The new iPhone SE replaces the iPhone 8, and Apple, however, has introduced many leading features that you won’t find on Android phones in its price range, including metal and glass, wireless charging, and waterproofing.
Also included are old-school driver features like Touch ID to unlock the device.
iPhone SE 2020: Price and Release date
The iPhone SE 2020 was released on April 24 and costs $399. It starts with 64GB of storage and can be upgraded to 128GB for $449 or 256GB for $549.
iPhone SE 2020: Design and Colors
On the positive side, this is a beautifully designed phone with the same rugged glass and aluminum design as the iPhone 8. However, the new iPhone SE has three color options: black, white, and red.
The iPhone SE is 5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 inches and weighs 5.22 ounces. The iPhone SE 2020 is also designed to have IP67 water resistance, which means it can be submerged for up to 30 minutes in a pool of water.
iPhone SE 2020: Touch ID
Apple has, however, introduced Face ID on all of its newer phones in recent years, but the new iPhone SE 2020 still uses a Touch ID sensor below the screen to unlock the device.
This same sensor can authorize downloads from the App Store and Apple Pay and enter passwords.
iPhone SE 2020: Display
The iPhone SE’s screen resolution is 1334 x 750 pixels. It is distinguished by its 625 nits rating and even receiving 653 nits in tests.
The iPhone SE 2020 panel also supports True Tone, which means the screen color temperature can automatically adjust based on the surrounding lighting conditions.
According to tests, the iPhone SE’s screen reproduces 111.2% of the sRGB color gamut. It also offers precise colors, reaching a Delta-E rating of 0.2; grade zero is perfect.
iPhone SE 2020: Cameras
The camera in the iPhone SE 2020 is so good that it is often difficult to distinguish between it and the iPhone 11. The only exception is the night mode, which the iPhone SE does not have.
Like the iPhone 8, the iPhone SE has a 12-megapixel rear camera and a 7-MP front camera. It doesn’t have an ultra-wide-angle lens like the iPhone 11 or a telephoto lens like the iPhone 11 Pro, but the A13 Bionic chip increases the performance of the iPhone SE camera in several ways.
For example, the iPhone SE’s rear and front cameras allow for portraits, with vertical light effects and the ability to control the depth of field. The iPhone SE also uses Smart HDR to highlight the protruding parts of the face.
The only weakness of the iPhone SE camera is the lack of night mode. I’m unsure if the iPhone SE can go into night mode with software updates. However, it would be exceptional to see Apple add this functionality.
The iPhone SE can also record 4K video at up to 60 frames per second, and you can enjoy a wide dynamic range by reducing the frame rate to 30 fps. Thus, more details in the shade and better reflections are accentuated.
iPhone SE 2020: Performance
Although Android device manufacturers are equipping their cost-effective phones with weaker processors, the iPhone SE includes the same next-generation Aion Bionic chip as the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11. Pro, which means you’ll enjoy the same quick and fast performance.
In Geekbench 5, which measures overall performance, the iPhone SE scored 3,226 in the multi-core test and 1,337 in the single-core section. These figures are comparable to those of the iPhone 11 (3,251 and 1,331). They also defeated the Galaxy S20, which scored 3,147 and 867 and cost $600 more.
The iPhone SE also performed very well during real performance tests. After some changes were made to the Adobe Premiere Rush app, it only took 43 seconds to download the 4K video in 1080p.
This result beats the more expensive Samsung Galaxy S20, which lasted 1 minute and 15 seconds.
iPhone SE 2020: Battery life and charge
The iPhone SE has a shorter battery life than the iPhone 11, so you shouldn’t expect more extended durability. For example, Apple says the iPhone SE offers 13 hours of video playback versus 17 hours for the iPhone 11.
Based on battery tests, the iPhone SE 2020 lasted an average of 9 hours and 18 minutes. This is well below the resistance of the iPhone 11 (11:16), the iPhone 11 Pro (10:24), and the iPhone 11 Pro Max (11:54). The iPhone SE is also followed by Google Pixel 3a, which lasted the epic epithet 11:59 in our test.
It is rather unfortunate that the iPhone SE comes with Apple’s standard 5-watt Lightning charger. With that type of charge, you can expect to get just 29% power in only 30 minutes.
To charge the iPhone SE 2020 up to 50% in 30 minutes, you will have to pay extra for the Apple 18W charger. The power costs $29, and the USB C to Lightning cable costs $19.
If you want to connect wirelessly, the iPhone SE supports 7.5W wireless charging and Qi standard.
iPhone SE: Verdict
The iPhone SE 2020 is affordable and one of the best, cheapest phones you can get. It’s the closest thing to future proof that you’ll find less than $400 that offers the fastest performance, great cameras, wireless charging, and high-end design that outperforms Android phones.
How nice it would be if Apple offered the iPhone SE Plus for $499 to those who prefer a larger screen, but if you prefer a smaller phone, that phone won’t disappoint.
In conclusion, the iPhone SE is the best phone for anyone on such a budget.
Reasons to Buy the iPhone SE 2020
- A13 Bionic processor: The A13 chip is the fastest on the phone and delivers a flawless performance whether you juggle multiple apps, play games, or use AR apps.
- Reliable cameras: this A13 chip also increases the photographic power of the iPhone SE while obtaining Portrait mode for front and rear shooters, Smart HDR for better reflections, and a wide dynamic range in 4K video.
- Premium design: Although many premium phones have a plastic design, the iPhone SE is made of glass and metal and waterproof with IP67.
- Bright, colorful display: The iPhone SE’s 4.7-inch Retina display is not Full HD, but it is easily visible outside and provides a vivid picture.
- Easy to use with one hand: People who love portable phones will appreciate the iPhone SE’s compactness. The Touch ID button makes it easy to unlock the device.
Reasons to skip the iPhone SE 2020
- Large bezels: The iPhone SE would be even more attractive if Apple offered a design closer to a full-screen one.
- Night mode for the camera: The iPhone SE does not have the night mode function like the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro, so you must rely on the flash in very dark conditions.
