Hands-On With Apple's Most Lackluster Smartphone: The 2022 iPhone SE

The new version of the low-cost phone was introduced last week by Apple. It is arguably Apple's most lackluster model, with only internal upgrades, and the ‌2022 iPhone SE is similar to the 2020 model. Who is it for? Read on to find out what we think.

If you have seen the 2020 iPhone SE, you have seen the 2022 version. It still looks like the ‌iPhone‌ 8 that was introduced last year, despite Apple not making any exterior updates. The design features a Touch ID Home button and thick top and bottom bezels. As Apple transitions to Face ID for the rest of the lineup, it is the last Touch ID model.

Apple didn't spend a lot of time thinking about new colors. It comes in starlight, which is almost identical to the previous silver, midnight, which is not too far off from the prior black color, and (PRODUCT)RED, which was also available for the 2020 model. Apple made it out of more durable glass, but it is still going to break when dropped onto hard surfaces, so that is not much of a reason to upgrade.

The A15 chip is an upgrade over the A13 chip, but it is hard to tell a difference in terms of day to day usage. The A15 chip will make a difference several years from now as Apple develops new versions of iOS and new features that require more processing power.

There is a single-lens 12-megapixel rear camera that has updated features like Smart HDR 4 and the A15, but when looking at photos from the 2020 and SE. The battery life is the same.

The upgraded model has support for sub 6 GHz 5G networks. 5G support is important for future proof. The new SE doesn't support the fastest 5G speeds that are limited to more urban areas, but it does support the wider spread sub 6 GHz bands that are going to expand worldwide in the coming years.

The iPhone SE is a disappointing phone from the perspective of Apple enthusiasts who look forward to the latest and greatest each year. For people who don't care about phones, and for people who just want a cheap, fast, and reliable phone, Apple made the iPhone SE.

In six months or so, the price will come down with various carrier discounts and deals. It is the best phone for people who want to upgrade from a scything scything scything scything scything scything scything scything scything scything scything