iPhone SE 2022 deals

Is the iPhone SE 2022 worth buying in 2024?

The iPhone SE 2022 might be Apple'sentry level iPhone. But don’t let that fool you.

With specs that match some of those found in the cutting edge iPhone 13, as well as a price tag that won’t break the bank, the iPhone SE 2022 is a seriously impressive device.

Our iPhone SE 2022 review in summary

It’s got 5G. The same rapid A15 Bionic chipset which helps power the iPhone 13 deals and iPhone 13 Pro.

And a new toughened screen that means you don’t need to stick it inside a case.

Throw in new camera tech and the iPhone SE 2022 is the device to buy if you want Apple’s amazing software but don’t need the larger display and bells and whistles on offer with its pricier iPhones.

The iPhone SE 2022's key features are:

• 5G for faster mobile internet connectivity
• Bright, crisp 4.7-inch screen
• Longer battery life than iPhone SE 2020
• 12-megapixel main camera with Deep Fusion, Portrait Mode and HDR 4
• 64GB and 256GB storage options 
• Speedy, powerful A15 processor 
• Choose from black, white and red colour options 
• IP67 water-resistance 

The iPhone SE 2022

Below we take a look at every key feature of Apple's cut-price phone, so you get a really good picture of what it's got to offer...

Camera

It may only have a single lens. But the camera on the iPhone SE 2022 is no slouch.

The wide angle 12MP lens is supported by a number of new features which serve up major improvements compared with the previous iPhone SE.

The new model comes with Deep Fusion tech, as well as Smart HDR4, with Photographic Styles and Portrait Mode.

The result is pictures that look sharp and detailed, more than good enough for printing or sharing via social channels.

Design

With a 4.7-inch screen and a Touch ID home button rather than a Face ID camera, the iPhone SE 2022 is based on the old school looks of the iPhone 8 and looks identical to the iPhone SE 2020.

That’s no issue if you don’t mind bezels at the top and bottom and a design that’s somewhat outdated.

If you want an edge to edge screen and face recognition tech, then you’ll want to look elsewhere.

But at such an affordable price to pay, this is a small price to pay for some of Apple’s best tech.

Display

The aforementioned 4.7-inch screen won’t outdo brighter, bigger models. But what makes the iPhone SE 2022’s display standout is its toughened glass.

Apple says this is the toughest found on any smartphone and is tech taken directly from the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro. It means you don’t really need a cover or case, unless you’re being ultra cautious.

iOS and performance

Apple has loaded the iPhone SE 2022 up with its very latest software, iOS 15.

That means you’ll get access to Focus, its new feature for silencing notifications when you choose from specific apps. This works well when driving in particular.

In terms of performance, the iPhone SE 2022 utilises that A15 Bionic chipset found in the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro.

Not only does this offer rapid performance, it means games and video work beautifully.

What’s more, it will future proof the device for years to come, with Apple likely to offer iOS support for the long term.

Perhaps best of all, the iPhone SE 2022 supports 5G, meaning it can access the fastest networks. This is a significant upgrade on the previous iPhone SE and brings it in line with Apple’s other iPhones.

Battery life

Apple claims that the iPhone SE 2022 has better battery life compared with its predecessor.

However, real world use means this is likely to mean a day or so between charges. What’s clear is that the A15 chipset will allow it to last slightly longer than that older model.

iPhone SE 2022 pricing

The iPhone SE 2022 is significantly more affordable than other iPhones. A 64GB model costs £419 SIM free, rising to £469 for 128GB and £569 for 128GB.

While that doesn’t make it the cheapest phone around, it’s the best way to get an iPhone with the very latest tech, without having to pay closer to £1,000.

What’s more, with a deal you can get the iPhone SE 2022 for a low monthly cost.

iPhone SE 2022 review: Verdict

The iPhone 13 might look sleeker. The iPhone 13 Pro is more powerful.

But the iPhone SE 2022 still manages to cram in an A15 chipset, 5G and a better battery while costing far less than either of those flagship devices.

Many consumers still prefer Touch ID too and if you’re happy to compromise on a slightly smaller screen and outdated design, then the iPhone SE 2022 is an excellent bet.

The fact it will enjoy years of iOS support also makes it extremely enticing.

Pros and Cons of choosing iPhone SE 2022 in 2024

Pros

• Affordable
• Cutting edge specs from iPhone 13, including A15 chipset
• 5G

Cons

• Old school design
• Touch ID only

How does iPhone SE 2022 compare with other iPhones?

The iPhone SE 2022 is very much old school compared with the iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max.

It doesn’t have Face ID and the display is a lot smaller, meaning it’s not the best for watching lengthy films via streaming services.

However, it does have the same 5G access and A15 Bionic chipset as those phones, as well as iOS 15 support.

iPhone SE 2022 specs