The iPhone SE (2nd Generation), also known as the iPhone SE 2020, continues to be one of the most popular budget-friendly smartphones in Apple’s lineup. Released in April 2020, this device remains a great option for those looking for a compact iPhone with modern performance and an affordable price tag.
With its powerful A13 Bionic chip, solid camera performance, and excellent battery life, the iPhone SE (2020) still holds strong in 2025. In this review, we will dive into the key features of the iPhone SE (2nd Generation) and help you decide whether it’s the right iPhone for you in 2025.
iPhone SE (2nd Generation) Key Specifications
Table of Contents
- Design: Classic with a Modern Touch
- iPhone SE (2nd Generation) Performance: Powered by A13 Bionic Chip
- iPhone SE (2nd Gen) Camera: A Budget Phone with Impressive Photography
- Battery Life: Efficient Power for All-Day Use
- Comparison: iPhone 13 vs. iPhone 11 vs. iPhone 15
- Is the iPhone SE (2nd Generation) Worth Buying in 2025?
- Conclusion
Design: Classic with a Modern Touch
The design of the iPhone SE (2nd Generation) takes inspiration from the iPhone 8, offering a compact and familiar look. It comes with a glass front and back paired with an aluminum frame, making it lightweight and durable. The 4.7-inch Retina display is sharp and vibrant, but it’s a bit smaller compared to newer iPhone models like the iPhone 11 or iPhone 13. However, for those who prefer smaller devices, the iPhone SE’s design remains a great choice.
- Dimensions: 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm
- Weight: 148 g
- IP67 Water Resistance: Dust and water-resistant up to 1 meter for 30 minutes
- Colors: Black, White, Red (PRODUCT)
The display is a Retina IPS LCD, offering 625 nits of brightness for good visibility even in direct sunlight. While it doesn’t feature the Super Retina XDR display of newer iPhones, the 4.7-inch screen provides a crisp viewing experience with a 326 ppi pixel density.
iPhone SE (2nd Generation) Performance: Powered by A13 Bionic Chip
The iPhone SE (2nd Generation) is powered by the A13 Bionic chip, the same processor found in the iPhone 11 series. The A13 Bionic is a six-core chip (2 high-performance cores and 4 efficient cores) that delivers fast performance and incredible efficiency.
- Processor: Apple A13 Bionic (7nm+)
- CPU: Hexa-core (2×2.65 GHz Lightning + 4×1.8 GHz Thunder)
- GPU: Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
- RAM: 3GB
- Storage Options: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB
The iPhone SE (2020) handles everyday tasks, gaming, and multitasking with ease. Whether you’re running apps, browsing the web, or watching videos, the performance is swift and fluid. For gaming enthusiasts, the Apple GPU ensures smooth graphics in demanding games, making the device a great choice for casual gamers.
Benchmark Performance:
- AnTuTu Score: 462,253 (v8)
- GeekBench Score: 3237 (v5.1)
These scores show that the iPhone SE (2nd Gen) delivers top-tier performance, on par with other flagship devices.
iPhone SE (2nd Gen) Camera: A Budget Phone with Impressive Photography
One of the best features of the iPhone SE (2nd Generation) is its 12MP rear camera. With features like Portrait Mode, Smart HDR, and 4K video recording, this camera delivers impressive quality for a phone in its price range. The 12MP camera offers great color accuracy and sharpness in most lighting conditions.
- Rear Camera: 12MP, f/1.8 (wide), PDAF, OIS
- Front Camera: 7MP, f/2.2, HDR
- Video Recording: 4K at 24/30/60fps, 1080p at 30/60/120/240 fps
The iPhone SE (2020) shines in both photo and video performance. Whether you’re shooting everyday photos or recording in 4K, the quality is impressive, especially considering the phone’s budget-friendly price. Additionally, the 7MP front camera captures sharp selfies and supports 1080p video recording.
Camera Samples:
- Portrait Mode: Great for capturing subject-focused shots with a soft background blur.
- Low-Light Performance: With Smart HDR, the iPhone SE provides impressive detail and reduces noise in low-light environments.
Battery Life: Efficient Power for All-Day Use
The iPhone SE (2nd Generation) features a 1821 mAh battery. While the battery size is smaller compared to other models like the iPhone 11, the A13 Bionic chip and iOS optimizations ensure that it delivers reliable battery life for everyday use.
- Battery Type: Li-Ion 1821mAh, non-removable
- Fast Charging: 18W charging (50% in 30 minutes)
- Wireless Charging: 7.5W (Qi)
While the battery life may vary depending on usage, users can expect up to a full day of use with typical activities like browsing, texting, and moderate video streaming. The fast charging feature ensures that you can quickly top up the battery, making it ideal for users on the go.
Battery Endurance:
- Video Playback: Approximately 13 hours
- Audio Playback: Approximately 50 hours
Comparison: iPhone 13 vs. iPhone 11 vs. iPhone 15
Here’s an SEO-optimized comparison of the iPhone 13 vs. iPhone 11 vs. iPhone 15 in a simple and professional table format, highlighting key features:
| Feature | iPhone 13 | iPhone 11 | iPhone 15 |
| Release Date | September 24, 2021 | September 20, 2019 | September 22, 2023 |
| Display | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 1170 x 2532 pixels | 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD LCD, 828 x 1792 pixels | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 1170 x 2532 pixels |
| Processor | A15 Bionic chip | A13 Bionic chip | A16 Bionic chip |
| RAM | 4GB | 4GB | 6GB |
| Storage Options | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Main Camera | Dual 12MP (Wide + Ultra-Wide), Night Mode, Deep Fusion | Dual 12MP (Wide + Ultra-Wide), Night Mode | Dual 48MP (Wide + Ultra-Wide), Photonic Engine, Night Mode |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP with Night Mode, Deep Fusion | 12MP with Night Mode | 12MP with Autofocus, Night Mode, Deep Fusion |
| Battery Life | Up to 19 hours of video playback | Up to 17 hours of video playback | Up to 20 hours of video playback |
| 5G Support | Yes | No | Yes |
| Face ID | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Charging | 20W wired, MagSafe wireless charging | 18W wired, no MagSafe | 27W wired, MagSafe wireless charging |
| Water Resistance | IP68 (up to 6 meters for 30 minutes) | IP68 (up to 2 meters for 30 minutes) | IP68 (up to 6 meters for 30 minutes) |
| Operating System | iOS 15, upgradable to iOS 18 | iOS 13, upgradable to iOS 16 | iOS 17, upgradable to iOS 18 |
| Price (Starting) | $799 | $699 | $799 |
Is the iPhone SE (2nd Generation) Worth Buying in 2025?
In 2025, the iPhone SE (2nd Generation) continues to be a solid investment for those who want an iPhone without breaking the bank. The A13 Bionic chip, 12MP camera, and 4.7-inch display still offer plenty of value, especially for users who don’t need the latest features like Face ID or a large OLED display. It remains a great choice for people looking for a fast, reliable phone with modern devices.
Conclusion
For users seeking a budget iPhone that doesn’t compromise on performance, the iPhone SE (2nd Generation) continues to be a top contender in 2025. It combines the power of the A13 Bionic chip, a 12MP camera, and solid battery life, all within a compact design. If you’re not keen on the larger iPhones and want a phone that performs well without the hefty price tag, the iPhone SE (2020) remains a great option.
FAQs: iPhone SE (2nd Generation) Review 2025
How old is the iPhone SE 2nd generation?
The iPhone SE 2nd generation, also known as iPhone SE (2020), was officially launched on April 15, 2020. As of 2025, it is approximately 5 years old.
Is the iPhone SE 2nd gen better than 3rd gen?
The iPhone SE 2nd generation and iPhone SE 3rd generation have similar designs, but the iPhone SE 3rd gen offers notable improvements, including a faster A15 Bionic chip, 5G connectivity, and better battery life. While the iPhone SE 2nd gen offers great value, the iPhone SE 3rd gen delivers superior performance and future-proofing features, making it a better choice for those seeking the latest technology.
Is the iPhone SE 2 waterproof?
The iPhone SE 2nd generation has an IP67 rating, meaning it is water-resistant to a depth of 1 meter for up to 30 minutes. However, it is not fully waterproof, so it’s essential to avoid prolonged exposure to water and high-pressure environments.
Why is the iPhone SE so special?
The iPhone SE is known for offering flagship-level performance at a budget-friendly price. It combines the powerful A13 Bionic chip (in SE 2nd and 3rd gen) with a compact design, making it an attractive choice for users who prefer smaller phones. Its classic design with the Home button and Touch ID, along with long-lasting software updates, makes it a popular choice among iPhone enthusiasts.
Will SE2 get iOS 19?
As of now, there is no official confirmation about iOS 19, but the iPhone SE 2nd generation will likely receive several more iOS updates, following Apple’s commitment to providing long-term software support. However, this may depend on the capabilities of the device when iOS 19 is released. Keep an eye on official announcements for the latest details on iOS updates for older models.
