel 8
6.60 oz (187 g)
Dimensions
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 in (138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm)
Google Pixel 8
5.93 x 2.79 x 0.35 in (150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9 mm)
Software1 specs
Operating System
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
iOS
Google Pixel 8
Android
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
5G (Sub-6 GHz only - No mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC
Google Pixel 8
5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) vs Google Pixel 8
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
★4.5(225)Best Buy
Google Pixel 8
★4.6(1,129)Best Buy
| Criterion | Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) | Google Pixel 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.5(225)Best Buy | ★4.6(1,129)Best Buy |
Operating System | iOS | Android |
Software Support | Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2022) | 7 years of OS upgrades, security updates, and Feature Drops (until Oct 2030) |
Processor | Apple A15 Bionic (5nm) | Google Tensor G3 (4nm) |
Graphics | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Immortalis-G715s MC10 |
RAM | 4GB | 8GB LPDDR5X |
Storage | 64GB / 128GB / 256GB NVMe | 128GB / 256GB UFS 3.1 |
Display Size | 4.7" | 6.2" |
Screen Type | Retina HD LCD (IPS) | Actua OLED, 120Hz, 2,000 nits (Peak) |
Resolution | 1334 x 750 pixels (326 ppi) | 2400 x 1080 (FHD+) at 428 ppi |
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz - 120Hz (Adaptive LTPS) |
Peak Brightness | 625 nits (Typical) | 1,400 nits (HDR) / 2,000 nits (Peak) |
Main Camera | 12MP Wide, f/1.8, OIS, Digital Zoom up to 5x | 50MP Octa PD, f/1.68, 1/1.31", OIS, EIS, 2x Optical Quality Crop |
Ultra-Wide Camera | No (Not supported) | 12MP, f/2.2, 126-degree FOV, Autofocus (Macro Focus) |
Telephoto Camera | No (Not supported) | No (Not supported) — Relies on Super Res Zoom |
Optical Zoom | No (Not supported) | 2x Optical Quality (via Main Sensor cropping) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 5x | Up to 8x (Super Res Zoom) |
Video Recording | 4K @ 60fps; 1080p @ 60fps; Slo-mo 1080p @ 240fps | 4K @ 60fps (10-bit HDR); Audio Magic Eraser |
Front Camera | 7MP FaceTime HD, f/2.2, 1080p @ 30fps | 10.5MP Dual PD, f/2.2, Fixed Focus, 4K @ 60fps |
Battery | 2,018mAh (Approximate) | 4,575mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | 20W Fast Charging (50% in 30 min) via Lightning | 27W Fast Charging (50% in ~30 min with 30W adapter - sold separately) |
Wireless Charging | 7.5W Qi Wireless (No MagSafe magnetic alignment) | 18W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen) / 12W (Qi-certified) |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub-6 GHz only - No mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC | 5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC |
USB | Lightning Connector (USB 2.0 speeds) | USB Type-C 3.2 |
Durability | IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Ion-strengthened glass | IP68 (Dust/Water Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass Victus (Front & Back) |
Dimensions | 5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 in (138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm) | 5.93 x 2.79 x 0.35 in (150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9 mm) |
Weight | 5.09 oz (144 g) | 6.60 oz (187 g) |
Biometrics | Touch ID (Fingerprint sensor in Home button) | Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock (Class 3 - Banking app compatible) |
Extras | Stereo speakers, Dual SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM), Dual eSIM support | VPN by Google One, Clear Calling, Call Screen, Crash Detection, Temperature Sensor (Pro only - NOT on Pixel 8) |
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Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
Rating:★4.5(225)Best Buy
Operating System:iOS
Software Support:Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2022)
Processor:Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
Graphics:Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
RAM:4GB
Storage:64GB / 128GB / 256GB NVMe
Display Size:4.7"
Screen Type:Retina HD LCD (IPS)
Resolution:1334 x 750 pixels (326 ppi)
Refresh Rate:60Hz
Peak Brightness:625 nits (Typical)
Main Camera:12MP Wide, f/1.8, OIS, Digital Zoom up to 5x
Ultra-Wide Camera:No (Not supported)
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported)
Optical Zoom:No (Not supported)
Digital Zoom:Up to 5x
Video Recording:4K @ 60fps; 1080p @ 60fps; Slo-mo 1080p @ 240fps
Front Camera:7MP FaceTime HD, f/2.2, 1080p @ 30fps
Battery:2,018mAh (Approximate)
Wired Charging:20W Fast Charging (50% in 30 min) via Lightning
Wireless Charging:7.5W Qi Wireless (No MagSafe magnetic alignment)
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6 GHz only - No mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC
USB:Lightning Connector (USB 2.0 speeds)
Durability:IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Ion-strengthened glass
Dimensions:5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 in (138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm)
Weight:5.09 oz (144 g)
Biometrics:Touch ID (Fingerprint sensor in Home button)
Extras:Stereo speakers, Dual SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM), Dual eSIM support
✓ Pros:
- • Most affordable entry point into the new iPhone ecosystem
- • Compact and lightweight design is easy to use with one hand
- • A15 Bionic chip provides flagship-level performance for the price
- • Retains the classic Touch ID Home button (preferred by some users)
- • IP67 water resistance rating is rare in the budget category
✗ Cons:
- • Dated design with thick top and bottom bezels
- • Small 4.7-inch LCD screen lacks the vibrancy of OLED competitors
- • Base storage starts at a low 64GB
- • No Night Mode for the camera (struggles in low light)
- • Lacks 5G mmWave support (Sub-6 GHz only) unlike main iPhone models
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Google Pixel 8
Rating:★4.6(1,129)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 years of OS upgrades, security updates, and Feature Drops (until Oct 2030)
Processor:Google Tensor G3 (4nm)
Graphics:Immortalis-G715s MC10
RAM:8GB LPDDR5X
Storage:128GB / 256GB UFS 3.1
Display Size:6.2"
Screen Type:Actua OLED, 120Hz, 2,000 nits (Peak)
Resolution:2400 x 1080 (FHD+) at 428 ppi
Refresh Rate:60Hz - 120Hz (Adaptive LTPS)
Peak Brightness:1,400 nits (HDR) / 2,000 nits (Peak)
Main Camera:50MP Octa PD, f/1.68, 1/1.31", OIS, EIS, 2x Optical Quality Crop
Ultra-Wide Camera:12MP, f/2.2, 126-degree FOV, Autofocus (Macro Focus)
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported) — Relies on Super Res Zoom
Optical Zoom:2x Optical Quality (via Main Sensor cropping)
Digital Zoom:Up to 8x (Super Res Zoom)
Video Recording:4K @ 60fps (10-bit HDR); Audio Magic Eraser
Front Camera:10.5MP Dual PD, f/2.2, Fixed Focus, 4K @ 60fps
Battery:4,575mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:27W Fast Charging (50% in ~30 min with 30W adapter - sold separately)
Wireless Charging:18W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen) / 12W (Qi-certified)
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
USB:USB Type-C 3.2
Durability:IP68 (Dust/Water Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass Victus (Front & Back)
Dimensions:5.93 x 2.79 x 0.35 in (150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9 mm)
Weight:6.60 oz (187 g)
Biometrics:Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock (Class 3 - Banking app compatible)
Extras:VPN by Google One, Clear Calling, Call Screen, Crash Detection, Temperature Sensor (Pro only - NOT on Pixel 8)
✓ Pros:
- • Unprecedented 7 years of full OS and security updates
- • Actua display is exceptionally bright (2,000 nits) and sharp
- • Face Unlock is now secure enough for banking/payments (Class 3)
- • Compact form factor with premium satin metal and glass finish
- • Smartest software features in class (Call Screen, Magic Editor)
✗ Cons:
- • Storage uses older UFS 3.1 standard (competitors use faster UFS 4.0)
- • Tensor G3 chip trails Snapdragon 8 Gen 2/3 in raw power and efficiency
- • Optical fingerprint sensor is slower/less reliable than ultrasonic rivals
- • Charging speed (27W) is relatively slow
- • Ultrawide camera lacks the higher resolution (48MP) found on the Pro model
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Which one is better?
The Google Pixel 8 is the better buy for most people - its 6.2" display at 2,000 nits crushes the Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)'s 4.7" screen.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) if: you want a budget-friendly entry into the iPhone ecosystem, prefer a lightweight design at 5.09oz, or want a compact size for one-handed use.
Choose the Google Pixel 8 if: you need a stunning 6.2" display for media consumption, prioritize a long-lasting 4,575mAh battery, or want top-notch photography with a 50MP camera.
Conclusion
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) and Google Pixel 8 are both solid choices. Match the strengths above to your budget and workflow to make the best call.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) excels if you value most affordable entry point into the new iphone ecosystem. Google Pixel 8 is better if you prioritize unprecedented 7 years of full os and security updates. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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