Apple iPhone SE Review

Introduction

The Special Edition (SE) iPhone, commonly called the cheapest or vintage iPhone, has been updated and is now on the market. The same-named phone from 2020 has seen relatively little update, with most of the improvements coming from the new processor and its paired 5G modem. Apple likes recycling a lot. It is proud of its PVC-free packaging, recyclable materials, light retail boxes, and ever-decreasing e-waste footprint. The third-generation iPhone SE, however, has the same body as the second-generation iPhone SE from 2020 and the iPhone 8 from as far back as 2017. This shows that Apple is also obviously highly interested in recycling design.

Reviewing the new iPhone SE 2022 would require a study of Apple's complete lineup of products and pricing policies. Despite being the company's cheapest inexpensive iPhone, this model is nonetheless priced over average. Even though it features a sophisticated 5G network, it has an outdated appearance. Apple has included a small, low-res screen that is difficult to use along with A15 Bionic mobile SoC. You will get wireless charging and an IP certification, but only one camera. Given its contradiction, it's natural to wonder whether this phone has a market.

In order to help you determine if the iPhone SE (2022) is worthwhile purchasing, I've spent a fair amount of time with it. Here is a thorough analysis of its strengths and weaknesses and an overview of the competition, which includes several elements that will be crucial for Indian purchasers.

What's New in iPhone SE (2022)?

The Apple A15 Bionic chipset, also used by the iPhone 13 top line, is fresh in the new iPhone SE. Given its compact size and lower pixel density than any other high-end and mid-range smartphone, the iPhone SE (2022) is the most powerful smartphone in the world. Additionally, there is now 4GB of RAM instead of the previous SE model's 3GB.

The new processor enables a 5G connection, increased computing power for Apple devices, and deep fusion for front and back cameras. But for unknown reasons, it didn't add night mode.

The new iPhone SE has a slightly bigger battery; it is now 2,018mAh rather than 1,821mAh. The battery's capacity is not much, and even while the approved charging rates for the phone are far from the fastest on the market, wireless charging is still an option, and because of this, it tops up very rapidly.

The rest of the new iPhone SE specifications are identical to the 2020 model, with a 12MP OIS camera on the back and a 7MP camera on the front. Additionally, you get dual speakers, Apple Pay integration, and IP67-rated water and dust protection.

Price in India

The new iPhone SE (2022) could perplex customers in India, where costs appear to be high, and we do not even have 5G networks yet-prices for 64GB starts at Rs. 43,900. You must spend Rs. 48,900 for 128GB and Rs. 58,900 for 256GB of additional storage if you want it. Therefore, you may also purchase a Samsung Galaxy S21, OnePlus 9 Pro, Vivo X70 Pro, Asus ROG Phone 5s, or a Vivo X70 Pro. These Android phones are top-tier or virtually top-tier models with many features and capabilities, especially in photography.

Even more relevant is that earlier iPhone models are often discounted online in India. This pricing range frequently includes the iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 11, and iPhone XR. The previous generation iPhone SE (2020) was available for as cheap as Rs. 25,999. Although Apple no longer formally offers it for sale on its own website, it is still freely accessible. When you consider promotions, exchange offers, and the odd incentives that retailers and banks give, you may obtain some excellent prices, while the most recent models sell at their official MRPs.

If you spend more than Rs. 40,000 and genuinely want an iPhone, the new iPhone SE isn't your only option. It would be best if you were sure of the specific features and functionalities you need; this evaluation will assist you in making that decision.

Specifications

Despite being clearly at the bottom of Apple's stated current range, the new iPhone SE doesn't suffer in terms of processing power. The A15 Bionic SoC is the same as what powers the whole iPhone 13 range. Regarding performance, the quality of the graphics for gaming should be excellent. It's important to note that according to Apple, the iPhone 13 or iPhone 13 mini only has four GPU cores active, as opposed to the iPhone 13 Pro or iPhone 13 Pro Max's five. Although 4GB of RAM may not seem like a lot, it is plenty for Apple devices.

With a 12MP OIS camera on the back a 7MP camera in front, the new iPhone SE has the exact specifications as the 2020 model. Additionally, you get dual speakers, Apple Pay integration, and IP67-rated water and dust protection. Only the fingerprint sensor is available as a security measure, as you do not receive a 3D Face ID front-facing camera system. Additionally, you don't receive the U1 ultra-wideband processor that more expensive iPhones have, which means some spatial awareness features aren't available.

Design and Usability

The iPhone SE (2022) features a small or short screen with many unused spaces above and below, which is the design's one significant drawback. If you're used to today's major smartphones, which all have 6-inch or bigger screens, the new iPhone SE (2022) will appear outdated. All content, including the iOS UI, feels cramped and constricted. This is an essential limitation on how much you can enjoy video or computer games, and typing can be tricky if you have large hands. Even Web sites, document readers, creative apps, and maps can only display a small amount of material at once.

The word "old-fashioned" may come to mind first when describing this phone, and with good reason: it follows the same design concepts as the iPhone 6 (2014). However, this isn't always a negative thing. In fact, for some consumers, this may be the primary selling feature of the iPhone SE (2022). One benefit is that it is pleasant for those who may not like change or find gesture navigation convenient since it is familiar. Compared to most other phones available today, the new iPhone SE weighs just 144g.

One thumb can easily reach all four corners of the screen when using this phone one-handed, which can be a plus for you. Speaking of thumbs, exactly like prior iPhones, the large Home button below the screen features a Touch ID fingerprint sensor. This handy function is sorely missed, especially in the era of masks.

The new iPhone SE is lightweight and can fit in any pocket. It's also quite pleasant to hold when on a lengthy phone call. The volume power buttons are conveniently located. On the left, there is a mute switch as well. However, this phone can support one or even two eSIMs. The speaker and grille are symmetrically placed on each side of Apple's exclusive Lightning connector at the bottom. The absence of a 3.5mm audio connector is expected.

In keeping with what you would anticipate given the price, Apple utilized premium materials, and the build quality is excellent. Glass makes up the front and rear of the frame, which is composed of aluminum. This phone is water- and dust-resistant and has an IP67 grade. It comes in three colors: Starlight, a warm white, and Midnight, an intense, blue-black color. Additionally, there is (Product)RED. All three have a black front panel. No charger is included in the box; you receive a Type-C cable, a SIM ejection pin, and a label.

Software

Even the basic iPhone SE (2022) benefits from iOS in several ways. The possibility of software upgrades over several years is the first. Suppose you're concerned about privacy and security. In that case, Apple boasts stricter app functionality restrictions and more significant data protection standards than Android phone makers, at the expense of certain functionality and flexibility. Although many preinstalled applications on the newest iPhones may be unneeded and occasionally display obtrusive unpleasant commercial alerts from their own apps, almost all of them can be removed. Bloatware, promotional material, or overt third-party advertising are absent.

Then there are the features essential to current iPhone users who want to keep using their favorite apps but require an upgrade: FaceTime, iMessage, AirPlay, iCloud backups, or the Find My network. The simplicity of interoperability is helpful if you own a MacBook, Apple Watch, AirPods, or iPad or utilize services like Apple Music. For some people, this will have an impact on the value discussion.

On the other hand, iOS lacks several features that Android users may be accustomed to, like the capacity to run several instances of messaging applications, a hidden area or distinct user profile for private data, gaming optimizations, UI personalization, file system access, or split-screen multitasking. If you're an Android user, the new iPhone SE might not seem like much of an advance.

Conclusion

The new iPhone SE has an outdated design but a brand-new inside; it is more than capable but limited by its small screen; it only has one camera but is still capable of producing high-quality images and videos. Even while it might seem like you're losing out on the latest smartphone features, you still get an IP certification, a glass and metal casing, and wireless charging.

Even though it's considerably too pricey to qualify as an entry-level phone, it nevertheless works with almost all of Apple's services, products, and applications.