Apple iPhone SE 2020 review
The Apple Apple iPhone SE 2020 ranks as the #963 phones globally, achieving a LibraScore of 35. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #187-ranked design among 800 phones. Consider the vivo Y20G or vivo Y22, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Build Quality and Design
The Apple iPhone SE 2020 boasts a compact, durable design with a sleek glass-body construction available in black, white, or red. Its 4.7-inch display, framed by prominent bezels, offers a nostalgic, button-centric interface with a tactile home button housing Touch ID. Measuring just 7.3mm in thickness and weighing 148g, the device balances portability with a sturdy feel. While its 65% usable surface area and outdated screen proportions may feel less modern, the glass finish and precise build quality exude Apple’s signature refinement. The rear camera module is subtly integrated, avoiding aggressive protrusion, while the home button’s haptic feedback enhances navigation. Though lacking water resistance or cutting-edge ergonomics, its design prioritizes simplicity, familiarity, and a premium tactile experience for users who prefer physical interaction over edge-to-edge screens. Consider discovering the power of Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G, featuring the latest advancements in design.
Battery Life
The Apple iPhone SE 2020 features a 1821mAh battery with 18W fast charging and wireless reverse charging. While capable of all-day use for moderate tasks, heavy streaming, gaming, or navigation often depletes the battery by midday, especially as battery health declines over time. Though paired with an 18W charger in most regions, the included 5W adapter in some markets may slow recharging. Its compact form and power-efficient A13 Bionic help prolong endurance, but users should plan for frequent top-ups or a portable charger for extended usage. You might prefer vivo Y21, designed with an upgraded battery for a better experience.
Display
The Apple iPhone SE 2020 features a compact 4.7-inch LCD IPS display with a 1334x750 resolution and 326ppi density, ensuring sharp text and vibrant colors. Its 16:9 aspect ratio and prominent bezels prioritize a traditional, button-friendly layout, though the 65% usable surface area feels outdated compared to modern edge-to-edge designs. The screen supports a peak brightness of 600 nits, delivering strong visibility in sunlight, while its IPS panel offers wide viewing angles and accurate color reproduction. Though slightly dimmer than OLED counterparts, the display remains responsive and energy-efficient, aided by the A13 Bionic’s power management. While ideal for media consumption and portability, the lack of a taller aspect ratio and narrow bezels limits multitasking and immersive experiences, catering more to users who prefer a nostalgic, compact form factor over modern screen-centric designs. For a superior display, Ulefone Armor X9 could be the right choice.
Camera
The Apple iPhone SE 2020’s 12MP rear camera delivers sharp, vibrant photos with strong dynamic range and accurate color reproduction, aided by optical stabilization and Apple’s advanced computational photography. While daylight performance excels with clear detail and 4K/60fps video, low-light results can exhibit noise and reduced clarity compared to newer models. The 7MP front camera offers adequate resolution for selfies and video calls but lacks advanced features like depth control or ultra-wide framing. Dual LED flash ensures balanced lighting, though the absence of a second rear lens limits versatility compared to multi-camera setups. Despite its single-lens design, the SE 2020’s camera system remains capable for everyday use, leveraging the A13 Bionic’s processing to enhance textures, reduce blur, and enable features like night mode, slow-motion (240fps), and HDR. However, its modest hardware and lack of a telephoto lens make it less suited for enthusiasts or those prioritizing zoom capabilities. A better alternative might be vivo Y01, featuring a next-level camera.
Price and Value
The Apple iPhone SE 2020 offers budget-friendly access to Apple’s ecosystem, combining a powerful A13 chipset, iOS longevity, and essential features like fast charging and a capable single-lens camera. Its compact design and reliable performance make it a cost-effective choice for users prioritizing value over cutting-edge specs.
Performance
The Apple iPhone SE 2020 is powered by the A13 Bionic chipset, delivering smooth multitasking, gaming, and app performance with its 7nm process and dual-core + quad-core CPU configuration. Its 4-core GPU ensures sharp graphics for media and casual gaming, while the third-generation Neural Engine enhances AI-driven features like Face ID and camera processing. With an Antutu score of 843,971 (beating 82% of devices), it remains responsive for daily use, though heavy workloads may strain its 3GB RAM and 1821mAh battery over time. While not future-proof for extreme multitasking, its power efficiency and iOS optimization ensure longevity for most users. If you’re after a better performance, Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G could be the ideal option.
Pros
1. Powerful A13 Bionic chipset ensures smooth performance for daily tasks and gaming.
2. Compact, durable design with a tactile home button and premium glass finish.
3. Fast 18W charging and wireless reverse charging for quick power replenishment.
4. iOS longevity with future software updates, ensuring extended usability.
5. Capable single-lens rear camera with 4K video, optical stabilization, and smart HDR.
Cons
1. Battery life is moderate, requiring frequent charging for heavy users.
2. Outdated 16:9 display with prominent bezels and lower resolution compared to modern standards.
3. Lacks water resistance and advanced features like 5G connectivity.
4. Single-lens camera limits versatility in low-light and zoom scenarios.
5. Home button and traditional design may feel less modern to users accustomed to edge-to-edge screens.
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