Updated on November 30, 2023
Are you on the hunt for a new phone that won’t break the bank? You may want to consider the Apple iPhone SE (2020).
In this review, we’ll take an in-depth look at this budget-friendly phone’s features, specifications, and capabilities, as well as what sets it apart from other phones on the market.
It’s important to note that while this phone is not the latest or newest model available, it still boasts impressive functionality and is worth considering for your smartphone needs.
So, let’s dive in and explore all that the Apple iPhone SE (2020) has to offer.
To begin with, when it was first announced, the Apple iPhone SE (2020) was unveiled on 2020, April 15. The phone was first released on 2020, April 24.
Moving on to the network, the phone supports GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE network technology.
In addition, the phone also features a Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, gyro, compass, and barometer sensors.
As for the body, regarding its dimensions, weight, and build, the phone measures 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm and weighs 148 g (5.22 oz). The phone’s build is glass front, glass back, and aluminum frame, and it supports Nano-SIM and eSIM.
The phone is also IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) and supports Apple Pay (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX certified).
Moving on to the display, the phone features a Retina IPS LCD that measures 4.7 inches and has a resolution of 750 x 1334 pixels, with a 16:9 ratio. The display is protected by ion-strengthened glass.
Turning to the platform, the phone runs on iOS 13, is upgradable to iOS 16.4 and is powered by an Apple A13 Bionic chipset. The phone’s CPU is Hexa-core, and the GPU is Apple GPU (4-core graphics).
Moving on to memory, the phone has 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB of internal storage and 3GB RAM. The phone does not have a card slot but supports NVMe.
Turning to the camera, the phone features a single 12 MP main camera setup, and as for the front-facing camera, the phone features a single 7 MP selfie camera.
Moving on to communications, the phone supports Lightning and USB 2.0 connectivity.
As for the battery, the phone is powered by a Li-Ion 1821 mAh, non-removable battery that provides 18W wired charging, with 50% charging in 30 min. The phone’s endurance rating is 59h, and it supports fast charging.
Lastly, in terms of aesthetics, the phone is available in Black, White, and Red colors, and it is priced at $399 / €361 / £184 / C$599 / ₱26,490 / ₹42,500 / Rp5,877,353.
Friendly Reminder
Prices may differ based on the retailer and the specific model you select. It’s worth noting that a phone with more storage capacity will typically be more expensive. However, prices may decrease over time as newer models are released.
Key Features of the Apple iPhone SE (2020)
Glass and Aluminum Construction with IP67 Rating
The Apple iPhone SE (2020) features a sleek and stylish design with a glass front and back and an aluminum frame. It measures 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm and weighs 148 g (5.22 oz), making it easy to handle and pocket-friendly. The phone’s IP67 dust/water resistance rating ensures protection from water damage up to a depth of 1 meter for 30 minutes.
Retina IPS LCD with Ion-Strengthened Glass
The iPhone SE (2020) features a 4.7-inch Retina IPS LCD with a resolution of 750 x 1334 pixels and a 16:9 aspect ratio. The display is protected by ion-strengthened glass, making it resistant to scratches and cracks. The screen offers excellent color accuracy, contrast, and sharpness, making it ideal for viewing photos and videos.
A13 Bionic Chipset with Hexa-core CPU and Apple GPU
The iPhone SE (2020) runs on iOS 13, is upgradable to iOS 16.4, and is powered by Apple’s A13 Bionic chipset, which provides exceptional performance and power efficiency. The phone features a Hexa-core CPU and Apple GPU (4-core graphics), ensuring smooth and lag-free performance when running apps, games, or streaming videos.
12 MP Main Camera and 7 MP Front Camera
The iPhone SE (2020) features a single 12 MP main camera setup that captures stunning photos and videos with excellent detail and color accuracy. The phone’s camera supports features like portrait mode, Smart HDR, and 4K video recording.
The 7 MP front-facing camera is perfect for taking selfies, making video calls, and FaceTiming with friends and family.
Li-Ion 1821 mAh Battery with 18W Fast Charging Support
The iPhone SE (2020) comes with a Li-Ion 1821 mAh non-removable battery that provides up to 59 hours of endurance rating. The phone supports 18W wired fast charging, which charges the phone up to 50% in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for users on the go.
Additionally, the phone supports wireless charging, which allows users to charge the phone without the hassle of cables.
Why do people like the Apple iPhone SE (2020) and who it’s for
Why do people like the Apple iPhone SE (2020)?
The Apple iPhone SE (2020) has garnered a lot of attention and love from users around the world, primarily due to its performance and affordability. The phone’s A13 Bionic chipset is the same as that used in the more expensive iPhone 11 series, which offers excellent performance for everyday tasks and demanding apps.
Additionally, the phone’s camera setup, although having a single 12 MP camera, is considered to be one of the best in its price range, producing high-quality images with good color accuracy and detail. The phone also features 4K video recording at 60fps, which is impressive for a device of this size and price point.
Furthermore, the phone’s design and build quality are also significant draws for many users. The phone’s small size and light weight make it comfortable to use and carry around, and the glass front and back, along with the aluminum frame, give it a premium feel. The phone is also IP67 dust and water-resistant, making it more durable and reliable.
Overall, the Apple iPhone SE (2020) offers a great combination of performance, camera quality, and build quality at an affordable price point, making it an excellent choice for users who want the features of a high-end iPhone but don’t want to spend a lot of money.
Who is the Apple iPhone SE (2020) for?
The Apple iPhone SE (2020) is an ideal choice for users who want a budget-friendly iPhone with great performance and camera quality. The phone is perfect for those who want to upgrade from an older iPhone model or switch from an Android device to an iPhone without breaking the bank.
The phone’s small size and lightweight make it a good choice for users who prefer compact devices that are easy to use and carry around. The phone’s durable build quality and IP67 rating also make it a good choice for users who want a phone that can withstand daily wear and tear.
Overall, the Apple iPhone SE (2020) is an excellent choice for users who want a high-performance iPhone at an affordable price point without compromising on features and build quality.
Apple iPhone SE (2020) Full Specifications
| LAUNCHâ–¾ |
| Announced: 2020, April 15 |
| Status: Available. Released 2020, April 24 |
| NETWORKâ–¾ |
| Technology: GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| FEATURESâ–¾ |
| Sensors: Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, gyro, compass, barometer |
| BODYâ–¾ |
| Dimensions: 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm (5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 in) |
| Weight: 148 g (5.22 oz) |
| Build: Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame |
| SIM: Nano-SIM and eSIM |
| *IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) |
| *Apple Pay (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX certified) |
| DISPLAYâ–¾ |
| Type: Retina IPS LCD, 625 nits (typ) |
| Size: 4.7 inches, 60.9 cm2 (~65.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Resolution: 750 x 1334 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~326 ppi density) |
| Protection: Ion-strengthened glass |
| PLATFORMâ–¾ |
| OS: iOS 13, upgradable to iOS 16.4 |
| Chipset: Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+) |
| CPU: Hexa-core (2x2.65 GHz Lightning + 4x1.8 GHz Thunder) |
| GPU: Apple GPU (4-core graphics) |
| MEMORYâ–¾ |
| Card slot: No |
| Internal: 64GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 256GB 3GB RAM |
| *NVMe |
| MAIN CAMERAâ–¾ |
| Single: 12 MP, f/1.8 (wide), PDAF, OIS |
| Features: Quad-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Video: 4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, HDR, OIS, stereo sound rec. |
| SELFIE CAMERAâ–¾ |
| Single: 7 MP, f/2.2 |
| Features: HDR |
| Video: 1080p@30fps; gyro-EIS |
| SOUNDâ–¾ |
| Loudspeaker: Yes, with stereo speakers |
| 3.5mm jack: No |
| COMMUNICATIONSâ–¾ |
| WLAN: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, hotspot |
| Bluetooth: 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Positioning: GPS, GLONASS |
| NFC: Yes |
| Radio: No |
| USB: Lightning, USB 2.0 |
| BATTERYâ–¾ |
| Type: Li-Ion 1821 mAh, non-removable (6.91 Wh) |
| Charging: 18W wired, 50% in 30 min (advertised) |
| *7.5W wireless (Qi) |
| TESTSâ–¾ |
| Performance: |
| AnTuTu: 462253 (v8) |
| GeekBench: 3237 (v5.1) |
| Display: |
| Contrast ratio: 1544:1 (nominal) |
| Camera: Photo / Video |
| Loudspeaker: -24.1 LUFS (Very good) |
| Battery life: Endurance rating 59h |
| MISCELLANEOUSâ–¾ |
| Colors: Black, White, Red |
| Models: A2275, A2296, A2298, iPhone12,8 |
| SAR: 1.17 W/kg (head) 1.16 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU: 0.98 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
| Price: $399 / €361 / £184 / C$599 / ₱26,490 / ₹42,500 / Rp5,877,353 |
Similar Products
Same Features, Different Brands: Apple iPhone SE (2020) Alternatives
If you are looking for a phone with almost the same features and specifications as the Apple iPhone SE (2020), here are five other options to consider:
Samsung Galaxy A52
This phone supports GSM / HSPA / LTE network technology and has a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. It runs on Android 11 and has a Snapdragon 720G chipset, 6GB or 8GB RAM, and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage with a microSDXC card slot.
The phone features a quad-camera setup on the back, with a 64 MP main camera, and a 32 MP selfie camera. The battery is a 4500 mAh non-removable battery with 25W fast charging.
Read More
Samsung Galaxy A52 – Specs & Review
Apple iPhone SE (2020) vs Samsung Galaxy A52
Google Pixel 4a
This phone supports GSM / HSPA / LTE network technology and has a 5.81-inch OLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels. It runs on Android 10, is upgradable to Android 12, and has a Snapdragon 730G chipset, 6GB RAM, and 128GB of internal storage.
The phone features a single 12.2 MP main camera setup and an 8 MP selfie camera. The battery is a 3140 mAh non-removable battery with 18W fast charging.
Read More
Google Pixel 4a – Specs & Review
Apple iPhone SE (2020) vs Google Pixel 4a
OnePlus Nord
This phone supports GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G network technology and has a 6.44-inch Fluid AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. It runs on Android 10, is upgradable to Android 11, has a Snapdragon 765G chipset, 8GB or 12GB RAM, and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage.
The phone features a quad-camera setup on the back, with a 48 MP main camera, and a 32 MP + 8 MP selfie camera. The battery is a 4115 mAh non-removable battery with 30W fast charging.
Read More
OnePlus Nord – Specs & Review
Apple iPhone SE (2020) vs OnePlus Nord
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro
This phone supports GSM / HSPA / LTE network technology and has a 6.67-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. It runs on Android 11 and has a Snapdragon 860 chipset, 6GB or 8GB RAM, and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage with a microSDXC card slot.
The phone features a quad-camera setup on the back, with a 48 MP main camera, and a 20 MP selfie camera. The battery is a 5160 mAh non-removable battery with 33W fast charging.
Read More
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro – Specs & Review
Apple iPhone SE (2020) vs Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro
Sony Xperia 10 III
This phone supports GSM / HSPA / LTE network technology and has a 6.0-inch OLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2520 pixels. It runs on Android 11 and has a Snapdragon 690 5G chipset, 6GB RAM, and 128GB of internal storage with a microSDXC card slot.
The phone features a triple-camera setup on the back, with a 12 MP main camera, and an 8 MP selfie camera. The battery is a 4500 mAh non-removable battery with 30W fast charging.
Read More
Sony Xperia 10 III – Specs & Review
Apple iPhone SE (2020) vs Sony Xperia 10 III
Friendly Reminder
All of these phones offer similar features and specifications to the Apple iPhone SE (2020), such as a high-quality display, powerful chipset, and good camera setup. However, each phone has its unique design and features, so it’s important to consider your needs and preferences when choosing the right one for you.
PROS and CONS of the Apple iPhone SE (2020)
PROS
| • The iPhone SE (2020) is priced lower than most other iPhones, making it a more accessible option for consumers who want an Apple device. |
| • The phone's compact size and lightweight make it easy to handle and carry around. |
| • The phone's IP67 dust/water resistance rating makes it more durable and long-lasting. |
| • The phone's A13 Bionic chipset offers fast and smooth performance, which is great for multitasking and running demanding apps. |
| • The phone's 18W wired charging and fast charging support allows for quick and convenient charging. |
CONS
| • The phone's 4.7-inch display is smaller compared to most other smartphones in the market, which may not be suitable for users who prefer a larger screen. |
| • The phone's single camera setup may not offer the same level of photography experience as the multiple camera setups found in other high-end smartphones. |
| • The phone's battery capacity may not be sufficient for heavy users who require long hours of usage. |
| • The phone's lack of a headphone jack may be inconvenient for users who prefer to use wired headphones. |
| • The phone's design may not be as visually appealing or premium compared to other high-end smartphones in the market. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the screen size and resolution of the Apple iPhone SE (2020)?
The phone features a 4.7-inch Retina IPS LCD with a resolution of 750 x 1334 pixels and a 16:9 aspect ratio.
What is the battery life of the Apple iPhone SE (2020)?
The phone is powered by a Li-Ion 1821 mAh non-removable battery that provides an endurance rating of 59 hours. It supports 18W wired charging and can charge up to 50% in 30 minutes.
What are the chipset and RAM of the Apple iPhone SE (2020)?
The phone is powered by an Apple A13 Bionic chipset and comes with 3GB of RAM. It has three storage options: 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB, and does not have a card slot but supports NVMe.
Conclusion
The Apple iPhone SE (2020) is a well-rounded phone that offers a range of impressive features. The phone’s compact size and affordable price make it a great option for those looking for a high-performance device without breaking the bank.
The phone’s IP67 rating provides peace of mind for those who are prone to accidents or use their phone in tough conditions. The Fingerprint (front-mounted) sensor offers quick and secure access to the device, while the range of sensors, including the accelerometer, proximity, gyro, compass, and barometer, make for an intuitive and user-friendly experience.
The Retina IPS LCD with ion-strengthened glass offers sharp visuals and added durability. The Apple A13 Bionic chipset delivers powerful performance, while the 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB of internal storage, and 3GB RAM, make for a smooth and efficient experience.
The single 12 MP main camera setup and 7 MP selfie camera offer impressive picture quality, and the Lightning and USB 2.0 connectivity makes it easy to transfer files and connect to other devices.
Overall, the Apple iPhone SE (2020) is a fantastic choice for those who want a high-performance phone that doesn’t break the bank. Its compact size, impressive camera, and durable design make it an ideal choice for those who want a powerful device that fits in their pocket.
Your thoughts are welcome. Feel free to leave any comments below.
