iPhone SE (2022) review: A pint-sized powerhouse
The iPhone SE 2022 is the fastest phone you can buy under $500 and it delivers great photos from its single rear camera. It's also the best small phone, but there are better affordable options if you want a bigger screen and longer battery life.
Pros
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Fastest performance for the money
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Very good photo quality
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More durable design
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Compact and easy to use with one hand
Cons
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Small display with big bezels
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No Night mode for camera
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Doesn't support mmWave 5G
The iPhone SE (2022) is a phone that crams modern guts into a classic design that's so small it’s almost quaint. Some might also accurately call it dated. But despite the retro vibes, the end result is pretty compelling for those on a budget.
For $429, you get 5G connectivity and the same A15 Bionic processor that's in the iPhone 13, which means you'll enjoy best-in-class performance and great looking photos. Apple also promises two hours of extra battery life with the new SE versus the previous iPhone SE (2020) along with a more durable design. And while you don't get Face ID, some may prefer the familiar Home button with Touch ID for quickly unlocking your phone.
You’ll need to accept some trade-offs to get an iPhone this affordable, such as the chunky bezels, lack of Night mode and no Verizon Ultra Wideband. But as you’ll see in my iPhone SE (2022) review, there’s no denying the appeal of carrying around a phone this compact that’s so freakin’ powerful and capable. It's easily one of the best cheap phones around.