Apple iPhone SE (2020)

Alright, let's dive into my experience with the Apple iPhone SE (2020). I've spent the last few weeks putting this little guy through its paces, and frankly, it's been a fascinating trip down memory lane with a modern twist. At its current price point, it firmly sits in the budget-friendly segment, and after some solid time with it, I've got some pretty clear thoughts on who this phone is really for.

In today's smartphone landscape, dominated by ever-growing screens and increasingly complex camera systems, the iPhone SE (2020) feels almost like a deliberate throwback. Apple's strategy here is evident: offer flagship-level performance in a familiar, compact chassis at a more accessible price. It’s a move that makes a lot of sense for users who aren’t chasing the latest design trends or need every single bell and whistle. My personal take is that this phone isn't trying to reinvent the wheel; it's about delivering core iPhone strengths without breaking the bank.

The first thing that strikes you about the iPhone SE (2020) is its size. Coming from larger devices, the 4.7-inch display felt almost… quaint. But after a day or two, I genuinely appreciated its pocketability and the ease of one-handed use. It nestles comfortably in the palm, and I found myself effortlessly reaching all corners of the screen – a simple pleasure I'd almost forgotten existed. Weighing in at just 148 grams, it’s noticeably lighter than most modern smartphones. The build quality, while familiar, still feels solid. It’s essentially the iPhone 8 design, with its glass front and back and aluminum band. While it lacks the premium feel of stainless steel, it still feels well-constructed and durable enough for everyday life. I did find myself a little more cautious with it, given the all-glass design, but overall, the compact and robust feel is a definite plus.

The 4.7-inch Retina IPS LCD display, boasting a pixel density of 326 ppi, is surprisingly good. In my testing, the brightness, peaking at 625 nits, was more than adequate for outdoor use, even on sunny days. Watching videos and browsing felt comfortable, with decent color accuracy thanks to its support for the P3 wide color gamut. The True Tone technology, which adjusts the color temperature based on ambient light, is a subtle but welcome addition that makes viewing more comfortable on the eyes. However, the one area where the display shows its age is the lack of a high refresh rate. Scrolling through feeds and lists lacks the silky smoothness of newer devices with 90Hz or 120Hz displays, which is a noticeable omission in today's market.

Under the hood is where the iPhone SE (2020) truly shines. It packs the same A13 Bionic chip that powered the iPhone 11 series, and the performance is genuinely impressive. In my real-world testing, apps launched almost instantly, multitasking was smooth, and even demanding games ran without a hitch. I put it through a few gaming sessions, and it handled everything I threw at it with surprising ease. There were no noticeable stutters or slowdowns. The phone managed its temperature well too; even during extended gaming, it didn’t get excessively hot. This level of performance in a phone at this price point is a significant strength.

The camera system is a single 12MP wide lens with an f/1.8 aperture. While it lacks the versatility of multiple lenses, in my experience, it takes surprisingly good photos, especially in good lighting conditions. Colors are accurate, and detail is generally impressive. I took it out for some casual photography, and for everyday snaps, it performs admirably. It benefits from Apple's excellent image processing, producing pleasing results. Video recording is also a strong point, capable of shooting up to 4K at 60fps with optical image stabilization, which makes for smooth and stable footage. The front-facing 7MP camera is decent for selfies and video calls. While it doesn’t offer the advanced features of more modern iPhone cameras like Night Mode, for its intended purpose, it gets the job done. Comparing it to alternatives, it holds its own for daylight photography but falls behind in low-light scenarios.

Battery life is arguably the biggest compromise with the iPhone SE (2020). The 1821mAh battery is on the smaller side by today's standards. In my daily usage, which involves a mix of browsing, social media, emails, and some light video watching, I often found myself needing to top up the battery by late afternoon. For power users, this is definitely something to be aware of. Charging speed is another point of contention. While it supports 18W fast charging, the included 5W charger is frustratingly slow. In my testing, using an 18W charger made a significant difference, getting the phone from zero to around 50% in about 30 minutes. It's a shame Apple didn't include a faster charger in the box. Power management is decent enough, but the small battery capacity ultimately limits its endurance.

The software experience is pure iOS, which for many, is a major draw. It's clean, intuitive, and consistently receives updates. In my daily use, I found the interface responsive and user-friendly. Features like AirDrop and the tight integration with other Apple devices remain strong selling points. Apple's commitment to software updates is a significant advantage, ensuring the phone stays secure and receives new features for years to come.

Analyzing the value of the iPhone SE (2020) is where things get interesting. For the price, you're getting flagship-level processing power in a compact and familiar design. I believe this phone is ideal for those who prioritize performance and ease of use over the latest design trends and camera features. It's a fantastic option for users upgrading from older iPhones who want a significant performance boost without a massive price tag. However, if a top-tier camera system and all-day battery life are non-negotiable, you'd likely be better served by looking at newer, albeit more expensive, models. In the competitive landscape, the SE offers a unique blend of affordability and performance that few others can match.

In conclusion, my time with the iPhone SE (2020) has been largely positive. It’s a reliable, fast, and conveniently sized smartphone that delivers on its promise of providing a premium experience without the premium price. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who values a compact form factor and powerful performance and isn't overly concerned with having the absolute latest camera technology or the longest battery life. Just be prepared to keep a charger handy.