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MagyarApple iPhone SE 2022 smartphone review - Affordable iPhone dwarf with 5G and retro charm
In the past, things were predictable: a new iPhone every year, and you could only get older generations as stock remainders or used. Nowadays, Apple presents a wider offering pallet, still selling the two-year-old iPhone 11 and also offering the iPhone SE, which is targeted to those who prefer to pay mid-range prices and don't need any high-end gimmicks.
In this test, we take a closer look at the most current update, the iPhone SE 3, also called iPhone SE 3rd Gen or iPhone SE 2022. While the previous generation was created in 2020, it is almost impossible to tell them apart visually. When you take a look at the bill after your purchase, you can see that the manufacturer raised the price by 40 Euros (~$44).
Let's take a look, at how the new iPhone SE 2022 does in our test.
Possible Competitors in Comparison
Rating | Date | Model | Weight | Drive | Size | Resolution | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 86.1 % | 04/2022 | Apple iPhone SE 2022 A15, A15 GPU 5-Core | 144 g | 64 GB SSD | 4.70" | 1334x750 | |
| 85.2 % | 05/2020 | Apple iPhone SE 2020 A13 Bionic, A13 Bionic GPU | 148 g | 128 GB NVMe | 4.70" | 1334x750 | |
| 89.9 % | 12/2020 | Apple iPhone 12 mini A14, A14 Bionic GPU | 133 g | 128 GB NVMe | 5.40" | 2340x1080 | |
| 83.4 % | 07/2021 | Sony Xperia 10 III SD 690 5G, Adreno 619L | 169 g | 128 GB UFS 2.1 Flash | 6.00" | 2520x1080 | |
| 85.1 % | 08/2021 | OnePlus Nord 2 5G Dimensity 1200, Mali-G77 MP9 | 189 g | 256 GB UFS 3.1 Flash | 6.43" | 2400x1080 | |
| 87.4 % | 11/2021 | Google Pixel 6 Tensor, Mali-G78 MP20 | 207 g | 128 GB UFS 3.1 Flash | 6.40" | 2400x1080 |
Case - There continue to be wide bezels in the iPhone SE
There is only a tiny detail that allows you to distinguish the current model from the iPhone SE 2020: the older smartphone has two symbol labels at the back, one for the CE certification and another to tell you that electronic devices should not be thrown into the regular trash. The new iPhone SE doesn't show these labels, even though they are of course still valid.
Overall, the exterior still corresponds to the iPhone 8 from 2017, and with white, black, and red, Apple didn't change the color options either. The wide bezels above and below the display also remained, and with the Home button, there continues to be a physical key to return to the Home screen. The iPhone SE 2022 is the only iPhone officially available from Apple that still includes this.
The case continues to be made from aluminum and glass and shows high-quality workmanship. The front and back are now built with the new protective glass of the iPhone-13 series that is supposed to make the smartphones even more robust. Apple was able to shave off a little bit of weight compared to the predecessor, but the 4 grams (~0.14 oz) compared to the predecessor should hardly be noticeable in everyday usage. While the dimensions of the iPhone SE 2022 aren't quite as small as those of the current iPhone mini, it is still one of the most compact smartphones currently available.
The case is certified according to the IP67 standard, so it is still dustproof and will survive a drop into the water.
Equipment - Slightly more expensive with more working memory
The changes in equipment compared to the predecessor turn out small. There continues to be a Lightning port that transfers data according to the USB 2.0 standard. At this point, the NFC chip in Apple's smartphone can be used more extensively, but NFC cannot be deactivated like in Android.
The most current Bluetooth versions continue to be unavailable, and you have to be content with Bluetooth 5.0.
While the storage options remained the same, with 4 GB, there is now more RAM. All the prices were raised by 40 Euros (~$44):
- iPhone SE 2022 4GB RAM / 64 GB storage: 519 Euros (~$565)
- iPhone SE 2022 4GB RAM / 128 GB storage: 569 Euros (~$619)
- iPhone SE 2022 4GB RAM / 256 GB storage: 689 Euros (~$750)
Software - Modern iOS 15.4
Many Apple users see it as one of the most important advantages that Apple offers very long update cycles for its devices: usually the smartphones are provided with updates for at least 5 years, and some even longer. For example, the iPhone 7 from 2016 is still supposed to get iOS 16.
On the iPhone SE 2022, the modern iOS 15.4, which is the most current version, is installed with all its features available. For example, you can use the expanded functions of FaceTime to share content in video calls, deposit virtual keys for your house or car, or use optical character recognition in photos by default.
Communication and GNSS - The iPhone SE is a world phone with 5G
In the communication options, we finally discover an important difference between the iPhone SE 2020 and the new version: the small iPhone now supports 5G with many frequency bands, allowing you to use it worldwide. Thanks to its wide and abundant frequency coverage in the 4G net as well, you can also surf worldwide in that network without any problems. In addition, at up to 1.2 Gbit/s, the data rate is slightly higher than that of the predecessor.
The reception of the iPhone SE 2022 in the 5G and 4G net is good and can compare with that of high-end smartphones in our test of random samples.
In terms of WLAN, there is WiFi 6 with 2x2 MIMO. In the test with our Asus GT-AXE11000 reference router, the transfer rates are slightly higher than those of the predecessor but are still unable to fully keep up with the fastest smartphones. On the other hand, the speeds are very stable, and we also like the WLAN range and reception strength when there are obstacles in the way.
| Networking | |
| iperf3 transmit AX12 | |
| OnePlus Nord 2 5G | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2020 | |
| Google Pixel 6 | |
| Apple iPhone 12 mini | |
| Sony Xperia 10 III | |
| iperf3 receive AX12 | |
| Google Pixel 6 | |
| OnePlus Nord 2 5G | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2020 | |
| Apple iPhone 12 mini | |
| Sony Xperia 10 III | |
| iperf3 receive AXE11000 | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2022 | |
| Average of class Smartphone (34.8 - 1875, n=176, last 2 years) | |
| iperf3 transmit AXE11000 | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2022 | |
| Average of class Smartphone (40.5 - 1810, n=178, last 2 years) | |
To determine the location of the iPhone, the currently most important satellite systems, including GPS, Glonass, Galileo, QZSS, and BeiDou are supported. In our test, the smartphone is always able to find sufficient satellites very quickly.
In our practical test bike tour taking the Garmin Venu 2 as a comparison navigation device, the locating system of the iPhone shows itself fairly accurate. Even though the route recording is at times minimally besides the actual route, you can generally also use the iPhone SE 2022 when you depend on accurate navigation information.
Phone Functions and Voice Quality - At times clear, at other times a bit muffled
Even if there is only a single SIM slot, you can still implement a dual-SIM functionality using the eSIM function of the Apple phone. Of course, VoLTE and VoWiFi are also supported.
The voice quality using the earpiece is satisfactory, even if the voice of our conversation partner doesn't sound completely clean, particularly at high volume levels. On the other hand, the microphone transfers our own voice very clearly. However, the noise suppression could operate a little faster. Using speakerphone mode, the voice of our conversation partner is transferred easily understandable but slightly muffled. In this mode, we also shouldn't speak too quietly, since otherwise, the microphone won't recognize our voices.
Cameras - Good single-lens camera with few options
The single-lens camera in the back offers optical image stabilization and the sensor has a 12-Megapixel resolution. The flash includes four LEDs with different colors, whose illumination is combined automatically.
At first glance, the specifications of the camera sensor in the back look the same as those of the iPhone SE 2020. However, the new version of the compact smartphone benefits from quite a few improvements that were introduced by Apple in the previous years, such as Smart HDR 4, Deep Fusion, and automatic improvements of the image quality. This is great for those who just want to click to take a picture, but those who prefer to adjust the parameters of their recordings themselves will need their own app since Apple's standard camera software offers only a little freedom in this regard.
The images from the main camera continue to show a good quality with vibrant colors, many details, and good sharpness. The sky in the example picture of the surroundings looks very clear and hardly shows any pixel artifacts. For a smartphone of its price class, the iPhone SE 2022 takes really good pictures during the day. While the iPhone SE brightens the pictures under low light conditions fairly well, the pictures quickly turn muddy. There is no particular night mode.
Videos taken with the iPhone SE also look attractive, and the manufacturer supports taking 4K recordings at up to 60 fps.
The front camera continues to offer a 7-Megapixel resolution, and the pictures taken here also show many details and good image sharpness.
Image Comparison
Choose a scene and navigate within the first image. One click changes the position on touchscreens. One click on the zoomed-in image opens the original in a new window. The first image shows the scaled photograph of the test device.
Main cameraMain cameraLow Light
In our lab, we also take a look at the image quality of the main camera under controlled light conditions. With full illumination, the images are sharp, even at the corners. The reproduction of larger color areas is also fairly clean here. At only 1 Lux illumination, the image sharpness drops significantly, but you can still recognize the image contents fairly clearly.
Accessories and Warranty - Without a charger and only 12 months of warranty
Apple doesn't include a charger with the iPhone SE 2022 anymore. The predecessor also only had a very weak charger that didn't make full use of the possible charging performance of the phone, so leaving this out isn't much of a loss. Besides the iPhone SE, the box now includes only a USB-C-to-Lightning cable, a SIM tool, and the usual paperwork and Apple stickers.
The warranty continues to be only 12 months but can be expanded via Apple Care+, optionally even with theft protection. At 89 Euros (~$97), the basic version of this warranty expansion became even slightly more affordable compared to the predecessor.
Input Devices and Operation - Reliable TouchID
While FaceID, which is usually omnipresent in iPhones, is unavailable in the SE 2022, there is TouchID, which is a fingerprint sensor in the Home button. If you press this only lightly on standby, the device will be unlocked if the fingerprint is recognized. This works very reliably, but unlocking takes slightly longer than with the best devices in this regard.
The touchscreen is a 60-Hz panel. Those who are used to faster displays at this point will recognize the difference. However, the operation of the system is still smooth and anything but sluggish.
Display - A bright and accurate IPS display in the iPhone SE3
There is nothing new in the iPhone SE in terms of the display, and Apple also uses an IPS display with a unique resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels in the 2022 model. With most other phones of this price class and also the iPhone 12 mini, you will get an OLED display with a Full-HD resolution.
What it lacks in resolution, the screen makes up in brightness, reaching almost 650 cd/m² on average here. The brightness resolution is fairly even. Black areas have an average brightness, allowing to achieve a good contrast ratio of 1655:1.
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Brightness Distribution: 92 %
Center on Battery: 662 cd/m²
Contrast: 1655:1 (Black: 0.4 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 1.44 | 0.5-29.43 Ø4.94
ΔE Greyscale 1.7 | 0.5-98 Ø5.2
99.9% sRGB (Calman 2D)
Gamma: 2.179
| Apple iPhone SE 2022 IPS, 1334x750, 4.7" | Apple iPhone SE 2020 IPS, 1334x750, 4.7" | Apple iPhone 12 mini OLED, 2340x1080, 5.4" | Sony Xperia 10 III OLED, 2520x1080, 6" | OnePlus Nord 2 5G AMOLED, 2400x1080, 6.4" | Google Pixel 6 OLED, 2400x1080, 6.4" | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen | 21% | 18% | 13% | -46% | 12% | |
| Brightness middle | 662 | 688 4% | 623 -6% | 536 -19% | 594 -10% | 805 22% |
| Brightness | 647 | 659 2% | 623 -4% | 540 -17% | 594 -8% | 805 24% |
| Brightness Distribution | 92 | 92 0% | 98 7% | 97 5% | 99 8% | 98 7% |
| Black Level * | 0.4 | 0.28 30% | ||||
| Contrast | 1655 | 2457 48% | ||||
| Colorchecker dE 2000 * | 1.44 | 1 31% | 1 31% | 1.1 24% | 2.74 -90% | 1.4 3% |
| Colorchecker dE 2000 max. * | 4.74 | 2.2 54% | 2.1 56% | 1.9 60% | 6 -27% | 3.7 22% |
| Greyscale dE 2000 * | 1.7 | 1.7 -0% | 1.3 24% | 1.3 24% | 4.2 -147% | 1.8 -6% |
| Gamma | 2.179 101% | 2.25 98% | 2.21 100% | 2.27 97% | 2.278 97% | 2.29 96% |
| CCT | 6746 96% | 6790 96% | 6258 104% | 6494 100% | 7322 89% | 6507 100% |
* ... smaller is better
Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)
| Screen flickering / PWM not detected |  | ||
In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 17204 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured. | |||
We don't notice any PWM here as well.
In our measurements with the CalMAN software suite, we find that the display reproduces colors and grayscale fairly accurately, but you should turn off TrueTone for this. The display of our test unit completely covers the sRGB color space.
Display Response Times
| ↔ Response Time Black to White | ||
|---|---|---|
| 20 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined | ↗ 7 ms rise |  |
| ↘ 13 ms fall | ||
| The screen shows good response rates in our tests, but may be too slow for competitive gamers. In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 39 % of all devices are better. This means that the measured response time is similar to the average of all tested devices (21.1 ms). | ||
| ↔ Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey | ||
| 56 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined | ↗ 27 ms rise |  |
| ↘ 29 ms fall | ||
| The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers. In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.165 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 92 % of all devices are better. This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (33.1 ms). | ||
Even when looking at the display from very steep viewing angles, the contents don't appear pale and the color distortions are minimal at most.
Outdoors, you can use the smartphone without any problems on overcast days. However, with bright sunshine, you should retreat into the shade, since otherwise, things can become strenuous on the eyes.
Performance - Faster than most
In terms of performance, the Apple iPhone SE 2022 is beyond any doubt: Apple has equipped its small smartphone with the current Apple A15 Bionic, which is also used in all the other current iPhones. With this, the manufacturer makes the iPhone SE one of the fastest smartphones currently available. Particularly in its price class, the iPhone SE 3rd Gen beats any Android smartphone.
There are also no limitations in the GPU, and the version with 5 cores is used. This means that even the most current mobile games can run at 60 fps without any trouble. We also take a closer look at this in our "Games" segment below.
| CrossMark - Overall | |
| Average Apple A15 Bionic (1132 - 1190, n=5) | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2022 | |
| Apple iPhone 12 mini | |
| Average of class Smartphone (187 - 1474, n=153, last 2 years) | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2020 | |
| Google Pixel 6 | |
While surfing the Internet, the iPhone SE 2022 also turns out to be very fast. Due to the low screen resolution, it is even slightly faster in the benchmarks than the iPhone 13, for example. Web pages are rendered lightning-fast and most of the time, the pictures are already loaded while scrolling. The smartphone doesn't even break a sweat with demanding HTML-5 pages.
| Jetstream 2 - Total Score | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2022 (Chrome 99) | |
| Average Apple A15 Bionic (173.5 - 189.9, n=8) | |
| Apple iPhone 12 mini (Safari Mobile 14) | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2020 (Safari Mobile 13.1) | |
| Average of class Smartphone (13.8 - 387, n=159, last 2 years) | |
| Google Pixel 6 (Chrome 96) | |
| OnePlus Nord 2 5G (Chrome 92) | |
| Sony Xperia 10 III (Chrome 91) | |
| JetStream 1.1 - Total Score | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2022 (Chrome 99) | |
| Average Apple A15 Bionic (383 - 414, n=6) | |
| Apple iPhone 12 mini (Safari Mobile 14) | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2020 (Safari Mobile 13.1) | |
| Google Pixel 6 (Chrome 96) | |
| OnePlus Nord 2 5G (Chrome 92) | |
| Sony Xperia 10 III (Chrome 91) | |
| Speedometer 2.0 - Result | |
| Average Apple A15 Bionic (228 - 347, n=8) | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2022 (Chome 99) | |
| Apple iPhone 12 mini (Safari Mobile 14) | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2020 (Safari Mobile 13.1) | |
| Average of class Smartphone (15.2 - 569, n=146, last 2 years) | |
| Google Pixel 6 (Chrome 96) | |
| OnePlus Nord 2 5G (Chome 92) | |
| Sony Xperia 10 III (Chrome 91) | |
| WebXPRT 3 - Overall | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2022 (Chrome 99) | |
| Average Apple A15 Bionic (219 - 279, n=8) | |
| Apple iPhone 12 mini (Safari Mobile 14) | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2020 (Safari Mobile 13.1) | |
| Average of class Smartphone (38 - 347, n=84, last 2 years) | |
| Google Pixel 6 (Chrome 96) | |
| Sony Xperia 10 III (Chrome 91) | |
| OnePlus Nord 2 5G (Chrome 92) | |
| Octane V2 - Total Score | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2022 (Chrome 99) | |
| Average Apple A15 Bionic (57143 - 65969, n=8) | |
| Apple iPhone 12 mini (Safari Mobile 14) | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2020 (Safari Mobile 13.1) | |
| Google Pixel 6 (Chrome 96) | |
| Average of class Smartphone (2228 - 98997, n=195, last 2 years) | |
| OnePlus Nord 2 5G (Chrome 92) | |
| Sony Xperia 10 III | |
| Mozilla Kraken 1.1 - Total | |
| Sony Xperia 10 III (Chrome 91) | |
| OnePlus Nord 2 5G (Chrome 92) | |
| Average of class Smartphone (277 - 28190, n=158, last 2 years) | |
| Google Pixel 6 (Chrome 96) | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2020 (Safari Mobile 13.1) | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2022 (Chrome 99) | |
| Apple iPhone 12 mini (Safari Mobile 14) | |
| Average Apple A15 Bionic (414 - 507, n=8) | |
* ... smaller is better
Games - 60-fps gaming without any trouble
We test the gaming capabilities of the iPhone SE 2022 using the Armajet and PUBG Mobile games from the Google Play Store. We determine the frame rates with the software suite GameBench.
During our test, we see that even the UltraHD mode of PUBG can be used without any problems. While you won't get 60 fps here, you get a stable 40 fps and very attractive textures. If you slightly lower your demands and graphics settings, 60 fps are also possible in HD resolution without any trouble. Even the fast Armajet shooter game reaches a stable 60 frames.
The accurate touchscreen and position sensor make gaming easy. However, the control areas are often very small on the screen.
Emissions - Significant throttling
Temperatures
The outside of the smartphone again warms up noticeably, but these temperature values are still not critical.
As before with other iPhones that use the A15 processor, the performance cannot be maintained under a longer load. After 20 runs of the 3DMark Wild Life and Wild Life Extreme test, the phone reduces its performance by between 20 and 40% respectively. However, considering the high performance capabilities of the processor, this should hardly have any effect on everyday operation.
(±) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 40.5 °C / 105 F, compared to the average of 35.1 °C / 95 F, ranging from 21.9 to 63.2 °C for the class Smartphone.
(±) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 44.4 °C / 112 F, compared to the average of 33.8 °C / 93 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 29.1 °C / 84 F, compared to the device average of 32.8 °C / 91 F.
3DMark Wild Life Stress Test
| 3DMark | |
| Wild Life Stress Test Stability | |
| Sony Xperia 10 III | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2022 | |
| Apple iPhone 12 mini | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2020 | |
| OnePlus Nord 2 5G | |
| Google Pixel 6 | |
| Wild Life Extreme Stress Test | |
| Sony Xperia 10 III | |
| Apple iPhone 12 mini | |
| OnePlus Nord 2 5G | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2020 | |
| Apple iPhone SE 2022 | |
| Google Pixel 6 | |
Speakers
As in the predecessor before, the stereo speakers sound fairly loud and pleasant overall. However, at maximum volume the speakers emphasize the highs a bit too much, not sounding as full anymore. They are sufficient to listen to a piece of music occasionally, but those who want a really good sound should connect headphones or external speakers. To do this, you can use the Lightning port, but you will need to purchase an adapter for 3.5mm audio ports.
You can also connect external devices via Bluetooth. However, since Apple systems continue to lack Qualcomm's aptX codecs, the Bluetooth sound output is limited to SBC and AAC.
Apple iPhone SE 2022 audio analysis
(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (85.9 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 25.4% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (7% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(±) | reduced mids - on average 5.1% lower than median
(+) | mids are linear (5.9% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 4.6% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (3.2% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (18.3% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 14% of all tested devices in this class were better, 8% similar, 78% worse
» The best had a delta of 12%, average was 37%, worst was 134%
Compared to all devices tested
» 36% of all tested devices were better, 8% similar, 57% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%
Google Pixel 6 audio analysis
(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (86.3 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 26.8% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (11.2% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(±) | reduced mids - on average 5.2% lower than median
(+) | mids are linear (5.2% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 3.3% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (5.7% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (17.7% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 10% of all tested devices in this class were better, 7% similar, 83% worse
» The best had a delta of 12%, average was 37%, worst was 134%
Compared to all devices tested
» 31% of all tested devices were better, 8% similar, 61% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%
Battery Life - A small battery but long battery life
Power Consumption
Apple's power management turned out to be very successful in previous years. While the iPhone SE 2022 also shows itself fairly efficient in idle operation, at up to 11 watts under full load, it can also deplete its battery quickly.
| Off / Standby |   0 / 0.1 Watt |
| Idle |  0.6 / 0.9 / 1.5 Watt |
| Load |
6.5 / 11 Watt |
    
| |
| Apple iPhone SE 2022 2018 mAh | Apple iPhone SE 2020 1822 mAh | Apple iPhone 12 mini 2226 mAh | Sony Xperia 10 III 4500 mAh | OnePlus Nord 2 5G 4500 mAh | Google Pixel 6 4614 mAh | Average Apple A15 Bionic | Average of class Smartphone | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power Consumption | 14% | 20% | 43% | -12% | 9% | -4% | -20% | |
| Idle Minimum * | 0.6 | 0.44 27% | 0.62 -3% | 0.44 27% | 0.8 -33% | 0.68 -13% | 0.66 ? -10% | 0.906 ? -51% |
| Idle Average * | 0.9 | 1.56 -73% | 1.18 -31% | 0.65 28% | 1.2 -33% | 1 -11% | 1.303 ? -45% | 1.441 ? -60% |
| Idle Maximum * | 1.5 | 1.63 -9% | 1.21 19% | 0.69 54% | 1.6 -7% | 1.02 32% | 1.748 ? -17% | 1.605 ? -7% |
| Load Average * | 6.5 | 2.32 64% | 2.1 68% | 2.99 54% | 5.7 12% | 5.39 17% | 4.85 ? 25% | 6.34 ? 2% |
| Load Maximum * | 11 | 4.12 63% | 5.71 48% | 5.42 51% | 10.9 1% | 9 18% | 7.77 ? 29% | 9.35 ? 15% |
* ... smaller is better
Power Consumption: Geekbench (150 cd/m²)
Power Consumption: GFXBench (150 cd/m²)
Battery Life
The battery of the iPhone SE 2022 brings barely a 2,018-mAh capacity. Android devices such as the Google Pixel 6 or the OnePlus Nord 2 offer twice as much here.
However, it is always impressive how well iPhones are optimized in terms of power consumption, and the new iPhone SE also manages to last for a decent 12:49 hours in our WLAN test. Of course, it cannot keep up with a OnePlus Nord 2, but the battery life is still acceptable for everyday work, and it can easily handle a full workday without a recharge.
When you finally need an outlet, thanks to the small battery, it also recharges fairly quickly at a maximum of 20 watts: the battery of the iPhone SE 2022 is fully recharged after about one hour, even if it was completely depleted. Only you have to take care of getting a charger yourself since Apple doesn't include it in the affordable iPhone either.
Wireless charging according to the Qi standard is also supported again.
| Apple iPhone SE 2022 2018 mAh | Apple iPhone SE 2020 1822 mAh | Apple iPhone 12 mini 2226 mAh | Sony Xperia 10 III 4500 mAh | OnePlus Nord 2 5G 4500 mAh | Google Pixel 6 4614 mAh | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Runtime | -11% | 19% | 71% | 32% | 28% | |
| Reader / Idle | 2049 | 1938 -5% | 1537 -25% | 2272 11% | 1926 -6% | 2020 -1% |
| H.264 | 797 | 681 -15% | 968 21% | 1411 77% | 1126 41% | 1219 53% |
| WiFi v1.3 | 769 | 694 -10% | 655 -15% | 809 5% | 958 25% | 627 -18% |
| Load | 164 | 143 -13% | 316 93% | 479 192% | 272 66% | 291 77% |
Pros
Cons
Verdict - A compact and lightning-fast 5G smartphone
Apple still keeps the design of the iPhone 8 also with the iPhone SE 2022, so you continue to have to accept the wide bezels on the top and bottom. It is probably a matter of taste, whether you like the Home button or not, but its operation including the fingerprint sensor works flawlessly again.
In addition, the iPhone SE 2022 is extremely powerful thanks to the Apple A15, and there will hardly be any similarly priced smartphone that can achieve similar performance. Even some currently more expensive iPhones like the iPhone 11 or iPhone 12 mini are left behind in terms of the performance, but instead, you get a significantly more modern design and more flexible camera systems with those two.
The affordable iPhone SE brings just as much power as the most expensive Apple iPhone. It is compact and is now also able to support 5G. On the other hand, the design has aged considerably at this point.
It's great that the iPhone SE is finally also able to support 5G, and likewise that the software is supposed to get updates for a long time. However, we still hope that Apple will give a modern exterior to its most affordable iPhone next time, while still keeping its compact size.
Those who cannot get used to the design will find more modern and still compact alternatives in the iPhone 12 mini or iPhone 13 mini. And those who are looking for a compact smartphone will probably not get around iPhones at this point, since similarly small Android phones can only be found from some unknown manufacturers. The Sony Xperia 10 III is probably the only better-known alternative, but it offers significantly less performance.
Price and Availability
You can purchase the iPhone SE 2022 directly from Apple, and many vendors such as Amazon and Best Buy also offer the smartphone. However, as typical for iPhones, you shouldn't expect a more affordable price at this point.
Apple iPhone SE 2022
-
04/11/2022 v7 (old)
Florian Schmitt
Price comparison
