Apple iPhone SE 2nd Gen 2022 (256GB) review. Compare 197 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among smartphones and if it's worth buying.
Overall score
What it is: An overall evaluation of the smartphone's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best smartphones on the market.
Score components:
90.0%
Technical Score
10.0%
User score
Technical Score
What it is: An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters: When you want to compare smartphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score components:
25.0%
Performance & Hardware
18.0%
Camera
15.0%
Display
15.0%
Battery
10.0%
Software
10.0%
Connectivity
4.0%
Audio
3.0%
Design
User score
What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters: When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score components:
70.0%
User reviews
30.0%
Popularity
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.
#27 in Best Apple Smartphones
#40 in Best Compact Smartphones
#257 in Best Mid-Range Smartphones
#556 in Best Smartphones Under £500
#658 in Best 5G Smartphones
#705 in Best NFC Smartphones
#763 in Best AI Smartphones
#765 in Best Smartphones
#1072 in Best Value Smartphones
What it is: An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters: When you want to compare smartphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score components:
25.0%
Performance & Hardware
18.0%
Camera
15.0%
Display
15.0%
Battery
10.0%
Software
10.0%
Connectivity
4.0%
Audio
3.0%
Design
What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters: When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score components:
70.0%
User reviews
30.0%
Popularity
What it is: An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters: When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score components:
60.0%
Overall score
40.0%
Price
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: HIGH
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >12 GB
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >256 GB
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >3.2 GHz
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >1500
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >4000
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: 8+
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >950 MHz
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >700
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >1000
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >2500
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >6000
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >8000
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >12000
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >5000
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >1800
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >3200 MHz
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: 5
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: > 50 GB/s
Importance: LOW
Good value: 4
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >16 GB
Importance: HIGH
Good value: <6 nm
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >9 W
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Good value: >8192 KB
Importance: LOW
Good value: >2048 KB
Importance: LOW
Good value: >512 KB
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >100000 million
Importance: LOW
Good value: 3.3
Importance: LOW
Good value: 3.2
Importance: LOW
Good value: 2.0/3.0
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Importance: HIGH
Importance: LOW
Importance: HIGH
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >50 MP
Importance: HIGH
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >60
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: ≥1.2 µm
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >2.5x
Importance: HIGH
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Good value: ≥2
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: HIGH
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >16 MP
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >130
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >120
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: ≥2
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: HIGH
Importance: HIGH
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Good value: >5.2
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Good value: 3.1/3.2
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Good value: ≥2
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Importance: HIGH
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: ≥6.6 inches
Importance: HIGH
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >400 ppi
Importance: HIGH
Importance: HIGH
Good value: ≥120 Hz
Importance: HIGH
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >300 Hz
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >800 nits
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >1300 nits
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >1000 nits
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: HIGH
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >5000 mAh
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >60 W
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <45 min
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Good value: >40 W
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Good value: >10 W
Importance: LOW
Importance: HIGH
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >800
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: ≥3
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Good value: <162 mm
Importance: LOW
Good value: <75 mm
Importance: LOW
Good value: <8 mm
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <190 g
Importance: LOW
Good value: <98cm³
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: LOW
Good value: ≥1.5 m
Importance: LOW
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >8
Importance: LOW
Importance: LOW
Importance: HIGH
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: HIGH
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: ≥3
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >1500
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <190 g
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >950 MHz
Importance: HIGH
Importance: MEDIUM
Importance: HIGH
Good value: ≥120 Hz
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >16 GB
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >5000 mAh
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: ≥6.6 inches
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >12 GB
Importance: MEDIUM
(Reviews last updated: Mar 2026)
(Reviews last updated: Mar 2026)
(Reviews last updated: Mar 2026)
(Reviews last updated: Mar 2026)
According to Tom's Guide, the iPhone SE (2022) is a powerful device that combines elite performance with a dated physical design. A major pro is its A15 Bionic chip, making it the fastest phone under $500 at launch, enabling smooth performance and advanced photography despite its single camera. Cons include its small 4.7-inch LCD screen with large bezels, lack of a Night mode for...Read more
The 3rd-generation iPhone SE features powerful A15 Bionic chip internals and 5G connectivity but retains an outdated design with a 4.7-inch LCD display and lacks modern features like Night Mode and MagSafe. The review suggests that while it is a solid budget option, many users might prefer the slightly more expensive iPhone 11 for its larger display and superior camera system.
According to AppleInsider, the 2022 iPhone SE 3 is primarily a performance upgrade featuring the A15 Bionic chip and 5G connectivity, which significantly enhances photo quality despite unchanged camera hardware. However, its "painfully dated" design with a 4.7-inch LCD, large bezels, physical Home button, and lack of modern features like Face ID and MagSafe are noted cons. The...Read more
The 2022 iPhone SE features the same powerful A15 Bionic chip as the iPhone 13, offering flagship-level performance and extended software support despite its dated exterior design. The device includes pros such as 5G connectivity, strong performance for its price, and good camera quality in bright conditions with features like Smart HDR 4, while cons include the absence of Night...Read more
The 2022 iPhone SE integrates the powerful A15 Bionic chip into an older iPhone 8 design, offering rapid performance and long-term software support. While the device includes Touch ID, 5G connectivity, and improved photo processing, its small 4.7-inch LCD screen, lack of camera Night mode, and limited battery life are noted drawbacks.
IGN describes the iPhone SE (2022) as having powerful internal components like the A15 Bionic chip and 5G support, allowing for high-end gaming and multitasking despite its outdated exterior. Key drawbacks include its aging iPhone 8-based design, a small 4.7-inch LCD screen with thick bezels and low resolution, and a single 12MP rear camera lacking Night mode or secondary lenses....Read more
The iPhone SE (2022) is characterized as a "bite-sized beast" by Android Central, combining a dated exterior resembling the iPhone 8 with modern internal components like the A15 Bionic chip for flagship performance and 5G connectivity. While praised for its durable build, improved camera capabilities like Smart HDR 4 and Deep Fusion, and 4K 60fps video recording, the device faces...Read more
CNET describes the 2022 iPhone SE as a "mind-blowing value" due to its performance matching flagship models, integrating the powerful A15 Bionic chip into the compact iPhone 8 body, which enables smooth operation, 5G support, and enhanced image processing for a future-proof device without a high price. Pros include the return of the Touch ID home button, IP67 water resistance,...Read more
Steven Aquino's Forbes review highlights the third-generation iPhone SE as a highly accessible device, focusing on its utility for users who prefer the traditional physical Home button and Touch ID. While the phone retains an older design with thick bezels and a smaller 4.7-inch screen, it offers top-tier performance with the A15 Bionic chip and supports 5G at a lower $429 price...Read more
The iMore review characterizes the iPhone SE (2022) as a powerful device with an "old-school" design, suitable for budget-conscious users or those preferring a classic form factor. It features the A15 Bionic chip for flagship performance and 5G connectivity, along with a 4.7-inch display and a physical Home button with Touch ID. Pros include strong performance, capable photography...Read more
Macworld describes the iPhone SE (2022) as having a "painfully dated" exterior with a "bleeding-edge" A15 Bionic chip inside, offering flagship-level speed and 5G connectivity despite its decade-old physical design. Pros include its performance-to-price ratio, portability, and improved camera processing from the A15 chip, supporting features like Photographic Styles, while cons...Read more
PCMag describes the Apple iPhone SE (2022) as having powerful performance due to the A15 Bionic chip, the same as in the iPhone 13 Pro, providing flagship-level speed and 5G connectivity as pros. However, cons include a dated design based on the iPhone 8, a cramped 4.7-inch LCD screen, and the shortest battery life among current iPhones at 7 hours and 20 minutes in their test. The...Read more
The Sypnotix review characterizes the Apple iPhone SE (2022) as an "outdated bargain," combining a vintage design reminiscent of the iPhone 7 with modern A15 Bionic internals. Pros highlighted include the powerful chip ensuring speed and future iOS compatibility, the preferred physical Home button with Touch ID, and the compact 4.7-inch Retina display, while cons include "painfully...Read more
The Sypnotix review characterizes the iPhone SE Gen 3 as an "outdated bargain" that pairs top-tier internals with a classic, compact design. Key advantages include the A15 Bionic chip for flagship performance and excellent value at a $429 price point. Conversely, the device suffers from a dated, bezel-heavy design and a single 12MP camera that lacks night mode and struggles in low...Read more
According to Tech Advisor, the 2022 iPhone SE combines high-performance A15 Bionic chip and 5G with an aged design, including a poor 4.7-inch LCD display and a limited single rear camera. While offering flagship performance and wireless charging in a compact build, its screen size is cramped, the camera lacks modern features, and charging is slow despite improved battery life. The...Read more
TechRadar describes the iPhone SE (2022) as having powerful internal components in an outdated physical design, sharing the A15 Bionic chip with the iPhone 13 but retaining the look of the iPhone 8 with a 4.7-inch LCD screen. Pros include 5G connectivity, enhanced camera features via computational photography, a small and light form factor, and reliable Touch ID security. However,...Read more
According to Tom's Guide, the iPhone SE (2022) is a powerful device that combines elite performance with a dated physical design. A major pro is its A15 Bionic chip, making it the fastest phone under $500 at launch, enabling smooth performance and advanced photography despite its single camera. Cons include its small 4.7-inch LCD screen with large bezels, lack of a Night mode for...Read more
The 3rd-generation iPhone SE features powerful A15 Bionic chip internals and 5G connectivity but retains an outdated design with a 4.7-inch LCD display and lacks modern features like Night Mode and MagSafe. The review suggests that while it is a solid budget option, many users might prefer the slightly more expensive iPhone 11 for its larger display and superior camera system.
The iPhone SE (2022) is characterized by a "Ford Fiesta with an F1 engine" design, featuring the powerful A15 Bionic chip in a dated 2017-era chassis. This combination delivers top-tier performance for multitasking and long-term software support, though it is limited by a small 4.7-inch LCD screen that lacks brightness. Pros include high-performance, 5G capability, and Touch ID,...Read more
The iPhone SE (2022) merges the outdated iPhone 8 chassis with the advanced A15 Bionic chip, providing flagship-level performance and 5G connectivity in a compact, one-handed design. While the 12MP camera benefits from improved image processing, the device lacks a dedicated Night Mode, and the battery life is limited compared to modern alternatives. Ultimately, it is positioned as...Read more
The GQ Magazin review characterizes the 2022 iPhone SE as a blend of high-end performance and dated design, driven by the A15 Bionic chip for flagship-level speed and 5G connectivity. While this processor ensures longevity and power, the device's exterior, specifically the 4.7-inch LCD screen and physical Touch ID, is considered antiquated, representing a major drawback for users...Read more
The iPhone SE (2022) offers top-tier performance, featuring the A15 Bionic chip in a classic, compact shell with a physical Home Button and Touch ID. While the phone introduces 5G support and provides solid battery life, it retains a dated design with large bezels, earning an 8.14 score in the review. The 4.7-inch IPS LCD display lacks the resolution and 60 Hz refresh rate of modern...Read more
The 2022 Apple iPhone SE is characterized as a "high-tech retro" device that pairs an aging iPhone 8-style exterior with a powerful A15 Bionic chip and 5G connectivity. It offers flagship-level performance in a compact form factor, making it ideal for one-handed use, though it retains thick bezels and a physical home button. However, the design brings drawbacks, including a...Read more
The Macwelt review characterizes the iPhone SE 3 as a missed opportunity, arguing that while it is technically capable, Apple’s reuse of the nearly decade-old iPhone 8 chassis feels "painfully dated" in a modern market. The review emphasizes that by prioritizing internal upgrades over a modern design, the device fails to provide a truly competitive "entry-level" experience. Pros are...Read more
The iPhone SE (2022) is characterized by a "Ford Fiesta with an F1 engine" design, featuring the powerful A15 Bionic chip in a dated 2017-era chassis. This combination delivers top-tier performance for multitasking and long-term software support, though it is limited by a small 4.7-inch LCD screen that lacks brightness. Pros include high-performance, 5G capability, and Touch ID,...Read more
The iPhone SE (2022) merges the outdated iPhone 8 chassis with the advanced A15 Bionic chip, providing flagship-level performance and 5G connectivity in a compact, one-handed design. While the 12MP camera benefits from improved image processing, the device lacks a dedicated Night Mode, and the battery life is limited compared to modern alternatives. Ultimately, it is positioned as...Read more
The iPhone SE (2022) blends the powerful A15 Bionic chip with a 2017 design, offering top-tier performance, 5G connectivity, and a familiar Touch ID button at an accessible price point. Key pros include its compact size for one-handed use, longevity via iOS updates, and high-speed processing. However, it is held back by a dated, small 4.7-inch screen with large bezels and a lack of...Read more
Andrea Galeazzi's review of the iPhone SE 2022 highlights a device that combines a recycled, "vintage" design with top-tier internal performance, specifically the A15 Bionic chip and durable, upgraded glass. While praised for its compact 4.7-inch form factor and reliable Touch ID, the phone's outdated large bezels and small LCD screen are significant drawbacks. Despite producing...Read more
The Saggiamente review characterizes the iPhone SE (2022) as a paradoxical device, combining the raw power of the A15 Bionic chip with an obsolete, aging design inherited from the iPhone 8. While the processor delivers flagship-level speed and long-term, "future-proof" software support, the overall user experience is overshadowed by its outdated aesthetics, the publication notes....Read more
The iPhoneItalia review highlights the iPhone SE 3 (2022) as a compact device offering flagship-level performance with its A15 Bionic chip and 5G, yet it is hampered by a small battery that struggles with heavy use. The phone features an outdated 4.7-inch LCD design with thick bezels and Touch ID, which, while beneficial for portability and one-handed use, lacks the modern...Read more
Macitynet's review of the 2022 iPhone SE 3 describes the device as a "sleeper" phone, featuring a dated iPhone 8 exterior with the powerful A15 Bionic chip, making it a fast, long-term, and budget-friendly choice. Key pros include 5G connectivity, the retention of the Touch ID button, improved photo quality via the A15's image signal processor, and a compact, lightweight design....Read more
The iPhone SE (2022) blends the powerful A15 Bionic chip with a 2017 design, offering top-tier performance, 5G connectivity, and a familiar Touch ID button at an accessible price point. Key pros include its compact size for one-handed use, longevity via iOS updates, and high-speed processing. However, it is held back by a dated, small 4.7-inch screen with large bezels and a lack of...Read more
Andrea Galeazzi's review of the iPhone SE 2022 highlights a device that combines a recycled, "vintage" design with top-tier internal performance, specifically the A15 Bionic chip and durable, upgraded glass. While praised for its compact 4.7-inch form factor and reliable Touch ID, the phone's outdated large bezels and small LCD screen are significant drawbacks. Despite producing...Read more
The Smartphoneman.nl review characterizes the iPhone SE 2022 as a solid, well-built device, yet deems it outdated due to its reliance on the older iPhone 8 chassis. It highlights a significant contrast between its high-performance internals and its dated, compact exterior, arguing that while it is technically capable, the design is no longer competitive. Key advantages include the...Read more
The Hardware.info review describes the iPhone SE (2022) as a powerful "wolf in sheep's clothing," blending the advanced A15 Bionic chip with a dated 4.7-inch iPhone 8 design. Key advantages include top-tier performance, 5G connectivity, and the familiar Touch ID, though these are offset by poor battery life, a small display with large bezels, and the lack of a dedicated Night mode....Read more
The TechPulse review characterizes the iPhone SE 3 (2022) as a "Ferrari in a Fiat body," highlighting a significant contrast between its modern A15 Bionic chip and an outdated 4.7-inch design with thick, embarrassing bezels. While the processor delivers flagship-level performance suitable for heavy tasks and gaming, the cramped display and vintage aesthetic make it feel dated...Read more
The iPhone SE (2022) blends a dated iPhone 8 design with the powerful A15 Bionic chip, offering superior performance and long-term software support in a compact 4.7-inch form factor. Key advantages include the high-end processing speed, excellent stereo speakers, and the retention of Touch ID, although the aging design with large bezels feels restrictive. Significant drawbacks...Read more
The Tweakers review of the Apple iPhone SE (2022), titled "New Wine in Old Bottles," highlights a device that combines a recycled 4.7-inch chassis with the advanced A15 Bionic chip. Key advantages include flagship-level speed, long-term software support, and the addition of 5G connectivity, making it a powerful, future-proof option despite its familiar exterior. However, the review...Read more
The iPhone SE (2022) upgrades the 2020 model with the A15 Bionic chip and 4GB of RAM, offering significant performance boosts and 5G connectivity in a compact design. While the 7.82 Wh battery provides improved endurance (approx. 11 hours of video playback), the camera, despite benefiting from Smart HDR 4, lacks a dedicated night mode and versatility. The device maintains a dated,...Read more
The iPhone SE 2022 offers high-speed performance, 5G connectivity, and advanced camera features (Deep Fusion, Smart HDR 4) powered by the A15 Bionic chip, making it a powerful yet compact device. Key advantages include the familiar, secure Touch ID with the Home button and a portable 4.7-inch design ideal for one-handed use. However, drawbacks include a dated design with thick...Read more
The iCulture review characterizes the 2022 iPhone SE as a "predictable but powerful" entry-level device, prioritizing the A15 Bionic chip's flagship speed and long-term software support over modern aesthetics. Pros include this high-performance processor, 5G connectivity, and the familiar Home button with Touch ID. Conversely, cons focus on the dated design with thick bezels, a...Read more
An iPhoned analysis indicates that choosing between the iPhone 13 and iPhone SE (2022) involves balancing modern features against budget efficiency, as both share the same A15 Bionic chip and 5G connectivity. The iPhone 13 offers a superior 6.1-inch OLED screen, Face ID, and dual-camera setup with Night Mode, while the SE uses a vintage 4.7-inch LCD design with Touch ID. The iPhone...Read more
The iPhone SE 2022 is characterized by iPhoned.nl as a "lightning-fast" device utilizing the A15 Bionic chip, offering high performance and long-term iOS updates. Despite this processing power, the review highlights significant drawbacks, including a dated, small 4.7-inch LCD screen with large bezels, which is considered too small for modern usage. While the single-lens camera...Read more
The Smartphoneman.nl review characterizes the iPhone SE 2022 as a solid, well-built device, yet deems it outdated due to its reliance on the older iPhone 8 chassis. It highlights a significant contrast between its high-performance internals and its dated, compact exterior, arguing that while it is technically capable, the design is no longer competitive. Key advantages include the...Read more
The Hardware.info review describes the iPhone SE (2022) as a powerful "wolf in sheep's clothing," blending the advanced A15 Bionic chip with a dated 4.7-inch iPhone 8 design. Key advantages include top-tier performance, 5G connectivity, and the familiar Touch ID, though these are offset by poor battery life, a small display with large bezels, and the lack of a dedicated Night mode....Read more
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