iPhone SE (2020) review

The new iPhone SE looks like an iPhone 8 but works like Apple's top-of-the line iPhone 11 Pro and costs only $399. And yet, there are a lot of ways to think about the new SE. One is that it's a more affordable option than the iPhone 11. Or that it's the 2020 sequel to the original SE from 2016. Or, at 4.7 inches, that it's the smallest and cheapest iPhone you can currently buy. Or -- and this is my favorite way to think about it -- that it's an iPhone 8 with the brains and power of an iPhone 11. All in all though, the new iPhone SE is all these things -- and that's why I'm enamored with it.

[javahoe]

Patrick Holland has to be my favourite reviewers at CNET now and fast become one of my favourite tech reviewers on YouTube. His reviews are precise, accurate, to the point and no dull moments.

[PedroNogueiranunes]

This reviewer is really good. Looks like he knows his stuff.

[ritardstrength]

This guy is a great reviewer; lots of personality.

[jonluc]

I'll be upgrading from my iPhone SE, so the screen size, battery, and camera will all be major improvements :)

[lifewithdaneeli]

Honestly, ive been wanting to buy the iphone 11 but now that I've watched your review, i'll definitely buy the iphone se. It fits for people like me who prefers smaller phones, likes touch id, and doesnt want to spend a lot of money on a phone. Knowing that it has the same A13 chip with the 11's makes it a killer device and knowing that its much cheaper than the 11's, i think i might also purchase an ipad air 3.

[airrwalker]

Apple to OnePlus : When you go High we go Low

[elsanto]

My man!!! Great review! You are definitely my favorite CNET tech reviewer!

[TheGoodfella]

Original SE owner for 4.1 years. Bought the new SE :)

[Tommyboiuk]

Thank you for mentioning the battery results, the first review I've seen to not brush over it.

[Uncle_cheeto]

For the last few months I've been considering switching from Android to ios. The SE convinced me me to do so. Switching from Galaxy S8 to SE 256GB in red, placed my order on the 17th. I've never owned an iPhone in the 20 years of using a mobile phone.

[tinalewis]

I purchased an iPhone SE 2020 during a Black Friday sale. I’m upgrading from an Android LG K22 - oh my, what a difference! I don’t see myself going back to Android. Thanks for the wonderful review, I’m glad to see my choice of iPhones isn’t laughable.

[childfree]

I’m on my new 128gb SE. pre ordered it on the 17th and got it today.much faster than my 32 gb iPhone 7. Well worth the 400 bucks.

[ppavankumar]

When he said battery life is umm
Me:- God plz no dont tell it sucks
Then me 😅😍

[dollarzooshow]

Best review on this phone I’ve seen so far. Thanks for being so in depth. Commenting with my original iPhone SE BTW :)

[imbanates]

One of the best review of iPhone SE so far. Very expressive and the background music is just on point. Two thumbs up! 👍🏻👍🏻

[ArjunYadav-mjdd]

Am I the only person who loves semi-retro tech like this more than the latest stuff ?

[pofolksoutdoors]

Just upgraded from a 7 plus (which was my first iPhone). Best phone decision I've ever made. I actually am liking the smaller size, it is lightning fast, and has all the features I wanted. Wireless charging is legit!!! I can see keeping this phone for two to three years easily.

[tanman]

I just went from the 7+ 128gb to the 11 128 gb unlocked. Traded in my 7* w/ apple, they credited the $150 back to me really fast. Really happy with this upgrade! A13 is soo speedy! Great cameras too. I don’t blame anyone for getting this phone. Great value for the money just wish it had a refreshed design.

[RandomGuyComments]

I'm upgrading from the opposite end of the spectrum, Asus Rog gaming phone with Android.
Apple has:
-More security
-Future Proof with updates
-I can just get a Lighting to hdmi adapter for my PC monitor to game if I really want
^ Speaking of that, the awesome A13 chip!
I almost bought a razer phone 2 but they discontinued their mobile department (razer gaming not motorola)

This review sold me one! I had a 7 before and the battery was bad but was a used unit.

Much appreciated!!!
+ I can use my wallet case from UAG, the benifits of using 7, 8 cases :)

[postmastergaming]

Great review! I’m switching from iPhone 6S. The only thing I miss is thr headphone jack.