The iPhone SE (2nd generation), often referred to as the iPhone SE 2020, was introduced by Apple in April 2020. It offered a more affordable alternative to the flagship iPhones, while still delivering powerful performance thanks to the latest chipsets and a familiar design. Here's a detailed look at the iPhone SE 2:
Design & Display
Design: The iPhone SE 2 shares a similar design to the iPhone 8, with a 4.7-inch Retina HD display (1334 x 750 resolution at 326 ppi). It has larger bezels at the top and bottom compared to newer iPhones, with the Home button that includes Touch ID for biometric authentication.
Build: The body is made of aluminum on the sides and a glass back, which allows for wireless charging. It is rated with IP67 water and dust resistance, meaning it can withstand submersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
Colors: Available in three colors — Black, White, and (PRODUCT)RED.
Performance
Chipset: The iPhone SE 2 is powered by the A13 Bionic chip, the same processor found in the iPhone 11 Pro models. This makes the iPhone SE 2 incredibly fast, with excellent performance in everything from everyday tasks to demanding apps and games.
6-core CPU for processing power
4-core GPU for graphics performance
Neural Engine for advanced machine learning tasks
The A13 Bionic chip makes the iPhone SE 2 significantly faster than the iPhone 8 and older models, and it helps extend the device’s longevity by supporting iOS updates for several years.
Camera System
Single Camera Setup: The iPhone SE 2 features a 12MP wide camera (f/1.8) on the back, which benefits from the A13 Bionic chip’s Image Signal Processor (ISP) to deliver great photo quality.
Smart HDR: Automatically enhances details in highlights and shadows to deliver better contrast and clarity.
Portrait Mode: Uses the camera’s depth-sensing capabilities to create a bokeh (blurred background) effect, even though it’s a single-lens camera.
4K Video Recording: Capable of recording video in 4K at up to 60fps with extended dynamic range for better color accuracy.
Front Camera: The front camera is 7MP and supports Portrait Mode, as well as 1080p HD video recording.
Battery Life
The iPhone SE 2 has similar battery life to the iPhone 8, offering up to 13 hours of video playback or up to 8 hours of internet use. Battery performance is efficient, thanks to the power management capabilities of the A13 Bionic chip.
It also supports 18W fast charging, allowing the device to charge up to 50% in around 30 minutes, but you'll need to purchase a compatible charger separately. Wireless charging is supported via Qi wireless charging.
Software
The iPhone SE 2 shipped with iOS 13 and is fully compatible with all the latest versions of iOS, ensuring access to new features and security updates. This means users get access to features like Dark Mode, Improved Privacy Features, and Sign in with Apple.
Other Features
Touch ID: The iPhone SE 2 uses Touch ID (fingerprint recognition) for security, which is integrated into the Home button. This is a key difference from the iPhone 11 and newer models, which use Face ID.
No 5G: The iPhone SE 2 only supports 4G LTE and does not have 5G connectivity.
Storage Options: Available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB storage options.
Stereo Sound: The iPhone SE 2 features stereo speakers, providing good audio quality for media consumption.
Pricing
The iPhone SE 2 started at $399 for the base model with 64GB of storage at launch, which made it one of the most affordable iPhones with the performance of the A13 Bionic chip. This price point positioned it as a budget-friendly option while still offering flagship-level performance.
Summary
The iPhone SE (2nd generation) was designed for users who wanted a compact, budget-friendly iPhone with high-end performance. It featured the A13 Bionic chip, ensuring top-tier processing power, while maintaining the classic 4.7-inch design that many users still appreciated. The camera system, while single-lens, delivered great photo and video quality, and the device was equipped with modern features like Portrait Mode, 4K video, and fast charging.
With its affordable price tag, the iPhone SE 2 became an excellent choice for those seeking an iPhone with strong performance and longevity, without breaking the bank. It appealed to users who preferred a smaller form factor and Touch ID, and those who didn’t need the latest design trends like Face ID or OLED screens.
