Should You Buy iPhone SE 2020 in 2023?

Summary

In this video, Nick reviews whether the 2020 iPhone SE is still worth purchasing in 2023. Despite its recycled iPhone 8 design, the SE remains a solid option at low prices (around $134-$179), offering respectable performance with its A13 Bionic chip, decent camera, and solid software support. While it lacks 5G, has limited battery life, and starts at just 64GB of storage, it is a great entry-level or backup iPhone. Nick emphasizes its affordability, reliability, and suitability for basic use, especially for those not seeking the latest iPhone models.

Takeaways

• 📱 The iPhone SE from 2020 is a decent option in 2023, especially for those on a budget.
• 💵 Current prices for the iPhone SE (2020) range from $134 to $179, making it a cheap entry into Apple's ecosystem.
• 🚀 The iPhone SE 2020 uses the A13 Bionic chip, the same as the iPhone 11 series, ensuring strong performance.
• 📸 While the camera is basic, it supports 4K video at 60fps and offers solid autofocus, surpassing many budget Android phones.
• 🔋 Battery life is a weak point, and heavy users may need to charge it mid-day.
• 👁️ The phone features a 4.7-inch Retina display with 326 PPI, which is sufficient given the screen size.
• 📲 Touch ID is still present, providing reliable fingerprint-based security, especially in situations where Face ID may fail.
• 📶 The iPhone SE (2020) does not support 5G, making it limited to 4G LTE for connectivity.
• 💼 With only 3GB of RAM, multitasking isn't as smooth as newer models, but day-to-day performance remains reliable.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The phone is recommended as a great starter device for kids, teenagers, or as a backup phone for adults.

Q & A

What are the key reasons to consider buying the iPhone SE 2020 in 2023?

The iPhone SE 2020 is available at significantly lower prices, starting around $134, making it an affordable entry into the Apple ecosystem. It has solid performance with the Apple A13 Bionic chip and runs the latest iOS smoothly, making it a good option for a backup phone or for someone not seeking a premium device.

How does the performance of the iPhone SE 2020 compare to newer iPhones?

The iPhone SE 2020 uses the Apple A13 Bionic chip, which is the same processor found in the iPhone 11 series. Despite being older, this chip still offers good performance for everyday tasks, although it’s not as fast as newer models with the A15 or later chips.

What are the limitations of the iPhone SE 2020 compared to newer iPhones?

The main limitations include the lack of 5G connectivity, a smaller battery leading to shorter battery life, a starting storage capacity of only 64GB, and a lower-end front-facing camera. It also lacks features like Face ID and more modern design elements found in newer models.

Is the camera on the iPhone SE 2020 still good in 2023?

The iPhone SE 2020 has a decent camera for its price, offering 4K video recording at 60fps and phase detection autofocus. However, the front-facing camera is limited to 720p and isn’t as high-end as the cameras found on newer iPhones.

What is the build quality and design like for the iPhone SE 2020?

The iPhone SE 2020 uses the recycled design of the iPhone 8, featuring a 4.7-inch Retina display and a home button with Touch ID. The phone is lightweight at 148 grams and thin at 7.3mm, making it very pocketable and comfortable to hold, but its design feels outdated compared to newer models.

How is the battery life of the iPhone SE 2020?

Battery life is one of the main drawbacks of the iPhone SE 2020. With its small 1821 mAh battery, it may not last through a full day with heavy usage. Moderate users might need to charge the phone by the middle of the day.

Does the iPhone SE 2020 support modern wireless technologies?

The iPhone SE 2020 supports 4G LTE but not 5G. It also lacks some of the latest Bluetooth and Wi-Fi standards found in newer models.

Who would benefit most from buying the iPhone SE 2020 today?

The iPhone SE 2020 is ideal for users looking for a budget-friendly iPhone, a secondary phone, or a device to give to kids or teenagers. It’s also a good choice for those who prefer the smaller, classic iPhone design and Touch ID.

What storage options are available for the iPhone SE 2020?

The iPhone SE 2020 starts at 64GB, which may not be enough for users with many apps or media. It also has a 128GB version for those who need more storage space.

What alternatives should be considered if you're looking for a more modern iPhone experience?

For around $100 more, users can consider the iPhone XR or iPhone 11, which offer more modern designs, larger displays, better cameras, and longer software support. These models are also equipped with 5G and better overall performance.