Compared: New 2022 iPhone SE vs 2020 iPhone SE. iPhone se 2020 64gb
Compared: New 2022 iPhone SE vs 2020 iPhone SE
Apple has updated its iPhone SE to a new generation, with the entry-level smartphone now boasting 5G connectivity, but has Apple done enough to encourage people to upgrade to a new model?
2022 iPhone SE against the 2020 iPhone SE
The iPhone SE has always held a position of being an entryway into iPhone ownership. One providing consumers with a compact smartphone with most of the modern conveniences of the flagships, but at a very value-oriented price.
For the third-generation model, introduced by Apple on March 8, the company is continuing the tradition of it being an introductory device of sorts. This time, it’s a way for people to cheaply upgrade to 5G.
Along with the upgraded connectivity, Apple also made its usual array of upgrades to the internals. This could make the new iPhone SE a good option for owners of the older model, as well as potential switchers.
Here’s how the 2020 and 2022 versions of the iPhone SE stack up.
Specifications
| Price (starting) | 429 | 399 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 | 5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 |
| Weight (ounces) | 5.09 | 5.22 |
| Processor | A15 Bionic | A13 Bionic |
| Storage | 64GB,128GB,256GB | 64GB,128GB |
| Display type | 4.7-inch Retina HD | 4.7-inch Retina HD |
| Resolution | 1,334 x 750 at 326ppi | 1,334 x 750 at 326ppi |
| True Tone | Yes | Yes |
| Biometrics | Touch ID | Touch ID |
| Connectivity | 5G (sub-6GHz),LTE Advanced,Bluetooth 5.0,Wi-Fi 6,NFC | Gigabit-class LTE,Bluetooth 5.0,Wi-Fi 6,NFC |
| Rear Camera | Single-lens 12MP Wide camera | Single-lens 12MP Wide camera |
| Video | 4k 60fps,1080p Slo-mo | 4K 60fps,1080p Slo-mo |
| Front Camera | 7MP FaceTime HD | 7MP FaceTime HD |
| Battery Size (Video playback time) | Up to 15 hours | Up to 13 hours |
| Wireless Charging | Qi | Qi |
| Colors | Midnight, Starlight, (Product)Red | Black, White, (Product)Red |
iPhone SE Gen 3 vs iPhone SE Gen 2. Physical Dimensions
While considered a small iPhone, the second-generation iPhone SE wasn’t the smallest in the range. The iPhone 13 mini takes that spot by fractions of an inch, but the iPhone SE isn’t too far from it.
The Gen 2 model is 5.45 inches tall and 2.65 inches wide, while also measuring 0.29 inches thick. As for its weight, it tips the scales at a respectable 5.22 ounces.
The design of the second-generation SE reused design cues from the iPhone 8, rather than incorporating design ideas you’d see from flagship versions like the iPhone 13. This includes thicker bezels and the top and base, since it doesn’t use an edge-to-edge screen.
Apple retains the same device design for the third-generation model, with no discernible external changes on view. It’s also precisely the same 5.45 inches tall, 2.65 inches wide, and 0.29 inches thick as its predecessor.
The newer model is, however, a little lighter at 5.09 ounces.
The price of the iPhone SE means Apple won’t use more premium materials like stainless steel. Instead, the second-generation model uses aluminum, along with glass panels on the front and back.
iPhone SE 3
The 2022 iPhone SE starts at 429, but wireless carriers are offering aggressive incentives on the budget-friendly smartphone with 5G support.
This tradition continues with the third-gen model.
The iPhone SE isn’t meant to be a flagship. Apple’s targeting a low price, so you’re aren’t going to get the company’s latest design ethos from the model.
iPhone SE Gen 3 vs iPhone SE Gen 2. Display
The lack of an edge-to-edge display in the iPhone SE Gen 2 and Gen 3 and the inclusion of a Home button means the screen size is very small compared to the size of the body. Apple used a 4.7-inch Retina HD display in the second, which it retained for the third.
Unsurprisingly, this means you get the same display specifications across both models, including the resolution of 1,334 by 750, a pixel density of 326ppi, a 1,400:1 contrast ratio, and 625 nits of brightness.
The front appearance of the iPhone SE hasn’t changed.
Features like True Tone and Wide color (P3) support persist across both models without changes.
iPhone SE Gen 3 vs iPhone SE Gen 2. Processing performance
While aiming for a low pricepoint, Apple does tend to include a fairly recent A-series chip in the iPhone SE. For its early 2020 launch, Apple included the A13 Bionic, the same chip as used in the current-generation iPhone 11.
That chip is a 7nm hexa-core SoC with two high-performance cores accompanied by four energy-efficient cores. It also used an Apple-designed four-core GPU, as well as an eight-core Neural Engine, and had a total of 8.5 billion transistors.
In 2022, the third generation moves on to the A15 Bionic, as used by the iPhone 13 range. It uses two performance and four efficiency cores with an updated GPU and a 16-core Neural Engine.
Obviously, the A15 is faster than the A13, and you can see this in Geekbench scores for the second-gen iPhone SE versus the iPhone 13.
The Gen 2 SE manages a single-core score of 1,312, the multi-core test gets to 2,818, and it also achieves a Metal score of 7,285. The iPhone 13 scores 1,671 and 4,480 for the single-core and multi-core tests, respectively, and 10,805 for Metal.
Though we may see different results when the third-gen SE gets benchmarked, it’s not going to be far off the iPhone 13.
Face it. It’s a newer chip. It’s going to be faster.
iPhone SE Gen 3 vs iPhone SE Gen 2. Cameras
Since it is a price-conscious device, Apple put a single camera on the back of the second-generation iPhone SE, rather than opting for a dual-camera arrangement. The iPhone SE Gen 3 effectively has the same camera with minimal changes.
The 12-megapixel Wide camera for both models has an f/1.8 aperture, with optical image stabilization, a 5x digital zoom, and a True Tone flash. Support for Smart HDR photos and Portrait mode with Depth Control and Portrait Lighting are also included.
The only differences here stem from Apple’s switch to the A15, which brings with it improved image signal processing. This includes Deep Fusion computational photography enhancements and an upgrade to Smart HDR 4 and Photographic Styles.
For video, the second-gen model could film in 4K at up to 60fps, with 1080p slo-mo at 240fps. Video also benefited from optical image stabilization and a 3x digital zoom, as well as stereo recording.
There are no changes for the third-gen in video, so you’re not going to get the iPhone 13’s Cinematic Mode here.
You get the same display and camera in the third-gen iPhone SE as the second, but also processing improvements.
Around the front of the second-generation version is a FaceTime HD camera, offering a 7-megapixel resolution, an f/2.2 aperture, Retina Flash, and 1080p30 video recording.
The third-gen, again, uses the same camera, but the image signal processing changes buoy it. That equates to Smart HDR for photos, Photographic Styles support, a 120fps 1080p Slo-mo, and Deep Fusion.
Apple may not have upgraded the cameras, but for the third-gen iPhone SE, it improved what it does with them.
iPhone SE Gen 3 vs iPhone SE Gen 2. Connectivity
A key feature of the third-gen iPhone SE is 5G, with it providing support for sub-6GHz bands. This does technically mean it connects to 5G networks, but it crucially lacks support for mmWave.
To consumers, they may feel short-changed by the decision. 5G is chiefly marketed with its high-speed connectivity, which means devices have to support what is referred to as mmWave.
Typical 5G networks use mmWave alongside sub-6G bands, with the latter roughly equitable to LTE in terms of range and speed and the former being high-speed but low-range and prone to disruption.
Apple does expressly state the iPhone SE now has 5G, which is true. It can connect to 5G networks, which are faster than LTE. Just not at the advertised blistering pace and not massively quicker than the second-gen could perform.
To outside observers, there’s no external differences between the second-generation and third-generation iPhone SE.
Why has this been included? Aside from being a marketing point, it’s most likely there for future-proofing reasons since LTE networks will eventually die off.
That won’t be for quite some time, but for people who use smartphones for many years at a time, it could be a comfort to know it’ll keep on working.
Given the nature of 5G rollouts, customers may not have a 5G signal where they live, and mostly likely won’t see mmWave. It isn’t a problem, as both offer LTE connectivity, with the newest model boasting LTE Advanced support.
On a more local connectivity level, both iPhone SE models support Wi-Fi 6 with MIMO, Bluetooth 5.0, and NFC for Apple Pay. GPS support extends to GPS/GNSS on the second-gen, while the third supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, and BeiDou.
For physical connectivity, both iPhone SE models still use Lightning.
iPhone SE Gen 3 vs iPhone SE Gen 2. Battery and Charging
Apple introduced wireless charging in the second-generation iPhone SE, with it compatible with Qi chargers. However, it doesn’t use MagSafe, Apple’s preferred wireless charging system with a higher charging rate, so it can only do so at up to 7.5W.
Despite the lack of MagSafe, it still offers Qi support and runs at the limited 7.5W.
Naturally, both can also be charged using Lightning. This includes a fast-charge capability, where it can gain up to 50% of its capacity in 30 minutes using a compatible 20W adapter.
For battery life, Apple claims the second iPhone SE can provide up to 13 hours of video playback, up to 8 hours when streamed, and up to 40 hours of audio playback.
On the third, battery life is upgraded to 15 hours of video playback, 10 hours streamed, and up to 40 hours of audio.
iPhone SE Gen 3 vs iPhone SE Gen 2. Other Features
As they lack a TrueDepth camera for Face ID biometric security, both models use Touch ID via the Home button at the bottom of the display.
Apple rates both models’ splash, water, and dust resistance at IP67, equating to being submerged for 30 minutes at a depth of three feet.
iPhone SE Gen 3 vs iPhone SE Gen 2. Capacity and Pricing
Since launch, the second-generation iPhone SE was offered in a choice of two capacities: 64GB and 128GB. Apple charged 399 for the 64GB version, 449 for the 128GB.
Seemingly acknowledging how users can easily fill up storage, Apple adds a third 256GB option to the existing 64GB and 128GB options for the third-gen. The 64GB model costs 429, the 128GB is 479, and the 256GB is 579.
Apple sells the iPhone SE Gen 3 in the same colors as the Gen 2, but two colors have new names.
In effect, Apple has put the up of the third-gen iPhone SE by 30 for the 64GB and 128GB models.
Apple offered a choice of three colors for the second-gen model, with White and Black accompanied by (Product)Red. There’s no real change here for the third-gen version, except the names are now Midnight, Starlight, and (Product)Red.
Better, but not massively
Apple’s update of the iPhone SE is a textbook demonstration of a specifications bump. You’re not getting anything new on the outside at all, with all of the fundamental changes happening internally.
This certainly makes sense for Apple to do this for the iPhone SE, as it saves money on not redesigning something that already works.
For what changes there are, they’re relatively minor. Switching to the A15 from the A13 will undoubtedly be welcomed by app power users, along with the image processing upgrade that enables computational photography on the model.
The highlight feature of it being the 5G iPhone SE is technically correct but far from the high-speed vision many would have expected. Yes, it does get you onto 5G networks, but aside from signal support, you’re not going to see any real benefit here.
Battery life extensions are always welcomed, though there is the feeling that it is more from changing to a more energy-efficient chip than from adding a larger battery.
The lack of MagSafe may be a missed opportunity. But then again, how many people buying the cheapest iPhone in the range will care about getting MagSafe accessories to go with it?
It’s hard to recommend the third-gen iPhone SE as an upgrade for second-gen owners. There are a few changes, but it’s not really worth the switch unless you want basic 5G connectivity, faster processing, and computational photograph adjustments.
While it’s not a massive upgrade from the second-generation version, the third-gen keeps the iPhone SE updated and relevant as the entry-level iPhone on the roster. This is especially true for those upgrading from very old iPhones or tentatively switching from Android.
It’s not a seismic shift for the iPhone SE. It’s just keeping things modern enough to be useful.
Where to buy
Apple’s iPhone SE 3 starts at 429 and is available at wireless carriers, with many offering incentives, such as free gift cards and device credits.
Several also carry the iPhone SE 2, with closeout iPhone deals also in place.
Pick up Apple’s compact iPhone at:
Apple
Must activate new line on min 30/mo. voice plan. First mo. svc charge tax due at sale. Excludes ATT ports. New line/port pricing available once every 365 days. Usage, speed restr’s apply. Original Price 379.99. Intermittent price reductions taken. See details.
Lease-To-Own with Learn
Find this phone at a local Cricket store
Free 2-Business Day Shipping
No Activation Fee Online
4.7″ Screen Size
12 mp Camera
64 GB Storage
iPhone SE 2022. Lightning-fast A15 Bionic chip and fast 5G 1. Big-time battery life 2. and a superstar camera. Plus, the toughest glass in a smartphone and a Home button with secure Touch ID. See Features 1 Cricket 5G is not available everywhere. See cricketwireless.com/map for coverage details. For information on 5G support from Apple, see Apple.com/iPhone/cellular. 2 Battery life varies by use and configuration. See Apple.com/batteries for more information.
Lots to love.Less to spend.
iPhone SE packs the most powerful chip into the most popular size iPhone at the most affordable price. It’s just what you’ve been waiting for.
Brilliant 4.7” Retina HD display. Speed and security of Touch ID. Water resistant to 1 meter for 30 minutes. 1 All in a slim, lighter design.
Design
Brilliant 4.7” Retina HD display. Speed and security of Touch ID. Water resistant to 1 meter for 30 minutes. 1 All in a slim, lighter design.
A13 Bionic is the fastest chip ever in a smartphone, period. Launch apps, play games, and more — all with blazing speed.
Performance
A13 Bionic is the fastest chip ever in a smartphone, period. Launch apps, play games, and more — all with blazing speed.
The advanced camera system with A13 Bionic enables Portrait mode, artfully placing the FOCUS on your subject — even for selfies.
Camera
The advanced camera system with A13 Bionic enables Portrait mode, artfully placing the FOCUS on your subject — even for selfies.
Video
4K video means four times the detail of Full HD. And QuickTake allows you to start recording video in photo mode by just holding the shutter.
Battery
Apple products are designed to protect your privacy and give you control over your information. It’s not always easy. But that’s the kind of innovation Apple believes in.
Privacy
Apple products are designed to protect your privacy and give you control over your information. It’s not always easy. But that’s the kind of innovation Apple believes in.
Even more great stuff.
True Tone Dynamically adjusts white balance on the display so images look natural and are easier on your eyes.
Haptic Touch Press and hold an icon for shortcuts and a slight vibration makes it feel like you’re pressing a real, physical button.
Augmented reality Run the latest AR apps that let you measure real-world objects, map constellations over the stars, and more.
Stereo audio recording iPhone SE records videos in stereo to make the sound as engaging as the picture.
Faster Wi-Fi and cellular data Wi-Fi 6 and Gigabit-class LTE can deliver much faster download speeds, whether you’re on Wi-Fi or cellular networks. 3
Audio Sharing You and a friend can both rock out to the same playlist by pairing two sets of Airpods or Beats headphones to one iPhone. 4
Dual SIM, dual numbers Dual SIM with eSIM lets you have both a business and a personal number on the same iPhone. 5
Fast-charge capable Connect to a fast-charge adaptor (sold seperately) to go from zero to up to 50 percent in 30 minutes. 6
Accessories
Shop for cases designed just for iPhone. Explore Airpods, photography tools, wireless charging docks, and more.
AppleCare
AppleCare provides extended repair coverage and 24/7 priority support from the people who know iPhone best.
- iPhone SE (2nd generation) is splash, water, and dust resistant and was tested under controlled laboratory conditions with a rating of IP67 under IEC standard 60529 (maximum depth of 1 meter up to 30 minutes). Splash, water, and dust resistance are not permanent conditions and resistance might decrease as a result of normal wear. Do not attempt to charge a wet iPhone; refer to the user guide for cleaning and drying instructions. Liquid damage not covered under warranty.
- All battery claims depend on network configuration and many other factors; actual results will vary. Battery has limited recharge cycles and may eventually need to be replaced by Apple service provider. Battery life and charge cycles vary by use and settings. See Apple.com/batteries and Apple.com/iPhone/battery.html for more information.
- Data plan required. Gigabit‑class LTE is available in select markets and through select carriers. Speeds are based on theoretical throughput and vary based on site conditions and carrier. For details on LTE support, contact your carrier and see Apple.com/iPhone/LTE.
- Compatible with Airpods (1st generation or later), Powerbeats Pro, Beats Solo3 Wireless, BeatsX, Beats Studio3 Wireless, and Powerbeats3 Wireless and requires the latest version of iOS.
- Use of eSIM requires a wireless service plan (which may include restrictions on switching service providers and roaming, even after contract expiration). Not all carriers support eSIM. Use of eSIM in iPhone may be disabled when purchased from some carriers. See your carrier for details. To learn more, visit support.Apple.com/kb/HT209044.
- Testing conducted by Apple in February 2020 using preproduction iPhone SE (2nd generation) units and software and accessory Apple USB-C Power Adapters (18W Model A1720 and 30W Model A1882). Fast-charge testing conducted with drained iPhone units. Charge time varies with environmental factors; actual results will vary.
- 4.99/month after free trial. One subscription per Family Sharing group. Offer good for 3 months after eligible device activation. Plan automatically renews until cancelled. Restrictions and other terms apply. See Apple.com/promo for more information.
Display
iPhone SE 2022 Retina HD display has rounded corners that follow a beautiful curved design, and these corners are within a standard rectangle. When measured as a standard rectangular shape, the screen is 4.7 inches diagonally (actual viewable area is less.)
Go ahead, keep the camera rolling. The enhanced video on iPhone SE picks up an incredible amount of detail — including contours, shadows, and highlights — even when the sun goes down.
Camera
12MP Wide camera; Portrait mode with advanced bokeh and Depth Control; Portrait Lighting with six effects; Smart HDR 4 for photos; Photographic Styles; 4K video recording; LED True Tone flash; QuickTake video; Take 8MP still photos while recording 4K video
Is Apple’s iPhone SE 2020 Still a Good Buy in 2022?
Apple’s March 8 event is rumored to reveal a new iPhone SE. We’ll help you decide if the current iPhone SE model is still worth considering.
Andrew is CNET’s go-to guy for product coverage and lead photographer for Europe. When not testing the latest phones, he can normally be found with his camera in hand, behind his drums or eating his stash of home-cooked food. Sometimes all at once.
- Shortlisted for British Photography Awards 2022, Commended in Landscape Photographer of the Year 2022
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Apple’s newest budget phone, the expected iPhone SE 3. might launch at Apple’s next event on March 8. ( Here’s how to watch the event.) The latest rumors indicate that the SE 3 could feature a retro design, 5G support and Face ID. Now that this new version of the affordable iPhone is likely coming soon, you should probably wait until March 8 before considering the 2020 iPhone SE that’s on sale right now. But if your phone is broken or you absolutely must get a lower-cost iPhone this week, there are elements of the current iPhone SE that are worth considering.
At 399 (£419, AU749), the 2020 iPhone SE remains the most budget-friendly entry into the world of iPhones and iOS. But the iPhone 11 has seen a significant price cut to 499. while the more recent iPhone 13 Mini comes in at 729 (£699, AU1,199). That’s before we even consider the plethora of affordable rivals running Android.
Let’s take a look at how the iPhone SE measures up in 2022.
What is the iPhone SE 2020?
It’s Apple’s attempt at providing an affordable iPhone option, with more cut-down specs than the other phones launched in 2020 but with a much lower price. Those specs include a 4.7-inch display, an Apple A13 processor and a single 12-megapixel rear camera. Storage starts at 64GB, it supports Qi wireless charging and there’s no 5G.
iPhone SE’s 399 price tag
At 399, the iPhone SE is the cheapest new iPhone that’s available possible to buy, so if you’re simply looking at the lowest cost, this is the way to go. While Apple did try and make its iPhone 13 range more affordable, even the cheapest iPhone 13 Mini starts at 699, a significant price increase over the SE.
The next cheapest iPhone you can get is the iPhone 11. It was released in 2019, but you can still buy a new one on the Apple store. It uses the older A13 Bionic processor, also starts with 64GB of storage, also has wireless charging and offers an excellent dual rear camera. You also get a much bigger screen with the iPhone 11; 6.1 inches versus the iPhone SE’s 4.7 inches.
Apple only gave the iPhone SE one camera
While most phones launched last year tended to have multiple cameras on the back, the iPhone SE kept its costs down with just the one. It’s likely to be one of the biggest compromises you may need to make, particularly if you enjoy taking photos with your phone.
While the single camera can take some great photos.- comfortably rivaling the iPhone 11.- it lacks the flexibility and creative potential of cameras with multiple lens options. I love using the different lenses on the more expensive iPhones. As a photographer, I wouldn’t want to go without these shooting options, but they come at an additional price. The iPhone 11 packs a standard camera and an additional ultra-wide lens which is great for capturing a wide scene in front of you. If you’re into your photography, that extra hundred bucks for the iPhone 11 might be a savvy spend.
If multilens setups are important but you don’t want to spend any more than the SE’s price, you’ll need to consider an Android phone. Which brings me neatly on to.
iOS vs. Android
While the iPhone SE is the cheapest iPhone you can buy, it’s by no means the cheapest phone. Many Android brands offer much less expensive handsets and usually come with more attractive specs, including multiple lens rear cameras, bigger displays, more storage and even 5G connectivity.
The OnePlus Nord N10. for example, has a 6.4-inch display, 128GB of storage, a good-quality quadruple rear camera and 5G for super-fast data speeds. It can be picked up, SIM-free, from OnePlus for only 300. If you’re looking for the best bang for your buck then you’ll usually find better specs for lower with Android.
Even cheaper is the Samsung Galaxy A13. which for 250 includes a triple-lens camera featuring a 50-megapixel main camera, 5G support and a 5,000-mAh battery.
The flip side of the argument is that Apple’s phones tend to age better, with even five-year old handsets like the original 2016 iPhone SE able to run the latest versions of iOS.- complete with security patches to keep them safe. They also hold their value better if you decide to sell your iPhone later on.
iPhone SE’s performance
The iPhone SE shares many physical features and hardware specs with 2017’s iPhone 8, except for the processor. The 2020 SE has Apple’s A13 Bionic chip; the same hardware found in the more expensive iPhone 11. And it shows, with benchmarks putting the 2020 SE leagues above the iPhone 8 and absolutely crushing the OnePlus Nord N10.
It’s nippy to use, and powerful enough to handle anything you’d likely throw at it, including most, if not all, of the biggest games to be found in the App Store. It might be a budget phone, but its processor power means you’re getting anything but a budget experience. This will also mean your phone will remain usable for longer, being able to cope with new versions of iOS as they arrive.
G vs. 4G
The iPhone SE 2020 doesn’t have 5G connectivity. That means those exciting potential download speeds you might have seen advertised will be out of reach with this phone. Sure, at its low price that might not seem like a big deal now, but if you plan on keeping the phone for at least two or three years, you may well feel differently later on.
Rumors suggest that the SE 3 will support 5G. So your decision here is whether or not you definitely want 5G in your life. If you do, you’ll need to look elsewhere or wait just a bit longer for the updated iPhone SE. That will mean looking at Android phones if you can’t stretch your budget to the iPhone 12 range. which does have 5G.
The New and Old iPhone SE, Compared: What’s the Difference?
Apple just announced a new budget-friendly iPhone SE. and it looks exactly like the old iPhone SE. So how exactly are they different?
This week, Apple announced a new budget-friendly iPhone, the iPhone SE (3rd generation) — a new and improved version of the iPhone SE (2nd generation) that was released in April 2020. However, when looking at the two iPhones, you might now be able to tell the difference — that’s because they are both basically identical and have many of the same features.
What are the similarities?
Design: The 2022 iPhone SE and the 2020 iPhone SE share the same exact design (which is actually the same body as the iPhone 8 that was released in 2017). Both have a 4.7-inch Retina display with True Tone that leaves space on the bottom for the Home button; these are the only iPhones you can still buy that have a Home button with Touch ID, not Face ID.
Cameras: The 2022 iPhone SE and the 2020 iPhone SE share the same exact camera systems. They both have a single 12-megapixel wide-angle rear camera that supports Portrait mode and can capture 4K video at up to 30 fps. And they both have a single 7-megapixel front-facing camera that can capture HD video and supports Portrait mode.
Wireless charging: Both of these iPhones support Qi wireless charging that supports up to 7.5-watts. Neither supports MagSafe, which gives the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 the ability to wireless charge at up to 15-watts.
What are the differences?
Processor: The big difference between the iPhone 2022 iPhone SE and the 2020 iPhone SE is what’s inside. The newest iPhone SE packs an A15 Bionic processor (same as the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro) and that basically helps improve its performance in every way. It helps the new iPhone SE be faster and more powerful, achieve better battery life, and also helps give its camera a little more capabilities (see below).
Computational photography: Despite having the same rear and front camera systems, the A15 Bionic processor unlocks some more advanced camera capabilities in the newest iPhone SE. It supports Deep Fusion and Smart HDR 4, which gives the iPhone SE more machine learning power so that it can more intelligently string multiple exposure shots together to deliver the best possible looking photo.
Battery: The A15 Bionic processor in the newest iPhone SE drastically improves its efficiency. According to Apple, the newest iPhone SE gets 15 hours of battery life, which is a whole two hours better than the 13 hours of juice the 2020 iPhone SE gets. Both are some of the longest-lasting iPhones you can buy.
5G Support: As is the case with seemingly any new smartphone, the newest iPhone SE supports 5G connectivity. This makes it a little more future-proof and is enticing for people who have a 5G SIM and can get the benefits 5G. (However, 5G is still in its early stages and not super widely available yet.)
Storage: Both the 2022 iPhone SE and the 2020 iPhone SE have a base storage of 64GB and are configurable in a 128GB option. The newest iPhone SE has a third 256GB option, for people who want even more storage.
Price: Apple bumped the price of the newest iPhone SE by 30. The 2020 iPhone SE with 64GB started at 399 in 2020, but now that same storage option for the newest iPhone SE will cost you 429. (To be fair, that increase is almost exactly in line with inflation.)
Should you upgrade your iPhone SE?
Apple no longer sells the iPhone SE (2nd generation) because it just released the third-generation model, but you can still buy a renewed model of the two-year-old iPhone SE from third-party sellers like Amazon or Walmart. (Apple does not yet sell refurbished models of the 2020 iPhone SE, but that’s likely to change soon.)
The new iPhone SE (3rd generation) is an excellent option for first-time iPhone buyers, people who haven’t upgraded their iPhone in years, and people who just want the best budget iPhone. However, if you have an iPhone SE (2nd generation), the new iPhone SE (3rd generation) really feels like a small step-up and not a true game-changer.
