Iphone SE (2022)

Lukáš Vlach

The iPhone SE (2022) is a mobile device that incorporates modern technology into a classic design that is small and compact, giving it a charming and almost quaint appearance. While some may argue that the design is outdated, it nevertheless presents a compelling option for individuals who are looking for a budget-friendly smartphone.

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brand

Iphone

type

smartphone

price

$319.99

rating

 4/5

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Final Thoughts

The 2022 version of the iPhone SE boasts improved speed and connectivity compared to its predecessor, all while being priced attractively as the most affordable 5G iPhone currently available. However, if you desire a larger screen, superior cameras, and a more comprehensive set of modern features, the new SE may not be the ideal iPhone deal for you.

HARDWARE & DESIGN

Links will take you to the page: gsmarena.com
They have done a very good job of explaining things you may not understand or know what they mean.You can also check out their reviews

NETWORK	Technology	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G

LAUNCH	Announced	2022, March 08
LAUNCH	Status	Available. Released 2022, March 18

BODY	Dimensions	138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm (5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 in)
	Weight	144 g (5.08 oz)
	Build	Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame
	SIM	Nano-SIM and eSIM
		IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) Apple Pay (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX certified)

DISPLAY	Type	Retina IPS LCD, 625 nits (typ)
	Size	4.7 inches, 60.9 cm² (~65.4% screen-to-body ratio)
	Resolution	750 x 1334 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~326 ppi density)
	Protection	Ion-strengthened glass

PLATFORM	OS	iOS 15.4, upgradable to iOS 16.3
	Chipset	Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm)
	CPU	Hexa-core (2×3.22 GHz Avalanche + 4×1.82 GHz Blizzard)
	GPU	Apple GPU (4-core graphics)

MEMORY	Card slot	No
	Internal	64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM
		NVMe

MAIN CAMERA	Single	12 MP, f/1.8 (wide), PDAF, OIS
	Features	Quad-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
	Video	4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, HDR, OIS, stereo sound rec.

SELFIE CAMERA	Single	7 MP, f/2.2
	Features	HDR
	Video	1080p@30/120fps; gyro-EIS

SOUND	Loudspeaker	Yes, with stereo speakers
	3.5mm jack	No

COMMS	WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, hotspot
	Bluetooth	5.0, A2DP, LE
	Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS
	NFC	Yes
	Radio	No
	USB	Lightning, USB 2.0

FEATURES	Sensors	Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, gyro, compass, barometer

BATTERY	Type	Li-Ion 2018 mAh, non-removable (6.96 Wh)
	Charging	20W wired, 50% in 30 min (advertised) 7.5W wireless (Qi)

MISC	Colors	Midnight, Starlight, Red
	Models	A2783, A2595, A2785, A2782, A2784, iphone14,6
	SAR	0.98 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body)
	SAR EU	1.20 W/kg (head) 1.19 W/kg (body)
	Price	€ 489.00 / $ 379.99 / £ 417.26 / ₹ 43,900

TESTS	Performance	AnTuTu: 723486 (v9) GeekBench: 4629 (v5.1) GFXBench: 60fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)
	Display	Contrast ratio: 1424:1 (nominal)
	Camera	Photo / Video
	Loudspeaker	-25.2 LUFS (Very good)
	Battery life	Endurance rating 62h

Fast review

If you prefer a more affordable and retro style iPhone, the iPhone SE 2022 edition from Apple may be the best option for you. It maintains the design language of the SE series from 2017, which was also used for the 2020 SE 2, and has been kept for this new phone.

The 2020 version of the SE had a chassis upgrade with the A13 Bionic CPU and a 12MP wide rear camera, and introduced ‘monocular depth estimation’ for improved Portrait Mode photography. Although it worked well for faces, it didn’t work as well for other subjects.

The iPhone SE (2022) retains all the things people loved from the previous model, such as the thin and light body, the Touch ID, and the Liquid Retina display. It also has the same cameras, a 12MP rear and 7MP front, but the new A15 Bionic CPU makes a big difference. It’s a powerful mobile CPU that even beats Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 CPU in Geekbench scores, providing plenty of power for a small 4.7-inch screen phone. It can shoot and edit 4K videos and handle intense action games like Call of Duty and PUBG.

The graphics processing is integrated into the system on a chip, resulting in better image processing. Although the camera is the same as the previous model, the iPhone SE (2022) is capable of timelapse night photography with a tripod.

However, there are some limitations compared to Apple’s flagship phones. For instance, the iPhone SE (2022) doesn’t have the new Cinematic mode video control (bokeh-effect) that the iPhone 13 series has. Also, there is no power adapter or wired earbuds included in the box.

The battery life is 12 hours, which is noteworthy considering the powerful CPU and 5G connectivity, but it’s not as long as the iPhone 13 family.

Although the iPhone SE 2022 is not as advanced as the iPhone 13 series, it’s still a good choice for Apple fans who want a budget-friendly option with 5G connectivity and impressive performance. However, if you want a phone with a bigger, brighter, and sharper screen, more cameras, Face ID, and a fresher design, you may prefer to spend a little more on the iPhone 13 mini or other options in the iPhone 11 and 12 range. Ultimately, it’s a personal decision based on your needs and preferences.

IPHONE SE PRICE AND AVAILABILITY

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

The Future has shared an image of the back of the Apple iPhone SE 2022. Despite a price increase compared to its predecessor, the iPhone SE 2022 still remains the cheapest 5G phone offered by Apple, starting at $429 / £419 / AU$719. In comparison, the iPhone 13 mini begins at $699 / £679 / AU$1,199, and the iPhone 12 mini starts at $599. However, it’s disappointing that Apple has decided to offer only 64GB of storage for the base model, especially considering that the phone can shoot 4K, 60fps video. The iPhone 13 line, on the other hand, starts at 128GB across the board, which should have been the standard for the iPhone SE 2022. Additionally, the phone’s maximum storage capacity is 256GB, and it costs $579 / £569 / AU$969, with a 128GB option priced at $479 / £469 / AU$799. Customers who are considering the 256GB iPhone SE at this price point should consider purchasing one of the iPhone 13 models instead.The previous iPhone SE was priced at $399 / £389 / AU$679, and while the increase in price for a 5G phone with the latest processor is reasonable, customers may notice that the packaging is smaller and lighter. While this is beneficial for the environment, budget-conscious consumers may be disappointed that the device no longer comes with wired earbuds or power adapters, a change also seen in the iPhone 13 series. It’s important to note that the iPhone SE 2022 is available in only three color options: Midnight, Starlight, and Product RED, and features a retro design.

DESIGN

Light
comfortable to hold

The familiarity of Apple’s iPhone SE (2022) is unique. Its well-worn appearance is so inviting that I immediately took a liking to it, even though it’s not a popular look at the moment.The aluminum casing is sleek and pristine, with a gleaming Midnight finish on our test model. Indoors, it appears black, but the blue hue shines through in sunlight. The glass back and front are perfectly smooth, and it’s almost charming to see a single 12MP wide-angle camera on the back, considering the trend of expanding camera blocks. The sapphire glass lens cover is only a millimeter or two from the backplane.The frame is nearly edgeless and weighs 144g, measuring 5.44-in. by 2.65-in. by 0.29-in. While some people criticize the sharp edges of the iPhone 13 and the new Samsung Galaxy S22 line, there are no such complaints with this model. The volume buttons and sleep/silent switch are on the left edge, while the power button and SIM slot (which also supports eSIM) are on the right. The bottom edge features the speaker grilles, microphone, and Lightning port.The front has an aging 1344 x 750 pixel Liquid Retina Display, which looks great but doesn’t compare to the iPhone 13 mini’s edge-to-edge Super Retina XDR display OLED screen. The 7MP FaceTime and selfie camera is located above the screen, adjacent to a wide, shallow speaker grille.Below that is the familiar Touch ID home button. Although we’ve become accustomed to home-button-free iPhones with Face ID, it didn’t take long for me to get used to Touch ID again. The button’s haptic feedback felt just as good as I remembered, and it remains one of the most reliable biometric authorization technologies available.The iPhone SE (2022) is also IP67-certified water and dust-resistant, surviving an accidental drop in water during our testing. Although there is no 3.5mm headphone jack, the Lightning charging port can accommodate Lightning earbuds. The phone also pairs perfectly with wireless AirPods and comes with a USB-C to Lightning port charging cable in the box.

PERFORMANCE AND SPECS

mid-range phone

With its total control over manufacturing processes and component lines, Apple is able to easily incorporate cutting-edge elements from its newest products into designs developed more than three years ago.The iPhone SE (2022) packs Apple’s most powerful mobile processor yet, the A15 Bionic, into a compact frame akin to strapping rocket motors to a bicycle. It’s important to note that this chip is not a stunted or throttled version, and Geekbench 5 numbers place the iPhone SE (2022) on par with the A15 Bionic in the iPhone 13 mini. With 4GB of RAM, this phone’s performance is also boosted.The A15 Bionic enhances almost every aspect of the phone, including 4K video shooting and editing, console-level gaming, and AI-enhanced photography. It pushes the limits of what’s possible within the confines of the 2017 design.The iPhone SE (2022) is now part of the iPhone 5G family, with no compromise on power or performance. This allowed us to download apps, play multiplayer games like Call of Duty, and stream HD Netflix over 5G without any issues, despite the fact that 5G is still not available in some areas and its performance can be inconsistent. However, the small 4.7-inch display may be a downside for some users.While download speeds varied by over 60Mbps in different areas of the office, and LTE speeds were sometimes the only option, it’s still remarkable to have such an affordable iPhone with such impressive connectivity capabilities.

BATTERY LIFE

The battery lasts most of the day.
Wireless charging

Although Apple doesn’t disclose the mAh of the iPhone SE’s battery, it’s safe to assume that there hasn’t been a significant change since the iPhone SE (2020). With the more powerful A15 Bionic and new 5G capabilities, I expected the battery life to suffer.To my surprise, even with continuous use of various functions and 5G connectivity throughout the day, I still managed to get 12 hours of battery life. Apple claims 15 hours of video playback (not streaming), which I find believable.When it’s time to recharge, the included cable supports 18W charging (but you’ll need to find your own USB-C power adapter), or you can use a Qi-compatible charging base. Note that the iPhone SE does not support Apple’s MagSafe chargers.

DISPLAY

If you’re upgrading from an iPhone 5S, the iPhone SE’s 4.7-inch display may seem like an improvement. However, in a world where displays are becoming increasingly large and offer features such as 2,000,000:1 contrast ratios and adaptive refresh rates, the SE’s 60Hz LCD display may feel outdated.It may be pointless to compare the SE’s display to the best screens available because if you desire more, you will need to pay more, regardless of the platform or manufacturer. Nevertheless, in isolation, the display appears good and performs well across a broad range of activities, including photography, videography, web browsing, gaming, and video playback.The screen may have difficulty in direct sunlight, but it is still a solid choice for indoor use.Although I have witnessed iPhone 8 devices breaking rapidly after falling to the ground, assuming that the iPhone SE, which shares many characteristics with the iPhone 8, will behave similarly may be incorrect.The front and back of the iPhone SE (2022) are made of the same glass as the back of all iPhone 13 models. However, the SE does not have Apple’s Ceramic Shield technology, so it is still a good idea to purchase a silicone case if you purchase this phone.

CAMERAS

As smartphones become increasingly popular as our primary cameras, any device that falls short in this area is setting itself up for failure. Despite having only two lenses, the same as its predecessor, the SE (2020), the iPhone SE (2022) produces photos that are pleasing to the eye, color-accurate, and often beautiful, thanks to the rear 12-megapixel, f/1.8 wide lens backed by the A15 Bionic’s image processing, Smart HDR 4, and Deep Fusion (introduced with the A13 Bionic and also present in the previous iPhone SE). During my camera test, I was impressed not only by the image quality but also by the speed of capturing images. The phone features optical image stabilization, which allowed me to take good-looking shots without always having to stand perfectly still (video is also supported by optical image stabilization).In Portrait mode, you can adjust a faux-aperture setting to control the depth of field effect, allowing you to focus more or less on the background behind your subject. However, I was disappointed that the iPhone SE’s Portrait Mode photography is still limited to humans, and you cannot take bokeh shots of animals, plants, or other objects without a face.The camera also supports other photo styles, such as panorama and time-lapse, with the addition of Night Timelapse, which can be used with a tripod. However, it does not support Apple’s Night Mode for still photography.Regarding videos, the iPhone SE can shoot up to 4K 60fps, but some resolution is lost on the 1334×750 display. It can also shoot smooth 1080P, 240fps slow-motion videos, and I was able to capture some cinematic shots while chasing pigeons. Despite featuring the A15 Bionic, the phone does not support Cinematic mode video found in the entire iPhone 13 line.The quality of Portrait Mode for both the front and back cameras is better than that of the previous iPhone SE (2020). It can now capture tiny details, such as wisps of hair, and accurately separate them from the blurred background, without any anomalies ruining the effect. Overall, the iPhone SE (2022)’s photo quality is comparable to that of higher-end competitors’ smartphones that cost almost twice as much.

VERDICT

SHOULD I BUY THE IPHONE SE (2022)?

REASONS TO BUY:

You want a smartphone with top-notch processors and 5G connectivity. The iPhone SE (2022) delivers on both fronts, without compromising on performance or speed.

You prefer classic designs that stand the test of time. The iPhone SE’s design is timeless, and even the Touch ID feels like a welcome blast from the past. However, the technology behind it is still impressive and up-to-date.

You prefer smaller form factors. The iPhone SE (2022) is not only one of Apple’s thinnest phones, but it also weighs about the same as the iPhone 13 mini, minus the edges. Its compact size makes it easy and comfortable to hold.

REASONS NOT TO BUY:

You prioritize having a great screen. The iPhone SE (2022) features a 4.7-inch display that may feel too small and outdated for some. It struggles in bright sunlight and lacks the boldness of larger screens. If you’re looking for a bigger, more immersive screen experience, this phone may not meet your expectations.

You prefer touch-free unlocking. The Touch ID feature on the iPhone SE (2022) requires you to physically press the home button to unlock the phone. If you prefer the convenience of Face ID, you may want to consider the iPhone 11 instead.

You want a phone with more camera lenses. While the photography on the iPhone SE (2022) is good, it has limitations. There is no zoom, ultra-wide, or Portrait Mode for capturing shots of your pets or subjects from different perspectives. If you want a phone with a more versatile camera system, this may not be the right choice for you.

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