Why the iPhone SE is the only tiny phone you should even consider buying

Yes, it's modestly sized but don't let that make you underestimate the new iPhone SE

Let me quickly list some of the obvious limitations of this phone. The iPhone SE (2020) is a physical clone of an older phone – the iPhone 8 – which was launched in 2017. In fact, its design takes after the iPhone 6, which was launched way back in 2015. It’s got a small 4.7-inch screen, a small battery and just one camera each on front and back. Why should you still consider buying the iPhone SE? Because this tiny phone is unique even in its flaws -- there’s nothing else out there that quite competes with it. Here are my thoughts.

Design

Apple has really done a disservice to the people who love the idea of a small phone by refurbishing the iPhone 8’s body to create the new SE. And yet, it’s the only modern(ish) phone with a 4.7-inch screen. Everything else is bigger and heavier. It weighs 148 grams – against the iPhone XR’s 194 -- and it’s one of the only phones left that can be held and used in a single hand. If you haven’t yet crashed a big, mighty phone on your face while reading in bed, let me tell you, that day will inevitably come.

 

 

It’s true that the SE (2020) still has that thick forehead and chin with a physical home button for haptic feedback (it’s just the best), but it’s thin, light and grips well. I feel much more confident not covering its neat glass back and aluminium body with a plastic cover. The Black variant is dull, but I love the White and the (Product) Red. And I am so glad that the phone’s back does not reflect a rainbow.

But a word of caution: the phone’s tiny screen with a diminutive 1,334x750 pixels resolution brings no entertainment value. Games are still okay, but forget about enjoying movies on it.

Performance

 

 

What Apple brings to the table in terms of experience, build quality and software is just not comparable to Android. The SE’s True Tone, Retina HD display, even if small, is a godsend for low light. I have struggled and struggled with the brightness, dark themes and night modes of countless Android phones and the result was still very jarring to the eyes at night. Reading on a phone can be painful in the dark, but at SE's lowest brightness, dark mode and night shift brings some relief.

 

 

And now a little about what’s new. The little big iPhone has the same A13 Bionic chip you get in the iPhone 11(s), which means it’s lag-proof and will get iOS updates for years to come. While gaming, videos and multi-tasking is fast, the phone heats up a bit quickly and drains the battery much faster. It takes two hours to charge with its humble 5-watt charger and threatens to conk off before 24 hours with my hour each of video watching, gaming and calling along with multiple social media chatting. Although the new SE supports fast (18W) and wireless charging, you’ll have to buy those chargers separately.

The network speeds have been updated and the new SE also supports dual numbers (micro and e-SIM). And an IP67 (dust and water resistance) rating inspires more confidence.

Despite the same hardware as the iPhone 8, the single 12-megapixel f/1.8 aperture back camera (sounds embarrassing) and a 7-megapixel f/2.2 aperture front camera has got some slick new features -- thanks to the A13 Bionic chip and iOS 13 -- such as studio lighting and portrait mode on both front and back cameras. You can adjust the depth of field (background blur) during or after clicking the picture. If you like clicking yourself and dogs and trees, the camera is great in natural light, decent indoors and just passable in low light (it also does not have a night mode). The studio lighting effects help a great deal though. The video quality -- 4K at up to 60FPS -- is fluid, stable and enjoyable.

Verdict

 

I loved holding, using and carrying this phone, even though typing on a small keyboard was a bit of a struggle. And I know I will feel differently (read bad) about its thick bezels in a couple of years when this design is terribly outdated and the phone is still in great shape. The battery backup is also a major issue.

But the whole narrative about it being the most affordable iPhone (Rs38, 900 with HDFC discount) has to change. Spend a little more and buy the iPhone XR (Rs52, 500; often discounted) if you’re looking for your money’s worth. Buy the iPhone SE (2020) because it’s the most powerful tiny phone out there and the only one of its kind.