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Apple iPhone SE 2022 smartphone review - Affordable iPhone dwarf with 5G and retro charm

Small but wow! The iPhone SE gets more expensive in 2022 but still continues to be the most affordable Apple smartphone. Thanks to its very current A15 chip, it should be hard to beat in its price class in terms of performance. But does the iPhone SE still justify the interest, considering the powerful in-house alternatives?
Apple iPhone SE 2022

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.

Apple iPhone SE 2022
Processor
Apple A15 Bionic 6 x 2 - 3.2 GHz
Graphics adapter
Memory
4 GB 
Display
4.70 inch 16:9, 1334 x 750 pixel 326 PPI, capacitive touchscreen, Retina HD, IPS, HDR, 60 Hz
Storage
64 GB SSD, 64 GB 
, 52 GB free
Connections
Audio Connections: audio via Lightning port, 1 Fingerprint Reader, NFC, Brightness Sensor, Sensors: acceleration sensor, gyroscope, proximity sensor, compass, barometer, Lightning port
Networking
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/ax = Wi-Fi 6/), Bluetooth 5.0, 2G (850/​900/​1800/​1900), 3G (B1/​B2/​B4/​B5/​B8), 4G (B1/​B2/​B3/​B4/​B5/​B7/​B8/​B12/​B13/​B17/​B18/​B19/​B20/​B25/​B26/​B28/​B30/​B32/​B34/​B38/​B39/​B40/​B41/​B42/​B46/​B48/​B66), 5G (n1/​n2/​n3/​n5/​n7/​n8/​n12/​n20/​n25/​n28/​n30/​n38/​n40/​n41/​n48/​n66/​n77/​n78/​n79) , LTE, 5G
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 7.3 x 138.4 x 67.3 ( = 0.29 x 5.45 x 2.65 in)
Battery
2018 mAh Lithium-Ion, 20 Watt charging
Charging
wireless charging, fast charging / Quickcharge
Operating System
Apple iOS 15
Camera
Primary Camera: 12 MPix f/​1.8, phase comparison AF, OIS, quad-LED flash, Videos @2160p/​60fps
Secondary Camera: 7 MPix f/​2.2, videos @1080p/​30fps
Additional features
Speakers: stereo speakers, USB-C to Lightning cable, SIM tool, 12 Months Warranty, SAR: 0.980W/​kg (head), 0.990W/​kg (body); IP67-certified , fanless, waterproof
Weight
144 g ( = 5.08 oz / 0.32 pounds) ( = 0 oz / 0 pounds)
Price
519 Euro
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Possible Competitors in Comparison

Rating
Date
Model
Weight
Drive
Size
Resolution
Best Price
86.1 %
04/2022
Apple iPhone SE 2022
A15, A15 GPU 5-Core
144 g64 GB SSD4.70"1334x750
85.2 %
05/2020
Apple iPhone SE 2020
A13 Bionic, A13 Bionic GPU
148 g128 GB NVMe4.70"1334x750
89.9 %
12/2020
Apple iPhone 12 mini
A14, A14 Bionic GPU
133 g128 GB NVMe5.40"2340x1080
83.4 %
07/2021
Sony Xperia 10 III
SD 690 5G, Adreno 619L
169 g128 GB UFS 2.1 Flash6.00"2520x1080
85.1 %
08/2021
OnePlus Nord 2 5G
Dimensity 1200, Mali-G77 MP9
189 g256 GB UFS 3.1 Flash6.43"2400x1080
87.4 %
11/2021
Google Pixel 6
Tensor, Mali-G78 MP20
207 g128 GB UFS 3.1 Flash6.40"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.

Apple iPhone SE 2022
Apple iPhone SE 2022
Apple iPhone SE 2022
Apple iPhone SE 2022
Apple iPhone SE 2022
Apple iPhone SE 2022

Size Comparison

158.6 mm / 6.24 inch 74.8 mm / 2.94 inch 8.9 mm / 0.3504 inch 207 g0.4564 lbs159.1 mm / 6.26 inch 73.3 mm / 2.89 inch 8.3 mm / 0.3268 inch 189 g0.4167 lbs154 mm / 6.06 inch 68 mm / 2.68 inch 8.3 mm / 0.3268 inch 169 g0.3726 lbs138.4 mm / 5.45 inch 67.3 mm / 2.65 inch 7.3 mm / 0.2874 inch 144 g0.3175 lbs138.4 mm / 5.45 inch 67.3 mm / 2.65 inch 7.3 mm / 0.2874 inch 148 g0.3263 lbs131.5 mm / 5.18 inch 64.2 mm / 2.53 inch 7.4 mm / 0.2913 inch 133 g0.2932 lbs148 mm / 5.83 inch 105 mm / 4.13 inch 1 mm / 0.03937 inch 1.5 g0.00331 lbs

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)
Left: notification slider, volume rocker
Left: notification slider, volume rocker
Right: SIM slot, standby key
Right: SIM slot, standby key
Top: no connections
Top: no connections
Bottom: microphone, Lightning port, speaker
Bottom: microphone, Lightning port, speaker

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.

Apple iPhone SE 2022 iOS 15.4 software
Apple iPhone SE 2022 iOS 15.4 software
Apple iPhone SE 2022 iOS 15.4 software

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
Mali-G77 MP9, Dimensity 1200, 256 GB UFS 3.1 Flash
888 (842min - 904max) MBit/s
Apple iPhone SE 2020
A13 Bionic GPU, A13 Bionic, 128 GB NVMe
818 (400min - 892max) MBit/s
Google Pixel 6
Mali-G78 MP20, Tensor, 128 GB UFS 3.1 Flash
802 (421min - 857max) MBit/s
Apple iPhone 12 mini
A14 Bionic GPU, A14, 128 GB NVMe
792 (711min - 841max) MBit/s
Sony Xperia 10 III
Adreno 619L, SD 690 5G, 128 GB UFS 2.1 Flash
504 (479min - 524max) MBit/s
iperf3 receive AX12
Google Pixel 6
Mali-G78 MP20, Tensor, 128 GB UFS 3.1 Flash
895 (870min - 907max) MBit/s
OnePlus Nord 2 5G
Mali-G77 MP9, Dimensity 1200, 256 GB UFS 3.1 Flash
877 (657min - 928max) MBit/s
Apple iPhone SE 2020
A13 Bionic GPU, A13 Bionic, 128 GB NVMe
618 (321min - 653max) MBit/s
Apple iPhone 12 mini
A14 Bionic GPU, A14, 128 GB NVMe
578 (496min - 596max) MBit/s
Sony Xperia 10 III
Adreno 619L, SD 690 5G, 128 GB UFS 2.1 Flash
554 (513min - 573max) MBit/s
Average of class Smartphone
  (last 2 years)
376 MBit/s
iperf3 receive AXE11000
Apple iPhone SE 2022
A15 GPU 5-Core, A15, 64 GB SSD
746 (599min - 768max) MBit/s
Average of class Smartphone
  (34.8 - 1875, n=205, last 2 years)
650 MBit/s -13%
iperf3 transmit AXE11000
Apple iPhone SE 2022
A15 GPU 5-Core, A15, 64 GB SSD
888 (869min - 906max) MBit/s
Average of class Smartphone
  (40.5 - 1810, n=206, last 2 years)
685 MBit/s -23%
050100150200250300350400450500550600650700750800850900Tooltip
Apple iPhone SE 2022; iperf3 receive AXE11000; iperf 3.1.3: Ø746 (599-768)
Apple iPhone SE 2022; iperf3 transmit AXE11000; iperf 3.1.3: Ø888 (869-906)

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.

iPhone SE 2022 locating – overview
iPhone SE 2022 locating – overview
iPhone SE 2022 locating – turn
iPhone SE 2022 locating – turn
iPhone SE 2022 locating – bridge
iPhone SE 2022 locating – bridge
Garmin Venu 2 locating – overview
Garmin Venu 2 locating – overview
Garmin Venu 2 locating – turn
Garmin Venu 2 locating – turn
Garmin Venu 2 locating – bridge
Garmin Venu 2 locating – bridge

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

Picture taken with the front camera
Picture taken with the front camera

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
click to load images

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.

ColorChecker
13 ∆E
12.3 ∆E
12.3 ∆E
15.1 ∆E
10.3 ∆E
9.5 ∆E
12.3 ∆E
7.5 ∆E
13.1 ∆E
3.7 ∆E
11.5 ∆E
11.5 ∆E
6.9 ∆E
15.7 ∆E
13.7 ∆E
10.3 ∆E
10.7 ∆E
12 ∆E
6.7 ∆E
9.4 ∆E
16.1 ∆E
15 ∆E
7.8 ∆E
4.8 ∆E
ColorChecker Apple iPhone SE 2022: 10.88 ∆E min: 3.73 - max: 16.11 ∆E
ColorChecker
25.1 ∆E
42.2 ∆E
32.5 ∆E
28.1 ∆E
36.9 ∆E
49.9 ∆E
40.3 ∆E
28.1 ∆E
30.8 ∆E
25.2 ∆E
49.6 ∆E
49.2 ∆E
24.7 ∆E
36 ∆E
26.1 ∆E
49.2 ∆E
33.1 ∆E
33.4 ∆E
48.1 ∆E
49.5 ∆E
41.3 ∆E
30.2 ∆E
21.8 ∆E
12.8 ∆E
ColorChecker Apple iPhone SE 2022: 35.17 ∆E min: 12.81 - max: 49.87 ∆E

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.

Keyboard - landscape
Keyboard - landscape
Keyboard - portrait
Keyboard - portrait

Display - A bright and accurate IPS display in the iPhone SE3

Subpixel grid
Subpixel grid

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.

625
cd/m²
630
cd/m²
654
cd/m²
658
cd/m²
662
cd/m²
642
cd/m²
678
cd/m²
624
cd/m²
652
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
Retina HD tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 678 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 647.2 cd/m² Minimum: 4.3 cd/m²
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 Ø5
ΔE Greyscale 1.7 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
99.9% sRGB (Calman 2D)
Gamma: 2.179
Apple iPhone SE 2022
IPS, 1334x750, 4.70
Apple iPhone SE 2020
IPS, 1334x750, 4.70
Apple iPhone 12 mini
OLED, 2340x1080, 5.40
Sony Xperia 10 III
OLED, 2520x1080, 6.00
OnePlus Nord 2 5G
AMOLED, 2400x1080, 6.43
Google Pixel 6
OLED, 2400x1080, 6.40
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)

To dim the screen, some notebooks will simply cycle the backlight on and off in rapid succession - a method called Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) . This cycling frequency should ideally be undetectable to the human eye. If said frequency is too low, users with sensitive eyes may experience strain or headaches or even notice the flickering altogether.
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 18110 (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.

CalMAN Grayscale
CalMAN Grayscale
CalMAN Color Accuracy
CalMAN Color Accuracy
CalMAN AdobeRGB Color Space
CalMAN AdobeRGB Color Space
CalMAN DCI P3 Color Space
CalMAN DCI P3 Color Space
CalMAN sRGB Color Space
CalMAN sRGB Color Space
CalMAN Saturation
CalMAN Saturation

Display Response Times

Display response times show how fast the screen is able to change from one color to the next. Slow response times can lead to afterimages and can cause moving objects to appear blurry (ghosting). Gamers of fast-paced 3D titles should pay special attention to fast 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. » 37 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is similar to the average of all tested devices (21.6 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 0.2 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 91 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (33.9 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.

Outdoor use
Outdoor use
Viewing angles
Viewing angles

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.

Geekbench 5.5
Single-Core
Apple iPhone SE 2022
Apple A15 Bionic, A15 GPU 5-Core, 4096
1741 Points
Average Apple A15 Bionic
  (1590 - 1755, n=9)
1723 Points -1%
Apple iPhone 12 mini
Apple A14 Bionic, A14 Bionic GPU, 4096
1604 Points -8%
Apple iPhone SE 2020
Apple A13 Bionic, A13 Bionic GPU, 3072
1336 Points -23%
Google Pixel 6
Google Tensor, Mali-G78 MP20, 8192
1041 Points -40%
Average of class Smartphone
  (119 - 2138, n=212, last 2 years)
902 Points -48%
OnePlus Nord 2 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 1200, Mali-G77 MP9, 12288
809 Points -54%
Sony Xperia 10 III
Qualcomm Snapdragon 690 5G, Adreno 619L, 6144
590 Points -66%
Multi-Core
Apple iPhone SE 2022
Apple A15 Bionic, A15 GPU 5-Core, 4096
4788 Points
Average Apple A15 Bionic
  (4559 - 4914, n=9)
4755 Points -1%
Apple iPhone 12 mini
Apple A14 Bionic, A14 Bionic GPU, 4096
4201 Points -12%
Apple iPhone SE 2020
Apple A13 Bionic, A13 Bionic GPU, 3072
3281 Points -31%
Average of class Smartphone
  (473 - 6681, n=212, last 2 years)
2950 Points -38%
Google Pixel 6
Google Tensor, Mali-G78 MP20, 8192
2805 Points -41%
OnePlus Nord 2 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 1200, Mali-G77 MP9, 12288
2463 Points -49%
Sony Xperia 10 III
Qualcomm Snapdragon 690 5G, Adreno 619L, 6144
1716 Points -64%
Metal Score
Average of class Smartphone
  (12441 - 20198, n=6, last 2 years)
14886 Points +16%
Apple iPhone SE 2022
Apple A15 Bionic, A15 GPU 5-Core, 4096
12819 Points
Average Apple A15 Bionic
  (10572 - 14115, n=8)
12625 Points -2%
Apple iPhone 12 mini
Apple A14 Bionic, A14 Bionic GPU, 4096
9272 Points -28%
3DMark
Wild Life Score
Average Apple A15 Bionic
  (8357 - 9680, n=6)
9139 Points +9%
Apple iPhone SE 2022
Apple A15 Bionic, A15 GPU 5-Core, 4096
8357 Points
Apple iPhone SE 2020
Apple A13 Bionic, A13 Bionic GPU, 3072
7275 Points -13%
Google Pixel 6
Google Tensor, Mali-G78 MP20, 8192
6954 Points -17%
Apple iPhone 12 mini
Apple A14 Bionic, A14 Bionic GPU, 4096
6652 Points -20%
OnePlus Nord 2 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 1200, Mali-G77 MP9, 12288
4208 Points -50%
Average of class Smartphone
  (394 - 9839, n=131, last 2 years)
2586 Points -69%
Sony Xperia 10 III
Qualcomm Snapdragon 690 5G, Adreno 619L, 6144
826 Points -90%
Wild Life Unlimited Score
Average Apple A15 Bionic
  (8909 - 11779, n=8)
10800 Points +21%
Apple iPhone SE 2022
Apple A15 Bionic, A15 GPU 5-Core, 4096
8909 Points
Apple iPhone SE 2020
Apple A13 Bionic, A13 Bionic GPU, 3072
8014 Points -10%
Apple iPhone 12 mini
Apple A14 Bionic, A14 Bionic GPU, 4096
7806 Points -12%
Google Pixel 6
Google Tensor, Mali-G78 MP20, 8192
7064 Points -21%
Average of class Smartphone
  (392 - 20068, n=194, last 2 years)
6058 Points -32%
OnePlus Nord 2 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 1200, Mali-G77 MP9, 12288
4214 Points -53%
Sony Xperia 10 III
Qualcomm Snapdragon 690 5G, Adreno 619L, 6144
826 Points -91%
Wild Life Extreme
Average Apple A15 Bionic
  (2243 - 3080, n=8)
2759 Points +15%
Apple iPhone SE 2022
Apple A15 Bionic, A15 GPU 5-Core, 4096
2399 Points
Apple iPhone 12 mini
Apple A14 Bionic, A14 Bionic GPU, 4096
2288 Points -5%
Google Pixel 6
Google Tensor, Mali-G78 MP20, 8192
2067 Points -14%
Apple iPhone SE 2020
Apple A13 Bionic, A13 Bionic GPU, 3072
1901 Points -21%
Average of class Smartphone
  (22 - 5226, n=199, last 2 years)
1628 Points -32%
OnePlus Nord 2 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 1200, Mali-G77 MP9, 12288
1283 Points -47%
Sony Xperia 10 III
Qualcomm Snapdragon 690 5G, Adreno 619L, 6144
252 Points -89%
Wild Life Extreme Unlimited
Average Apple A15 Bionic
  (1877 - 2864, n=8)
2528 Points +35%
Apple iPhone 12 mini
Apple A14 Bionic, A14 Bionic GPU, 4096
1982 Points +6%
Apple iPhone SE 2022
Apple A15 Bionic, A15 GPU 5-Core, 4096
1877 Points
Google Pixel 6
Google Tensor, Mali-G78 MP20, 8192
1823 Points -3%
Average of class Smartphone
  (109 - 5248, n=194, last 2 years)
1635 Points -13%
Apple iPhone SE 2020
Apple A13 Bionic, A13 Bionic GPU, 3072
1402 Points -25%
OnePlus Nord 2 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 1200, Mali-G77 MP9, 12288
1256 Points -33%
Sony Xperia 10 III
Qualcomm Snapdragon 690 5G, Adreno 619L, 6144
247 Points -87%
GFXBench (DX / GLBenchmark) 2.7
T-Rex Onscreen
Google Pixel 6
Google Tensor, Mali-G78 MP20, 8192
90 fps +50%
Average of class Smartphone
  (22 - 165, n=178, last 2 years)
83 fps +38%
Apple iPhone SE 2020
Apple A13 Bionic, A13 Bionic GPU, 3072
60 fps 0%
Apple iPhone 12 mini
Apple A14 Bionic, A14 Bionic GPU, 4096
60 fps 0%
Apple iPhone SE 2022
Apple A15 Bionic, A15 GPU 5-Core, 4096
60 fps
Average Apple A15 Bionic
  (59.8 - 60.1, n=8)
60 fps 0%
OnePlus Nord 2 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 1200, Mali-G77 MP9, 12288
59 fps -2%
Sony Xperia 10 III
Qualcomm Snapdragon 690 5G, Adreno 619L, 6144
54 fps -10%
1920x1080 T-Rex Offscreen
Average Apple A15 Bionic
  (358 - 447, n=8)
413 fps +15%
Apple iPhone SE 2022
Apple A15 Bionic, A15 GPU 5-Core, 4096
358 fps
Apple iPhone 12 mini
Apple A14 Bionic, A14 Bionic GPU, 4096
264 fps -26%
Apple iPhone SE 2020
Apple A13 Bionic, A13 Bionic GPU, 3072
250 fps -30%
Average of class Smartphone
  (19 - 791, n=178, last 2 years)
244 fps -32%
OnePlus Nord 2 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 1200, Mali-G77 MP9, 12288
178 fps -50%
Google Pixel 6
Google Tensor, Mali-G78 MP20, 8192
144 fps -60%
Sony Xperia 10 III
Qualcomm Snapdragon 690 5G, Adreno 619L, 6144
72 fps -80%
GFXBench 3.0
on screen Manhattan Onscreen OGL
Google Pixel 6
Google Tensor, Mali-G78 MP20, 8192
79 fps +32%
Average of class Smartphone
  (6.8 - 165, n=179, last 2 years)
71 fps +18%
Apple iPhone SE 2020
Apple A13 Bionic, A13 Bionic GPU, 3072
60 fps 0%
Apple iPhone 12 mini
Apple A14 Bionic, A14 Bionic GPU, 4096
60 fps 0%
OnePlus Nord 2 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 1200, Mali-G77 MP9, 12288
60 fps 0%
Apple iPhone SE 2022
Apple A15 Bionic, A15 GPU 5-Core, 4096
60 fps
Average Apple A15 Bionic
  (59.8 - 60.2, n=8)
60 fps 0%
Sony Xperia 10 III
Qualcomm Snapdragon 690 5G, Adreno 619L, 6144
30 fps -50%
1920x1080 1080p Manhattan Offscreen
Average Apple A15 Bionic
  (165.9 - 253, n=8)
221 fps +18%
Apple iPhone SE 2022
Apple A15 Bionic, A15 GPU 5-Core, 4096
187 fps
Apple iPhone SE 2020
Apple A13 Bionic, A13 Bionic GPU, 3072
149 fps -20%
Apple iPhone 12 mini
Apple A14 Bionic, A14 Bionic GPU, 4096
148 fps -21%
Average of class Smartphone
  (9.2 - 363, n=179, last 2 years)
138 fps -26%
OnePlus Nord 2 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 1200, Mali-G77 MP9, 12288
124 fps -34%
Google Pixel 6
Google Tensor, Mali-G78 MP20, 8192
90 fps -52%
Sony Xperia 10 III
Qualcomm Snapdragon 690 5G, Adreno 619L, 6144
36 fps -81%
GFXBench 3.1
on screen Manhattan ES 3.1 Onscreen
Apple iPhone SE 2020
Apple A13 Bionic, A13 Bionic GPU, 3072
60 fps 0%
Apple iPhone 12 mini
Apple A14 Bionic, A14 Bionic GPU, 4096
60 fps 0%
Apple iPhone SE 2022
Apple A15 Bionic, A15 GPU 5-Core, 4096
60 fps
Average Apple A15 Bionic
  (59.8 - 60.1, n=8)
60 fps 0%
Average of class Smartphone
  (3.7 - 158, n=179, last 2 years)
59.9 fps 0%
OnePlus Nord 2 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 1200, Mali-G77 MP9, 12288
58 fps -3%
Google Pixel 6
Google Tensor, Mali-G78 MP20, 8192
57 fps -5%
Sony Xperia 10 III
Qualcomm Snapdragon 690 5G, Adreno 619L, 6144
21 fps -65%
1920x1080 Manhattan ES 3.1 Offscreen
Average Apple A15 Bionic
  (60 - 172.4, n=8)
139.6 fps +133%
Apple iPhone 12 mini
Apple A14 Bionic, A14 Bionic GPU, 4096
115 fps +92%
Average of class Smartphone
  (6.2 - 279, n=179, last 2 years)
96.7 fps +61%
Apple iPhone SE 2020
Apple A13 Bionic, A13 Bionic GPU, 3072
93 fps +55%
OnePlus Nord 2 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 1200, Mali-G77 MP9, 12288
77 fps +28%
Google Pixel 6
Google Tensor, Mali-G78 MP20, 8192
60 fps 0%
Apple iPhone SE 2022
Apple A15 Bionic, A15 GPU 5-Core, 4096
60 fps
Sony Xperia 10 III
Qualcomm Snapdragon 690 5G, Adreno 619L, 6144
26 fps -57%
GFXBench
on screen Car Chase Onscreen
Apple iPhone SE 2020
Apple A13 Bionic, A13 Bionic GPU, 3072
60 fps 0%
Apple iPhone SE 2022
Apple A15 Bionic, A15 GPU 5-Core, 4096
60 fps
Average Apple A15 Bionic
  (53.2 - 60, n=8)
57.8 fps -4%
Apple iPhone 12 mini
Apple A14 Bionic, A14 Bionic GPU, 4096
52 fps -13%
Average of class Smartphone
  (5 - 117, n=179, last 2 years)
42.9 fps -28%
OnePlus Nord 2 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 1200, Mali-G77 MP9, 12288
41 fps -32%
Google Pixel 6
Google Tensor, Mali-G78 MP20, 8192
36 fps -40%
Sony Xperia 10 III
Qualcomm Snapdragon 690 5G, Adreno 619L, 6144
12 fps -80%
1920x1080 Car Chase Offscreen
Average Apple A15 Bionic
  (68.8 - 105.2, n=8)
92.9 fps +13%
Apple iPhone SE 2022
Apple A15 Bionic, A15 GPU 5-Core, 4096
82 fps
Apple iPhone 12 mini
Apple A14 Bionic, A14 Bionic GPU, 4096
66 fps -20%
Apple iPhone SE 2020
Apple A13 Bionic, A13 Bionic GPU, 3072
59 fps -28%
Average of class Smartphone
  (2.9 - 166, n=179, last 2 years)
58.6 fps -29%
OnePlus Nord 2 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 1200, Mali-G77 MP9, 12288
47 fps -43%
Google Pixel 6
Google Tensor, Mali-G78 MP20, 8192
40 fps -51%
Sony Xperia 10 III
Qualcomm Snapdragon 690 5G, Adreno 619L, 6144
15 fps -82%
on screen Aztec Ruins Normal Tier Onscreen
Apple iPhone SE 2020
Apple A13 Bionic, A13 Bionic GPU, 3072
60 fps 0%
Apple iPhone 12 mini
Apple A14 Bionic, A14 Bionic GPU, 4096
60 fps 0%
Apple iPhone SE 2022
Apple A15 Bionic, A15 GPU 5-Core, 4096
60 fps
Average Apple A15 Bionic
  (59.1 - 60.1, n=7)
59.8 fps 0%
OnePlus Nord 2 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 1200, Mali-G77 MP9, 12288
48 fps -20%
Google Pixel 6
Google Tensor, Mali-G78 MP20, 8192
47 fps -22%
Average of class Smartphone
  (3.6 - 123, n=219, last 2 years)
43.2 fps -28%
Sony Xperia 10 III
Qualcomm Snapdragon 690 5G, Adreno 619L, 6144
13 fps -78%
1920x1080 Aztec Ruins Normal Tier Offscreen
Average Apple A15 Bionic
  (95.9 - 122.2, n=8)
110.1 fps +15%
Apple iPhone SE 2022
Apple A15 Bionic, A15 GPU 5-Core, 4096
95.9 fps
Apple iPhone 12 mini
Apple A14 Bionic, A14 Bionic GPU, 4096
79 fps -18%
Apple iPhone SE 2020
Apple A13 Bionic, A13 Bionic GPU, 3072
72 fps -25%
Average of class Smartphone
  (2.3 - 229, n=219, last 2 years)
63 fps -34%
OnePlus Nord 2 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 1200, Mali-G77 MP9, 12288
54 fps -44%
Google Pixel 6
Google Tensor, Mali-G78 MP20, 8192
49 fps -49%
Sony Xperia 10 III
Qualcomm Snapdragon 690 5G, Adreno 619L, 6144
16 fps -83%
on screen Aztec Ruins High Tier Onscreen
Apple iPhone SE 2020
Apple A13 Bionic, A13 Bionic GPU, 3072
60 fps 0%
Apple iPhone SE 2022
Apple A15 Bionic, A15 GPU 5-Core, 4096
60 fps
Average Apple A15 Bionic
  (49.4 - 60, n=8)
55.6 fps -7%
Apple iPhone 12 mini
Apple A14 Bionic, A14 Bionic GPU, 4096
53 fps -12%
Google Pixel 6
Google Tensor, Mali-G78 MP20, 8192
40 fps -33%
Average of class Smartphone
  (2.8 - 105, n=219, last 2 years)
32.2 fps -46%
OnePlus Nord 2 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 1200, Mali-G77 MP9, 12288
31 fps -48%
Sony Xperia 10 III
Qualcomm Snapdragon 690 5G, Adreno 619L, 6144
8 fps -87%
2560x1440 Aztec Ruins High Tier Offscreen
Apple iPhone SE 2022
Apple A15 Bionic, A15 GPU 5-Core, 4096
39 fps
Average Apple A15 Bionic
  (34.6 - 41.2, n=8)
38.4 fps -2%
Apple iPhone SE 2020
Apple A13 Bionic, A13 Bionic GPU, 3072
31 fps -21%
Apple iPhone 12 mini
Apple A14 Bionic, A14 Bionic GPU, 4096
29 fps -26%
Average of class Smartphone
  (0.85 - 94, n=219, last 2 years)
25.1 fps -36%
Google Pixel 6
Google Tensor, Mali-G78 MP20, 8192
23 fps -41%
OnePlus Nord 2 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 1200, Mali-G77 MP9, 12288
21 fps -46%
Sony Xperia 10 III
Qualcomm Snapdragon 690 5G, Adreno 619L, 6144
5.8 fps -85%
Antutu v9 - Total Score
Average Apple A15 Bionic
  (722973 - 832548, n=8)
788523 Points +8%
Average of class Smartphone
  (102602 - 1650926, n=148, last 2 years)
741274 Points +1%
Apple iPhone SE 2022
Apple A15 Bionic, A15 GPU 5-Core, 4096
733484 Points
Apple iPhone 12 mini
Apple A14 Bionic, A14 Bionic GPU, 4096
708280 Points -3%
Google Pixel 6
Google Tensor, Mali-G78 MP20, 8192
702981 Points -4%
OnePlus Nord 2 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 1200, Mali-G77 MP9, 12288
604538 Points -18%
Sony Xperia 10 III
Qualcomm Snapdragon 690 5G, Adreno 619L, 6144
344070 Points -53%
AImark - Score v2.x
Average Apple A15 Bionic
  (104532 - 107460, n=5)
105796 Points +1%
Apple iPhone SE 2022
Apple A15 Bionic, A15 GPU 5-Core, 4096
104532 Points
Apple iPhone 12 mini
Apple A14 Bionic, A14 Bionic GPU, 4096
91892 Points -12%
OnePlus Nord 2 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 1200, Mali-G77 MP9, 12288
71083 Points -32%
Apple iPhone SE 2020
Apple A13 Bionic, A13 Bionic GPU, 3072
60807 Points -42%
Sony Xperia 10 III
Qualcomm Snapdragon 690 5G, Adreno 619L, 6144
40708 Points -61%
Average of class Smartphone
  (1043 - 139804, n=55, last 2 years)
22126 Points -79%
Google Pixel 6
Google Tensor, Mali-G78 MP20, 8192
5723 Points -95%
CrossMark - Overall
Average Apple A15 Bionic
  (1132 - 1190, n=5)
1156 Points +2%
Apple iPhone SE 2022
Apple A15 Bionic, A15 GPU 5-Core, 4096
1132 Points
Apple iPhone 12 mini
Apple A14 Bionic, A14 Bionic GPU, 4096
1002 Points -11%
Apple iPhone SE 2020
Apple A13 Bionic, A13 Bionic GPU, 3072
856 Points -24%
Google Pixel 6
Google Tensor, Mali-G78 MP20, 8192
849 Points -25%
Average of class Smartphone
  (200 - 1474, n=156, last 2 years)
832 Points -27%

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)
182.6 Points
Average Apple A15 Bionic (173.5 - 189.9, n=8)
182.1 Points 0%
Apple iPhone 12 mini (Safari Mobile 14)
158.2 Points -13%
Apple iPhone SE 2020 (Safari Mobile 13.1)
139.7 Points -23%
Average of class Smartphone (13.8 - 351, n=167, last 2 years)
104.5 Points -43%
Google Pixel 6 (Chrome 96)
90.1 Points -51%
OnePlus Nord 2 5G (Chrome 92)
51.1 Points -72%
Sony Xperia 10 III (Chrome 91)
45.36 Points -75%
JetStream 1.1 - Total Score
Apple iPhone SE 2022 (Chrome 99)
414.4 Points
Average Apple A15 Bionic (383 - 414, n=6)
401 Points -3%
Apple iPhone 12 mini (Safari Mobile 14)
367.5 Points -11%
Apple iPhone SE 2020 (Safari Mobile 13.1)
278.6 Points -33%
Average of class Smartphone (66.1 - 414, n=3, last 2 years)
194.9 Points -53%
Google Pixel 6 (Chrome 96)
180.4 Points -56%
OnePlus Nord 2 5G (Chrome 92)
108.8 Points -74%
Sony Xperia 10 III (Chrome 91)
82.5 Points -80%
Speedometer 2.0 - Result
Average Apple A15 Bionic (228 - 347, n=8)
266 runs/min +11%
Apple iPhone SE 2022 (Chome 99)
239 runs/min
Apple iPhone 12 mini (Safari Mobile 14)
193 runs/min -19%
Apple iPhone SE 2020 (Safari Mobile 13.1)
158 runs/min -34%
Average of class Smartphone (14.9 - 445, n=151, last 2 years)
105.7 runs/min -56%
Google Pixel 6 (Chrome 96)
104 runs/min -56%
OnePlus Nord 2 5G (Chome 92)
50.2 runs/min -79%
Sony Xperia 10 III (Chrome 91)
41.2 runs/min -83%
WebXPRT 3 - Overall
Apple iPhone SE 2022 (Chrome 99)
265 Points
Average Apple A15 Bionic (219 - 279, n=8)
254 Points -4%
Apple iPhone 12 mini (Safari Mobile 14)
191 Points -28%
Apple iPhone SE 2020 (Safari Mobile 13.1)
146 Points -45%
Average of class Smartphone (37 - 304, n=119, last 2 years)
131.8 Points -50%
Google Pixel 6 (Chrome 96)
110 Points -58%
Sony Xperia 10 III (Chrome 91)
74 Points -72%
OnePlus Nord 2 5G (Chrome 92)
69 Points -74%
Octane V2 - Total Score
Apple iPhone SE 2022 (Chrome 99)
65969 Points
Average Apple A15 Bionic (57143 - 65969, n=8)
63305 Points -4%
Apple iPhone 12 mini (Safari Mobile 14)
57431 Points -13%
Apple iPhone SE 2020 (Safari Mobile 13.1)
48991 Points -26%
Google Pixel 6 (Chrome 96)
43376 Points -34%
Average of class Smartphone (4633 - 89112, n=202, last 2 years)
33525 Points -49%
OnePlus Nord 2 5G (Chrome 92)
26207 Points -60%
Sony Xperia 10 III
16866 Points -74%
Mozilla Kraken 1.1 - Total
Sony Xperia 10 III (Chrome 91)
2506 ms * -404%
OnePlus Nord 2 5G (Chrome 92)
1809 ms * -264%
Average of class Smartphone (388 - 9999, n=165, last 2 years)
1653 ms * -232%
Google Pixel 6 (Chrome 96)
1034 ms * -108%
Apple iPhone SE 2020 (Safari Mobile 13.1)
550 ms * -11%
Apple iPhone SE 2022 (Chrome 99)
497.2 ms *
Apple iPhone 12 mini (Safari Mobile 14)
459.6 ms * +8%
Average Apple A15 Bionic (414 - 507, n=8)
456 ms * +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.

Armajet
Armajet
PUBG Mobile
PUBG Mobile
051015202530354045505560Tooltip
Apple iPhone SE 2022; Armajet; 1.61.6: Ø59.4 (58-60)
Apple iPhone SE 2022; PUBG Mobile; Smooth; 1.9.0: Ø59.4 (58-60)
Apple iPhone SE 2022; PUBG Mobile; HD; 1.9.0: Ø59.2 (54-60)
Apple iPhone SE 2022; PUBG Mobile; Ultra HD; 1.9.0: Ø39.2 (36-40)

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.

Max. Load
 40.5 °C
105 F
39 °C
102 F
36.1 °C
97 F
 
 38.7 °C
102 F
37.3 °C
99 F
36 °C
97 F
 
 37.8 °C
100 F
36.7 °C
98 F
35.8 °C
96 F
 
Maximum: 40.5 °C = 105 F
Average: 37.5 °C = 100 F
36.7 °C
98 F
40.3 °C
105 F
44.4 °C
112 F
37.7 °C
100 F
39.9 °C
104 F
41.2 °C
106 F
36.7 °C
98 F
39 °C
102 F
39.9 °C
104 F
Maximum: 44.4 °C = 112 F
Average: 39.5 °C = 103 F
Power Supply (max.)  40.9 °C = 106 F | Room Temperature 21.2 °C = 70 F | Fluke t3000FC (calibrated), Voltcraft IR-260
(±) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 37.5 °C / 100 F, compared to the average of 32.7 °C / 91 F for the devices in the class Smartphone.
(±) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 40.5 °C / 105 F, compared to the average of 35 °C / 95 F, ranging from 21.9 to 56 °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 32.7 °C / 91 F.

3DMark Wild Life Stress Test

3DMark
Wild Life Stress Test Stability
Sony Xperia 10 III
Adreno 619L, SD 690 5G, 128 GB UFS 2.1 Flash
99.4 (822min) % +25%
Apple iPhone SE 2022
A15 GPU 5-Core, A15, 64 GB SSD
79.5 (39min) %
Apple iPhone 12 mini
A14 Bionic GPU, A14, 128 GB NVMe
69.7 % -12%
Apple iPhone SE 2020
A13 Bionic GPU, A13 Bionic, 128 GB NVMe
64.1 (29.3min) % -19%
OnePlus Nord 2 5G
Mali-G77 MP9, Dimensity 1200, 256 GB UFS 3.1 Flash
61.4 % -23%
Google Pixel 6
Mali-G78 MP20, Tensor, 128 GB UFS 3.1 Flash
53.1 (22.2min) % -33%
Wild Life Extreme Stress Test
Sony Xperia 10 III
Adreno 619L, SD 690 5G, 128 GB UFS 2.1 Flash
99.2 (250min) % +62%
Apple iPhone 12 mini
A14 Bionic GPU, A14, 128 GB NVMe
67 (1283min) % +9%
OnePlus Nord 2 5G
Mali-G77 MP9, Dimensity 1200, 256 GB UFS 3.1 Flash
66.6 (858min) % +8%
Apple iPhone SE 2020
A13 Bionic GPU, A13 Bionic, 128 GB NVMe
62.2 (7.66min) % +1%
Apple iPhone SE 2022
A15 GPU 5-Core, A15, 64 GB SSD
61.4 (9.12min) %
Google Pixel 6
Mali-G78 MP20, Tensor, 128 GB UFS 3.1 Flash
54.9 (7.06min) % -11%
051015202530354045Tooltip
Apple iPhone SE 2022 A15 GPU 5-Core, A15, 64 GB SSD; Wild Life Extreme Stress Test; 0.0.0.0: Ø10.7 (9.12-14.9)
Apple iPhone SE 2020 A13 Bionic GPU, A13 Bionic, 128 GB NVMe; Wild Life Extreme Stress Test: Ø8.44 (7.66-12.3)
Google Pixel 6 Mali-G78 MP20, Tensor, 128 GB UFS 3.1 Flash; Wild Life Extreme Stress Test; 1.0.5.1: Ø8.78 (7.06-12.9)
Apple iPhone SE 2022 A15 GPU 5-Core, A15, 64 GB SSD; Wild Life Stress Test Stability; 0.0.0.0: Ø40.3 (39-49)
Apple iPhone SE 2020 A13 Bionic GPU, A13 Bionic, 128 GB NVMe; Wild Life Stress Test Stability: Ø32.1 (29.3-45.7)
Google Pixel 6 Mali-G78 MP20, Tensor, 128 GB UFS 3.1 Flash; Wild Life Stress Test Stability: Ø27.5 (22.2-41.9)
Heatmap - front
Heatmap - front
Heatmap - back
Heatmap - back

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.

dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2041.551.12535.542.73131.733.64030.831.95032.236.36325.1318019.427.310020.932.312517.639.516015.847.22001348.125011.747.731510.649.940010.556.350011.963.563013.867.680015.469.6100012.771.212501674.5160012.475.9200011.675.8250013.176.5315013.174.4400013.774.2500014.271.6630014.770.4800015.375.81000015.9761250016.565.11600017.165.6SPL26.185.9N0.764median 13.8median 69.6Delta1.99.531.830.82423.416.121.127.621.132.334.423.422.62217.32222.52137.117.949.113.350.515.254.413.252.611.554.212.262.712.368.513.372.914.57512.273.911.27411.773.612.172.412.773.613.678.313.179.113.671.213.168.313.672.713.671.113.5612586.30.665.8median 13.3median 71.11.38.9hearing rangehide median Pink NoiseApple iPhone SE 2022Google Pixel 6
Frequency diagram (checkboxes can be checked and unchecked to compare devices)
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
» 13% of all tested devices in this class were better, 8% similar, 79% worse
» The best had a delta of 12%, average was 38%, worst was 134%
Compared to all devices tested
» 34% of all tested devices were better, 8% similar, 58% 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
» 9% of all tested devices in this class were better, 7% similar, 84% worse
» The best had a delta of 12%, average was 38%, worst was 134%
Compared to all devices tested
» 30% of all tested devices were better, 8% similar, 62% 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.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0 / 0.1 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 0.6 / 0.9 / 1.5 Watt
Load midlight 6.5 / 11 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Metrahit Energy
Currently we use the Metrahit Energy, a professional single phase power quality and energy measurement digital multimeter, for our measurements. Find out more about it here. All of our test methods can be found here.
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%
-16%
Idle Minimum *
0.6
0.44
27%
0.62
-3%
0.44
27%
0.8
-33%
0.68
-13%
0.66 ?(0.51 - 1.1, n=8)
-10%
0.891 ?(0.42 - 2.37, n=157, last 2 years)
-49%
Idle Average *
0.9
1.56
-73%
1.18
-31%
0.65
28%
1.2
-33%
1
-11%
1.303 ?(0.8 - 2.2, n=8)
-45%
1.448 ?(0.69 - 4.26, n=157, last 2 years)
-61%
Idle Maximum *
1.5
1.63
-9%
1.21
19%
0.69
54%
1.6
-7%
1.02
32%
1.748 ?(1 - 4.2, n=8)
-17%
1.63 ?(0.79 - 4.45, n=157, last 2 years)
-9%
Load Average *
6.5
2.32
64%
2.1
68%
2.99
54%
5.7
12%
5.39
17%
4.85 ?(2.65 - 6.7, n=8)
25%
5.57 ?(2.4 - 16.5, n=157, last 2 years)
14%
Load Maximum *
11
4.12
63%
5.71
48%
5.42
51%
10.9
1%
9
18%
7.77 ?(3.56 - 11.4, n=8)
29%
8.27 ?(4.32 - 20.8, n=157, last 2 years)
25%

* ... smaller is better

Power Consumption: Geekbench (150 cd/m²)

01234567891011Tooltip
Apple iPhone SE 2022: Ø5.05 (0.888-11.1)

Power Consumption: GFXBench (150 cd/m²)

00.10.30.40.60.70.911.21.31.51.61.81.92.12.22.42.52.72.8Tooltip
Apple iPhone SE 2022; 1920x1080 Aztec Ruins Normal Offscreen: Ø2.73 (2.41-2.98)
Apple iPhone SE 2022; Idle 150cd/m2: Ø0.932 (0.853-1.092)

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.

Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
34h 9min
WiFi Websurfing
12h 49min
Big Buck Bunny H.264 1080p
13h 17min
Load (maximum brightness)
2h 44min
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

+ compact and high-quality
+ 5G capable
+ world phone
+ very powerful
+ IP certified

Cons

- only a 60-Hz display
- low screen resolution
- aged design
- inflexible single-lens camera

Verdict - A compact and lightning-fast 5G smartphone

Testing the iPhone SE 2022
Testing the iPhone SE 2022

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
Florian Schmitt

Chassis
83%
Keyboard
66 / 75 → 88%
Pointing Device
94%
Connectivity
49 / 70 → 69%
Weight
93%
Battery
89%
Display
90%
Games Performance
60 / 64 → 93%
Application Performance
91 / 86 → 100%
Temperature
88%
Noise
100%
Audio
71 / 90 → 79%
Camera
64%
Average
80%
86%
Smartphone - Weighted Average

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Reviews > Apple iPhone SE 2022 smartphone review - Affordable iPhone dwarf with 5G and retro charm
Florian Schmitt, 2022-04-13 (Update: 2022-04-13)