It feels like every few months, there’s a new iPhone with even bigger specs and usually a bigger screen to match! As a result, the humble SE can sometimes go under the radar.

Don’t be fooled, though. Under this classic-looking device’s shell lies a smartphone packed with power and potential, perfect for modern users!

If you’re looking for a new device or a refurbished and unlocked iPhone from us, here’s why you might want to consider the iPhone SE before you jump for the latest phone.

What is the iPhone SE?

iPhone SE (or Special Edition) is Apple’s range of budget smartphones, similar to the Samsung M Series. While iPhone is more renowned for its high-end, state-of-the-art handhelds, the SE range provides the iPhone experience at a much more reasonable cost.

Apple launched the first iPhone SE in 2016. The latest model, which we’re looking at here, was released in 2020.

Despite its price, the iPhone SE comes with some pretty decent hardware, including:

• 4.7-inch Retina HD display
• Apple A13 Bionic Chipset
• 3GB RAM
• Up to 256GB of internal storage
• 12MP single-sensor camera with 4K video recording capabilities

Sharp, Smaller Screen

One of the first things you notice about this phone is its size. The phone’s external build is modelled on the iPhone 8, which sees the SE return to some old-school dimensions.

The iPhone SE (2020) has a 4.7-inch display that is not fullscreen, which has become the standard on most high-end devices. Instead, there are bezels across the top and bottom of the device. The positive, in that respect, is the return of the home button at the bottom of the phone!

Despite the screen’s size, it’s still a good-quality HD display. The resolution is 750 x 1334 pixels, which isn’t as sharp as most modern devices and isn’t OLED like the top models, but still offers enough for everyday use, including video.

Powerful Chip

One of the biggest plus points for the budget SE is the chip packed inside. Apple’s A13 Bionic chipset is the same as you would get in an iPhone 11 Pro - think about putting a supercar engine in a Mini Cooper, and you get the picture.

The powerful chipset in the SE means it can fly through everyday tasks at breakneck speed and do some intensive tasks - such as processing games and video - as quick as the 11 Pro.

Perhaps just as importantly, the A13 chipset is built with the future in mind. Not only does the iPhone SE (2020) run the latest iOS, but it should also be able to implement any upcoming updates, at least for the next few years.

Good Personal Camera

The quality of a phone’s camera is increasingly important for people nowadays. The iPhone SE delivers for personal use but doesn’t pack the professional firepower of many modern smartphones.

The iPhone SE (2020) comes with a single-lens 12MP wide-angle rear camera and a 7MP selfie camera. Compared to many of the leading smartphones, which have four or more cameras, this doesn’t deliver quite the professional experience.

However, supported by the A13 chipset, the iPhone SE’s camera does include modern features like bokeh, depth control, Smart HDR and more to help deliver great pictures.

Classic Build

Modern phones are built in ever-increasing sizes and ever-shinier casings, leaving some worried about their fragility. The iPhone SE is lightweight and has a glass back, so you may want a case. However, its classic build gives the phone a sturdier feel, even if it feels comfortable in-hand.

The iPhone SE is water-resistant up to 1 metre for 30 minutes and is splash and dust-proof, giving you extra peace of mind.

Basic Battery

In terms of its battery, the iPhone SE (2020) delivers similarly to the screen and camera - suitable for the everyday phone user but not of the same standard as many modern, high-end devices.

The battery is good enough for lighter-handed smartphone users that don’t need a lot of heavy-duty work such as videos or all-day browsing. However, if you are on your phone 24/7, the battery might need recharging at the end of the day.

One positive is that the SE comes with modern wireless charging and fast-charge capabilities. So, if you need to give your device a bit of a boost, it’s easily recharged.

iPhone SE Review

Overall, the iPhone SE is a great little device. If you can look past the old-fashioned screen and singular rear camera, the phone is packed with a ton of processing potential that helps it to handle everyday tasks now and potentially for years in the future!

Is the iPhone SE Right for Me?

If you’re a casual smartphone user who only needs access to the latest apps so you can browse social media and take the odd photo, this iPhone should deliver more than enough for you at a lower price than most modern smartphones.

However, if a big screen appeals to you and you want the latest technology, you may want to consider something from the normal range of iPhones. Alternatively, if you’re not too concerned about being on Apple or Android, check out our blog below to find out more about the Samsung devices you could pick up for less than your average SE!

If you want to pick up a great value device, you’re in the right place! Here at Second-Hand Phones, we have a range of refurbished devices that offer a great experience at a great price!

Browse our range of iPhones today, including everything from the latest releases to classic favourites, including the iPhone SE!