Apple iPhone SE 2022 Specs Prices Pros & Cons Revealed

Body and Design

The Apple iPhone SE (2022) stands out with its design that seamlessly blends a classic aesthetic with modern accents. The compact dimensions of 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm make it highly portable, ideal for users who prefer smaller phones. Weighing just 144 grams, it is lightweight yet sturdy thanks to its construction of a glass front and back with an aluminum frame, a hallmark of Apple's design language. This sleek build is not just about aesthetics; it also provides a premium feel and enhances durability.

The device supports both Nano-SIM and eSIM, offering flexibility for users who travel frequently and need to switch networks easily. Available in elegant colors such as Midnight, Starlight, and Red, the iPhone SE (2022) caters to a wide range of tastes and styles.

Display

The 4.7-inch Retina IPS LCD offers a resolution of 750 x 1334 pixels with a 16:9 aspect ratio, providing a pixel density of approximately 326 ppi. Despite the smaller screen size compared to other modern smartphones, the display quality is remarkable with bright, vivid colors and excellent contrast, boasting a nominal contrast ratio of 1424:1. The screen supports 625 nits of brightness, ensuring good visibility even under direct sunlight. The Ion-strengthened glass adds a layer of protection against scratches and minor impacts, preserving its pristine quality over time.

Performance

Under the hood, the Apple iPhone SE (2022) is powered by the A15 Bionic chip, which is built on a 5 nm process. This powerhouse chipset ensures the device runs smoothly, handling demanding apps and multitasking with ease. The Hexa-core CPU, consisting of 2x3.22 GHz Avalanche and 4x1.82 GHz Blizzard cores, provides efficient and powerful performance across a wide range of tasks. The Apple GPU with 4-core graphics further complements the system, delivering impressive visuals and gaming experiences.

Whether you're using the iPhone SE for gaming, streaming, or productivity, its performance is robust and reliable. Benchmark tests reveal stellar scores, with AnTuTu reported at 723486 (v9) and GeekBench at 4629 (v5.1), underscoring its capabilities as a device that punches well above its weight class.

Platform and Operating System

The iPhone SE (2022) ships with iOS 15.4 and is upgradable to iOS 17.5.1, with a planned upgrade to iOS 18, ensuring that users have access to the latest features and security updates. This continued software support is a significant advantage for Apple devices, extending their usability and relevance in an ever-evolving tech landscape.

Camera Capabilities

The camera setup on the iPhone SE (2022) delivers impressive photographic performance for its class. The rear camera features a single 12 MP, f/1.8 wide lens with phase detection autofocus (PDAF) and optical image stabilization (OIS), enabling users to capture sharp, vibrant images even in low light conditions. The camera supports various features including Quad-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, and panorama, expanding creative possibilities for users.

As for video recording, the iPhone SE supports 4K recording at 24, 30, and 60 fps, as well as 1080p recording at 30, 60, 120, and 240 fps. The inclusion of HDR, OIS, and stereo sound recording further enhance the video quality, making it a strong performer in its category.

The 7 MP front-facing camera with an f/2.2 aperture also supports HDR, ensuring selfies and video calls look excellent. It is capable of recording 1080p video at 30 and 120 fps, with gyro-EIS for steady footage.

Battery and Charging

The iPhone SE (2022) is equipped with a modest Li-Ion 2018 mAh battery, supporting 20W wired charging which allows it to reach 50% charge in just 30 minutes, as advertised by Apple. Additionally, the phone supports 7.5W wireless charging via Qi standard. While the battery capacity might seem limited, the efficiency of the A15 Bionic chip ensures decent endurance for everyday tasks, with an endurance rating of 62 hours.

Connectivity and Network

The iPhone SE (2022) offers robust connectivity options, including support for GSM, CDMA, HSPA, EVDO, LTE, and 5G networks, making it future-proof in terms of network capabilities. It provides strong performance across various bands, including multiple 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G bands, as well as high-speed internet access with technologies like HSPA, LTE (CA), and 5G.

Additional connectivity features include Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC for Apple Pay, GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, and QZSS for accurate location services. However, there's no support for FM radio, which might be a downside for some users.

Storage and Memory

The iPhone SE (2022) offers multiple storage configurations: 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB, paired with 4GB of RAM. The absence of a card slot for storage expansion could be a limitation for users who prefer adding extra storage, but the 256GB model should suffice for most users' needs, offering ample space for apps, media, and documents.

Audio and Multimedia

For audio, the iPhone SE is equipped with stereo speakers, delivering clear and loud sound. However, it lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, a trend consistent with Apple's newer devices, necessitating the use of wireless headphones or an adapter for wired audio devices. The loudspeaker performance is rated as very good, scoring -25.2 LUFS in loudness tests.

Additional Features

Sensors on the iPhone SE (2022) include a front-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, proximity sensor, gyro, compass, and barometer, providing comprehensive functionality that supports a wide range of applications, from fitness tracking to augmented reality experiences.

Pricing and Models

The iPhone SE (2022) is competitively priced, starting at approximately $429 USD, making it an attractive option for users seeking a premium device at a more accessible price point. It is available in models such as A2783, A2595, A2785, A2782, A2784, and iphone14,6, catering to different regions and networks.

Conclusion

The Apple iPhone SE (2022) masterfully balances performance, design, and affordability. It is a compelling choice for users who prefer smaller, more traditional smartphones without compromising on power and features. Its elegant design, robust performance courtesy of the A15 Bionic chip, and superior camera capabilities make it a standout in its class. Whether you're a first-time iPhone user or seeking a secondary device, the iPhone SE (2022) offers a quality Apple experience at a fraction of the price of flagship models.