Pricing and Specifications

The 2022 iPhone SE is priced at £419, which is £20 higher than its predecessor.

This price increase is perplexing, considering it shares the same chassis and camera with the previous model, with the only significant upgrades being the A15 Bionic chip and 5G connectivity.

Perhaps the introduction of new color options contributes to the higher cost.

Design: An Outdated Aesthetic

To put it bluntly, the iPhone SE appears outdated. Its large top and bottom bezels and physical home button harken back to the iPhone 8 era.

In comparison to contemporary smartphones, it feels antiquated. Additionally, users accustomed to full-screen devices may struggle with the Touch ID functionality, as it alters the familiar swipe gestures.

The large bezels create an illusion of a smaller display, making the 4.7" Retina HD screen seem constrained. However, the back of the phone, featuring a glass surface and minimal branding, is visually appealing.

Performance and Display

The performance of the iPhone SE is impressive. Apple has consistently excelled in creating fast devices due to its integrated hardware and software.

Essentially, the new SE offers processing power comparable to that of the iPhone 13 Pro Max, minus one GPU core. This capability is remarkable given its budget-friendly status.

Thanks to Apple's ability to utilize their own chips, incorporating the latest technology into a lower-cost device is feasible. The SE delivers robust gaming and multitasking performance alongside its 5G capabilities.

Camera Quality

The camera on the iPhone SE meets expectations for an Apple device. It captures sharp images with minimal processing and no shutter lag, allowing for quick photo opportunities.

The camera benefits from features like Deep Fusion and Smart HDR, which were previously exclusive to higher-end models. However, it lacks a night mode and versatile zoom options.

Battery Life

The previous version of the iPhone SE received criticism for its inadequate battery life. Fortunately, the 2022 model performs much better.

While it may not last two days like some larger smartphones, it comfortably lasts through a full day of use.

For instance, after a morning of consistent usage, the battery can still be above 50% by the afternoon, showcasing improved battery management.

However, the lack of MagSafe compatibility is disappointing; many users would appreciate this feature for added convenience.

Target Audience for the iPhone SE 2022

Despite feeling outdated, the iPhone SE still has a target market.

If you’re looking for an affordable entry into the iOS ecosystem without resorting to refurbished options, the iPhone SE is the way to go. It’s also suitable for those who prefer Touch ID over Face ID.

However, for most consumers, there are more appealing alternatives on the market.

Exploring Alternatives

Thanks to reboxed, I reviewed several alternatives to the iPhone SE, including the previous model and options from rival brands.

To see how they compare, check out my detailed video review of the 2022 iPhone SE:

Conclusion

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The first video, "The SECRET Apple Product You Can't Buy," explores hidden gems within Apple's offerings.

The second video, "Apple's Vision Pro is Confusing," delves into the complexities of Apple's latest innovations.