The "1-Minute" Review
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.What's good
- Inexpensive
- Guaranteed updates
- Fast performance
- Water-resistant
What's bad
- Dated design
- No night mode for the camera
- Finicky 5G
- The baseline model has only 64GB of storage
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 the Critics Are Saying...
- Dominic Preston, Tech AdvisorThe iPhone SE only makes sense for buyers who simply have to have an iPhone, but can’t afford the step up to the 12 Mini – or won’t give up on Touch ID just yet. If that’s you, then the iPhone SE will serve you well so long as you can stomach the dinky display and retro aesthetic – but equivalent An...
- David Snelling, Daily ExpressIf you loved the previous iPhone SE (2020) or cannot bear to part with an ageing iPhone 8, the iPhone SE (2022) is a great choice. And thanks to the latest round of price cuts, some amazing iPhone SE (2022) deals can be found. There's no doubt, the new affordable iPhone SE offers an amazing upgrade...
- DxOMarkThe Apple iPhone SE (2022) display showed a strong performance overall in our tests. Unlike the other models in Apple’s series of iPhones which come with OLED displays, the Apple iPhone SE (2022) screen is an LCD, and it is the best one we’ve tested so far, outperforming all other LCDs phones in our...
- DxOMarkWith a DXOMARK Camera score of 118, the Apple iPhone SE (2022) does well in its segment and has made significant improvements over its predecessor the iPhone SE (2020). But the lack of ultra wide and tele cameras on the 2022 version means it cannot quite keep up with the best-in-class Google Pixel 6...
- DxOMarkThe Apple iPhone SE (2022)’s battery has a very small capacity of 2018 mAh, the smallest we’ve tested so far. The size had a significant impact on the autonomy and its score, which placed it near the bottom of our entire database. The iPhone SE (2022) offered only 1.5 days of autonomy in moderate us...
Prices (Where to Buy)
Common Questions
Apple iPhone SE (2022) prices will vary depending on retailer, age, special offers and whether or not it's purchased with a service plan. If purchased with a 2 year service contract for example, you would likely pay much less for the phone itself up front. Apple's suggested retail price is $429.00. You can compare iPhone SE (2022) prices from around the web here on The Informr.
Apple backs up the iPhone SE (2022) with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.
If your iPhone SE (2022) has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Apple support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Apple's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.
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