Nokia X20 vs Apple iPhone SE (2022) - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
Nokia X20
Nokia X20
Nokia

General

Launch Date May 12, 2021 March 18, 2022
Release Year 2021 2022

Physical

Volume 122.5 cm³ 67.99 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.03 "/g 3.26 "/g
Weight 220 g 144 g
Height 168.9 mm 138.4 mm
Width 79.7 mm 67.3 mm
Thickness 9.1 mm 7.3 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Midnight Sun
  • Nordic Blue
  • Red
  • Starlight
  • Midnight

Display

Screen Size 6.67 " 4.7 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 750 x 1334
Aspect Ratio 20:9 16:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 79.8 % 65.4 %
Pixel Density 395 PPI 326 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A N/A
Typical Brightness 450 nits 625 nits
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 100.47 mAh/in² 91.35 mAh/in²
Battery Density 36.49 mAh/cm³ 29.68 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4470 mAh 2018 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm) Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460) Hexa-core (2x3.22 GHz Avalanche + 4x1.82 GHz Blizzard)
GPU Adreno 619 Apple GPU (4-core graphics)

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 2.0
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0, OTG Lightning 2.0

Software

Operating System Android iOS
Initial OS Version 11 15.4
Maximum OS Version 14 18

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureNokia X20Apple iPhone SE (2022)Practical Impact
Design
Dimensions168.9 x 79.7 x 9.1 mm138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mmX20 is much larger and bulkier, less comfortable for one-handed use and carrying in pockets. SE is more compact and pocketable.
Weight220g144gX20 is significantly heavier, can cause fatigue during long periods of use. SE is lighter and more comfortable to hold.
Display
Size6.67"4.7"X20 offers much more screen real estate for media consumption and multitasking. SE has a smaller display, better for one-handed operation.
Resolution1080x2400750x1334X20 provides a sharper and clearer image, superior for detail-oriented tasks and media. SE display is less sharp.
PPI395326X20 display looks crisper with higher pixel density. SE has visibly less sharp image.
TechnologyIPS LCDIPS LCDBoth offer similar display tech, but with differing visual qualities due to other factors.
Refresh Rate60Hz60HzBoth offer standard 60Hz refresh rate, similar fluidity in UI animations.
Brightness0 nits0 nitsBrightness is not specified, limiting comparisons on sunlight readability.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 480 5G (8nm)Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)A15 Bionic is vastly more powerful, delivering significantly faster performance for demanding apps, gaming, and overall system responsiveness.
AnTuTu Score323,4251,225,939SE demonstrates significantly higher performance, ensuring smooth operation for years to come, whereas X20 performance is entry-level.
GPUAdreno 619Apple GPU (4-core graphics)SE has a significantly superior GPU, offering better gaming performance and faster processing of graphics-intensive tasks.
Battery
Capacity4470mAh2018mAhX20 offers significantly longer potential battery life. SE may require charging more frequently, especially with heavy use.
Charging18W Fast Charging18W Fast ChargingBoth phones support similar charging speeds.
Camera
Main Camera Res64MP12.2MPX20 captures more detail in good lighting due to higher resolution. SE likely has better image processing, especially in low light.
Main Camera Aperturef/1.79f/1.8Both have wide apertures that let a lot of light in, but X20 has a slightly wider one, letting slightly more light in.
Main Camera Pixel Size0.8 µm1.22 µmApple has larger pixel size, meaning slightly better low light performance, where larger pixels allow more light to hit them, capturing more detail.
Selfie Camera Res32MP7MPX20 has higher resolution for selfies, capturing more details. SE has less resolution, likely capturing less detailed selfies.
Selfie Camera Aperturef/2.0f/2.2X20 has a wider aperture for the front facing camera, letting more light in.
Wide Angle LensYesNoX20 can take wide angle photos.
Portrait mode (depth)YesNoX20 can take depth photos.
Macro lensYesNoX20 can take macro photos.
Video1080p@30/60fps4K@24/30/60fpsSE is capable of capturing high-resolution videos, with higher detail, clarity and dynamic range.
Video StabilizationNoOISSE is better equipped to handle shaky video recording due to optical image stabilization (OIS).
DXOMark ScoreN/A100SE provides good camera quality for the mobile phones, while X20 camera quality is untested.
Software
OSAndroid 11 (up to 14)iOS 15.4 (up to 18)iOS is known for smooth performance, consistent updates, and better app optimization. Android is more customizable and versatile.
Connectivity
Wi-FiWi-Fi 5Wi-Fi 6SE benefits from faster Wi-Fi speeds and better network efficiency with the newer Wi-Fi 6 standard.
BluetoothBluetooth 5.0Bluetooth 5.0Both offer similar Bluetooth capabilities.
GPSGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, GalileoGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Wi-Fi, Cell IDBoth use common GPS systems, while SE has more location services such as Wi-Fi and Cell ID for improved accuracy.
SIMDual SIM (Nano)Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM)SE offers eSIM for easy carrier switching. X20 supports two physical nano SIMs for convenient usage of two phone numbers.
Storage
Internal128 GB64/128/256 GBSE has multiple storage options, allowing the user to choose what works for them. X20 has just one storage configuration available.
RAM6/8 GB4 GBX20 has more RAM, which improves multitasking capabilities.
ExpandableNoNoBoth phones lack expandable storage, limiting long-term storage potential.
Audio
Quality2 microphonesBasic audio featuresX20 offers improved voice quality with dual mics.
Security
FeaturesSide FingerprintBasic FingerprintX20 uses side mounted finger print sensor, while the SE uses a home button fingerprint sensor.
Sensors
SensorsAccelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, FingerprintAccelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint, BarometerSE has extra sensors, allowing for expanded feature capabilities.
Build Quality
Screen ProtectionUnknownUnknownUnable to compare screen protection as both specifications are unknown.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Nokia X20 Advantages:

  • Larger Display: The 6.67" screen is ideal for media consumption, gaming, and multitasking.
  • Larger Battery: The 4470mAh battery should provide much longer battery life than the iPhone SE.
  • More RAM: Offers 6/8GB RAM, providing smoother multitasking.
  • Quad Camera System: Has wide angle, macro and portrait cameras.
  • Higher resolution main camera: Offers a 64MP main camera for capturing more detailed photos.
  • Higher resolution selfie camera: Offers a 32MP selfie camera for capturing more detailed selfies.

Practical Implications: Great for users who prioritize media consumption, battery longevity and multitasking capabilities.

Apple iPhone SE (2022) Advantages:

  • Significantly Faster Processor: The A15 Bionic chip delivers far superior performance for all tasks, including gaming.
  • Better Camera Quality: Despite lower megapixel count, it likely delivers better image processing and low-light performance.
  • Higher Quality Video: Capable of recording 4K HDR video with OIS for stabilized footage.
  • More Software Updates: Receives longer software update support from Apple, ensuring longevity.
  • Faster WiFi: WiFi 6 standard.
  • Smaller and Lighter: Much more pocketable and comfortable for one-handed use.
  • DXOMark Score: Has a camera score of 100, demonstrating it's photo and video capabilities.

Practical Implications: Ideal for users who prioritize performance, camera quality, and a compact form factor, with a focus on having the latest software updates.

Trade-offs:

  • X20: Larger size and weight but with longer battery life, more cameras, larger display and more RAM.
  • SE: Compact size, but with a smaller battery and screen.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Ideal User for Nokia X20:

  • Media Consumers: Users who watch a lot of videos, movies, or stream content.
  • Multitaskers: Users who frequently switch between apps, use multiple apps simultaneously.
  • Battery Life Prioritizers: Users who need a phone that can last a full day or more without charging, especially if not near charging ports.
  • Budget-Conscious: Users who want a large display experience without spending a premium.
  • Users who need a variety of camera lenses such as wide angle, macro and depth lenses.

Specific Use Cases:

*   Watching movies and TV shows on long commutes or at home.
*   Playing games and multitasking simultaneously.
*   Travelers who don't have consistent access to charging.
*   Users who enjoy more flexibility and customization options in Android.

Ideal User for Apple iPhone SE (2022):

  • Performance Seekers: Users who need a fast and responsive device for demanding apps and games.
  • Compact Phone Fans: Users who prefer a smaller, more pocketable phone.
  • Camera Enthusiasts: Users who want good image quality and 4K video recording.
  • iOS Ecosystem Loyalists: Users who prefer the simplicity, consistency, and support of iOS.
  • Users who like to have the latest software.

Specific Use Cases:

*   Playing graphically intensive mobile games.
*   Taking high-quality photos and videos for social media.
*   Seamless usage and integration with other Apple devices and services.
*   Consistent software experience for years without needing to upgrade the hardware.

Price-to-Value Ratio:

  • The Nokia X20 offers good value for its large display, battery and more cameras, at a lower price point.
  • The iPhone SE is more expensive, but provides higher performance and software support.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. How important is display size and quality? (Large screen of the Nokia X20 vs. small screen of the iPhone SE).
  2. Which is more important: Performance or battery life? (iPhone SE’s top-tier performance vs Nokia X20 longer battery life).
  3. Do you prefer Android or iOS? (Nokia X20 runs Android, iPhone SE runs iOS).

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Budget-conscious user who wants to maximize battery life and display size:
    • Recommendation: Choose the Nokia X20.
  • Scenario 2: Performance seeker who wants a small, powerful phone with a great camera:
    • Recommendation: Choose the Apple iPhone SE (2022).
  • Scenario 3: User who switches between multiple apps and prioritizes fast responsiveness while not wanting to charge their phone often
    • Recommendation: Choose the Nokia X20.
  • Scenario 4: User who prioritizes having the latest software updates with high performance and a good camera
    • Recommendation: Choose the Apple iPhone SE (2022).

My Choice

If I had to choose between these two, I would pick the Apple iPhone SE (2022).

Here's why: While the Nokia X20 offers a larger display and much bigger battery, I prioritize performance and camera quality. The A15 Bionic chip in the iPhone SE is a significant advantage, guaranteeing that the phone will be fast and responsive for years, and having the latest iOS software with its software support is also a plus. The camera is another key point for me, as I prefer the quality the iPhone SE can provide, especially in 4k, and the OIS for more stabilized video. Finally, while the display is smaller, I do like that the device is a lot smaller, pocketable and easier to use one handed. While the battery is smaller, I am often near charging ports, and not always on the go, therefore I am okay with sacrificing battery for the significantly higher performance offered by the SE. Therefore, in my case, the performance and camera quality of the iPhone SE outweighs the large screen and battery of the Nokia X20.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.