nice and fast, but still outdated

The iPhone SE 2022 was shown at the first Apple event of this year and the device is available now. Here you can read our first impression of the iPhone SE 2022!

iPhone SE 2022: first impression

There it was: the first new Apple device of 2022. Well, new, after you have opened the usual packaging, the old design immediately catches the eye. That is in fact the same as with the previous version, the iPhone SE 2020.

When you’re used to an iPhone with Face ID (so without a home button or thick edges), it takes a while … a step back. It feels familiar, but a little awkward. Just as if you turned on one of your old iPhones again and then quickly want to go back to your current device.

iPhone SE 2022 with A15 chip and small screen

Until you actually start working with the new SE. The iPhone SE 2022 has the same A15 chip that is also in the iPhone 13. And you notice that in everything you do. Apps respond smoothly and even heavy games run fine.

Only, the screen is quite small. The display of the iPhone 12 mini and the iPhone 13 mini is also quite mini, but that is still slightly larger than the display of the iPhone SE 2022. This is mainly due to the ‘vintage’ design, with the thick edges and a old friend: the home button with Touch ID.

Touch ID: secretly nice again

At the bottom of the screen you will find the home button. Yet after a while you notice how nice Touch ID was secretly, even when you are used to Face ID. No fiddling with the facial recognition that sometimes has trouble when you wear a mouth cap or tie (even with iOS 15.4). Or when the sun shines again on the screen and you have to enter the access code for the umpteenth time. No, Touch ID actually always works, well… you shouldn’t wear gloves of course.

Yet Face ID is nicer in daily use and you also have more space for the screen due to the lack of the home button. But if you’re coming from an old iPhone with Touch ID, you’ll feel right at home on the iPhone SE 2022.

Camera: good enough

The iPhone SE 2022 has a single camera on the back, which is actually the same camera as that of the iPhone 8. It is a 12-megapixel camera that takes pretty neat photos thanks to the new A15 chip. Unfortunately, when it gets dark, it is a bit less. Unfortunately, there is no night mode.

iPhone SE 2022 price

The iPhone SE 2022 is Apple’s cheapest iPhone. You pay at the manufacturer 529 euros for the 64GB model. The version with 128GB costs a little more, namely 579 euros† The iPhone SE 2022 is therefore cheaper than the iPhone 13, but unfortunately a bit more expensive than the iPhone SE 2020.

Conclusion: iPhone SE 2022 first impression

The iPhone SE 2022 actually has two faces: on the outside it has the old design with a small screen, but inside it shows off the latest A15 chip and 5G. The iPhone SE 2022 is therefore a device that can last for years to come, if you don’t mind the small screen or the old design. The iPhone SE 2022 is not the best iPhone that Apple has ever made, but it is the device with the best price-quality ratio.

Do you already have an iPhone SE 2020? Then the improvements of the iPhone SE 2022 are nice, but they are really not a reason to switch. Will this be your first iPhone (or do you still have an old device with Touch ID)? Then the iPhone SE 2022 is an excellent entry or transition model.

Owners of an iPhone with Face ID (such as the iPhone 11) who want to switch should really check with themselves whether they think the old design and the small screen are not a problem. Don’t forget that you will also miss a number of functions with the camera, such as the night mode.

In the coming weeks we will continue testing the iPhone SE 2022. So keep an eye on iPhoned for the final review!

Buy iPhone SE 2022

After reading this first impression, are you planning to buy an iPhone SE 2022? Check our price comparison for all iPhone SE 2022 with subscription and an iPhone SE 2022 separate device.

You can of course also order the iPhone SE 2022 immediately, with or without a subscription. As far as we are concerned, you can do this with one of the providers below:

Want to read more about the iPhone SE 2022 (or any other iPhone)? Then keep a close eye on this website. You can also follow us via the free iPhoned app and the newsletter.