Apple iPhone SE (2022) Review: Powerful but Dated

“Hey, you're rocking an old iPhone!” That's what my server said when he noticed my device on the table. I politely mentioned that it's actually the new iPhone SE; he gave me a puzzled “huh” and slinked away.

The iPhone SE is not the status iPhone—not that you should be buying a phone to flaunt your wealth. At $429, it's the cheapest way to get a brand-new iPhone (and those coveted blue bubbles) from Apple. Plus it's the only handset Apple sells with the original home button and its embedded fingerprint sensor instead of the face authentication and gesture navigation of the pricier iPhones.

Apple hasn't changed much about the SE since its 2020 refresh. That's a shame. There's a lot the company can do to modernize the hardware and deliver an even better experience with the SE. Sure, it's the most powerful sub-$500 smartphone around, but most midrange phones these days have enough horsepower for nearly every app and game. Still, performance isn't everything, and this small iPhone lags behind in other ways.

Feels Like Home

The hardware design of the iPhone SE remains mostly unchanged from two years ago. Photograph: Apple

Let's get the good stuff out of the way. I love how small this iPhone is. I can use it one-handed; it fits in every pocket; it's thin and light. Touch ID has also been a treat. It's so much easier to use my fingerprint instead of my face to prove my identity. I don't need to awkwardly double-click the power button and stare at the screen to authenticate a purchase at a tap-to-pay terminal, or stick out my face when trying to unlock the screen in bed. Even with Face ID's new compatibility with face masks, Touch ID is generally more convenient.

Apple has stuffed the A15 Bionic chip inside this phone. It's the very same processor that powers the iPhone 13 range, so there are heaps of power on offer here. Everything runs smoothly, from Twitter to My Friend Pedro, and juggling between apps is pretty seamless.

The new SE comes with 5G connectivity, but it's a different flavor of 5G than what's available on the iPhone 13 or iPhone 12 models. Those phones can access millimeter-wave (mmWave) and sub-6 5G, but the iPhone SE is relegated to the latter. That's no bad thing. Yes, mmWave is significantly faster, but the number of times you'll actually run into it is very, very small. Support for sub-6 5G will allow you to more regularly enjoy speeds that are slightly faster than what you get with 4G LTE.

Home Alone

OK, on to the stuff that could use some tweaks. I said I like the iPhone SE's size, but its 4.7-inch LCD screen is too cramped. Put it next to the iPhone 13 and the larger phone just lets you see so much more. That smaller screen also makes it trickier to type on. It feels like I've corrected more errors in the past week than I ever have using a larger iPhone.

The solution isn't to just make a bigger iPhone SE. Instead, Apple can take a page from its latest iPad Mini or iPad Air: Trim the bezels around the screen to maximize the screen space, then embed the Touch ID fingerprint sensor into the power button. There you go. I'd like my cut now, please.

iPhone SE (2022) review

The iPhone SE (2022) is faster and better-connected than its predecessor, and at the most attractive price currently possible for a new 5G iPhone. However if you're looking for a better iPhone deal with bigger screens, better cameras, and a bigger list of modern specs, the new SE might not be for you.

Two-minute review

If you like your iPhone affordable and retro, Apple's iPhone SE 2022 edition might be the best iPhone for you.

It keeps the SE series design language firmly rooted in 2017 – that was the year Apple launched the iPhone 8, the design of which Apple employed for 2020's SE 2, and has stuck with for this new phone.

In 2020, Apple took that chassis and upgraded the CPU to an A13 Bionic, the rear camera to a 12MP wide, and introduced 'monocular depth estimation,' which improved Portrait Mode photography for the front and rear cameras. It was a nifty AI-infused trick that worked like a charm on faces, but nothing else.

All those things you loved from the iPhone SE (2020) remain in the iPhone SE (2022). There's been no change to the thin and light body, no reintroduction of the 3.5mm headphone jack, no removal of the Touch ID. The Liquid Retina display is untouched. The cameras - a 12MP rear and 7MP front - are the same, too.

The difference, and it is bigger than you think, is the new A15 Bionic, the very same Apple Silicon you'll find in Apple's iPhone 13 line. It's a powerful mobile CPU that - to date - beats even Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 CPU (in Geekbench scores).

It's a lot of power and headroom for a tiny, 4.7-inch screen smartphone that doesn't even have a depth sensor on the front. Still, the A15 Bionic is up for anything, from shooting and editing 4K videos to playing intense action games like Call of Duty and PUBG.

The A15 is a system on a chip, which means the graphics processing is integrated, and that in turn means better image processing. Even though it still has the same camera as its predecessor, the iPhone SE (2022) is capable of timelapse night photography (though you'll need a tripod).

Inevitably though, there are limits to what's on offer here compared with Apple's flagship phones. All the A15 Bionic-sporting iPhone 13 phones support the new Cinematic mode video (bokeh-effect), but there's no such video control on the new iPhone SE.

Speaking of things missing from this new phone. The iPhone SE (2022) follows Apple's new packing strategy: No more power adapter or wired earbuds in the box.

From an environmental perspective, this makes a lot of sense. It is unfortunate, though, that the price rose $30 to $429 at the same time Apple pulled these accessories. Accounting for inflation, however, the price might be considered roughly the same as it was two years ago. I don't expect that argument to fly everywhere.

Battery life is 12 hours, which is notable considering the more powerful CPU and eye-brow singeing 5G connectivity, but it's not in the same league as the handsets in the iPhone 13 family.

It's hard to wholeheartedly recommend the iPhone SE 2022, when you can spend a little more for the iPhone 13 mini, which has a bigger, brighter, and shaper Super Retina XDR OLED screen, another camera, Face ID, and a fresher design (and you can pick up some of the lower-end iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 options for a similar premium).

Even so, there is still something charming about the look and feel of Apple's aging iPhone design. And getting all that performance and 5G for under $500 is nothing to sneeze at either.

For Apple devotees, the brand can set the pricing and options agenda for its iPhones, safe in the knowledge that it doesn't have to engage in a race to the bottom against lower-end Androids.

The iPhone SE (2022) carries on that tradition in mostly fine form. However, it changes nothing aesthetically about the last model but builds on it with Apple's latest chip and mobile connectivity technology - whether that's enough for you is a personal decision.

However if you’re looking for a new iPhone that offers and costs more, allow us to point you to the iPhone 13 series, which comprises the iPhone 13 itself, the iPhone 13 mini (the iPhone SE consistently outsells the mini line), the iPhone 13 Pro and the iPhone 13 Pro Max .

iPhone SE price and availability

Not the cheapest iPhone ever at $429 / £419 / AU$719

New iPhone SE is available as of March 18, 2022

Available in the US, UK and Australia

Apple iPhone SE 2022 back (Image credit: Future)

The iPhone SE (2022) has gotten a price hike over its predecessor to $429 / £419 / AU$719, but it still qualifies as Apple's cheapest 5G phone. The iPhone 13 mini starts at $699 / £679 / AU$1,199 and the iPhone 12 mini starts at $599.

However, it is more than a little frustrating that Apple insists on offering a phone with just 64GB of storage to start. The phone shoots up to 4K, 60fps video. Where are all those files supposed to go? Apple's iPhone 13 line now starts at 128GB across the board. That's the standard Apple should've followed here. The issue is compounded because the iPhone SE (2022) tops out at 256 GB of storage ($579 / £569 / AU$969), though there's also a 128GB option for $479 / £469 / AU$799.

If you're considering a 256GB iPhone SE at that price, then you really should start thinking about one of the iPhone 13 models.

The previous iPhone SE started at $399 / £389 / AU$679, and while asking for a little more for a 5G phone with the newest processor is not a big ask, consumers will notice the packaging is a bit smaller and lighter. The environment will thank Apple, but some consumers might be miffed that there are no longer wired earbuds and power adapters included with the device. That's the same for the iPhone 13 series, but the omission still might sting for budget-conscious iPhone consumers who now have to buy the accessories separately.

It's worth noting that you have just three color choices for the retro-looking device: Midnight, Starlight, and Product RED. Our test unit is a lovely and very deep blue Midnight.

Pre-orders for the phone started on March 11 and the device is now on sale (as of on March 18).

Looking to buy? Check out the best iPhone SE deals

Apple iPhone SE 2022 Liquid Retina Display (Image credit: Future)

Design

You've seen this design before

Physical Touch ID button

Light and super-comfortable to hold

There is familiar and then there is familiar. Apple's iPhone SE (2022) is such a well-worn look that I instinctually took to it, even though I know it's not a look that's 'in' right now.

The aluminum enclosure is smooth, clean, and, in our test model, gleaming Midnight. It looks black indoors, but the blue shines through in the sunlight.

The glass back and front are perfectly smooth, and it's almost quaint to see a single relatively tiny, 12MP wide-angle camera on the back in this age of ever-expanding camera blocks. The sapphire glass lens cover's distance from the backplane can be measured in a millimeter (maybe two).

There are almost no edges on the whole 5.44-in. by 2.65-in. by 0.29-in. 144g frame; know some people still complain about the sharp edges on the iPhone 13 and the new Samsung Galaxy S22 line; you'll have no such issues here. Along the left edge are the volume buttons and a sleep/silent switch, while on the right are the power button and the SIM slot (which also supports eSIM). The bottom edge features the speaker grilles, microphone, and Lightning port.

Apple iPhone SE 2022 long edge (Image credit: Future)

The front features the aging 1344 x 750 pixel Liquid Retina Display, which looks great on its own, but literally pales in comparison to, for instance, the iPhone 13 mini's 5.4-inch edge-to-edge Super Retina XDR display OLED screen.

Above the screen is the 7MP FaceTime and selfie camera, which sits next to a wide, shallow speaker grille.

Below all that is our old friend, the Touch ID home button. We've been living with Face ID, home-button-free iPhones for so long, that our reintroduction was a bit bumpy. I literally forgot how to use an iPhone with a home button to start with, although, it was a little like riding a bike, and I soon got back in the Touch ID groove. I remembered how much I liked the way the button felt as it read my fingerprint or faked a physical button press with expert haptics. It's time for the Touch ID button die, but it serves its purpose well here on the iPhone SE.

For what it's worth, Apple's Touch ID remains one of the most effective biometric authorization technologies I've ever used. Register a finger once and the reader will see it every time, in virtually any position.

Apple iPhone SE Touch ID (Image credit: Future)

The iPhone SE (2022) is also water and dust resistant, with IP67 certification. I (accidentally) dropped the entire handset in water and it survived.

There is no 3.5mm headphone jack on the phone, but it does have a Lightning charging port, which could accommodate a pair of Lightning of earbuds. Those aren't included, sadly, but the phone does work perfectly with wireless AirPods if you have them. There's also a USB-C to Lightning port charging cable in the box.

Display

4.7-inch screen

Small compared to contemporaries

Well-protected

If you're upgrading from an iPhone 5S the iPhone SE's 4.7-inch screen might feel like an upgrade, but in a world of monster-sized displays, 2,000,000:1 contrast ratios, and adaptive refresh rates, its 60Hz LCD luster might feel out of step.

Comparing the SE's display to the best screens out there seemed pointless, though - if you want more, you will pay more (on any platform and from any handset manufacturer). In isolation though, the display looks good - across a wide variety of tasks from photography and videography, to web browsing, gameplay, and video, it looked good.

The screen can struggle in direct sunlight, but indoors, it's still a winner.

Apple iPhone SE 2022 side edge with buttons (Image credit: Future)

I've seen iPhone 8 handsets drop to the floor and crack faster than you can say "screen protector," and while you might assume that the iPhone SE, which shares much of the 8's DNA, would be similarly inclined, but might be wrong.

Both the front and back of the iPhone SE (2022) are built from the same glass that's on the back of all iPhone 13 phones. Sadly though, the SE doesn't get Apple's Ceramic Shield technology, so if you buy this phone, it still makes sense to spring for that silicone case.

Cameras

12MP wide camera takes lovely photos

The 7MP front camera is no slouch either

Thank the A15 Bionic

(Image credit: Future)

Our phones are increasingly also our cameras these days, and any handset that skimps in this area is asking for trouble. Even though the iPhone SE (2022) is graced with just two lenses that are the same as those on the SE 2020, it manages to take photos that are pleasing to the eye, color-accurate, and often beautiful.

The rear 12MP, f/1/8 wide lens is now backed by the A15 Bionic's image processing and supported by Smart HDR 4 and Deep Fusion (introduced with the A13 Bionic and present in the last iPhone SE).

I took the phone out to test the cameras, and was pleased not only by the image quality they delivered but with the speed. There's optical image stabilization which meant I didn't always have to plant my feet and stand perfectly still to grab a good-looking shot (video is supported by optical image stabilization, as well).

In Portrait mode you can adjust a faux-aperture setting to control the depth of field effect, throwing more of less of the background behind your subject out of focus. I was a bit frustrated, however, that the iPhone SE Portrait Mode photography is still limited to people - you can't shoot bokeh shots of dogs, plants, or anything else without a face.

Image 1 of 4 (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff ) Image 1 of 4 Apple iPhone SE 2022 Portrait Mode tests (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff ) Image 1 of 4 (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff ) Image 1 of 4 (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff ) Image 1 of 4

The camera does support all the other expected photos styles. including panorama and time lapse - and new here is Night Timelapse, which you can use with a tripod, though there's no support for Apple's Night Mode still photography.

On the video front, the iPhone SE can shoot all the way up to 4K 60fps. Footage looks good on the phone's screen, although, some resolution is obviously lost in the 1334x750 display.

The phone also shoots smooth 1080P, 240 fps slow motion. I chased some pigeons and got a truly cinematic shot.

Speaking of Cinematic, even with the A15 Bionic, there's no support for the Cinematic mode video you'll find on the entire iPhone 13 line.

The quality of Portrait Mode for both the front and back camera is better than what we experienced on the iPhone SE (2020). It's now capable of picking up tiny details, like wisps of hair, and carefully separating them from the blurred background. I found virtually no anomalies - blurred details that should have been sharp, and vice versa - that ruined the effect.

Overall, the photo quality on this mid-range phone can still rival that of competitors' handsets selling for almost twice as much.

Camera samples

Image 1 of 12 (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff ) Image 1 of 12 (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff ) Image 1 of 12 (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff ) Image 1 of 12 (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff ) Image 1 of 12 (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff ) Image 1 of 12 (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff ) Image 1 of 12 (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff ) Image 1 of 12 (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff ) Image 1 of 12 (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff ) Image 1 of 12 (Image credit: Future ) Image 1 of 12 (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff ) Image 1 of 12 (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff ) Image 1 of 12

Performance and specs

iPhone 13 power in a mid-range phone

Chipset is power efficient

5G is good if you can get it

Apple's total control over its manufacturing processes and component lines makes it easy to take one cutting-edge element from its newest products and fit it neatly into a design it cooked up more than three years ago.

The A15 Bionic is Apple's most powerful mobile processor, and putting it into the iPhone SE's tiny frame is akin to strapping rocket motors to a bicycle.

To be clear, this is not some stunted or throttled version of Apple's chip. Geekbench 5 numbers put the iPhone SE (2022) on equal footing with the A15 Bionic in the iPhone 13 mini. It's worth noting that the phone now has 4GB of RAM, which will certainly help with performance.

Basically, everything that's good or better about this phone (4K video shooting and editing, console-level gaming, AI-enhanced photography) is better because of the A15 Bionic. It pushes the boundaries of what's possible within the confines that 2017 design dictates.

Apple iPhone SE 2022 playing Netflix over 5G (Image credit: Future)

The iPhone SE (2022) welcomes the SE line into the iPhone 5G family. Again, the approach is full-boat, with no skimping on power or performance. This meant we could turn off WiFi, download apps, play multi-player games like Call of Duty, and stream HD Netflix without hesitation.

It was all so much fun, it almost made me forget about the too-small 4.7-inch display.

5G is still unavailable in some areas and its performance can be wildly inconsistent. In the office, my download speeds varied from one place to another by over 60Mbps.

In some places, I had to console myself with just LTE speeds. Still, it's kind of wild to have such an affordable iPhone with such impressive powers of connectivity.

Battery life

Battery life to survive most the day

Chipset efficiencies help offset 5G power suck

Wireless charging is always welcome

(Image credit: Future)

While I don't know the size of the iPhone SE battery (Apple never announces mAh), it's a fair bet that it hasn't changed much since the iPhone SE (2020). Even so, I expected some serious battery fall-off from the more powerful A15 Bionic and that tasty new 5G.

The reality is, even with 5G running all day and non-stop activity across a wide range of functions, I got 12 hours of battery life. Apple claims 15 hours of video playback (not streaming), and I can believe that, too.

When it's time to recharge, you can do so with the included cable at 18W (go find your own USB-C power adapter!) or by placing it on a Qi-compatible charging base. The phone does not support Apple's new MagSafe chargers.

Should I buy the iPhone SE (2022)?

Apple iPhone SE 2022 (Image credit: Future)

Buy it if...

You want today's processors and 5G

This is a 5G smartphone that does not skimp on performance or connectivity.

You hate change

This is a classic design that holds up. Even Touch ID is like welcoming back home a dear old friend. Better yet, none of it acts or works like yesterday's technologies. The Touch ID is still an impressive technological feat.

Big is not you

This is not only Apple's joint-thinnest phone, it's basically the same weight as the iPhone 13 mini but without the edges. We love holding this device.

Don’t buy it if...

You want a great screen

The iPhone SE (2022) has a 4.7-inch display that reminds us of bygone days and not necessarily in a good way. It's too small and struggles in direct sunlight. If you want big and bold, this is not for you.

You want touch-free unlocking

Touch ID means what it says, you must put a digit on the button to unlock the phone. If you want Face ID for not much more, look to the iPhone 11.

You want more lenses

The photography here is good but limited. No zoom, no ultra-wide, no Portrait Mode shots of your dog.

iPhone SE (2022) review: Teaching an old dog new tricks

When the original iPhone SE launched in 2016, it was essentially a last hurrah to the design of the iPhone 5s. In fact, it seems that the "SE" stood for "Special Edition." The iPhone 5 family is still one of the best-designed iPhones to date, which the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 pay homage to. For many, the iPhone SE's 4-inch display was the perfect size for one-handed use, and just for those who prefer small phones in general. Four years after the original iPhone SE, Apple launched the iPhone SE (2020). While some people were hoping that Apple retained the small form factor of the original SE, Apple instead made some changes. The second iteration of the SE took on the same form factor and size as the iPhone 8, which carries the same design as the iPhone 6. Apple also gave it the same internal chip as the iPhone 11 that came before it, as well as features like Portrait mode and Portrait Lighting, which wasn't possible on the iPhone 8. Two years later, we now have the iPhone SE 3 (2022), which takes the classic design of the previous iteration and knocks it up a notch. While it may not be quite as exciting as the iPhone 13 series, which now comes in gorgeous green hues, the iPhone SE still offers a lot of bang for your buck.

iPhone SE (2022) Bottom line: The iPhone SE is the only iPhone that still retains a Home button. But with this iteration, Apple brought it up to speed with 5G connectivity and an A15 Bionic chip that makes Deep Fusion, Smart HDR 4, and Photographic Styles possible. The Good Has Home button with Touch ID

Small and lightweight form factor

A15 Bionic chip

Software camera improvements

5G connectivity

Very affordable The Bad No Face ID

Uses LCD display

Single lens camera system

Dated design From $429 at Apple

From $429 at Amazon

From $429 at Mint Mobile

iPhone SE (2022): Price and availability

The iPhone SE (2022) is available directly from Apple in-store or online, as well as most major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Target, and more, including your preferred cellular provider. However, if you are looking to purchase the iPhone SE unlocked, your best bet is direct from Apple, as most other retailers sell it carrier-locked. There are three colors for the iPhone SE: Midnight, Starlight, and PRODUCT(RED). You have three capacities to choose from as well: 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB, and the price is $429, $479, and $579, respectively.

iPhone SE (2022): Hardware and design

The third-generation iPhone SE still retains the same exact design as the previous iteration. This means it still has the old iPhone 8 body: a 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD display, glass front and back with aerospace-grade aluminum, a single-lens 12MP camera system in the back, and a 7MP FaceTime HD camera in the front. The Home button is still there so you have Touch ID for biometrics, instead of Face ID. The dimensions are exactly the same as the phone before it, which means that iPhone SE 2 cases will still fit the new iPhone SE, as well as any older iPhone 8 or even iPhone 7 cases. If you opt to not use a case, be aware that due to the glass material used on the back, it's glossy and thus, a fingerprint magnet.

Category iPhone SE (2022) Operating System iOS 15 Materials Glass front and back, Aerospace-grade aluminum Display 4.7 inches, 1334x750 (326 ppi) resolution, Retina HD LCD display Dimensions 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3mm, 144g Water Resistance IP67, one meter up to 30 minutes Processor A15 Bionic Storage 64/128/256GB Colors Midnight

Starlight

PRODUCT(RED) Connectivity sub-6 5G Rear Camera 12MP Wide camera, ƒ/1.8 aperture Front Camera 7MP FaceTime HD, ƒ/2.2 aperture Battery Size 2018mAh Battery Life Up to 15 hours Charging Qi wireless charging up to 7.5W

Fast wired charging over Lightning with 20W power adapter

While the iPhone SE looks the same on the surface, it's what's inside that really matters. Apple has now packed the powerful A15 Bionic chip, which is what is currently in the best iPhone, the iPhone 13 series, into the iPhone SE. This means that although the iPhone SE is pretty much the budget iPhone, it is still blazing fast and is just as zippy as its more powerful siblings. The A15 is also what makes the new camera improvements possible, which are Deep Fusion, Smart HDR 4, and Photographic Styles, but we'll get to that in a bit.

While the outside has the same old design, it's the internals that have been kicked up a notch.

Another big addition to the iPhone SE is 5G connectivity, bringing it up to speed with modern iPhones and even competing Android devices. However, it's important to note that while the iPhone SE does have 5G, it only supports the broader, but slightly slower, sub-6 5G connection instead of the narrower but faster mmWave 5G. While this may seem like a negative, it's actually not — mmWave 5G is already quite hard to come by, and it's very limited in availability compared to sub-6. For most people, sub-6 5G is more easily accessible and plenty fast, so it's not necessarily a bad thing that the iPhone SE only supports this 5G spectrum. For the average user, which the iPhone SE is aimed for, sub-6 5G will work just fine. iPhone SE (2022): Software and performance

When you purchase the iPhone SE, it comes equipped with iOS 15. And thanks to the A15 Bionic that powers it, the same chip in the iPhone 13 lineup, the iPhone SE runs iOS 15 nicely. With A15, Apple packed in a 6-core CPU with two performance cores and four efficiency cores, a four-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine. Compared with the previous iteration A13 that had the same specs except for an 8-core Neural Engine, the A15 in the iPhone SE gives it a noticeable boost in performance. For the average person, who again is what the iPhone SE is targeting, they won't notice too much in everyday use. They will just see that the iPhone SE is speedy with performing things like email, checking social media, listening to music, and watching videos. I found the iPhone SE to be most comparable to my iPhone 13 Pro (minus the display) that I've been using since launch day, so the A15 is definitely plenty for most folks. The A15 Bionic makes the iPhone SE (2022) quite speedy enough for most people. The real test for the A15 and performance lies in playing mobile games on the device. I honestly don't do a lot of gaming on my iPhone anymore; all I've done recently is play Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel. But I did try that game out on the iPhone SE, and it was buttery smooth with no hiccups or performance issues during play. And honestly, since there's no notch on the iPhone SE, the graphics aren't awkwardly cut off on the edges. Honestly, I think those who are serious about mobile gaming should consider an iPhone 13 Pro or iPhone 13 Pro Max instead, just because of the dynamic 120Hz refresh rate on the OLED display. But for the average user who plays a simple game or wants to try out something more intense, the iPhone SE is fine. Definitely not the best, but for most people, it's good enough. The main area that the A15 affects is the camera. Because of the bump in power, the iPhone SE is now capable of Deep Fusion, Smart HDR 4, and Photographic Styles, despite the fact that there were no major changes in the camera hardware itself. All of the improvements for the iPhone SE camera are done computationally through software, which is possible because of the A15 chip. While it's not perfect (it's still software, after all), it's definitely a step up from the last generation. iPhone SE (2022): Battery

I don't have the previous iPhone SE (2020) to compare with, but the battery life on the iPhone SE (2022) is only okay. Coming from an iPhone 13 Pro, the iPhone SE has a tiny battery due to the slimmer and more lightweight form factor. However, the new iPhone SE does have a bigger battery than the previous generation at 2018mAh versus the paltry 1821mAh from the 2020 model. Apple claims about 15 hours of video playback on a full charge, so while it should theoretically get you through most of a day, it really depends on your usage level. And having 5G on does drain the battery faster, so if you're really pushing the iPhone SE through its paces, then you definitely might need to charge it up at some point mid-day. Honestly, this phone just doesn't even come close compared to my daily driver, the iPhone 13 Pro. But I do miss that battery percentage in the status bar (c'mon Apple, bring it back!). The new iPhone SE (2022) has a larger 2018mAh battery inside, compared to the 1821mAh from the 2020 version. Since the iPhone SE is using a recycled design, it didn't add MagSafe like people were hoping for. Instead, the iPhone SE still uses a Lightning port, but like its predecessor, it can Fast Charge (50% charge in 30 minutes) as long as you use a 20W or higher adapter. As far as wireless charging goes, the iPhone SE is Qi-charging compatible with a maximum output of 7.5W. If you're looking for the best iPhone for battery life, then the iPhone SE isn't what you're looking for. But it has a lot of other things going for it, such as the most comfortable form factor to use single-handedly, the only iPhone still with a Home button for those who don't want change, 5G connectivity, A15 Bionic, and a pretty decent camera, all things considered. iPhone SE (2022): Cameras

Since I'm coming from an iPhone 13 Pro, the camera on the iPhone SE is definitely a downgrade for me, but that's because I have been using a triple-lens camera system for the past six months. However, for the average person, the iPhone SE still takes some pretty darn good photos, at least in well-lit environments. Since it does not have LiDAR, it is not able to do Night mode, unfortunately, and there is no Ultra Wide or Telephoto lens. The iPhone SE (2022) is still using the same camera hardware as the iPhone 8, which means just a Wide angle lens with a 12MP, six-element lens, and sapphire glass cover. It even has the same ƒ/1.8 aperture. All improvements to the camera in the iPhone SE are done on the software side.

As long as you're in a well-lit environment, the iPhone SE camera is comparable to the iPhone 13 and even the iPhone 13 Pro. But it tends to struggle in low light settings, and the 7MP front-facing camera washes out colors.

I took the iPhone SE for a test outside at the park. For the most part, the photos I took with the iPhone SE were pretty comparable to the standard iPhone 13, and even the iPhone 13 Pro. Since the A15 Bionic allows the iPhone SE to now do Deep Fusion, textures have a ton of detail in them. Smart HDR 4 also provides vibrant but true-to-life colors in photos without washing them out. I was able to get bright blue skies in my pictures without the sky being a faded blue. And while Photographic Styles is now possible on the iPhone SE, I personally do not use the other styles besides Normal, as I prefer to do my own editing later. But it's still great to have the option for that if someone wants to use it without having to cough up for a flagship iPhone. Now, if you want to take photos with the iPhone SE in low-light situations, then you might struggle a bit. While it's possible, images will have quite a bit of grainy noise, and you do lose detail. For example, I took this photo of Space Mountain at Disneyland at night, and you can see that the iPhone SE image appears duller, with blurrier texture in the trees. The colors are also less vibrant as well. The same can be said for the Sleeping Beauty Castle comparison below.

If you've been wanting to use your iPhone to take photos at night in dimly lit environments, then the iPhone SE is not the iPhone to get — for this particular area, you should get an iPhone that is capable of Night mode instead, which includes the iPhone 11, iPhone 12, and iPhone 13 series, all of which are still sold by Apple. However, for the average person who doesn't care for all the bells and whistles, who are Apple's target demographic with the iPhone SE, the photos are good enough. After all, if one is looking to take amazing low-light photos, they won't even consider the iPhone SE.

Now, the front-facing camera on the iPhone SE (2022) is still the same measly 7MP FaceTime HD camera from the iPhone 8. When testing out some selfies outside, the iPhone SE is pretty good with the color of my skin tone, but it washes out the sky so that it is white instead of a vibrant blue. But if you are just planning to use the front camera for FaceTime calls or simple selfies, then it should be fine. It can even do Portrait mode selfies with Portrait Lighting if you want to get fancy. Just expect slightly less detailed images with the FaceTime HD camera versus the TrueDepth camera on the iPhone 11, 12, and 13. iPhone SE (2022): Competition

The biggest competition for the iPhone SE (2022) is Apple's own iPhone 13, specifically the iPhone 13 mini. One reason people may consider the iPhone SE is because of the size, and the iPhone 13 mini is the smallest offering from Apple at the moment, though it's a little more expensive, as it starts at $699. It also doesn't have the Home button so it has Face ID for biometrics and a larger display with 5.4-inches instead of 4.7-inches. The iPhone 13 mini also has the Super Retina XDR OLED display instead of LCD, the Ultra-Wide camera, Night mode capabilities, and the higher megapixel TrueDepth front camera. Another competitor for the iPhone SE (2022) is the Google Pixel 5a. It's a budget Pixel phone that's about the same price range as the iPhone SE with the $449 cost, but it has an even more advanced dual-camera system with an Ultra Wide and Wide angle lens, 8MP front camera, as well as a larger display. It has a significantly larger battery, starts at 128GB with 6GB of RAM (the iPhone SE only has 4GB), and it runs the latest version of Android 12. If you want more bang for your buck and don't mind being on the Android side of things, then the Pixel 5a is a good choice. But keep in mind that you only have one storage capacity size, a slightly slower processor (A15 is faster than Snapdragon 765G), and no wireless charging capabilities.

iPhone SE (2022): Should you buy it?

You should buy this if ... You want modern internals for less The iPhone SE (2022) is Apple's most affordable iPhone, making it the perfect entry point into iOS, especially for someone new. If you're coming from an older iPhone, then the iPhone SE is an affordable upgrade that gets you most modern features for a fraction of the cost of the flagship iPhone 13 series. You get the A15 Bionic, which is currently in the iPhone 13 series, and powers software-side camera improvements like Deep Fusion, Smart HDR 4, and Photographic Styles. You still want an iPhone with a Home button Some people still like Touch ID over Face ID, and that's okay. The iPhone SE (2022) is currently the only iPhone that Apple sells that retains the Home button. If you prefer using it, then this is the only iPhone you can buy that still has it. Who knows if Apple will continue to sell an iPhone SE with a Home button several years from now. You want a small and lightweight phone with 5G The iPhone SE (2022) is probably the best iPhone to use one-handed due to the compact and lightweight form factor. If that's what you've been wanting, then this is the best iPhone for the job. Plus, it now has sub-6 5G support, so you get the fastest data connection possible with your carrier. You should not buy this if ... You want Face ID and a larger display As much as some people love the Home button, the iPhone SE (2022) has a very dated design. Plus, I often find Face ID to be faster and more convenient to use overall. Another benefit of having Face ID is the fact that your display is larger, because there are no more bezels for a Home button, giving you an edge-to-edge display. You want the best cameras on an iPhone If you primarily use your iPhone for photos, the iPhone SE (2022) is lacking, despite the improvements Apple made. You only get a single 12MP Wide lens here, and it's basically the same hardware from the iPhone 8. While A15 gets you Deep Fusion, Smart HDR 4, and Photographic Styles, you won't have LiDAR for Night mode, nor will you get an Ultra Wide and Telephoto lens. If you just want the Ultra Wide, it's best to get the iPhone 13, and if you need a Telephoto for optical zoom, then go for the iPhone 13 Pro. And don't forget about the measly 7MP FaceTime HD selfie camera — even the iPhone 11 has a 12MP TrueDepth camera, which would give your images more detail. You want an OLED display Since the iPhone SE (2022) is recycling the iPhone 8 chassis, you still have a 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD display, versus an OLED display that started arriving with the iPhone 12. For the average user, an LCD display is fine. Most people won't know or see the difference between an LCD and OLED display, to be fair. But if you want the absolute best and most vibrant color quality with the inkiest blacks, then you have to go OLED. And the Pro series devices are the only ones with the dynamic 120Hz ProMotion display — if you're using an iPhone SE next to an iPhone 13 Pro, yes, you can tell the difference if you have a sharp eye. The iPhone SE (2022) is an iPhone that isn't for the techies or power users like you and me. It's an affordable iPhone for someone who is looking to purchase their first iPhone, or someone who is upgrading from an older model and wants something that just works. It's for people who want a small form factor that's still comfortable to use single-handedly, while also getting a modern processor and connectivity with 5G. And with the improved performance from the A15 Bionic, the camera can do more than its predecessor due to impressive computational software, despite having the same camera system from years ago. 4 out of 5 If you want the latest and greatest from Apple, with all of the bells and whistles, then the iPhone SE (2022) is not for you. It recycles an old, dated design from five years ago, though the internal spec bump at least brings it up to modern standards. You won't have Face ID or an edge-to-edge display because you have large, thick bezels around the screen. The camera is good for photos in brightly lit areas, but if you want the best camera, regardless of day or night time, you're better off with an iPhone 11, 12, or 13 device. I mean, the iPhone SE is so affordable because it doesn't have all of the great features of the flagship devices. If you're willing to make some sacrifices, then you can't beat the iPhone SE for the price, especially just to get into the iOS ecosystem.