Review of the iPhone SE: The Ideal Mix of Price and Power
Table of Contents
Apple has always been associated with high-end smartphones, which are renowned for their elegant appearance, state-of-the-art features, and flawless user interface. However, the iPhone SE series has a different strategy by providing flagship-level performance at a lower cost.
Does it, however, live up to the hype? In order to assist you in determining whether the iPhone SE is the best phone for you, we will examine its design, features, performance, camera quality, and overall value in this review.
The iPhone SE’s sleek and small design

- An Idea Taken from the Past
- Apple combined the internal power of the iPhone 6s with the iconic style of the iPhone 5s when it released the first iPhone SE in 2016. Using the design from the iPhone 8, the 2020 iPhone SE adheres to the same principles. For those who prefer smaller smartphones, the 4.7-inch screen makes it the ideal option.
- Maintaining the heritage of the previous versions, the front of the smartphone has a Touch ID home button and a Retina HD display. The iPhone SE maintains Touch ID, which some customers still favor for its speed and convenience, in contrast to the newest iPhones that include Face ID.
- Build Sturdiness and Quality
The iPhone SE 2020 is lightweight and durable because of its aluminum frame and glass front and back. With its IP67 water and dust resistance rating, the phone can survive 30 minutes of immersion in water up to one meter deep.
Even though it might not feel as high-end as the iPhone 12 or iPhone 11 Pro, its build quality is still very good and makes it stand out among the less expensive models.
Bright and Sharp iPhone SE Display

- HD Retina Display
- With a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels, the iPhone SE 2020’s 4.7-inch Retina HD display is clear, bright, and sharp. Even though it lacks the OLED screens found on more expensive versions, such as the iPhone 12, it still has vibrant colors and crisp details, which makes it ideal for gaming, social media browsing, and video watching.
The display has True Tone enabled, which creates a more natural viewing experience by adjusting the white balance of the screen according to ambient light. Additionally, it supports Wide Color, which guarantees that pictures and movies look realistic.
- Limitations of the Display
- The LCD panel on the iPhone SE is one of its drawbacks. LCDs are useful, but they don’t have the depth and contrast that OLED screens do. Additionally, you may notice a tiny lag in scrolling fluency because it lacks the ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate featured in more recent iPhone models.
- The iPhone SE 2020’s
- performance is one of its most impressive features. It is powered by the A13 Bionic chip, which is also found in the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro.
- This chip ensures lightning-fast performance, allowing the iPhone SE to handle demanding tasks like gaming, multitasking, and video editing without any issues. Whether you’re using augmented reality apps, playing graphically demanding games, or streaming HD content, the A13 Bionic chip ensures smooth performance across all applications.
- Experience with Software
- Since the iPhone SE is running the most recent version of iOS, you can take advantage of all of Apple’s most recent updates and features. On iOS, everything functions flawlessly, including iMessage, Siri, iCloud, and the App Store. Additionally, you may anticipate software updates for several years to come because the device is still relatively young.
The iPhone SE’s camera is impressive considering its cost.

Dual Capabilities, One Lens
- The iPhone SE has a 12MP single back camera, in contrast to the majority of contemporary iPhones that have multiple camera lenses. Don’t be fooled by it, though. Apple has incorporated cutting-edge technologies like Deep Fusion, Portrait Mode, and Smart HDR, which assist in creating beautiful images in a range of lighting scenarios.
- For a low-cost gadget, the back camera’s dynamic range, vivid colors, and fine details are outstanding. In addition to supporting advanced lighting features, which are usually found in flagship models, Portrait Mode performs admirably, blurring the background for a bokeh effect.
- Low-Light Performance and Night Mode
- Sadly, the iPhone SE lacks Night Mode, which makes it less effective in low light than previous iPhone models, such as the iPhone 12. The A13 chip is a good performer; nevertheless, it still contributes to better picture quality in low-light conditions.
- The front-facing camera
- With natural skin tones and respectable detail, the 7MP front-facing camera provides good selfie quality. Additionally, it has Portrait Mode for selfies, which lets you blur the background for a more polished image.
iPhone SE Battery Life: Sufficient for Daily Use and Battery Capacity

Compared to more recent iPhone models, the 1,821 mAh battery in the SE 2020 is very modest. The A13 Bionic chip is extremely energy-efficient, which helps to extend battery life even with the reduced battery capacity.
With moderate use, which includes social networking, web browsing, and light gaming, users may anticipate using the device for an entire day on average. You may find yourself reaching for the charger before the end of the day if you’re a heavy user who plays games or streams for extended periods of time.
- Options for Charging
- You can charge the iPhone SE to 50% capacity in about 30 minutes thanks to its 18W rapid charging capability. However, as just a regular 5W charger is provided in the box, you will need to buy a compatible fast charger separately.
Features and Connectivity of the iPhone SE

- Wi-Fi and 4G LTE
- With 4G LTE compatibility, the iPhone SE 2020 offers quick data rates for streaming, downloading, and browsing. It also has Wi-Fi 6, which, when paired with compatible routers, provides faster Wi-Fi speeds and better performance.
- FaceTime and Additional Features for Communication
- AirDrop, iMessage, and FaceTime video calls are all supported on the iPhone SE. Siri also functions well, enabling voice commands for a number of functions like texting, creating reminders, and more.
Options for Storage
There are three storage options for the iPhone SE: 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB. Although expanded storage is not a possibility, power users who download a lot of apps or store large media files may find the 64GB of storage on the base model to be restrictive.
- Pricing of the iPhone SE: Excellent Value for the Money Reasonably priced
- The iPhone SE’s price is one of its main selling features. Compared to other flagship iPhones, the 64GB variant of the iPhone SE 2020 starts at $399, which is a substantial savings. Because of this, it’s a desirable choice for those seeking premium performance without going over budget.
In conclusion, is the iPhone SE a worthwhile purchase?

The iPhone SE 2020 is a very good investment. At a reasonable price, it offers the best of Apple’s ecosystem thanks to its A13 Bionic chip, excellent camera performance, small size, and smooth software. For consumers who value cutting-edge camera systems or display technologies, it might not be the best option.
All things considered, the iPhone SE is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a small, potent smartphone without the hefty price tag of flagship models. The iPhone SE is unquestionably something to think about if you’re looking for a high-performing, reasonably priced gadget.
FAQs
- How much does the 2020 iPhone SE cost?
The 64GB variant of the iPhone SE 2020 starts at $399, making it a reasonably priced device in Apple’s lineup. Larger storage options come at a larger cost: 128GB costs $449, while 256GB costs $549. - . Does the iPhone SE have Face ID?
No, the iPhone SE does not feature Face ID. Instead, it comes with Touch ID, a fingerprint-based biometric authentication system located in the home button. This is a signature feature of older iPhone models, offering fast and reliable unlocking. - Is the iPhone SE 2020 resistant to water?
Yes, the iPhone SE is water- and dust-resistant, with an IP67 classification. It won’t break after 30 minutes of being submerged in water up to one meter deep. - Is there a dual camera setup on the iPhone SE?
No, there is only one 12MP rear camera on the iPhone SE 2020. With features like Smart HDR, Portrait Mode, and Deep Fusion, it still produces excellent photos even though it doesn’t have the many lenses that other models like the iPhone 11 or iPhone 12 do. - How long does the iPhone SE’s battery last?
For average users, the iPhone SE 2020’s battery lasts roughly a day when used for moderate activities, including social media, web surfing, and light gaming. Heavy users might have to charge it before the end of the day, though. For speedy power-ups, the phone also supports 18W fast charging. - Which types of colour?
There are three color options for the iPhone SE 2020:
Product: Black
White
(RED) - Is there expandable storage on the iPhone SE?
The iPhone SE does not support microSD card expansion for storage. When buying the phone, you have to select from the 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB of storage that are available, so it’s critical to select the one that best suits your demands.
Some of the most frequently asked inquiries concerning the iPhone SE 2020 should be answered by these frequently asked questions. This phone is unquestionably a fantastic option if you’re searching for an affordable iPhone with top-notch functionality!