iPhone SE (2020) Vs iPhone SE (2022)

iPhone SE (2020)
iPhone SE (2020)
Starting at

Refurbished price:£69.00

Versus £289.00 new

See options
iPhone SE (2022)
iPhone SE (2022)
Starting at

Refurbished price:£101.00

Versus £429.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone SE (2020) and the iPhone SE (2022) represent the second and third generations of Apple’s popular compact smartphone series. Both devices are designed for users who prefer a smaller, more manageable handset that retains the classic physical home button and a familiar user interface. While they share an identical external design, the 2022 model introduces significant internal improvements that enhance its speed, connectivity, and long-term viability.

Both smartphones operate on the iOS platform, providing a consistent and secure software experience with access to a vast library of applications. The primary differentiator between these two models is the updated internal hardware in the 2022 version, which enables faster performance and support for modern mobile networks. This comparison will help you determine which of these compact devices best aligns with your daily habits and technological requirements.

Scores

Durability

When evaluating the longevity of these two smartphones, the release dates and software support cycles play a crucial role in determining how long each device will remain functional and secure.

  • Software Support and Updates: The iPhone SE (2022) was released two years after the 2020 model, which typically translates to an additional two years of official software updates from the manufacturer. This ensures that the newer model will continue to receive the latest features and critical security patches well into the future, making it a more sustainable choice for those who plan to keep their phone for several years.
  • Hardware Durability and Repair: Both models feature a robust glass and aluminium build that is highly regarded for its repairability. Because they share the same chassis, replacement parts like screens and batteries are widely available, and many technicians are well-versed in servicing these specific designs. Choosing a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can further extend the life of these durable components while supporting environmental sustainability.
  • Future Readiness: The 2022 model is better equipped to handle the increasing demands of modern applications. As apps become more complex and require more processing power, the newer hardware ensures that the device remains responsive and capable, whereas the 2020 model may begin to show its age sooner when running the latest software versions.

Year of Release

2020

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The internal capabilities of these two devices differ significantly despite their identical appearance, primarily due to the generational leap in the hardware that drives the user experience.

  • System Responsiveness and Speed: The 2022 model is equipped with more advanced internal hardware that allows for a noticeably smoother experience when navigating the interface or launching complex applications. While the 2020 model remains perfectly capable for standard tasks like messaging and browsing, the newer version handles high-definition gaming and intensive multitasking without the occasional stutter that might occur on older hardware.
  • Memory and Multitasking: With a higher amount of temporary memory, the 2022 edition is better at keeping multiple apps active in the background. This means that when you switch from a web browser to a navigation app and back again, the pages are less likely to refresh, saving time and providing a more seamless workflow for busy professionals or students who rely on quick app switching.
  • Battery Efficiency and Storage: Although both phones are designed with a compact form factor, the 2022 model benefits from more energy-efficient components. This efficiency allows the device to stretch its battery life further during a typical day of mixed use, such as checking emails and streaming music. Both models offer various storage capacities, allowing users to choose the amount of space they need for their photos, videos, and apps.

Memory

3 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

Both devices utilise a 4.7-inch display that prioritises one-handed usability and portability over the large-screen experience found in many other modern smartphones.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: Each model features a Retina HD LCD screen, which provides natural colour reproduction and clear text. This technology is well-suited for reading articles, checking social media, and viewing photos with accurate tones. The resolution is perfectly balanced for the screen size, ensuring that images look sharp and detailed during everyday use.
  • Outdoor Visibility and Brightness: The screens offer a consistent level of brightness that is sufficient for most environments. Both devices include technology that adjusts the colour temperature of the display to match the ambient light around you, making the viewing experience more comfortable for your eyes whether you are indoors under artificial light or outside on a cloudy day.
  • Visual Smoothness and Experience: While these screens use a standard refresh rate, the integration between the hardware and software ensures that scrolling and animations feel fluid. The compact screen size makes it easy to reach every corner of the display with your thumb, which is a significant advantage for users who find larger modern smartphones cumbersome to operate.

Resolution

750 x 1334

750 x 1334

Screen type

Retina IPS LCD

Retina IPS LCD

Audiovisual

The camera systems on these devices are designed for simplicity and reliability, offering a straightforward "point-and-shoot" experience for capturing daily moments.

  • Image Processing and Detail: The 2022 model leverages its newer internal hardware to perform advanced software processing on every photo you take. This results in improved detail, better contrast, and more accurate skin tones, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. While the 2020 model takes excellent photos in daylight, the 2022 version provides a noticeable step up in overall image quality.
  • Video Recording and Stabilisation: Both smartphones are capable of recording high-quality 4K video with effective electronic stabilisation. This feature helps to smooth out shaky hand movements, making your videos look more professional. Whether you are filming a quick clip for social media or a longer video of a family event, both devices deliver clear and vibrant footage.
  • Audio and Media Consumption: The built-in stereo speakers on both models provide clear and balanced sound for watching videos or listening to podcasts. Additionally, the microphone arrays are designed to focus on your voice while reducing background noise, ensuring that your phone calls and voice recordings remain crisp and easy to understand.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

7 megapixels

7 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core specifications, several practical features define the daily handling and connectivity of these two compact smartphones.

  • Network Connectivity: A major difference between the two is that the 2022 model supports the latest high-speed 5G mobile networks. This allows for significantly faster download and upload speeds in areas where 5G is available, providing a more future-proof experience as mobile networks continue to evolve. The 2020 model is limited to 4G LTE, which is still reliable but slower for heavy data tasks.
  • Biometric Security and Ports: Both devices retain the traditional home button with a fingerprint sensor, offering a fast and secure way to unlock the phone and authorise payments. They also use the same charging port type, which is compatible with a wide range of existing accessories. This familiarity is often a key reason why users choose the SE series over other models.
  • Build and Portability: Weighing very little and featuring slim dimensions, both phones are exceptionally easy to use with one hand and fit comfortably into small pockets. They are also rated for water and dust resistance, providing peace of mind if the device is accidentally exposed to a splash of water or a dusty environment during your travels.

Weight

148 g

144 g

Screen size (in)

4.7

4.7

Network

4G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

Lightning

User feedback from various online forums and communities highlights that both the iPhone SE (2020) and the iPhone SE (2022) are highly valued for their compact size and the inclusion of a physical home button. The 2020 model is frequently praised by those who want a reliable, straightforward device for basic communication and light app usage. However, some users note that its battery life can be a limiting factor for those who use their phones heavily throughout the day. The 2022 model receives positive marks for its impressive speed and the inclusion of 5G connectivity, though some critics point out that the screen design feels dated compared to modern edge-to-edge displays.

Users who prioritise long-term software support, faster mobile data speeds, and a more responsive experience for gaming or multitasking will find the 2022 model better suited to their needs. Conversely, those who primarily use their phone for calls, messaging, and occasional browsing may find the 2020 model perfectly adequate for their daily routine. Both models represent a sustainable choice when purchased as an eco-friendly alternative through refurbishment, allowing users to access reliable technology while reducing electronic waste. Ultimately, the decision rests on whether the requirement for modern network speeds and a longer update cycle outweighs the simplicity of the earlier version.

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