iPhone SE (2020) Long-Term Review: Pros, Cons, and Value Analysis

iPhone SE (2020) Long-Term Review: Pros, Cons, and Value Analysis

After spending three months with the iPhone SE (2020), I can provide a comprehensive assessment of its strengths and weaknesses. While it excels in performance and offers a pocket-friendly design, several factors, including its small display, bulky bezels, and poor battery life, impact the overall experience. Additionally, its pricing outside the US, particularly in Asian markets like Nepal, raises questions about its value proposition compared to competing smartphones.

Design and Build

The iPhone SE (2020) features a compact, glass-front-and-back design with an aerospace-grade aluminum frame, making it durable and easy to carry, especially for those with smaller hands. The device boasts an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, which proved reliable during everyday use, including brief exposure to light rain in Kathmandu. However, the design heavily resembles the 2017 iPhone 8, with thick bezels that feel outdated in 2020. These bezels, along with the small 4.7-inch display, limit usability and aesthetics, making it feel less modern compared to current mid-range Android phones.

Display

The 4.7-inch Retina HD IPS LCD panel offers decent brightness, color accuracy, and an HD resolution, but its small size and 16:9 aspect ratio hinder the viewing experience. Watching videos, especially vertical content on Facebook, can feel awkward due to the limited screen space. While the display supports True Tone, Dolby Vision, and HDR10 for enhanced visuals, it cannot match the immersive experience of a 90Hz AMOLED screen found in competitors like the OnePlus Nord.

Performance

Where the iPhone SE (2020) truly shines is in its performance. Equipped with the Apple A13 Bionic chipset, it handles everything from light tasks to demanding games effortlessly. I experienced zero lag during daily use, whether browsing, multitasking, or running graphics-intensive games like PUBG Mobile. The phone can achieve smooth Extreme frame rates with HDR graphics, outperforming some more expensive devices, such as the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra (Exynos). The 3GB RAM and up to 256GB NVMe storage ensure fast app launches and ample space for apps and media.

Software and User Interface

Running iOS 13 (upgradable), the iPhone SE (2020) benefits from Apple’s smooth and intuitive operating system. iOS powers apps like Facebook Page Manager, Ads Manager, and Instagram more effectively than on Android devices. Apple’s commitment to long-term software updates is a significant advantage; even the original iPhone SE from 2016 currently runs iOS 13.7. However, the phone’s small display limits the full experience of newer iOS features, such as Picture-in-Picture and home screen widgets, which require larger screens.

Camera

The single 12MP rear camera produces natural-colored, sharp photos with good dynamic range and excellent autofocus. It performs particularly well in well-lit environments, especially for close-up shots like flowers, where its colors remain less saturated compared to phones like the OnePlus Nord or Galaxy A71. Video recording is a highlight, supporting stabilized 4K at 60fps, making it a strong contender for vlogging in the upper-mid-range category. However, nighttime photography falls short compared to rivals, lacking a dedicated Night Mode and producing less detailed, well-exposed images. The 7MP front camera struggles with odd brown tones in selfies, and while portrait mode works adequately, edge detection and overall image balance leave room for improvement.

Battery Life

The 1821mAh battery is the iPhone SE’s biggest weakness. Heavy usage, such as gaming sessions of PUBG Mobile, an hour of YouTube, and social media browsing, drains the battery quickly, often requiring midday charging. While standby time is decent, the overall endurance is poor, making it one of the least lasting phones I’ve reviewed recently. The box includes only a 5W charger, which is insufficient for quick top-ups; using an external 12W or 18W charger is recommended, adding extra cost and hassle for users.

Price and Value in Nepal

Priced at NPR 67,500 for the 64GB model, NPR 76,000 for 128GB, and NPR 90,000 for 256GB, the iPhone SE (2020) is significantly more expensive in Nepal and other Asian markets than in the US, where it retails for $399. This premium pricing makes it less competitive against robust Android alternatives, such as the OnePlus Nord, which offers better value at a lower price point. For those seeking more power, the OnePlus 8, with its Snapdragon 865, superior display, and longer battery life, presents a compelling option for a modest price increase.

Conclusion

The iPhone SE (2020) remains an outstanding device for $399 in Western markets, offering durable design, excellent performance, and capable cameras in a compact body. However, in Asia, including Nepal, its inflated price and key limitations — a small, outdated display, thick bezels, and poor battery life — diminish its appeal. For buyers in this region, exploring alternatives like the OnePlus Nord or OnePlus 8 may provide better overall value and a more modern user experience.