Apple iPhone SE (2020) In-Depth Review
Review Cellular strives to provide unbiased, comprehensive, up-to-date smartphone and cell phone plan reviews. We use our extensive knowledge of the marketplace and user feedback across the web to provide valuable insights. Let us do all the digging so you can make an informed decision.
Disclosure: Review Cellular is reader supported. When you buy through links on this site, we will earn an affiliate commission. Thank you for your support.
Apple iPhone SE (2020) In-Depth Review Image Gallery
May 1, 2020
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.
What We Love About Apple iPhone SE (2020)
- Compact design
- Affordable price
- Super fast processor
- Amazing cameras
- Superior quality video recording
- Wireless charging support
- Dual SIM
Apple iPhone SE (2020) Overview
Apple’s iPhone SE is an affordable smartphone with the brain of the iPhone 11 in a sleek and stunning design similar to the iPhone 8. ‘SE’ stands for special edition, in this case. The original 4-inch iPhone SE was launched in 2016 and discontinued in 2018. Fast forward to 2020, Apple unveiled the 4.7-inch iPhone SE which is bigger, faster, and lighter than its predecessor. Designed explicitly for budget phone users, this iPhone will not break the bank.
One of the most attractive selling points of this smartphone is its low price without sacrificing its looks or performance. The device has the same Apple’s A13 Bionic chip as the flagship iPhone 11 Pro. Prior to the launch of the iPhone 12 mini, the SE was the most compact iPhone in Apple’s smartphone lineup. Compared to its predecessor, the iPhone SE features a good balance between power and cost-efficiency. The device allows people to enjoy a smartphone experience that is simple, easy to use, and provides strong security features. Apple has made this phone accessible for everyone, including individuals who have never used an iPhone before and are looking to upgrade without spending too much money. Let’s get into an in-depth iPhone SE review.
Apple iPhone SE (2020) Unboxing
The device arrives in a classic White colored box like other Apple iPhones. It has a beautiful picture of the iPhone SE on the front. The iPhone branding is on the left side of the package, whereas the back of the package describes what’s inside the box and basic specifications.
Opening the package reveals the box containing product guides, SIM ejection tool, and Apple stickers. Underneath the box lies the budget iPhone SE protected by a transparent film and USB-C to lightning cable.
What’s in the box:
- iPhone SE
- Product guides
- SIM ejection pin
- Apple Stickers
- USB-C to lightning cable
Apple iPhone SE (2020) Related Videos
Apple iPhone SE (2020) Playlist
YouTube content on this site is displayed using an Elementor Pro Video Playlist widget under YouTube Terms of Service https://www.youtube.com/static?template=terms. Trademarks, copyrights, brand names and images displayed in this embed are the property of their respective owners, and are for identification purposes only.
Apple iPhone SE (2020) Design
To keep costs low and offer a more compact device for those who prefer a small phone, Apple retained the same design as the iPhone 8. The glass front and back are rounded at the edges for a secure grip and feel, while the sides curve seamlessly into the aluminum chassis. The screen measures 4.7 inches diagonally, with thick bezels on the top and bottom. At the bottom of the front is the home button, which also supports Touch ID.
This phone is available in three elegant colors: Black, White, and Pow (Red). The back of the device hosts a single rear camera with Quad-LED dual-tone flash. Unlike the iPhone 8, the Apple logo is centered on the back, similar to the latest iPhones. The power button and SIM card tray are present on the right side. On the bottom edge, you get the speaker, charging port, and microphone. The left side of the device has a ring/silent switch and volume controls.
Apple iPhone SE (2020) Camera
The A13 Bionic chip turns the cameras on the iPhone SE into versatile, high-performance shooters that can go head-to-head with some much more expensive phones. The iPhone SE features the following cameras:
- 12MP rear camera
- 7MP front facing camera
Similar to the Google Pixel 3a, iPhone SE features a single rear camera. Although the iPhone SE camera hardware is similar to that of the iPhone 8, the A13 Bionic chip drastically increases the camera’s performance over the iPhone 8. Unlike many other cameras within this range, the 12MP camera does a phenomenal job of shooting images in a broad variety of different settings. Every photo you take comes out sharp and vibrant, with true-to-life color reproduction.
Besides improving picture quality, the A13 Bionic also supports advanced camera features. You also get the beloved Portrait Mode, which lets you take stunning portraits. It creates a shallow depth-of-field effect that makes your images pop with a beautifully blurred background – even when you’re taking selfies. The depth control slider lets you adjust the blur effect even after you’ve clicked the picture.
Like the flagship iPhone 11 Pro Max, the second generation iPhone SE offers six studio-quality effects with portrait lighting. Lighting intensity can be adjusted to showcase your subject in the best light. Another impressive camera app feature is the Smart HDR, which automatically detects faces and adjusts lighting for more natural-looking skin tones in photos. The first thing you’ll notice when you shoot a video with iPhone SE is just how much more there is to see in terms of detail. The device supports 4K video recording at up to 60 fps and with an extended dynamic range. Apple’s iPhone SE features just one rear camera, and its performance beats other phones in a similar price range with more complicated camera systems.
Apple iPhone SE (2020) Display
The iPhone SE features a 4.7-inch Retina display with a 750 x 1334 pixel resolution, resulting in a display with a 326ppi pixel density. You can enjoy viewing your photos and videos in high quality. on this screen. This Retina HD display even provides a wider color gamut to let you see more natural shades in your content. Text and icons look good, and color accuracy is decent.
Using the True Tone feature, you can adjust the display’s white balance for a more natural and comfortable viewing experience. Games on the device are enjoyable due to decent graphics and the ultra-responsive display. Haptic touch simulates the sensation of pressing an actual, physical button. You can see the elements on the screen even under broad daylight with sufficient brightness. Overall, the Apple iPhone SE display performs well, and you won’t be disappointed.
Apple iPhone SE (2020) Battery
With up to 13 hours of battery life for surfing the web, watching videos non-stop, or listening to music during workouts, the iPhone SE has enough power to get you through the day. The lithium-ion battery was only down to 20% after a day of constant use, in our tests.
If you need to juice the device up, set the iPhone SE down on a wireless charger base or connect to an 18W fast-charger to go from zero to 50 percent in just over half an hour. The iPhone SE offers adequate battery life when used for primary functions like phone calls, text messages, and social media.
Apple iPhone SE (2020) Storage
The iPhone SE is available in three different storage options – 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB to give you plenty of space for your music, apps, photos, and more. A storage capacity of 64GB is perfect for basic day-to-day usage, 128GB is great for avid gamers and movie buffs, while 256GB is suitable for power users and heavy downloaders. If you need more space to capture images and videos or work with mass-storage devices like digital cameras or external hard drives, iCloud online storage might be a good option for you.
Apple iPhone SE (2020) Performance
Performance has always been at the heart of the iPhone. The iPhone SE is small but mighty. It has the power of the A13 Bionic chip that makes everything you do feel fluid, from launching apps and playing games to augmented reality. Apple engineered the A13 bionic chip to do more so that everything that makes the iPhone unique can be even better.
A13 Bionic allows you to run multiple apps with no lag or hindrance. You can play graphically intensive games and simultaneously chat with your friends with ease on this phone. Both PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty ran smoothly without any frame drops, in our tests. The A13 Bionic chip also gives you blazing fast performance for pro tools like photo and video editing. With security features built-in, your personal information stays private and safe from hackers. You have better control over your personal information with iOS than any other operating software. The best part? Updates will be available for longer periods, so your iPhone is always up-to-date. No matter what you’re doing, the iPhone SE is always ready when you are.
Where to Buy
Final Words About Apple iPhone SE (2020)
The iPhone SE is designed for minimalists who want an affordable product that gets the job done but don’t want to lug around a 7-inch device all day long. The device is capable of flagship-level performance with no compromises, thanks to the chipset. The iPhone SE is Apple’s attempt to reach low-budget consumers who want to be a part of the Apple ecosystem. With two advanced cameras, 4K video support, a compact design, and IP67 rating, the iPhone SE is a tough competitor in the budget smartphone market.
It’s an obvious choice for those who don’t want to break the bank and still want an Apple product for all-day usability. It’s also an ideal choice if you’re buying your first iPhone and are unsure which one to get. If you’re an iPhone user upgrading from previous models like the iPhone 5s or iPhone 6s, you’ll notice significant performance improvement. Apple’s new iPhone SE met our expectations in most aspects, and we are happy to recommend it.
Apple iPhone SE (2020) Specifications
- iOS 13
- Apple A13 Bionic processor
- 3GB RAM
- 4.7-inch Retina IPS LCD display
- 12MP main camera
- 7MP selfie camera
- 1821 mAh battery
- Storage: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB
- Dimensions: 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm (5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 in)
- Weight: 148g
Frequently Asked Questions About Apple iPhone SE (2020)
Apple has promised five years of software support with the iPhone SE 2020.
No, the iPhone SE 2020 does not have a headphone jack.
Instead of Face ID, iPhone SE features Touch ID for unlocking the device.
Yes, the iPhone SE has the same A13 Bionic chipset as the iPhone 11 series.
iPhone SE (2020) was launched in the market on April 24, 2020.
| Carrier | AT&T Wireless, Cricket Wireless, Tello Mobile, Verizon Prepaid Phones, Verizon Smartphones |
|---|
