The Apple iPhone SE (2022) is the latest iteration of Apple’s budget-friendly lineup, aimed at delivering a powerful iOS experience without the premium price tag. The SE series has always been about blending modern internals with a classic design, and the 2022 model is no different. With the A15 Bionic chip, improved camera capabilities, and the same compact form factor, the iPhone SE aims to attract users who prefer smaller phones but don’t want to compromise on performance. In this review, we will delve into the design, performance, camera, battery life, and overall value of the iPhone SE (2022).
Design and Build Quality
The iPhone SE (2022) retains the iconic design of the iPhone 8, featuring a 4.7-inch Retina HD display with thick bezels at the top and bottom. While some might consider this design dated in the era of bezel-less displays, it remains a favorite for those who appreciate a more compact and familiar form factor. The device is constructed with a glass front and back, encased in an aluminum frame, giving it a premium feel despite its lower price point.
One of the most significant aspects of the iPhone SE’s design is its size. In a market saturated with large-screen smartphones, the SE’s compact dimensions are a breath of fresh air. It fits comfortably in one hand, making it easy to use and pocket-friendly. The device is also incredibly lightweight, weighing just 148 grams, which adds to its portability.
Apple has ensured that the iPhone SE (2022) is durable by equipping it with IP67 water and dust resistance. This means it can withstand being submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes, providing peace of mind for users who are prone to accidental spills or drops.
The iPhone SE (2022) is available in three color options: Midnight, Starlight, and (PRODUCT)RED. Each color has its own appeal, with the Midnight offering a classic black look, Starlight providing a more elegant silver finish, and (PRODUCT)RED standing out with its vibrant red hue.
Display
The 4.7-inch Retina HD display on the iPhone SE (2022) is a significant part of its charm. While it may not boast the high resolution or OLED technology found in Apple’s flagship models, it still offers a sharp and vibrant viewing experience. The display has a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 326 ppi, which is adequate for most daily tasks.
True Tone technology is included, allowing the display to adjust its color temperature based on the ambient lighting. This feature ensures that the screen looks natural and reduces eye strain in various lighting conditions. Additionally, the display supports a wide color gamut (P3) and offers excellent color accuracy, making it suitable for media consumption and casual photo editing.
However, the bezels around the display might be a dealbreaker for some users who are accustomed to edge-to-edge screens. While the design is nostalgic for many, others might find it outdated compared to the modern all-screen designs seen in other smartphones, including Apple’s own iPhone 13 series.
Performance
Under the hood, the iPhone SE (2022) is powered by the same A15 Bionic chip found in the iPhone 13 series. This is a significant upgrade from the previous generation and ensures that the SE delivers top-tier performance. The A15 Bionic is a 6-core CPU with 2 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores, accompanied by a 4-core GPU and a 16-core Neural Engine.
In real-world usage, the iPhone SE (2022) is incredibly fast and responsive. Whether you’re browsing the web, playing games, or multitasking between apps, the SE handles everything with ease. The A15 Bionic chip also ensures that the device is future-proof, capable of handling new iOS updates and demanding applications for years to come.
The performance of the iPhone SE is further enhanced by its efficient software integration. iOS 15, the operating system at launch, is optimized to work seamlessly with the hardware, providing a smooth and intuitive user experience. Features like FaceTime enhancements, Focus modes, and improved notifications all work flawlessly on the SE.
Camera
The iPhone SE (2022) features a single 12-megapixel rear camera with an f/1.8 aperture. While it lacks the multiple camera setups found on higher-end iPhones, the SE’s camera still performs admirably. Apple has leveraged computational photography to enhance the camera’s capabilities, ensuring that photos are detailed and vibrant.
In good lighting conditions, the iPhone SE produces excellent photos with accurate colors and a good dynamic range. The Smart HDR 4 technology helps in balancing the highlights and shadows, resulting in well-exposed images even in challenging lighting situations. Portrait mode is also available, despite the single camera, thanks to the A15 Bionic’s computational prowess. The Portrait Lighting effects add creative options for portrait shots, although the lack of a secondary lens means that edge detection is entirely software-based and can sometimes miss fine details.
Low-light performance has also improved over the previous generation, though it still lags behind the Night mode found on more expensive models. The SE relies on longer exposure times and software enhancements to brighten low-light images, which can result in some noise and less detail compared to the latest flagships.
The front-facing camera is a 7-megapixel sensor with an f/2.2 aperture. It supports features like Portrait mode and HDR, ensuring that selfies are clear and well-detailed. While it may not offer the same level of detail as the front cameras on more expensive iPhones, it is more than sufficient for video calls and social media.
Battery Life
Battery life is one area where the iPhone SE (2022) has seen notable improvement. Apple claims that the new SE offers up to 15 hours of video playback, which is a slight increase from its predecessor. In everyday use, the battery life is sufficient to get through a full day of moderate usage, including web browsing, social media, and streaming video.
The A15 Bionic chip plays a crucial role in battery efficiency, optimizing power consumption without compromising performance. However, users who engage in more intensive tasks, such as gaming or video editing, may find themselves needing to recharge by the end of the day.
The iPhone SE supports 20W fast charging, which can charge the battery up to 50% in about 30 minutes. This is a convenient feature for users who need a quick power boost during the day. The device also supports Qi wireless charging, although it lacks the faster MagSafe charging found on the iPhone 12 and 13 series.
Software and Features
The iPhone SE (2022) ships with iOS 15, which brings a host of new features and improvements. iOS 15 enhances the overall user experience with features like Focus mode, redesigned notifications, and improvements to FaceTime. The SE benefits from all these enhancements, providing a smooth and feature-rich software experience.
One notable feature of the iPhone SE is its support for 5G connectivity. While it may not support the fastest mmWave 5G bands, it still provides improved network speeds and reliability compared to 4G LTE. This ensures that the SE is future-proof and capable of taking advantage of the growing 5G networks.
Touch ID remains a staple of the iPhone SE’s design, integrated into the home button. While many modern smartphones have transitioned to facial recognition or under-display fingerprint sensors, Touch ID remains a reliable and fast biometric authentication method. For users who prefer this classic method, the SE is an excellent choice.
Value for Money
The iPhone SE (2022) is priced competitively, making it one of the most affordable iPhones available. Starting at $429 for the 64GB model, it offers significant value for users who want a powerful smartphone without breaking the bank. The 128GB and 256GB models are also available for those who need more storage.
Compared to other smartphones in its price range, the iPhone SE stands out with its superior performance, build quality, and software support. Apple’s commitment to providing timely iOS updates ensures that the SE will remain relevant and functional for several years, which is a crucial factor for budget-conscious buyers.
Conclusion
The Apple iPhone SE (2022) is a testament to Apple’s ability to deliver a powerful, compact smartphone at an affordable price. While its design may seem dated to some, it holds a nostalgic charm and practicality for others. The inclusion of the A15 Bionic chip ensures that the SE is not only fast and responsive but also future-proof. The camera, while lacking multiple lenses, leverages computational photography to deliver impressive results.
For users who prioritize performance, compactness, and value for money, the iPhone SE (2022) is an excellent choice. It offers the core iOS experience in a familiar form factor, making it an ideal option for those looking to upgrade from older models or switch to the iOS ecosystem without splurging on a flagship device. Despite some compromises, the iPhone SE (2022) remains one of the best budget smartphones on the market.