iPhone SE Review: Is Apple’s Budget Phone Still Worth It in 2025?
Apple’s iPhone SE has been a game-changer in the budget smartphone market. But does it still hold up in 2025? With new iPhones launching every year, many wonder if the iPhone SE is still a smart buy. In this iPhone SE review, we’ll dive into its performance, camera quality, battery life, and whether it’s the right choice for you.
What is the iPhone SE?
The iPhone SE Review highlights Apple’s budget-friendly smartphone, offering premium performance at an affordable price. The most recent model, the iPhone SE (2022), features Apple’s A15 Bionic chip, a compact design, and a single-lens camera. It looks similar to the iPhone 8 but delivers modern performance.
Apple markets the iPhone SE as an entry-level device, perfect for users who want an affordable iPhone with a home button. But how does it compare to today’s flagship smartphones? Let’s break it down.
iPhone SE Performance: Fast but Aging
The iPhone SE (2022) is powered by the A15 Bionic chip, the same processor found in the iPhone 13 series. This means it’s fast, smooth, and handles most tasks effortlessly.
iPhone SE Benchmark Performance (Compared to Other iPhones)
| Device | Processor | Geekbench Single-Core | Geekbench Multi-Core |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone SE (2022) | A15 Bionic | 1732 | 4721 |
| iPhone 13 | A15 Bionic | 1740 | 4775 |
| iPhone 14 | A15 Bionic | 1752 | 4790 |
| iPhone 15 | A16 Bionic | 1878 | 5380 |
The numbers show that the iPhone SE is still competitive. Apps load quickly, and even gaming performance is decent. However, the 4GB RAM may limit multitasking compared to newer iPhones.
iPhone SE Review: Compact Display and Classic Design
The iPhone SE features a 4.7-inch Retina HD display, which is small compared to today’s large, edge-to-edge screens. While the LCD panel is bright and colorful, it lacks the deep blacks and contrast of an OLED screen found in newer iPhones like the iPhone 14 and 15. The large bezels make the design feel outdated, especially for users who prefer modern, immersive displays.
Despite its older design, the iPhone SE’s compact size makes it a great option for one-handed use. It includes Retina HD resolution for sharp images and True Tone technology for better color accuracy. However, it lacks a 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate, making scrolling feel less smooth. If you value a small and familiar iPhone, this is a solid choice, but if you prefer a more modern display, you may find it disappointing.
Camera: Decent, But Not for Photography Enthusiasts
The iPhone SE has a 12MP rear camera and a 7MP front camera. While it takes good photos in daylight, it struggles in low-light conditions compared to the iPhone 13 and 14.
Camera Comparison: iPhone SE vs. iPhone 13
| Feature | iPhone SE (2022) | iPhone 13 |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Camera | 12MP | 12MP Dual-Lens |
| Night Mode | No | Yes |
| Deep Fusion | Yes | Yes |
| Portrait Mode | Yes | Yes |
| 4K Video | Yes | Yes |
The lack of Night Mode is a big drawback, especially for those who take photos at night. However, for everyday social media photos, the iPhone SE does the job.
Battery Life: A Weak Spot
One of the biggest downsides of the iPhone SE is its battery life. While the A15 Bionic chip is efficient, the small battery capacity (2018 mAh) limits screen-on time.
Most users get around 5-6 hours of screen time, which may not be enough for heavy users. Fast charging helps, but if you want an iPhone with long battery life, the SE might disappoint.
iPhone SE Review: Software Updates & Longevity
One major advantage of the iPhone SE Review is its software support. Apple provides at least five years of iOS updates, meaning this phone will likely receive updates until 2027 or beyond.
This long-term support makes the iPhone SE Review a future-proof option compared to many Android smartphones, which often receive updates for only 2-3 years.
Who Should Buy the iPhone SE?
The iPhone SE Review highlights that the iPhone SE (2022) is an excellent choice for users who prioritize affordability, performance, and a compact design. However, it may not be suitable for everyone, especially those who demand a more modern smartphone experience. Let’s break down who should consider buying this device and who might want to skip it.
Ideal Users: Who Should Buy the iPhone SE?
If you fit into any of these categories, the iPhone SE (2022) could be the perfect smartphone for you:
Budget-Conscious Buyers
The iPhone SE Review highlights that the iPhone SE is one of the most affordable iPhones Apple sells. It delivers the same A15 Bionic chip as the iPhone 13, meaning you get flagship-level performance without the premium price tag. If you’re looking for a cheap iPhone that still runs the latest iOS updates and apps smoothly, this is a great choice.
Compact Phone Lovers
In a world dominated by large-screen smartphones, the iPhone SE remains one of the few compact phones available. With its 4.7-inch display, it’s perfect for those who prefer a small, lightweight phone that fits easily in one hand or a pocket. If you miss the days of smaller iPhones, the SE is a rare gem in 2025.
Touch ID Fans
Face ID has taken over most modern iPhones, but some users still prefer Touch ID for quick and easy unlocking. If you don’t like Face ID or often wear masks or sunglasses, the iPhone SE’s home button with fingerprint scanning is a convenient feature that newer models lack.
Long-Term iOS Support Seekers
Unlike many Android phones, the iPhone SE will receive at least five years of iOS updates. If you want a phone that stays secure and up-to-date for years, this is a better investment than similarly priced Android devices that stop receiving updates after 2-3 years.
People Who Prefer Simple, No-Frills Phones
The iPhone SE has a familiar design and an easy-use interface, making it a great option for users who don’t want to deal with complex features or learning curves. If you’re buying a phone for an older relative, a first-time smartphone user, or someone who just wants a basic iPhone without complications, this is an excellent pick.
Who Should Skip the iPhone SE?
While the iPhone SE (2022) has its advantages, it’s not for everyone. Here’s who should look for alternatives instead:
1. Power Users Who Need the Latest Tech
If you love the latest smartphone technology, the iPhone SE will feel outdated. It still uses the old iPhone 8 design, has a small LCD screen, and lacks modern features like Face ID and ProMotion (120Hz refresh rate). Power users who need a bigger display, more RAM, and better battery life should consider newer iPhones.
2. Photography Enthusiasts
The iPhone SE has just one 12MP rear camera and lacks Night Mode, multiple lenses, and optical zoom. If you love taking professional-quality photos or need ultra-wide and telephoto lenses, this phone won’t meet your needs. The camera is decent for casual shots, but iPhone 13 Mini or iPhone 11 would be a better fit for photography lovers.
3. Gamers and Heavy Multitaskers
Although the A15 Bionic chip is powerful, the iPhone SE Review reveals that its 4GB RAM and small screen limit its capabilities for gaming and multitasking. If you play graphics-heavy games like Genshin Impact, Call of Duty, or Fortnite, you’ll notice that the battery drains quickly and the phone can heat up. A device like the iPhone 13 or iPhone 15 would be better suited for high-performance gaming.
4. People Who Need All-Day Battery Life
The iPhone SE’s battery life is a weak spot. With just 2018mAh, it lasts around 5-6 hours of screen time, meaning you’ll likely need to charge it in the middle of the day if you use it heavily. If battery life is important, consider the iPhone 13 Mini or a budget Android phone with a bigger battery.
5. Users Who Want a Modern Design
The iPhone SE still has thick bezels and a home button, making it look outdated compared to newer iPhones with edge-to-edge displays. If you want a phone with a sleek, modern look, you’re better off with an iPhone 12, iPhone 13 Mini, or a newer iPhone SE model (if released).
Comparison with Other Budget Smartphones
If you’re considering the iPhone SE (2022), you might also be looking at alternatives in the budget smartphone market. Here’s how it stacks up against other popular budget options:
| Feature | iPhone SE (2022) | iPhone 13 Mini | iPhone 11 | Google Pixel 6a | Samsung Galaxy A54 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | A15 Bionic | A15 Bionic | A13 Bionic | Google Tensor | Exynos 1380 |
| Display | 4.7” LCD | 5.4” OLED | 6.1” LCD | 6.1” OLED | 6.4” AMOLED |
| Camera | 12MP single | 12MP dual | 12MP dual | 12MP dual | 50MP triple |
| Night Mode | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 5-6 hours | 7-8 hours | 7-8 hours | 8-9 hours | 10+ hours |
| 5G Support | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Price (approx.) | $429 | $599 | $399 | $349 | $450 |
Which One Should You Choose?
- Buy iPhone SE (2022) if you want an affordable, compact iPhone with long-term iOS updates.
- Buy iPhone 13 Mini if you prefer a small phone but want a better camera, OLED screen, and battery life.
- Buy iPhone 11 if you want a slightly bigger screen, dual cameras, but don’t need 5G.
- Buy Google Pixel 6a if you want a budget-friendly Android phone with an excellent camera and clean Android experience.
- Buy Samsung Galaxy A54 if you want a big battery, modern design, and good display at a mid-range price.
Conclusion: Is the iPhone SE the Right Choice for You?
The iPhone SE Review highlights that the iPhone SE (2022) is a great budget-friendly iPhone with fast performance, long-term iOS updates, and a compact design. However, its outdated design, weak battery, and single camera may be dealbreakers for some users.
Buy it if you want an affordable, reliable, compact iPhone.
Skip it if you need better battery life, modern design, or advanced camera features.
If Apple releases a new iPhone SE (2024 or 2025) with an updated design, it may be worth waiting for. But for now, if you’re looking for the cheapest iPhone with solid performance, the iPhone SE (2022) is still a smart buy.
Would you still consider the iPhone SE in 2025? Let us know in the comments!
