Apple iPhone SE (2020): The Complete Review and Specifications
Apple’s iPhone SE (2020) represents the perfect marriage of powerful internals and compact design at an affordable price point. This comprehensive review will explore every aspect of this remarkable device that brought flagship performance to the mid-range smartphone market.
Table of Contents
Design and Build Quality
The iPhone SE (2020) revives the beloved iPhone 8 design with some modern upgrades:
- Classic form factor: 4.7-inch display with thick bezels and Touch ID
- Premium materials: Aerospace-grade aluminum and durable glass
- Compact dimensions: Just 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3mm and 148g weight
- Color options: Classic Black, Pure White, and vibrant (PRODUCT)RED
- Durability: IP67 water and dust resistance
Display Technology
The 4.7-inch Retina HD display offers:
- Resolution: 750 x 1334 pixels at 326 ppi
- Technology: True Tone IPS LCD with wide color gamut
- Brightness: 625 nits maximum brightness
- Features: 3D Touch (in some markets), Haptic Touch
- Comparison: While not OLED, it’s one of the best LCD panels in its class
Performance and Hardware
Where the iPhone SE (2020) truly shines is in its performance:
- Processor: A13 Bionic chip with 3rd-gen Neural Engine
- RAM: 3GB LPDDR4X (efficient memory management)
- Storage options: 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB NVMe
- Benchmarks: Outperforms many 2022 Android flagships in single-core tasks
- Gaming: Handles graphically intensive games with ease
Camera System
The single-camera system punches above its weight:
- Main camera: 12MP f/1.8 wide-angle with OIS
- Features: Portrait mode with advanced bokeh, Depth Control
- Video: 4K up to 60fps with extended dynamic range
- Front camera: 7MP f/2.2 TrueDepth with Portrait mode
- Computational photography: Smart HDR, Night Mode (via iOS updates)
Battery Life and Charging
The 1821mAh battery delivers surprising endurance:
- Usage time: Up to 13 hours video playback
- Charging: 18W fast charging (adapter sold separately)
- Wireless charging: Qi-compatible
- Real-world performance: Lasts a full day with moderate use
- Battery health: Optimized charging to preserve longevity
Software and Features
The iPhone SE (2020) launched with iOS 13 and has received:
- Current OS: iOS 15 with all latest features
- Future updates: Expected to support through iOS 17+
- Security: Regular security updates for years
- Ecosystem: Full access to Apple services and continuity features
- Accessibility: Comprehensive accessibility features
Connectivity Options
The device offers versatile connectivity:
- Cellular: Gigabit-class LTE with 4×4 MIMO
- Wi-Fi: 802.11ac Wi-Fi with 2×2 MIMO
- Bluetooth: 5.0 with advanced audio codec support
- NFC: With reader mode for tags
- Positioning: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS
Audio and Multimedia
The audio experience is surprisingly robust:
- Speakers: Stereo sound with wider stereo playback
- Audio quality: Supports Dolby Atmos and spatial audio
- Headphone jack: No 3.5mm port (Lightning or Bluetooth only)
- Video playback: HDR10 and Dolby Vision compatible
- Microphones: Three-mic array with noise suppression
Accessories and Ecosystem
The iPhone SE works with numerous accessories:
- Cases: Compatible with most iPhone 8 cases
- Wireless chargers: Any Qi-certified charger
- Smart accessories: Works with HomeKit ecosystem
- CarPlay: Wired CarPlay support
- Watches: Pairs perfectly with Apple Watch
Market Position and Value
At its $399 starting price, the iPhone SE (2020) offers:
- Performance/dollar: Unmatched in the Apple ecosystem
- Target audience: First-time iPhone buyers, budget-conscious users
- Current pricing: Now available at discounts as low as $199
- Long-term value: Will retain functionality for years
- Resale value: Strong secondary market demand
Who Should Buy the iPhone SE (2020)?
This phone is ideal for:
- Users who prefer compact smartphones
- Those transitioning from older iPhone models
- Budget-conscious buyers wanting flagship performance
- People who prefer Touch ID over Face ID
- Secondary device users or business phones
Final Verdict
The iPhone SE (2020) proves that you don’t need to sacrifice performance for affordability. With its A13 Bionic chip, excellent camera system, and years of software support, it remains one of the best values in the smartphone market years after its release. While the design may feel dated to some, many users appreciate the familiar form factor with modern internals.
For those seeking a no-compromise iOS experience at a reasonable price, the iPhone SE (2020) continues to be an outstanding choice in 2023 and beyond.