Apple iPhone SE 2022 after 24 hours: Rock-solid retro iPhone experience

The iPhone SE 2022 is no different than the outgoing model, as expected. Here is our first 24 hours experience with this affordable iPhone.

iPhone SE 2022 first impressions after 24 hours: We take a look at some of the basic features. (Amritanshu / HT Tech)

We have spent 24 hours with the 2022 iPhone SE and so far, the experience is not that different from the 4G variant. We unboxed our Midnight iPhone SE 256GB variant yesterday and were left impressed with its build quality — it is difficult to complain about an iPhone's build quality. Similar to its predecessor, the new iPhone SE is made of the same premium materials — glass on the front and back, and an aluminium frame holding it all together.

And, what might come as the biggest change ever since the iPhone 12 series came to the limelight — curved sides. The new iPhone SE is the only iPhone with the more comfortable curved side rails Apple sells at the moment. It makes this iPhone as slim and slippery as the original iPhone 8 was, which could be a good thing for those seeking familiarity with the good old days of the pre-iPhone X era.

iPhone SE 2022: Does it feel like an iPhone?

While the Midnight shade of our iPhone SE looks stealthy, it loves to attract smudges and dust. If that concerns you, we recommend getting the Starlight variant, or the Product Red variant. The glossy back on these versions may still get scratches easily but the lighter colours could hide them, as well as the smudges.

iPhone SE 2022 (Amritanshu / HT Tech)

iPhone SE 2022 (Amritanshu / HT Tech)

Apple says that the new iPhone SE gets more durable glass over the 2020 model, and it still gets the IP67 water and dust resistance certification. Hence, I have a certain confidence about this iPhone SE braving the brutal elements of my city Noida, where it is always dusty.

iPhone SE 2022: Is the phone fast?

It certainly is — that was never in doubt. The iPhone SE 2022 gets the same A15 Bionic chip that powers my daily driver, the iPhone 13 Pro Max. Not that my old iPhone SE 2020 was is dire need of a performance boost, but knowing that you have a certain performance overhead with the new model is a positive assurance. That said, there is one big caveat!

You see, the iPhone SE is the most affordable iPhone and hence, Apple would want it be act as more of a demo of its iOS ecosystem — it obviously wants you to buy its more expensive iPhone 13. Hence, the fact that the iPhone SE's reliance on the age-old iPhone 8's body is concerning, especially for those who seek cutting-edge stuff in their sub-Rs. 50,000 smartphone.

iPhone SE 2022 (Amritanshu / HT Tech)

iPhone SE 2022 (Amritanshu / HT Tech)

The problem lies with the iPhone SE's display. I am fine adjusting to the smaller realms of the 4.7-inch display but it is the panel itself that bogs down. Compared to the OLED screens on the modern-day iPhones and similarly priced midrange Android smartphones, the iPhone SE's LCD display looks dull and uninspiring. Next to a Vivo V23 Pro, or an iQOO 9, it looks and feels dated.

Plus, the standard refresh rate of 60 Hz is not wooing the eyes of those used to 120Hz displays. This is a disappointing aspect of the iPhone SE, given that someone would want to buy this for experiencing iPhone's legendary iOS experience.

iPhone SE 2022 has a very small 4.7-inch display (Amritanshu / HT Tech)

iPhone SE 2022 has a very small 4.7-inch display (Amritanshu / HT Tech)

We are yet to play around with the cameras and other basic stuff. During the initial few hours, the new iPhone SE has been harsh on the battery, dropping its numbers way faster than what I was used to on the iPhone 13 Mini. Once it settles down though, it remains to be seen whether the new iPhone SE with its more power efficient A15 chip can outdo the sub-par battery life on the outgoing model.

iPhone SE 2022 First Impressions

iPhone SE 2022 (Amritanshu / HT tech)

iPhone SE 2022 (Amritanshu / HT tech)

The iPhone SE 2022 has gone on sale from today and with its starting price of Rs. 43,990, it is certainly an interesting proposition once again for someone wanting to taste the iPhone experience, or simply get an affordable iPhone for a short while. As expected though, its dated basics kind of cut down the legendary iPhone experience by half and most consumers would be willing to upgrade to the iPhone 13, or the next-gen iPhone 14 after a short while.