iPhone SE (2022) review

The iPhone SE (2022) includes Apple’s latest A15 processor, 5G connectivity, and improved battery life over the previous SE model. But its tired design and cramped 4.7-inch display feel like they’re stuck in the past.

[TheVerge]

Is a bigger screen a necessity for you?

[mr_protozoa]

I love the iPhoneSE models - not for me - but for my Dad. Trying to get a technophobe in their late 60's to migrate to £1000 phones with gesture navigation is a real uphill struggle. The simplicity of the "press the big round button if you get stuck" cannot be overstated. He's never going to want a 10x periscope lens, and his eyesight wouldn't benefit from a 1440p display - but something which is pocketable, well made, and will last for years is an absolute win.

[germanium]

I love the finger print reader. They should bring it back on all iPhones. At least on the side.

[gibsonever]

I think its great that there is a SE still out. But for me the 13 mini does the trick because its even smaller with bigger screen size and better battery life!

[arijeanz]

i have a friend that just got it and let me try it out-- and the experience was magical. i forgot how good it felt to be able to quickly and comfortably text with one hand. never mind how pocketable it is!!! my first phone was a 5c so i guess i have a soft spot for small budget phones so i really love the se!! can't wait to switch from my behemoth phone

[Ryan]

Still rocking the 2016 SE. The size is just truly amazing.

[GreyJedi]

I love this model. Just for touch ID. I think we have overated larger phones. I prefer this form factor.

[LNG-]

The SE continues to be one of the best values in tech. I’ve had both previous SE’s and they’re brilliant. It does most things the premium iPhones do at half the cost. I realised that nobody gives a damn what phone I use a long time ago and after the initial “ooh shiny” passes - I don’t either. I’m still doing the same things I’d do on any other phone. The single camera sounds rubbish on paper, but it’s actually a really solid little unit. I admit, I would’ve liked a night mode though. Get yourself an SE and the base iPad for less than the cost of a premium iPhone and you’ve got a really solid setup.

[DavidSattler]

Honestly: I think reviews for these kinds of phones should also cover the target groups. The se isn’t really a low budget high end phone but rather a premium low end phone. Like, say a galaxy a series device or entry level Huawei stuff. There’s a ton of people who burn through a budget phone every year, for wich a device like this would pose a much better value than spending 200 bucks every year

[EnronnSierra]

Buying this for my mother who has iPhone 6s that’s having issues. For her, this is more than enough and it’s familiar just like the 6s. No relearning.

[bostonguy]

the iPhone SE isn't targeting the tech enthusiast like most of us watching this video, this phone is for the people that don't care about big fancy screens, multiple cameras, fast 120HZ display etc..
this phone is for the people still hanging on to their iPhone 6S to iPhone 8 and really like the small form factor and specially touch ID and for them thats is a big upgrade, much faster, great camera, better battery life, long software updates, iOS and specially the Apple ecosystem, im sure it will sell like hot cakes with the low price for the average consumer .

[maxcalifornia]

It’s October 2023 and I have an iPhone 12 currently but I am definitely considering getting an iPhone SE 3 on the used market. The 128 go unlocked is going for $300 which is a steal if you ask me.

I can’t wait to have a smaller screen with the home button! Super retro and as always team white iPhone.

[awwwtomotive]

This phone is perfect for me, using the 2020 version, the size is ideal, easy to carry and fit in my small pocket, and great editing video with Luma Fusion, fast rendering, I never again edit my video with my macbook unless with heavy effect, but still comeback to this tiny device. The only downside is the battery.

[smasherjosh]

This is my first iPhone which I bought in August 2024 and it’s fantastic

[dominicsmith]

Perfect phone for mountain biking (especially in a rugged case). Small enough to not get in the way and has a great camera to capture the views. The fingerprint sensor is a godsend and far more convenient for my needs. Battery life is good enough for the rides I go and then some. When you factor in Apple's support for their hardware, this is a companion you'll have with you for a while.

[crazyfun]

I wound up pre ordering the iPhone SE 2022 for one huge reason, simplicity. There are other reasons like long support, great performance and probably the best camera on a $430 phone. The only concern I have is battery life, but I will say when I had the iPhone SE 2020 I wound up coming to appreciate all it offered for the price. While I do wish they had put touch ID in the power button and made this full screen, it's still a great overall value. Touch ID certainly is a huge selling point too because it's great and reliable.

[awilson]

Someone tells this lady there are lots of people who loves this kind of bezels and screen size. Not everybody in love with total glass chunky front side :/

[MrAndreCoutinho]

I know they kept the old design to keep the price low but I wonder what would be the cost of a revised iPhone XR, I think it would be perfect at $500.

[alxisl]

We need more videos with her! She’s so calm!

[sachininspright]

The choice of reviewer for a certain phone is important to think through. A reviewer who is a power user, and is used to the flagship models will just not feel comfortable with the display of SE phones. Try getting a reviewer who is mid-aged/senior with reducing income trend, deteriorating eyesight (concerns over flickering), not into gaming or video watching over phone, but uses the phone for work mails, calls, social media and payment transactions and see what they feel about the SE. When you review a phone, review it for the intended customer segment which may not quite overlap with your website/YT channel’s subscriber profile.