Apple improves on an important point
Apple actually takes on one of the main criticisms of the previous iPhone SE and improves the battery life with the new, third generation of the Apple cell phone. But how much more is in it? The comparison.
As expected, the new iPhone SE was presented to the public at the Apple event in March. Exactly the same as the old model on the outside, but massively improved on the inside. But not only the potent Apple A15 or the 5G modem catch the eye, too Apple’s statement about improved battery performance attracts attention.
iPhone SE 3: In the end, the battery really is that good
We remember: The previous iPhone SE was not exactly a master of stamina. This should now improve. Even if the practical test is still pending, Apple’s official information allows a first comparison. Since the manufacturer usually did not exaggerate in the past and the information was accurate, you can believe that. A look at the bare numbers:
Battery life during video playback:
- Phone SE 3: 15 hours
- iPhone SE 2: 13 hours
- iPhone SE 1: 13 hours
- iPhone 8: 13 hours
- iPhone 12 mini: 15 hours
- iPhone 13 mini: 17 hours
Battery life during video playback (streamed):
- iPhone SE 3: 10 hours
- iPhone SE 2: 8 hours
- iPhone SE 1: n/a
- iPhone 8: n/a
- iPhone 12 mini: 10 hours
- iPhone 13 mini: 13 hours
Battery life with audio playback:
- iPhone SE 3: 50 hours
- iPhone SE 2: 40 hours
- iPhone SE 1: 50 hours
- iPhone 8: 40 hours
- iPhone 12 mini: 50 hours
- iPhone 13 mini: 55 hours
Note: Specifications are Apple’s maximum values (“up to”; source: Apple).
Compared to its predecessor, the new third-generation iPhone SE performs noticeably better – 2 hours more playing time for video playback and 10 hours more for audio playback. In the end, the iPhone SE 3 is as good as the iPhone 12 mini. Sounds positive. However, if you consider that the mini cell phone was aggressively criticized for the poor battery life at the time, this puts the success of the new iPhone SE 3 into perspective.
And this is how Apple advertises the new iPhone SE 3:
Current advice: Go for the iPhone 13 mini
In short: Improved yes, but really good? If you want more battery power in a small format, you have to go for the iPhone 13 mini. But it also costs a bit more, but not that much more. For comparison: Apple is currently charging 569 euros for the comparable iPhone SE 3 with 128 GB of storage. We can find an iPhone 13 mini (also with 128 GB) in free trade for as little as 669 euros – just 100 euros more (iPhone 13 mini in price comparison at Idealo.de). The price of the iPhone SE in retail then has to drop significantly if you don’t want to go directly to the much better equipped iPhone 13 mini at the moment.
