Apple iPhone SE 2
The second-generation iPhone SE, often referred to as the iPhone SE 2 or iPhone SE (2020), was introduced by Apple in April 2020. This device aimed to provide a budget-friendly option for consumers seeking the Apple experience without the premium price tag associated with flagship models. Combining the classic design of the iPhone 8 with updated internal components, the iPhone SE 2 offered a blend of familiarity and modern performance.
Design and Build
The iPhone SE 2 inherited the design language of the iPhone 8, featuring an aluminum frame sandwiched between glass panels on the front and back. This construction provided a premium feel while maintaining durability. The device measured 138.4 mm in height, 67.3 mm in width, and 7.3 mm in thickness, with a weight of 148 grams, making it compact and lightweight.
One notable design change was the repositioning of the Apple logo to the center of the back panel, aligning with the aesthetic of newer iPhone models. The iPhone SE 2 was available in three color options: Black, White, and (Product) RED. The (Product) RED variant not only offered a vibrant hue but also contributed a portion of its proceeds to global health initiatives. All color variants featured black front bezels, providing a uniform look across the lineup.
The device retained the familiar Touch ID fingerprint sensor embedded in the home button, a feature appreciated by users who preferred this biometric authentication method over Face ID. The bezels above and below the display were reminiscent of earlier iPhone designs, which some users found nostalgic, while others considered them outdated compared to the edge-to-edge displays of contemporary smartphones.
Display
The iPhone SE 2 was equipped with a 4.7-inch Retina HD display, utilizing IPS LCD technology. This screen offered a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 326 pixels per inch (ppi). While not as sharp as the higher-resolution displays found in premium models, it provided clear and vibrant visuals suitable for everyday use.
The display supported True Tone technology, which adjusted the screen’s color temperature based on ambient lighting conditions, ensuring a more natural viewing experience. It also featured a wide color gamut (P3) and a typical contrast ratio of 1400:1, delivering accurate colors and decent contrast. However, the absence of HDR support meant that high dynamic range content couldn’t be displayed to its full potential.
One significant change from the iPhone 8 was the replacement of 3D Touch with Haptic Touch. While 3D Touch relied on pressure-sensitive hardware, Haptic Touch utilized long presses combined with haptic feedback to achieve similar functionality. This shift allowed for a more consistent experience across Apple’s device lineup but lacked the nuanced pressure sensitivity of 3D Touch.
Performance
At the heart of the iPhone SE 2 was the A13 Bionic chip, the same processor found in the iPhone 11 series. This 64-bit ARM-based system-on-a-chip (SoC) featured a hexa-core CPU with two high-performance cores and four energy-efficient cores. The A13 also included a quad-core GPU and an octa-core Neural Engine, enhancing both graphics performance and machine learning capabilities.
This powerful chipset ensured that the iPhone SE 2 could handle demanding tasks with ease, from gaming to multitasking. It also future-proofed the device to some extent, allowing it to receive iOS updates and support new features for several years post-release. The inclusion of the A13 Bionic chip in a budget-friendly device was a strategic move by Apple, offering flagship-level performance at a more accessible price point.
Camera
The iPhone SE 2 featured a single 12-megapixel rear camera with an f/1.8 aperture, similar to the main camera of the iPhone 8. However, the A13 Bionic chip’s improved image signal processor and Neural Engine brought enhancements to image processing, resulting in better photo quality.
The camera supported features such as Smart HDR, which combined multiple exposures to create a single image with improved dynamic range. It also offered Portrait Mode with Depth Control, allowing users to take photos with blurred backgrounds and adjust the level of blur after capturing the image. Portrait Lighting effects provided creative lighting options for portrait shots.
For video recording, the rear camera could capture 4K footage at up to 60 frames per second (fps), as well as 1080p slow-motion video at 120 or 240 fps. Features like extended dynamic range and cinematic video stabilization contributed to smooth and detailed videos.
The front-facing camera was a 7-megapixel sensor with an f/2.2 aperture. It supported Portrait Mode and could record 1080p video at 30 fps. While not as advanced as the front cameras on higher-end models, it was sufficient for selfies and video calls.
Battery Life
The iPhone SE 2 housed a 1,821 mAh battery, identical in capacity to the iPhone 8. Thanks to the energy efficiency of the A13 Bionic chip, the device offered respectable battery life, capable of lasting through a typical day of moderate use. However, heavy users might find the need to recharge before the day’s end.
The device supported 18W fast charging, allowing it to charge up to 50% in approximately 30 minutes. However, the fast charger was sold separately, and the included charger in the box was a standard 5W adapter. Additionally, the iPhone SE 2 supported Qi wireless charging, providing convenient charging options for users with compatible accessories.
