The new Apple iPhone SE 2022 can already be ordered. But what has actually happened since the iPhone SE 2020? Is it worth switching to the new, cheap iPhone? We clarify that in our comparison here on NextPit!
As expected, Apple presented us with the brand new iPhone SE 2022 at its spring event 2022. Visually, it goes through as a twin of its predecessor. In our article we will introduce you to the differences and find out for whom the update is worthwhile. Here you have an overview of the most important technical data:
| 2022 model | 2020 model | |
|---|---|---|
| product | ||
| Illustration |  | |
| screen | 4.7 inch LCD, 60Hz 1334 x 750 pixels (326 ppi) | 4.7 inch LCD, 60Hz 1334 x 750 pixels (326 ppi) |
| SoC | A15 Bionic | A13 Bionic |
| Storage | 64/128/256GB | 64 / 128GB |
| home button | Yes | Yes |
| software | iOS 15 | iOS 15 |
| rear camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| camera in front | 7MP | 7MP |
| battery pack | Video playback: up to 15 hours Video playback (streamed): up to 10 hours Audio playback: up to 50 hours | Video playback: up to 13 hours Video playback (streamed): up to 8 hours Audio playback: up to 40 hours |
| connectivity | 5G, LTE, NFC, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0 | LTE, NFC, WLAN 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0 |
| IP certification | IP67 | IP67 |
| Colours | Midnight, North Star,(PRODUCT)RED | Black, White, (PRODUCT)RED |
| measurements and weight | 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3mm, 144g | 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3mm, 148g |
| Prices | From 519 euros | From 479 euros |
| To offer* |
Anyone who has meticulously compared will certainly be able to confirm that Apple has only selectively updated the new model. We’ll go through point by point now, here we go:
Contents:
display and housing
First, let’s talk about everything that’s new in the design of the device and the display:
via GIPHY
Well, that’s actually how it is: The iPhone SE 2022 is based on the identical design of the predecessor – and that was actually already outdated with the iPhone SE (2020), as it is based on the iPhone 8 from 2017. So there is an aluminum housing again, again identical dimensions, IP67 certification and a 4.7-inch display. Apple has only accomplished the feat of making the device four grams lighter this time.
The display is again an LCD panel with HD resolution, up to 650 nits bright and only 60 Hertz. It’s a shame that Apple didn’t make at least a little improvement here.
The new colors are the old ones… / © Apple
performance and connectivity
If you want to justify to yourself why you need the new model instead of the second generation iPhone SE: This is your category! Because Apple gives the iPhone SE 2022 the A15 Bionic, which we also find in the iPhone 13. The SoC also smiles wearily at the performance of the Snapdragon competition, making the iPhone SE 2022 a real powerhouse.
The whole thing is rounded off by the fact that you will also find a 5G modem in the new model. This not only puts you in the best possible position in terms of performance, but also way ahead in terms of future viability. The information is rather unofficial that the new iPhone SE with 4 GB RAM has a larger working memory. With the iPhone SE 2020 it was still three GB. Apple itself doesn’t communicate the RAM numbers, but keep that in mind.
cameras
Is a simple 12 MP cam enough for you? / © NextPit
Here we can be brief again: A 7 MP shooter for selfies at the front, the simple 12 MP snap at the back – so the camera system is almost unchanged. There are still functional improvements. Thanks to the new SoC you will benefit from the Deep Fusion technology, in addition there is Smart HDR 4 and the photographic styles. So only a gentle update, but an update nonetheless.
software
As you are used to from Apple, you can use the current iOS 15 on both smartphones. So there’s not really much to compare here either. However, I would like to point out two things that play a role here: The 2022 will of course be supported longer with new updates. So if you plan to use the iPhone SE for significantly longer than the obligatory two years, that could play a role for you.
In addition, more demanding software features also benefit from the better SoCs. For you, this means you’ll enjoy the same software features on both devices, but run smoother on the 2022 model.
Battery and quick charging
Apple does not communicate any really meaningful numbers for the battery either. Instead, the Cupertino-based company tells us how long we can run certain functions. The new battery should last 15 hours for video playback and 10 hours for streamed videos. That’s two hours more than the battery last year’s model lasts.
You can also charge with 20 watts – according to Apple, you can reach 50 percent battery within half an hour at the socket. The predecessor could be charged with 18 watts and both generations are capable of inductive charging.
price and availability
Apple has turned the price screw a little bit. As you can imagine, in the ugly direction. If you were able to buy the iPhone SE 2020 from 479 euros, you will now have to pay at least 519 euros. It’s a pity that Apple continues to offer a version with 64 GB of storage as an entry-level device. In 2022, this is actually no longer up-to-date.
Ben is also not very enthusiastic about it in his comment. He fears that the iPhone SE 2022 could become a bad buy candidate. In the table you can see the prices of the new Apple cell phones. Officially, you will no longer find the predecessor at Apple, but third-party providers are currently offering the two-year-old cell phone from 455 euros.
iPhone SE 2022: Prices at a glance
| iPhone SE 2022 | price |
|---|---|
| 64 gigabytes | 519 euros |
| 128 gigabytes | 569 euros |
| 256 gigabytes | 689 euros |
Conclusion
This much is certain: If you buy the iPhone SE 2022, you won’t do it because you’re really in the mood for a firework of innovation. In a direct comparison, scary little has changed. The updates to the camera and the battery are hardly noticeable, the display and the exterior are not even there.
Why is the purchase worthwhile? Because you get a real performance rocket with 5G for relatively little money. In terms of software, you can look forward to long-term support. But do you really want to exhaust that with a smartphone whose design exudes the musty scent of 2017? And do you still want to use a smartphone with just 64 GB of storage space in 2025 or later?
Can you answer these questions with “Yes” because the retro look, price and performance will convince you: Feel free! Everyone else should consider spending a little more money for the iPhone 13 mini – or even wait for the iPhone 14 and then treat yourself to a cheaper iPhone 13.