IPhone test SE 2022: Grandpa makes resistance

It is the most affordable and most popular iPhone models. The iPhone SE 2022 is finally available, with 5G, a more powerful processor and better autonomy. Is it made for you ? Our test to do your opinion.

IPhone SE test (2022): the most affordable way to access Apple

HAS 529 €, The iPhone SE (2022) is a mix of old and nine. He combines the chassis of a iPhone 8 With more resistant glass and the iPhone 13 processor and targets those who do not want from Face ID or Magsafe. Thanks to this mixed approach, he inherits from the latest features like 5G, greater autonomy and performances worthy of theiPhone 13, while keeping the home button and a classic design. The iPhone SE is an extremely efficient smartphone, with an excellent camera and all features such as Imessage, Facetime, Apple Music and access to the App Store.

The way Apple thought it is a bit similar to the practice of electric retrofit which consists in converting iconic models such as the old ladybugs Volkswagen. The VW ladybug becomes a completely different car, but at the same time keeps its vintage style prized by amateurs. This is exactly what is happening with the iPhone Se. It retains the design and the style that users appreciate, but it is at the level of the iPhone that cost almost twice as much in terms of iOS applications and functionalities. No other phone manufacturer adopts this approach for a low -cost model. Does it work ? The answer is yes “. With the iPhone SE 2022, we were able to play games Apple Arcade very graphically demanding, filmed 4K videos and used all the toolsiOS 15.

The iPhone offers a fairly attractive value for money, especially compared to Android smartphones similar price such as the G Moto G Stylus 5G, the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G and the Google Pixel 5A 5G.

If you plan to buy an iPhone SE, the entry -level model at 529 € has a 64 GB storage capacity. Count € 579 for the 128 GB and € 699 for the 256 GB. If you are looking for a little phone and you hesitate between the iPhone SE and a iPhone 12 mini, The latter costs € 689. Its screen is greater and better quality, it has Face ID, a double camera, its design is more modern, its smaller format and its lighter chassis than that of. On the other hand, the iPhone has a more recent and faster processor, which could imply that it benefits from iOS updates longer than the 12 mini.

Design

You would be forgiven to confuse the new SE with that of 2020: they are alike like two drops of water. This is not a criticism because the classic look of the iPhone is appreciated by many. But you have to keep in mind that the design of SE 2022 dates back to the 2014 iPhone 6. Difficult to find on the market a smartphone with a style so old. Those who are looking for a plethora of photo modules or minimalist edges can go their way.

The new iPhone has large borders above and below the screen and a home button with Touch ID. If you have an iPhone 6, 7 or 8, this phone will seem almost identical in terms of design and construction. But this is not the case. Indeed, it may even have a chassis as an iPhone 8, But the glass in the front and at the rear is more resistant. This is the one used on theiPhone 13.

An LCD screen that could be brighter

With its 4.7 inches, The SE screen is the smallest of all iPhone. This is the same LCD screen as that of the iPhone SE of 2020 and the 2017 iPhone 8. It benefits from the function True Tone which adjusts the color temperature as a function of lighting conditions. The colors are beautiful, the quantity of details and contrasts that Apple is capable of drawing from this screen is impressive. However, we would have liked it to be brighter, especially in full sun. This problem will not be very noticeable for those who have an iPhone 7 or 8. On the other hand, by going from our iPhone 12 Mini to SE, the quality of the OLED screen of the first we missed. Note also that the refresh rate is limited here to 60 Hz while many smartphones positioned on the same segment go up to 90 Hz or even 120 Hz.

Android terminals such as Google Pixel 5A 5G or the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G are equipped with higher definition screens. But they lack the features that it has, and they do not have access to most Apple services.

A good rear camera, a medium selfie camera

The back camera of the SE is equipped a 12-megapixel sensor and a high-angle lens opening at f/1.8. These specifications are identical to those of the camera of the iPhone 8 and SE 2020. But the presence of the A15 Bionic SOC changes the way this phone captures photos and videos. She adds functions such as Smart HDR4 treatment and Deep Fusion For photos in low light. You can also film in 4K at 60 frames per second.

There are also Photographic styles, which allow you to adjust the way the iPhone captures a scene. If you want your photos to have a warmer or brighter colors, just change the style and the A15 processor does the rest so that the photo is the best possible.

Overall, the photos taken in broad daylight and under average lighting (as inside a restaurant) are good. Under darker conditions, image noise reduction tends to refund the rendering. We also deplore the absence of night photo mode.

In this photo of the Women’s Building in San Francisco, the SE seized the colors and the details

Under good lighting, it can capture loyal skin of skin

The iPhone is restored well the dark areas

This photo was taken right after sunset. The SE has the Deep Fusion treatment which allows you to clarify the photos without losing details

The is not night mode, but he still managed to take this photo

One of the biggest camera defects on the SE is the zoom. On this photo zoomed thoroughly the result is not great

Below some photos we took with the iPhone SE, an iPhone 12 Mini and a Google Pixel 5A 5G. The mini and the 5A both have an ultra-wide-angle lens, which is devoid of.

Apart from the color temperature, we were surprised to see that the contrast levels similar to those of the pixel. In the photos above, the pixel manages the highlights better.

The white balance of the SE was less consistent than that of the iPhone 12 Mini, as the palm trees show in the photos above. The photos of the 12 mini are also a little sharper.

The iPhone is equipped of a 7 megapixel front camera. The A15 processor gives it a boost, but it has its limits. The dynamic range is not great.

This photo was taken just before sunset. The sky behind us was blue, but it came out of a bright white in this selfie

The iPhone has portrait mode for selfies

The iPhone SE and its A15 Bionic chip outpasses the Galaxy S22 Ultra

The A15 Bionic chip may be the greatest novelty of the iPhone SE. It is the same as that of the iPhone 13 that surpasses all other phones currently sold. It is also behind most of the software improvements made to this smartphone compared to the iPhone SE of 2020.

In use, the new iPhone SE is swift and IOS Fluid animations. The only times he heated are when we played for more than 20 minutes. Apart from that, the smartphone has never heated, not even filming in 4K 60i/s.

On our test benches, the scores of the iPhone are in line with those of the iPhone 13 and 13 Pro. The SE has obtained better scores than all the other phones we have tested, including the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra. Performance all the more impressive since only the most expensive Android smartphones have the best processors.

Autonomy

The iPhone SE has a larger battery, which, combined with iOS 15 and the A15 Bionic chip, gives it better autonomy than its predecessor. During our few days of testing, we had no trouble using a day on a single load. We often end the day with between 20 and 30 % remaining battery. Although autonomy is in progress, it remains rather average Compared to Android smartphones of the same price, the batteries of which can last two or even three days on a single load.

The iPhone SE is compatible with Qi wireless recharge but not Magsafe. He also supports The 20 Watts quick charge. It is delivered with a Lightning cable to USB-C for fast load, but not without adapter USB-C 20W (sold as an option 25 €), which means that many people will probably continue to use their old charger and do No doubt never enjoy the fast load.

Conclusion

As was the case in 2016 and 2020, the new iPhone SE is the most affordable Apple ecosystem entry ticket. At € 529, he suffers from competition with the previous cheaper and equally balanced formula. A new chip and the 5G support are welcome new features but we expected more from the apple firm.

Images: Kevin Heinz, Patrick Holland/Cnet

Read the full test

• Writing note

IPhone test SE 2022: Grandpa makes resistance

On the sidelines of the presentation of its Mac Studio, Apple has unveiled a new version of the iPhone SE. Here is our full test.

Posted on January 25, 2023 at 3:35 p.m

While he had accustomed us to an exit rate every four years, Apple is launching a new iPhone is only two years after the previous generation. This 2022 edition retains the ingredients of the 2020 edition and has the A15 Bionic chip, the same as that of the last iPhone 13.

It therefore provides high -flying performance, 5G connectivity and also makes it possible to perfect photo processing algorithms. What else ? Nothing. Ah yes, its price increases: it goes from 489 euros to 529 euros. Is it really worth them ? Response after several days of iPhone SE 2022 test.

Price and availability of the iPhone SE (2022)

The iPhone SE 2022 is Available since March 18, 2022 from 529 euros for the 64 GB version. Apple therefore increases its prices compared to the previous generation which was marketed below 500 euros.

The iPhone SE 2022 is offered in three colors: midnight, stellar light and (product) red. Apple declines it in three storage capacities: 64, 128 (579 euros) and 256 GB (699 euros). Below, before entering the test details, the best prices available for this iPhone se version 2022.

iPhone SE 128 GB 2022 at the best price basic price: € 579
iPhone SE 256 GB 2022 at the best price basic price: € 699

The A15 Bionic chip, the only real novelty

This new generation of iPhone is marked by the integration of a New a15 bionic chip, The same as Apple Insocked to its latest iPhone 13.

Apart from the contribution of 5G to the “most affordable iPhone”, the A15 Bionic makes it a small bomb capable of turning the most demanding applications without ever presenting a sign of fatigue.

In a few figures, the A15 Bionic, it is a CPU of 6 cores making the iPhone se 1.8 times faster than the iPhone 8. The neural Engine, which is based on 16 hearts, can perform 15,800 billion operations per second.

Concretely, this renewed power allows the iPhone SE 2022 to be much more efficient at all levels. But the A15 Bionic also promises an improvement in photographic quality (we will come back to it) as well as an optimization of energy consumption. More simply, the iPhone SE 2022 promises to be more enduring paper than its predecessors. On paper…

Catastrophic autonomy

Because one of the (too many) weak points of the iPhone SE 2022 is its autonomy. Despite the optimization brought by the A15 Bionic chip, engineers cannot beat the elementary laws of physics. To provide electricity over time, there is a significant source of energy. Gold, The small format of the iPhone obliges Apple to integrate a too small battery To meet user expectations in 2022.

Because of its lack of endurance, the iPhone takes us back at the time not so distant from the smartphones that we must recharge in the afternoon. To you the joys of the quest for an iPhone charger at 4 p.m. when you have so much to do.

Because It is around 16/17 p.m. that the most connected users will have to go through the recharge box. This is what came out of our iPhone SE 2022 test. Admittedly, the iPhone is compatible with the wireless load (which has an interesting small evolution) but that is not enough to make us forget its catastrophic autonomy. Especially since this method is very slow.

Can we really be surprised ? Not really. The previous generation already presented this real defect. By persisting with this small format, Apple certainly retains an iconic design but no longer meets consumer expectations. And as if that were not enough, The iPhone SE also delivered without charger. No wonder but always disappointing.

Grandpa iPhone

Just go to the official Apple website to realize that the iPhone SE 2022 is aesthetically identical to its predecessor, itself identical to the iPhone 8 (dating from 2017 anyway), itself very Close to the iPhone 7 which was itself quite close to the iPhone 6 (released in 2014 !)). In summary, The iPhone SE 2022 has 2022 that the name as its design seems aging.

This new generation therefore brings nothing new to the recipe. We find this design that Apple describes as iconic. We will rather opt for Vieillot. At the front, the tiny screen is surrounded by two “sidewalks”: the upper one contains a speaker and the front sensor, the bottom one houses the Touch ID fingerprint reader with haptic return, the younger no longer it.

At the back we find the same shiny glass covering (red on our iPhone SE 2022 test) with the only photo sensor in the upper left corner. The physical buttons are always positioned in the same way (on/off to the right, volume and silent on the left) and the Lightning port (on the lower edge) is obviously there, taken in vice between the two audio outputs. The whole is certified IP67 and resists dust and splash.

The iPhone SE (2022) is always the most compact smartphone on the market. And for good reason, It has a 4.7 -inch screen, a diagonal that we have not seen for ages.

In itself, this format brings its share of pleasant sensations. You can handle the iPhone SE with a hand, it is light, slides easily in a pocket. And with all the power of the A15 chip, we really have the feeling of holding a condensed technology.

And yet … although comfortable, this format with such a small screen no longer meets our expectations. Also, We get tired of the iPhone SE 2022 very quickly, including when used for basic uses.

Riquiqui screen

4.7 inch LCD. On reading the technical sheet of this iPhone SE, we already feel a certain disappointment. This feeling was confirmed throughout our few days of testing.

In our opinion and our test, The iPhone screen is its biggest weak point. In 2022, a slab of 4.7 ’’ no longer allows us to meet the needs of users. Today, our uses focus on social networks, web navigation, video, sometimes play, messaging often, photography.

However, such a small slab does not bring the comfort necessary for this use. Write a message with a virtual keyboard that occupies half of the screen, too little for us. Watch a YouTube video on a riquiqui screen, no thank you.

Worse, Apple prides itself on integrating an A15 Bionic chip capable of providing phenomenal power to play on a mobile. But Who wants to play a game like Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile or any other game of the App Store (and Apple Arcade) on such a small screen ? Today, probably very few people.

This disappointment is all the greater since it is today possible to integrate a larger slab in such a compact format. For this Apple could have deported the Touch ID reader for example under the ON/OFF button as it does on its iPad. We could have said goodbye to the huge sidewalks surrounding the screen at the same time.

Apple could have caught up by integrating an OLED panel rather than a screen based on LCD technology. On this price segment, Recycling this slab again and again is inexcusable. On the one hand, the display quality is light years from what competition offers, on the other hand the proposed experience is unworthy of Apple status. Recycling is good for the planet but also (and above all) for the wallet.

Apple defenders will cry that it is an iPhone at 500 euros and that for this price we cannot have everything. We will first reply that most Apple rivals equip models at 200 euros in OLED slabs. They are probably less attached to their colossal margins.

We will also recall that The iPhone 12 Mini is available at 689 euros, and in some cases within 600 euros if you come across a good plan. For the price difference, there is no photo.

Only one photo sensor is no !

As with the rest, Apple did not walk on the photographic part of this new iPhone SE 2022. The company may mention “a whole new photo system”, we must always be satisfied of a single 12 Mpxl sensor associated with a high-angle lens. From a material point of view, the only change lies in the opening of the lens (f/1.8), a bit larger than on the previous model (f/2.2), which allows the new iPhone Capture more light.

Most of the new features are based on the power of the A15 Bionic chip allowing Better image processing, verified in our test of the iPhone SE 2022. The integration of this chip also allows Apple to offer the same features as on the iPhone 13: Smart HDR4, Deep Fusion, Photographic styles and improved portrait fashion.

So yes the iPhone SE 2022 makes beautiful photos of day, does not deserve in low light and is very convincing in the portrait exercise. But The absence of secondary sensors greatly limits the interest of the camera. In 2022, offering only one perspective is unacceptable at this price level. Not that we take the multiplication of sensors as a reference, but we believe that at least a sensor with ultra-angle objective is almost compulsory.

With the iPhone SE 2022, the limits of your creativity are therefore quickly reached. The software does not even include a small 2x touch corresponding to a purely digital zoom. No, With the iPhone se we come back to the good old “pinch to zoom” without knowing what level of zoom it corresponds. As for the quality of long distance shots, we will iron.

Red card !

The iPhone SE (2022) is for whom ?

If we were going to the end of our idea, we would say that The iPhone SE 2022 is for … nobody. For this price, the market is full of much more interesting and more complete models.

It will nevertheless admit that this iconic design can still appeal to certain irreducible. In this case, the iPhone SE 2022 may suit them but they must know that they will pay the high price for a little nostalgia.

The iPhone SE 2022 may also appeal to those absolutely wishing to equip themselves with a lomed smartphone, and nothing else. In this case, it is the most accessible iPhone. But we will still suggest looking at promotions on the iPhone 12 Mini, just as compact but in tune with the times.

iPhone 12 mini 128 GB at the best price basic price: € 859

The iPhone SE 2022 will undoubtedly find its salvation with telecom operators like “the iPhone at 1 euro”. Because with a little subsidies, there is no doubt that Orange, SFR and Bouygues Telecom will highlight this model at this mini price with an attached package. What to seduce consumers with reduced finances but also (especially ?) Parents having to equip their teenagers. For them the iPhone remains a benchmark in playgrounds.

The new iPhone is for you ?

Since May 15, 2023, Voo, in partnership with Recommece, offers you the repositioned iPhone. An iPhone cheaper in class A+, like new, benefiting from a 24 -month warranty. And all this from € 1 with a Voomobile subscription. You can have the choice between an iPhone SE, an iPhone 11 (pro) or an iPhone 12 (and pro) with a reduction up to 40%.

It is the most affordable and most popular iPhone models. The iPhone SE 2022 is finally available, with 5G, a more powerful processor and better autonomy. Is it made for you ? Our test to do your opinion.

THE IPhone successor se 2020 is therefore the iPhone SE 2022, even if the first iPhone SE was launched in March 2016. The 2022 model was officially presented on March 8 and it has now arrived in Belgium, a few months after the iPhone 13. What to think of it ?

iPhone SE (2022): Specs

There technical sheet of the new iPhone SE is as follows:

• LCD screen 4.7 inches
• Resolution 1.334 x 750 pixels
• Display True Tone
• Chip A15 Bionic
• CPU 6 cores with 2 performance cores and 4 cores
• GPU 4 cores
• Neural Engine 16 hearts
• Protection sign IP67 (water)
• Grand-angle rear camera 12 Mpx
• Front camera 7 Mpx
• Fingerprint sensor Touchid integrated into the button main
• 2G, 3G, 4G+ and 5G compatible, Wi-Fi 6 (AX), Bluetooth 5.0
• Map nano-sim
• Wireless recharge (Qi)

The handling of the iPhone se

Apple’s new iPhone SE is what we can call a smartphone, since it is only 4.7 inches. It is very disconcerting to use it by one hand, at a time when most smartphones are already at least 6 inches. No OLED screen on this model: Apple remains at LCD.

It is therefore relatively light (144 grams) and easy to use one hand, Thanks to compact dimensions of 13.8 by 6.7 cm for a thickness of 7.3 mm. You almost feel like you have an iPod touch in your pocket!

Her Design is aging, Since nothing has really changed in terms of design. The iPhone resumes the appearance of the 2017 iPhone 8 again. He may even have a little retro air !

Is it powerful ?

Thanks to the new Apple A15 Bionic chip, the performance gain compared to the iPhone SE of 2020 is quite spectacular. Everything is perfectly fluid and with much better energy management. It’s the same processor as the iPhone 13 And the iPhone 13 Mini, so we can expect the same gross performance and this is the case.

According to Apple, the iPhone is so until 1.8 times faster than the iPhone 8 and can perform 15.800 billion operations per second.

What augartance ?

You can hold a long full day by using it intensively. The autonomy of the iPhone SE 2022 is 2 hours higher than that of the iPhone SE of 2020. Our tests have confirmed a full day autonomy despite intensive use.

There 2 battery.018 mAh is slightly more powerful than the old model, but it is above all the A15 chip which seems to better manage energy consumption and therefore autonomy.

The iPhone SE of 2022 is compatible with Qi certified chargers For wireless recharge.

To take advantage of the fast recharging at 18W, you will have to buy a more powerful load block, which is not delivered in the box. We can then Completely load the iPhone SE in 1h15 approximately. Otherwise, count about 3 hours for full recharging.

Photo and video: much better

At a time when most smartphones are equipped with 2 or 3 photo sensors, the iPhone SE 2022 retains a configuration to only one 12 megapixel camera, With a ƒ/1.8 opening.

is it a problem ? Not really. Apple has kept the high angle module of the old model, but it is the capacities brought by artificial intelligence and the A15 chip that allows you to obtain much better results, in particular thanks to Smart HDR, Deep Fusion and optimizations of the iOS system.

THE Photos rendered is very natural, Including the night when the iPhone SE 2022 is doing quite well despite its a priori less powerful configuration.

For selfies, it is a 7 megapixel sensor that offers fairly good exposure management, but quite average results. Selfies are good, but without shards.

For videos, you can Film either in HD or in 4K at 60 frames per second with the rear camera. In front sensor, you will be limited to 30 frames per second in full HD.

The sound

The new iPhone has 2 stereo speakers, But the quality remains quite average. It is ideal for a short video, but certainly not for a long series.

There is No jack, It is therefore necessary to provide either a lightning adapter or use a wireless helmet (Bluetooth/NFC).

5G compatibility

Your iPhone SE 2022 is Ready for 5G. 5G will soon allow you to take advantage of faster downloads and transfers in Belgium and much lower latency than in 4G. The 2020 model was limited to 4G.

The iPhone SE and the planet

Apple insists a lot on the design of the iPhone SE to minimize its environmental impact. The new SE of 2022 is Made from recycled materials. Example: the audio system is 100 % recycled. Apple also offers new packaging without external plastic film.

What version of iOS ?

The iPhone SE 2022 is equipped withiOS 15 when it comes out and will benefit from 5 to 6 years of updates to the Apple operating system. Do not forget to update to the most recent version of iOS (15.5 At a time when we are publishing this test).

How much is the iPhone Se ?

The iPhone SE (2022) 64 GB costs 529 € in Belgium, but its promo price is € 59.

iPhone is cheaper

Good plan: you can buy the iPhone SE 64 GB at the price of 59 € in black or white, with the Data 9 GB option at 24 € per month of Voomobile.

To take advantage of it, you can Order the iPhone SE 2022 On our online store: delivery within 3 working days, 2 years warranty. You can also go to the VOO shop closest to you.

Did you know ?

You want more power Where you have a higher budget ? Take a look at the iPhone 13, the iPhone 13 Mini, the iPhone 13 Pro and the iPhone 13 Pro Max. Our comparison help you make your choice.

For who ?

The iPhone is aimed at Those looking for a small smartphone Apple with good autonomy and good quality/performance ratio.

Strengths and weaknesses

THE strong points of the iPhone SE 2022 are:

• An excellent well calibrated screen but LCD
• Good autonomy (2 hours more)
• Wi-Fi 6 and 5G compatibility

THE weak points of the iPhone SE 2022 are:

• Fairly average selfie sensor
• No fast charger provided
• A Design that begins to age

To do

What subscription for the iPhone SE 2022 ?

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