Should I upgrade to the new iPhone SE (2020)?



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iPhone SE in black
Apple

After four long years, Apple finally released the second-generation iPhone SE. At just $ 399, it has the iPhone 11’s internal components in the body of an iPhone 8 and features the iPhone XR camera. Yes, it’s great, but is it for you?

An iPhone 11 Pro in an iPhone 8 body

Apple has done an impressive job of introducing the $ 999 iPhone 11 Pro components into an iPhone 8 body and delivering the results for just $ 399.

Four new iPhone SEs in black, white and two in red.
Apple

However, before we continue, let’s take a look at all the new features and benefits of the second-generation iPhone SE:

  • A price of $ 399: Even with all the updates, Apple managed to keep the cost the same as the original iPhone SE. The new version is available in black, white or RED product.
  • A13 bionic chip: It has the latest Aion Bionic chip system, which is Apple’s fastest yet.
  • 12 MP single camera: Apple claims that this is its most advanced single camera system on an iPhone. It’s on the back of the SE.
  • Portrait mode: Even with a single camera system, you can still take photos in portrait mode from the front and rear cameras. Since there is no telephoto lens, the A13 Bionic’s neural motor does depth mapping. However, this means that it will only work on people, not pets or objects.
  • 4.7-inch retina display: Because this is essentially iPhone 8 hardware, you get a 4.7-inch HD retina display with a 1,334-by-750-pixel resolution at 326 PPI. It is also compatible with True Tone and the P3 color gamut.
  • Touch ID: There is no face identification sensor, but you get the reliable second generation touch ID. It is fast and reliable.
  • Haptic touch: Apple has removed 3D Touch from all new iPhones in favor of Haptic, and the SE is no exception.
  • Wireless charging: This is a great advantage for a phone at this price. Thanks to its glass back panel, you can wirelessly charge the new SE at any Qi charging station.
  • Dual SIM: The SE also includes support for eSIM. This means that you can add an additional cellular connection to your iPhone and use it for calls, messages and data.
  • 64 to 256 GB: Apple has finally stopped skimping on base storage options. It gets a respectable 64GB even on the SE $ 399. The 128GB version costs $ 449, while the 256GB version is priced at $ 549.
  • IP67: The new SE is waterproof for up to a meter for 30 minutes.

All of this hardware comes in the same external case as the iPhone 8, with the same large bezels at the top and bottom of the screen.

RELATED: Where to order the new iPhone SE

Should you update?

After looking at that criminal record sheet, you may be excited to buy the new iPhone SE. If you’re using an older iPhone than an iPhone 8 and want a relatively cheap upgrade, you can probably buy the iPhone SE and call it by the day.

However, if you have a modern iPhone X or XR, we recommend you stick with that. While you would get a slightly faster processor, you would lose the best screen, newest design, and Face ID.

But maybe it really misses the iPhone 8’s smallest form factor and touch ID. Maybe you just upgraded to one of the latest models for faster internal hardware. In either case, the new SE is for you.

Let’s consider some other reasons why you might want to upgrade from an older phone.

Improved performance

Thanks to the Bionic A13 chip, the CPU in the new SE is 2.4 times faster than the old SE. Graphics are also up to four times faster. You won’t have performance issues on iPhone SE for years.

The updated camera

A girl in a green poncho.
Apple

While the new iPhone SE only has a camera, it’s pretty good. The 12 MP sensor comes with an aperture of ƒ / 1.8. It is the same sensor that is on the iPhone XR and XS. However, paired with Neural Engine and the new Bionic A13 on-chip image signal processor, it’s even better.

This means that you can take stunning pictures and portraits in the new SE. The camera also supports 4K 24, 30 or 60 FPS video capture with optical image stabilization. If you are upgrading from an iPhone 6 this will be a huge improvement.

Smallest size

The old iPhone on the left and the new SE on the right.
Left: First generation iPhone SE. Right: The new iPhone SE. Apple

Unfortunately, the second-generation iPhone SE doesn’t have the same iconic design as the first-generation four-inch model. However, it is still not as big as the iPhone 11 or Android phones, like the OnePlus 8 or the Samsung S20.

The new size comparison of iPhone SE with iPhone 11.
Apple

If iPhone 11 is too big for you, go with SE. It has the same footprint as the iPhone 8, even the cases for the 8 will adapt to the new SE.

Internal parts ready for the future

The original iPhone SE shipped with iOS 9 in 2016, and still receives the latest iOS 13 updates in 2020. The second-gen SE should receive fast iOS updates until 2024, so your phone should receive the next four big installments. from iOS.

If you buy the iPhone SE, you won’t have to worry about future updates for a couple of years (at least until the next version of the SE ships.)

RELATED: The best new features in iOS 13, available now

The price

We’ve already mentioned the best reason to upgrade above, but it’s worth repeating. For just $ 399, you get a brand new, modern iPhone with the latest fast hardware and a great camera. Sure, you won’t get Face ID or an edge-to-edge screen, but you can put (or keep) your foot in the door of the Apple ecosystem.

This means access to iMessage, a large collection of amazing apps and games, and iCloud. If you’re switching from an older Android phone, the iPhone SE is a great option.

A good package

iPhone showing the game
Apple

Although it may seem like Frankenstein’s iPhone to some, the SE is a good package for the right person. Features that are lost are also lost in payment.

The 2018 iPhone XR still costs $ 200 more than the new SE, and it has a slightly slower processor and a worse camera. On iPhone 11, you get a great camera with a stellar night mode, ultra-wide photos, great battery life, and face ID – but it costs $ 300 more.

Once you start doing the math, the choice becomes simple. If you’ve had your iPhone for over three years (that battery really must be dead), and you’re ready for a new one that doesn’t cost $ 999, the iPhone SE is the one for you.

If you want a bigger screen and Face ID, look for deals on iPhone XR or 11. We also recommend looking for used or refurbished models.


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