iPhone SE 2022 (3rd Generation) Review: A Refreshingly Simple Alternative

Unboxing and First Impressions

In a world dominated by cutting-edge displays, facial recognition, 5G connectivity, and large screen sizes, the iPhone SE 2022 (3rd Generation) emerges as a refreshingly simple alternative. The familiar, albeit somewhat dated, design reintroduces the navigation device that made the iPhone famous – the home button.

As someone who has used the iPhone 11 Pro Max for the past two years, I am eager to explore this blend of familiarity and novelty. Will the iPhone SE’s smaller screen and fewer cameras be a source of frustration or will it prove to be a more practical choice overall? Join me as I delve into the pros and cons of the new iPhone SE.

Upon ordering the phone from Apple, I received an unassuming cardboard box at my workplace the very next day. Inside, predictably, were the iPhone SE, a USB-C to Lightning cable, and a small literature packet. Notably, this time around, a charger is not included, so be sure to have one at hand.

Picking up the phone, I instantly felt the difference in size between the iPhone SE and the 11 Pro Max that I had been using. The iPhone SE was thinner, lighter, and easier to handle than any phone I’ve used since the original iPhone SE, which I last used in 2018. Considering how phones have grown bigger, heavier, and wider since then, this return to a more compact form factor, easily usable with one hand, was truly refreshing.

Data transfer was a breeze, thanks to Apple’s new setup and data transfer utilities within iOS 15, making it a seamless experience. The switch from stainless steel to anodized aluminum significantly reduced the weight, highlighting just how thick and heavy modern phones have become.

As screens enlarge, 5G becomes more widespread, and batteries expand to accommodate these advancements, the iPhone SE offers a simpler experience.

Camera Quality

The camera quality is what I would describe as an “okay” smartphone camera. However, it is arguably the best camera for video in any smartphone under $500.

The iPhone SE’s video quality is sharp, incredibly smooth, and can shoot in 4K at 60 FPS, outperforming any other phone in this price range. While the camera performs well in good lighting, the frame rate appears limited to 30 FPS, meaning it won’t be as smooth as the main camera.

The iPhone SE camera experience prioritizes simplicity above all else. Both picture and video quality are above average for this price range, despite the lack of versatility due to the absence of additional camera lenses.

Battery Life

The iPhone SE is designed to take on just about anything, provided you have the battery life to support it.

Unfortunately, that might be the most significant shortcoming of this device. The battery life is akin to a muscle car with a tiny gas tank – it has the power to outpace most competitors, but you’ll need to recharge it frequently.

During my time with the iPhone SE, I found myself needing to recharge the phone every night, with only 5-10% charge remaining. In some rare instances, I even had to charge it twice a day when the workload was particularly heavy. This is not a phone that can last more than one day of constant usage.

So, will the iPhone SE replace my iPhone 11 Pro Max?

Surprisingly, I was genuinely conflicted about what to do and wouldn’t have been disappointed if I ended up using the iPhone SE for the next two years. However, in the end, my usage demands exceeded the iPhone SE’s capabilities, with battery life and camera quality being the deciding factors. That being said, I don’t believe I am the target user for this phone.

Final Thoughts

If you’re someone who loves the home button with Touch ID, prefers not to deal with Face Unlock, and appreciates the older iPhone design with its intuitive home button, then you’ll likely love the iPhone SE.

For those who want a solid iOS experience at a starting price of $429, I highly recommend this phone.

It’s an excellent choice for those who don’t need the latest and greatest technology but still want a device that will last them a while. The iPhone SE easily outshines most other $400 Android phones in this regard.

Future Outlook

If Apple continues with this approach and releases an updated design in a year or two – featuring a better screen and Touch ID integrated into the power button – they could have a real winner on their hands with the next iPhone SE.