Every few years, the cheapest iPhone model gets a refresh. This iPhone SE (2022) is the third generation that succeeds the iPhone SE from 2020. However, little seems to have changed about the smartphone. You can read more about it in this iPhone SE (2022) review.
Apple iPhone SE (2022)
Recommended retail price From € 529,-
Colors Black, white and red
OS iOS 15
Screen 4.7″ LCD (1334 x 750), 60Hz
Processor 2.66GHz hexacore (Apple Bionic A15)
RAM 4GB
Storage 64GB, 128GB or 256GB (non-expandable)
Battery 2,018 mAh
Camera 12 megapixel (rear), 7 megapixel (front)
Connectivity 5G (LTE), Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 6, NFC, GPS
Format 13.8 x 6.7 x 0.7 cm
Weight 144 grams
Other E-sim, wireless charging, IP67 certificate
Website www.apple.com/nl
6 Score 60 
- Pros
- chipset
- Accessible
- fingerprint scanner
- Negatives
- Screen
- Camera limited
- Design
- Outdated Lightning Connector
The iPhone SE from two years ago shook up the market of mid-range smartphones a bit. The chipset of the device ran in circles in terms of computing power, even the more expensive Android alternatives and in the price range was quite looked down upon by the competition when it came to update support. The repurposed iPhone 8 design sufficed.
Reality quickly caught up with the 2020 iPhone SE. For about 500 euros you have a more powerful smartphone, with more cameras and functionalities and a much more modern design with a beautiful screen that fills the entire front. An improved version of the iPhone SE is therefore not a moment too late.
New wine in old bottles
Apple’s urge to innovate seems to have skipped this iPhone SE (2022) a bit. At first glance, the new version is indistinguishable from the previous iPhone SE. The appearance of the iPhone 8 has been maintained, including the old-fashioned-looking thick screen bezels below and above the screen. It is nice that under the screen there is room for a fingerprint scanner instead of facial recognition.
This means that the smartphone is still very compact and light. The screen size of 4.7 inches will also appeal to people who really like to choose a small smartphone. The back is made of glass, a fragile material and prone to fingerprints. A case is therefore definitely recommended.
At first glance, the new iPhone SE is indistinguishable from the previous generation.
chipset
What did Apple do? Replace the chipset. We still know the Apple A15 Bionic from the iPhone 13 and it is simply the fastest chipset currently on the market. And that for a smartphone in this price range… This chipset also provides 5G support. That is nice, but 5G is still such a disappointing experience that it is not yet a reason to replace your smartphone.
Not only does the chipset provide significant speed gains, it also offers the computing power to last for years to come. Apple provides long-term support when it comes to updates. This way you can be sure that you can use the new features of iOS for years to come.
Forgotten device
Still, the iPhone SE (2022) stands out mainly because of the lack of innovation. The design had already been discussed. But things also go wrong in terms of connections. It is to be expected that the audio port is missing, but that Apple once again chooses to keep the Lightning connection is not acceptable. The connection is outdated, will soon be banned on smartphones in Europe and only has a right to exist for Apple’s wallet.
If you compare the 720p LCD screen with the AMOLED screens that other smartphones in the same price range are equipped with, then the tears spring to the eyes. Especially in bright sunlight, and that is not due to the sun itself. The brightness, color reproduction and sharpness are so much less than other smartphones of (far) under 500 euros. In addition, the competition in this price range can also offer a higher refresh rate for smoother running images.
The iPhone SE still has a single camera, which is fine. Rather one very good camera than several mediocre cameras. As a result, you do miss functions to take wide-angle and macro photos, for example. The chipset in combination with the lens should make a lot possible in the field of image recognition and processing.
Still, Apple has withheld features such as Night Mode and Portrait Mode on objects when it should absolutely be possible. As a result, the camera already lags behind the competition during the launch, while photos in normal lighting conditions are really not bad.
Removing the night mode is a serious loss (left iPhone 12 Pro, right iPhone SE (2022).
Battery
Compared to the previous generation of the iPhone SE, this new version has a slightly higher battery capacity: 2,018 mAh, while the previous version had a battery of 1,821 mAh. So a minimal increase. The chipset also works slightly more economically. On the other hand, 5G demands a lot more toll on the battery. The battery life does not last below the line. About a day. Depending on, for example, 4G or 5G and how often you use the smartphone, of course.
Charging can be done via the Lightning connection or via a wireless charger. You can also click Magsafe chargers onto the device magnetically. Please note that there is no adapter in the box.
Alternatives to iPhone SE (2022)
It’s a shame that Apple has given so little love to the iPhone SE (2022). After all, the SE series is one of the best selling. That will not change with this smartphone. After all, the iPhone SE is the best smartphone for those looking for the cheapest iPhone. By which I’m trying to say that Apple has and serves its own target audience.
When the iPhone SE (2020) appeared on the market, the competition had to step up a gear. That is not the case with this version. In fact. The iPhone SE (2022) is already behind the times on the day of its release. Even the only asset that Apple offers: the long-term support has been brought in by Samsung, which with its new Galaxy A series has brought a smartphone on the market for less money that gets at least four Android version updates and in terms of hardware outclasses this iPhone in almost all areas: battery life, camera quality, camera functions, screen, charger, design, storage memory and so on. Only the powerful A15 chipset wins.
If you really want a handy and less expensive iPhone, choose the iPhone 13 Mini.
Compared to Samsung smartphones in this price range, the iPhone SE (2022) feels a bit like a Lada car with a V12 engine, while the Samsung alternatives seem like less fast Mercedes with all options. And with an even lower price. Especially if you compare the iPhone with the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE, which costs about the same, a choice for Apple is not easy to talk about.
Even if you have a previous generation iPhone SE, it is not recommended to upgrade it. In that case, it is better to save up for an iPhone 13 Mini or an iPhone 12 Mini.
Conclusion: buy iPhone SE (2022)?
The iPhone SE (2022) is a safe choice for an accessible smartphone, and therefore not recommended. But I can’t recommend the device in the least. The iPhone SE (2022) has already surpassed in almost all areas before the smartphone even hit the shelves. The middle segment of the smartphone is completely dominated by Samsung, and that is a painful conclusion. For Apple.
†