iPhone SE 3rd Generation Review: Lightning-Fast A15 Chip & 5G Connectivity

The iPhone SE 3rd Generation is Apple’s most affordable iPhone, combining a familiar design with powerful upgrades. Featuring the lightning-fast A15 Bionic chip and 5G connectivity, this compact phone delivers top-notch performance. With a 4.7-inch Retina LCD, improved battery life, and long-term iOS support, the iPhone SE 3rd Generation packs flagship power into a budget-friendly package.

iPhone SE KEY FEATURES

This is a 5G smartphone that doesn’t compromise on performance or connectivity. This is a timeless design. Even Touch ID seems like a long-lost friend returning home. Furthermore, none of it behaves or functions in the same way that previous technology did. The Touch ID remains an outstanding technological feat. This is not only Apple’s joint-thinnest phone; it weighs roughly the same as the iPhone 13 mini but without the sides. We enjoy holding this device.

The iPhone SE (2022) 4.7-inch display is reminiscent of bygone days, and not in a good way. It’s too little and struggles under direct sunshine. If you want something huge and bold, this is not for you. The photography here is good, but limited. No zoom, no ultra-wide, and no Portrait Mode photos of your dog.

IPHONE SE (2022) UNBOXING

The Apple iPhone SE (2022) comes in the same package as the flagship iPhones, which is thin, tiny, and lightweight, and it includes the iPhone and a USB-C-to-Lightning connector.

The iPhone SE (2022) supports 20W charging, thus if you currently own the 20W Apple Power charger or a similar USB-C PD charger, you should be good. And, while Apple has removed the majority of the box contents, you still receive one Apple sticker, which most people will discard immediately. Isn’t this not very environmentally friendly?

CAMERA

• The 12MP wide camera takes beautiful photos.
• The 7MP front camera is no slouch.
• Thank the A15 Bionic.

Nowadays, our phones are increasingly serving as cameras, and any smartphone that skimps on this feature is asking for trouble. Even though the iPhone SE (2022)only has two lenses, the same as the SE 2020, it manages to take visually appealing, color-accurate, and often gorgeous photographs.

The rear 12MP, f/1/8 wide lens is now powered by the A15 Bionic’s image processing, as well as Smart HDR 4 and Deep Fusion (launched with the A13 Bionic and included in the previous iPhone SE). I took the phone out to test the cameras, and I was impressed not only with the image quality but also with the speed. There’s optical image stabilization, which means I don’t always have to plant my feet and remain still to get a good shot (optical image stabilization also works with video).

In Portrait mode, you may modify the depth of field effect by adjusting the fake aperture setting, which throws more or less of the background behind your subject out of focus. I was a little disappointed, however, because iPhone SE Portrait Mode photography is still limited to people; you can’t snap bokeh images of dogs, plants, or anything else without a face.

The camera does support all of the other typical photo styles. Panorama and time-lapse are included, as well as Night Timelapse, which can be used with a tripod but does not support Apple’s Night Mode still photography.

The iPhone SE supports 4K video recording at 60 frames per second (fps), delivering sharp and vibrant footage. While the 1334×750 display may not fully showcase the 4K resolution, the video still looks impressive on the device itself. For creative enthusiasts, the phone also enables 1080p slow-motion recording at 240 fps, making it easy to capture cinematic moments like the graceful flight of birds.

Missing Cinematic Mode

While the A15 Bionic chip delivers exceptional performance, it’s worth noting that the iPhone SE doesn’t support Cinematic Mode, a feature available in the iPhone 13 lineup. However, its robust video capabilities still provide a lot of creative flexibility.

Enhanced Portrait Mode

Portrait Mode has seen significant improvement over its predecessor, the iPhone SE (2020). Both the front and rear cameras can now capture higher-resolution portrait shots, adeptly picking up intricate details like individual strands of hair. The advanced image processing ensures accurate separation between the subject and the blurred background, minimizing flaws such as blurred edges or unintended sharpness.

Mid-Range Price, Premium Performance

Despite being positioned as a mid-range smartphone, the iPhone SE’s camera quality rivals that of devices nearly twice its price. Its blend of advanced technology, simplicity, and affordability makes it a compelling choice for those seeking value without compromising on quality.

Design and Screen

Picking up the iPhone SE (2022) feels like stepping back in time. Unlike modern iPhones, it features a Touch ID button instead of Face ID, and its large bezels make it look different from phones like the iPhone 13 mini or Google Pixel 5a.

However, this compact design caters to a specific audience—those upgrading from older models like the iPhone 8, which shares the same 4.7-inch display and familiar design.

Compact and Durable Build

Weighing just 5.09 ounces and measuring 5.45 x 2.85 x 0.29 inches, the iPhone SE (2022) is lightweight and easy to handle. It feels refreshing compared to bulkier phones like the iPhone 13 Pro Max. This smaller size allows users to perform tasks comfortably with one hand and slip the phone into a pocket without effort.

The device is also impressively durable. With an IP67 water resistance rating, it survived being dropped into a fountain during testing. Apple has reinforced the design with the same tough glass used in the iPhone 13. In drop tests, it withstood two out of three drops from 6 feet with only minor scuffs. The only significant damage occurred during a back-down drop, so using a sturdy case is recommended.

The iPhone SE (2022) also takes a step forward in sustainability, featuring carbon-free aluminum construction—a first for Apple. It comes in three stunning colors: Midnight (a rich navy blue that shines in sunlight), Starlight (a warm off-white), and Product Red.

Display Performance

While the iPhone SE’s 4.7-inch LCD screen is sharp enough for casual use, it doesn’t offer the immersive viewing experience of larger phones. With a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels, it falls short of full HD, and the thick bezels are noticeable when watching movies or videos.

Although it’s not built for entertainment enthusiasts, the iPhone SE (2022) delivers reliable performance for everyday use, staying true to its purpose as a compact, affordable phone with modern capabilities.

iPhone SE (2022) Performance: A Speed Demon with A15 Bionic and 5G

You might not be surprised by the iPhone SE (2022)’s performance, considering it houses the same powerful A15 Bionic chip found in the iPhone 13. However, even with that expectation, the performance still impresses. Whether gaming or handling demanding tasks, the iPhone SE (2022) excels across the board.

Gaming and Graphics Performance

I had a fantastic time playing Marvel Revolution as Captain America, battling foes with my shield and executing breathtaking special moves. The graphics were sharp, and the action was fast-paced, making for a thrilling experience. When I switched to Red Skull, his face was rendered in startling detail, showcasing the power of the A15 Bionic chip in delivering smooth, rich visuals.

Geekbench 5 Results: Blazing Fast Speed

On Geekbench 5, which measures overall performance, the iPhone SE (2022) scored an impressive 1,718 on the single-core test and 4,482 on the multi-core test. These numbers are nearly identical to the iPhone 13, which scored 1,684 and 4,129, respectively. By comparison, the Google Pixel 5a, powered by the mid-range Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G, managed a much lower 569 single-core and 1,595 multi-core scores, demonstrating the power disparity.

3DMark Wild Life Benchmark: Smooth Graphics

In the 3DMark Wild Life Benchmark, the iPhone SE (2022) scored 8,352, with an average frame rate of 50 fps. While the iPhone 13 was slightly faster with a frame rate of 55.9 fps, the Pixel 5a lagged far behind with only 10 fps and a score of 450. This benchmark highlights the iPhone SE’s superior graphic performance, ideal for gaming and high-intensity visual tasks.

5G Connectivity: Speedy but Not Ultra-Fast

Regarding 5G, the iPhone SE (2022) supports sub-6GHz 5G networks, as well as C-Band 5G. However, it does not support mmWave technology, meaning it won’t connect to Verizon’s Ultra Wideband network for the fastest 5G speeds.

Buy it if...

• Solid glass build, IP67-rated, and very compact body.
• Good brightness, a decent contrast screen, and excellent color accuracy.
• Loud stereo speakers with good audio quality.
• The screen’s battery life is quite okay.
• The most powerful chipset; does not throttle much.
• Reliable picture and video cameras.
• 5G and Touch ID.

Don't buy it if…

• There are very few upgrades over the iPhone SE (2020), but they are more expensive.
• No Night Mode.
• The display is too small for most tasks.
• 60Hz screen refresh and 60Hz touch sampling rate.
• There is no charger in the box.
• iOS (with its restrictions) is still a love-it-or-leave-it affair.

FULL SPECIFICATION