Launched in 2022 as the third‑generation SE, the iPhone SE (2022) blends the body and home‑button ergonomics of the iPhone 8 with the A15 Bionic silicon used across Apple’s iPhone 13 family. Apple kept Touch ID, a single rear camera and the classic bezels above and below the screen while adding 5G support and tougher glass. The result is a compact phone aimed at buyers who prefer a physical home button or are upgrading from older iPhones.
This review synthesizes contemporary expert coverage and hands‑on testing reported at launch and in subsequent rechecks: CNET’s 8.7/10 review, PCMag’s analysis of hardware and 5G support, EveryMac’s performance comparison noting A15 parity with iPhone 13 models, and NextPit’s follow‑up on battery and usability a year after release. Claims below are drawn directly from those sources.
Verdict: the SE (2022) is deceptively powerful — reviewers repeatedly note iPhone 13‑level performance thanks to the A15 — but it also carries clear tradeoffs: a dated LCD design with prominent bezels, a single rear camera that lacks Night Mode, and mixed opinions on battery life. It’s best for users who prioritize Touch ID and compact familiarity over modern displays and flagship camera features.
A15 Bionic delivers near‑flagship speed
Apple equipped the SE (2022) with the A15 Bionic chip, the same generation silicon that powered the iPhone 13 family; reviewers described performance as 'iPhone 13‑levels' and noted the phone handles gaming, photo editing and demanding apps smoothly (EveryMac, CNET).
That A15 parity means the SE performs significantly better than its SE predecessors in CPU/GPU tasks, making it a practical option for buyers who need long software support and fast day‑to‑day responsiveness.
Good daylight shots but missing key modern features
The single rear camera produces good photos and video in well‑lit conditions — reviewers call image quality 'good' — but the SE lacks Night Mode, which limits low‑light performance compared with modern iPhones (CNET).
Reviewers also flagged that the selfie camera is 'not on par with the rear camera,' meaning front‑facing image quality and low‑light selfies are noticeably weaker.
Classic iPhone 8 shell with dated bezels and a modest LCD
Apple reused the iPhone 8 body, including the bottom and top bezels and a Touch ID home button; CNET described the bezels as 'dated' while noting the phone retains a familiar, one‑handable footprint for longtime iPhone users.
NextPit and CNET both critique the display: NextPit references a 5.4‑inch LCD in its reporting and CNET says the screen 'could be brighter,' signaling the SE’s panel and overall front‑glass real estate are not on par with recent OLED flagship phones.
5G support and mixed battery impressions
PCMag highlights that the SE (2022) 'unlocks access to most of the latest 5G network bands,' bringing broader cellular compatibility than earlier SE models.
Battery commentary is mixed: CNET reported 'good battery life so far' in early testing and NextPit said users can 'stay relaxed throughout the whole day,' while PCMag advised readers to 'demand a little more' from battery performance when compared to newer iPhone families.
Strong value for buyers who want Touch ID and compactness
CNET called the SE (2022) 'mind‑blowing value' for people upgrading from iPhone 8 or older devices because it pairs modern A15 performance with a familiar home‑button interface and access to Apple services like iMessage and FaceTime.
That said, reviewers remind buyers the SE omits Face ID, MagSafe, and some modern conveniences (and Apple does not include a 20‑watt USB‑C charger in the box), so its value depends on which features you prioritize.
Pros & Cons
- ✅ A15 Bionic processor — performance comparable to iPhone 13 models (EveryMac, CNET)
- ✅ 5G support that 'unlocks access to most of the latest 5G network bands' (PCMag)
- ✅ Touch ID and compact iPhone 8–style ergonomics for one‑handed use (CNET)
- ✅ Tougher glass and updated internals compared with older SE models (CNET)
- ✅ Reliable access to Apple ecosystem features like iMessage, FaceTime and the App Store (CNET)
- ❌ No Night Mode for the rear camera, limiting low‑light photography (CNET)
- ❌ Display criticized as 'could be brighter' and the top/bottom bezels look dated (CNET, NextPit)
- ❌ Selfie camera 'not on par with the rear camera' in image quality (CNET)
- ❌ Mixed battery reports — described as 'good' by some reviewers but 'you should demand a little more' by others (CNET, PCMag)
- ❌ No Face ID or MagSafe; 20‑watt USB‑C charger not included in the box (CNET)
How It Compares to the Competition
- iPhone 13 — Shares the A15 Bionic for equivalent performance but offers newer design choices, better cameras and Face ID.
- iPhone 13 mini — Similar A15 performance in an even smaller modern‑looking chassis; fewer design compromises than the SE's legacy bezels.
- iPhone 14 — PCMag and others note the iPhone 14 outperforms the SE in battery, camera features and modern hardware design.
- iPhone 16 — Called out by PCMag as outperforming the SE across the board and as the Editors’ Choice within Apple's current lineup.
Who Should Buy This & Who Should Skip It
Buy it if: Buy the SE (2022) if you are upgrading from an iPhone 8 or older and want a compact, one‑handed phone with Touch ID and A15‑level performance, or if you need broader 5G band support without moving to a larger flagship.
Skip it if: Skip the SE if you prioritize Face ID, MagSafe, an OLED display or advanced camera features like Night Mode. If you want the best battery life, brightest screen and multi‑lens camera systems, look to Apple’s recent iPhone 14/16 families instead.
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