81
Category Scores
A compact and still responsive iPhone with good software support, but dated battery life, display technology and connectivity.
75
69
76
63
72
55
88
72
75
72
90
72
78
80
75
Specifications
Display 1
Value
4.7-inch Retina HD IPS LCD, 1334 x 750 pixels, 326 ppi, True Tone, wide color and 625 nits typical brightness
Processor 1
Value
Apple A13 Bionic with third-generation Neural Engine
GPU 1
Value
Apple 4-core GPU
Memory 1
Value
3GB RAM
Storage 1
Value
64GB, 128GB or 256GB
Battery 1
Value
Apple-rated up to 13 hours video playback; battery capacity not officially disclosed
Charging 1
Value
Fast charging up to 50% in around 30 minutes with an 18W or higher adapter; Qi wireless charging
Camera 1
Value
12MP wide camera, f/1.8 aperture, optical image stabilization, Smart HDR and Portrait mode
Front Camera 1
Value
7MP FaceTime HD camera, f/2.2 aperture
Video 1
Value
Rear camera up to 4K at 60 fps; front camera up to 1080p at 30 fps
Connectivity 1
Value
4G LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, GPS, Lightning, nano-SIM and eSIM
Sensors 1
Value
Touch ID fingerprint sensor, three-axis gyro, accelerometer, proximity sensor, ambient light sensor and barometer
Dimensions 1
Value
138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm
Weight 1
Value
148 g
Materials 1
Value
Glass front and back with aluminum frame
Colors 1
Value
Black, White and PRODUCT(RED)
Operating System 1
Value
Launched with iOS 13; compatible with current iOS releases
AI Features 1
Value
Siri, Neural Engine processing, Smart HDR and computational photography; no Apple Intelligence support
Security 1
Value
Touch ID, Secure Enclave, encrypted storage and current iOS security updates
Expert Review
Design
The iPhone SE (2020) reuses the familiar iPhone 8 design with thick top and bottom bezels, a physical Home button and Touch ID. Its compact 138.4 mm height and 148 g weight make it much easier to use one-handed than most modern phones.
Display
The 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD has a 1334 x 750 resolution, 326 ppi density, True Tone and wide-color support. It is accurate and readable, but the small size, large bezels and 60Hz refresh rate feel dated.
Performance
The A13 Bionic chip remains capable of messaging, browsing, social media, navigation and light editing. Newer games and demanding applications expose its age, but everyday responsiveness is still acceptable.
Gaming
The A13 GPU can run many popular games, but the small screen, limited battery capacity and heat buildup make it unsuitable for long gaming sessions.
Camera
The single 12MP rear camera includes optical image stabilization, Smart HDR, Portrait mode and 4K video recording up to 60 fps. Daylight results remain good, but there is no Night mode, ultra-wide lens or optical zoom camera.
Battery
Apple rated the phone for up to 13 hours of video playback when new. In 2026, battery condition matters more than the original rating, and many used units may require a battery replacement.
Software
The iPhone SE (2020) launched with iOS 13 and remains compatible with current iOS releases. It receives security updates and modern app support, although some newer features require more recent hardware.
Ai
The A13 Neural Engine supports computational photography, Siri and on-device machine-learning features. It does not support Apple Intelligence, which requires newer Apple silicon.
Connectivity
The device supports Gigabit-class LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, GPS, dual SIM through nano-SIM and eSIM, and a Lightning connector. It does not support 5G.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Reliable A13 Bionic performance
- Touch ID Home button
- Good daylight camera
- 4K video recording
- Qi wireless charging
- IP67 water resistance
- Current iOS compatibility
Cons
- Weak battery life
- Small 4.7-inch 60Hz LCD
- Large bezels
- No 5G
- No Night mode
- No ultra-wide or telephoto camera
- No Apple Intelligence support
- Discontinued
The iPhone SE (2020) was designed for buyers who wanted a smaller and more affordable iPhone without giving up strong processing power. Apple paired the familiar iPhone 8 chassis with the A13 Bionic chip used in the iPhone 11 series. The phone has a 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD with True Tone, a 1334 x 750 resolution and wide-color support. Its single 12MP rear camera includes optical image stabilization, Portrait mode, Smart HDR and 4K video recording up to 60 fps. The 7MP front camera supports Portrait mode and 1080p video. Touch ID is integrated into the Home button, while the glass-and-aluminum body supports IP67 water resistance, Qi wireless charging and fast charging with an appropriate adapter. The phone launched with iOS 13 and remains compatible with current iOS releases, although its A13 chip does not support Apple Intelligence.
Verdict
The iPhone SE (2020) remains usable because of its A13 chip, compact size, Touch ID and ongoing iOS compatibility. However, poor battery endurance, large bezels, a small LCD, no 5G and no Apple Intelligence make it difficult to recommend except as a very inexpensive refurbished phone.
Product Intelligence
Compact 4.7-inch body
Apple A13 Bionic chip
Touch ID Home button
12MP camera with OIS
4K video up to 60 fps
IP67 water resistance
Qi wireless charging
Current iOS compatibility
Who Should Buy
Buyers who specifically want a very compact iPhone with Touch ID, basic daily performance and current iOS compatibility at a low refurbished price.
Who Should Avoid
Users who need long battery life, 5G, a modern edge-to-edge display, multiple cameras, Apple Intelligence or strong gaming endurance.
Key Takeaways
- The compact size and Touch ID remain distinctive
- The A13 chip is still usable for everyday tasks
- Battery life is weak by modern standards
- There is no 5G or Apple Intelligence support
- A refurbished unit should only be purchased with verified battery health
Upgrade Path
Downgrade Path
Pricing & Price Intelligence
In Stock
Current
$0 – $549
Lowest
$399
Highest
$549
Historical Low
$399
Launch
$399
Average
$466
Savings
$399
Confidence
40%
Trend
Stable
Price Analytics
Stability
High
Buy Timing
Good time to buy
Current price is near its historical low. top retailers offers the best deal right now.
Store Comparison
Retailer offers will appear as stores are added. Legacy specs pricing is used until database offers exist.
Variant Pricing
Colors
- Black $399
- White $399
- PRODUCT(RED) $399
Storage
- 64GB $399
- 128GB $449
- 256GB $549
Ram
- 3GB $0 – $549
Carrier
- Unlocked $0 – $549
- Carrier Models $0 – $549
Price History
Historical data will populate as prices are tracked.
Track Price
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The compact size and Touch ID remain distinctive
See full review and specs for details on this device.
The A13 chip is still usable for everyday tasks
See full review and specs for details on this device.
Battery life is weak by modern standards
See full review and specs for details on this device.
There is no 5G or Apple Intelligence support
See full review and specs for details on this device.
A refurbished unit should only be purchased with verified battery health
See full review and specs for details on this device.
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