Apple iPhone SE 2020: reviews, specs, price and must-have accessories

(Image credit: Apple )

last updated 29 April 2020

Apple has released the 2020 version of the iPhone SE and it’s getting favourable reviews across the board for its price and technical specs.

iPhone 11, 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max: reviews, new features, specs and release

Re-using the design of the iPhone 8 and tech from the iPhone 11, the latest SE is the first budget handset to be rolled out by Apple since the original in 2016.

It is released in three colours - white, black and (PRODUCT)RED - and three models. The 64GB SE costs £419; the 128GB model is £469; and the 256GB model is £569.

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Chris Velazco of engadget believes the new SE might be the “most important phone Apple releases this year” while TechRadar’s Gareth Beavis says the smart improvements make this “one of the best iPhones Apple has ever made”.

Here we look at everything about the Apple iPhone SE - specs, reviews and must-have accessories.

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All about the iPhone SE

Expert Reviews, sister publication of TheWeek.co.uk, explain all the details about Apple’s new iPhone SE.

Display

The 4.7in display is flanked by the same set of hefty bezels you remember from all those years ago (2017, actually) and supports Dolby Vision and HDR10 video playback. Below it, you’ll find another relic of that bygone era: a Touch ID “Home” button, complete with a fingerprint sensor.

Cameras

The cameras are at first glance identical to the ones you’d find on the iPhone 8, but Apple explains that the new A13 processor equips the SE with the same neat tricks as the iPhone 11. That means Portrait mode and lighting, as well as Depth Control and Smart HDR. The rear camera supports up to 4K video recording at 24fps, 30fps or 60fps.

Charging

The new iPhone SE supports wireless and – more crucially – fast charging. According to Apple, it will hit 50% charge in 30 minutes, although this requires a separate 18W charger.

Apple has released the 2020 version of the iPhone SE

Specs: iPhone SE

Processor: Apple A13 Bionic
Storage: 64GB, 128GB or 256GB
Display: 4.7in Retina HD (1,334 x 750)
Camera (rear): 12MP f/1.8
Camera (front): 7MP
Battery: 13 hrs video playback (non-streamed)
Dimensions: 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3mm (HWD)
Weight: 148g
Colours: white, black and (PRODUCT)RED
Price: from £419 for the 64GB version

iPhone SE verdict: what the experts are saying

Chris Velazco, engadget

“The new iPhone SE might be the most important phone Apple releases this year. The iPhone SE isn’t just a good deal - it’s a big deal. For people clinging to ancient phones because new ones are too large, too expensive or too gimmicky, the iPhone SE is the right phone at the right time at the right price.”

Gareth Beavis, TechRadar

“This is the phone to get if you just want a new iPhone, and one that will last you a few years, but don’t want to pay a lot for it. If you’re after ‘decent but not top-end’ performance, then that’s what the iPhone SE 2020 will offer you: there’s a good camera, enough power, a great App Store to plunder and a lighter-weight design than the current crop of iPhone 11 models. Battery life could be better, the screen tech is starting to age, and some upgraders will miss the headphone jack; but overall, the smart improvements make this – for the price – one of the best iPhones Apple has ever made.”

Lauren Goode, Wired

“A brand-new iPhone, with Apple’s fastest smartphone chip. Camera isn’t comparable to flagship phone cameras, but is still extremely capable. Supports fast LTE and Wi-Fi 6. The Home button makes a comeback! Wireless charging is a nice touch.”

Joanna Stern, The Wall Street Journal

“Introducing the new iPhone SE, an iPhone for people who hate new iPhones. OK, so I’m no Apple ad copywriter, but the iPhone SE is a great phone. It just isn’t meant for those of us who upgrade our phones every year or two…”

Sascha Segan, PC Magazine

“The new iPhone SE is all the phone most people need. With a blazing-fast processor, a high-quality body, and solid connectivity for £419, the 2020 iPhone SE sets a benchmark for midrange phones. It uses a [popular] older iPhone body and a smaller screen to cut prices while giving you a super speedy experience and Apple’s latest apps. It’s a terrific and perfectly timed phone, easily worthy of our Editors’ Choice.”

iPhone SE: must-have accessories

Silicone case: £39

Coming in three colours - white, black and pink sand - this silicone case is designed to complement the SE. It fits snugly over the volume buttons, side button and curves of the device without adding bulk.

Apple iPhone SE leather case in PRODUCT(RED)

Leather case: £45

As well as the silicone case, Apple has also released a leather case for the SE. It also comes in three colours - midnight blue, black and (PRODUCT)RED. It’s made from specially tanned and finished French leather.

Apple iPhone SE Belkin InvisiGlass Ultra Screen Protection

Belkin InvisiGlass Ultra Screen Protection: £24.95

Apple says the Belkin InvisiGlass Ultra provides impressively durable and scratch-resistant screen protection for your iPhone and sets a new standard for glass screen protection.