Apple iPhone SE (2022)
Verdict
The Apple iPhone SE of 2022 is not your average iPhone. For one thing, it’s tiny. It’s a phone aimed at those who perhaps want something smaller or if they want the essential of the Apple experience without the price tag.
Key specs
Critic consensus
“While it isn't quite the revelation its predecessor was, Apple's 2022 iPhone SE is a solid small phone that should remain relevant for years to come.”
“The iPhone SE won't turn any heads, it won't wow your friends—it won't wow you, for that matter. In terms of core features and design, it's the same iPhone millions of people have been using for nearly a decade. But thanks to the inclusion of the A15 chip, the SE is likely to be supported for years to come. And with a price starting at $429, that makes it the best deal in smartphones today for folks who just want something simple and don't care about the frills.”
“Apple still keeps the design of the iPhone 8 also with the iPhone SE 2022, so you continue to have to accept the wide bezels on the top and bottom. It is probably a matter of taste, whether you like the Home button or not, but its operation including fingerprint sensor works flawlessly again. In addition, the iPhone SE 2022 is extremely powerful thanks to the Apple A15, and there will hardly be any similarly priced smartphone that can achieve a similar performance. Even some currently more expensive iPhones like the iPhone 11 or iPhone 12 mini are left behind in terms of the performance, but instead, you get a significantly more modern design and more flexible camera systems with those two.”
“Apple's sequels rarely change much to make you jump on the next generation and the iPhone SE (2022) is just another example of that. Despite taking two years to arrive it only has the newer Apple A15 chip with a 5G modem to show for it. The rest is the same, in fact - similar to what the iPhone 8 had back in 2017. It is not a phone you'll hate to use, don't get us wrong. A good if tiny display, excellent speakers, reliable camera, and a very compact body. The iPhone SE (2022) can do a lot of things well and that might be enough to justify its €520 base price in the eyes of many people.”
Watch before you decide
What people say
Only a few ratings so far, not enough to show a trend yet.
1 rating so far
The iPhone SE (2022) combines a classic design with modern performance, featuring the powerful A15 Bionic chip for smooth multitasking and app usage. Its 4.7-inch Retina display offers vibrant visuals, while the 12MP camera captures high-quality photos and 4K video. For those seeking an affordabl...
In Depth
With a description like Special Edition (SE) in the name, people may think it has more features or extra perks, but in this case, the Apple iPhone SE (2022) is quite the opposite. But less isn’t always a bad thing…
Design
The phone is tiny and unassuming and has big bezels compared to any other smartphone. However, it would still feel an improvement for someone looking to upgrade from an ancient iPhone.
Display
The screen on the Apple iPhone SE is tiny, 4.6-inches to be exact. Compared to the average smartphone at this price point, the size might seem odd. It’s not full HD, and reviewers said the bezels were distracting when trying to watch anything on the phone. But that’s also not the focus of the phone. For texts, web browsing, and other basics, it’s more than adequate, and it’s sharp too.
Performance
However, when it comes to performance, the iPhone SE did some damage. It has the same chip as the iPhone 13, and because there’s so much less to run on a small phone, all of that power goes into the performance. Reviewers stated that even high-resolution games ran exquisitely.
Software & Storage
The Apple iPhone SE runs iOS 15. The cheapest iPhone SE only has 64GB of space on it, and that’s not a lot, especially if you like to take pictures or videos. The other two tiers cost extra but offer 128/256GB, depending on your choice.
Cameras
Photography and the new iPhone SE received mixed reviews. Most complaints centered around the phone not having a night mode. It’s not ideal for people who like night photography.
Battery Life
The iPhone SE could go without charging for about 8 hours on Wi-Fi and only 5 hours on the go. You could beef up that by turning off the 5G.
Audio
The audio from the iPhone SE was decent, according to reviewers, it had good volume without losing too much balance. The recording was excellent when it came to voices and the like while also cutting back on the distortion from moving your hands passed the mic.
Specs at a Glance
- Plastic chassis
- 4.7-inch display
- Apple A15 Bionic processor
- 3GB of RAM
- iOS 15
- 64/128/256GB of storage
- 12+MP camera
- 2018mAh battery
Bottom Line
The iPhone SE for 2022 is a complicated case. If you run a particularly old iPhone or you’re looking for your first iPhone, this will feel like a massive upgrade. A case could also be made for those who want to downsize their phone, whether by actual size or how much they depend on it.
The Verge says, “If you’re a fan of this form factor and Touch ID, and you don’t want to let them go, then this is probably your last chance to hang onto them. If we see another SE device in two years, it will likely do away with the big bezels and the home button because life moves fast. Until then, the SE remains a powerful little phone with a retro design that’s just a bit too vintage for most of us.”
How to Geek states, “Apple’s third-generation iPhone SE (released in March 2022) stands out from the company’s family of smartphones, not only because of its budget-friendly price, but also its outdated design. Although it’s hard to recommend a phone that’s lacking so much, it’s perfect for a very select audience.”
What people actually want to know
When was the Apple iPhone SE (2022) released?
The Apple iPhone SE (2022) was released on March 18, 2022.
How long does the battery last on the Apple iPhone SE (2022)?
The Apple iPhone SE (2022) has a 2,018 mAh battery.
Is the Apple iPhone SE (2022) water resistant?
The Apple iPhone SE (2022) carries an IP67 rating.
Note: water resistance degrades over time and manufacturer warranties typically don't cover liquid damage.
Does the Apple iPhone SE (2022) support wireless charging?
No, the Apple iPhone SE (2022) does not support wireless charging.
Does the Apple iPhone SE (2022) have a headphone jack?
No, the Apple iPhone SE (2022) does not have a headphone jack. You'll need wireless headphones or a USB-C adapter.
Does the Apple iPhone SE (2022) have NFC?
Yes, the Apple iPhone SE (2022) has NFC. You can use Google Wallet, Apple Pay, and tap-to-pair with Bluetooth accessories.
Questions & answers
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