Overview

The iPhone SE (2nd generation) is a budget-oriented smartphone introduced by Apple in April 2020. It revives the compact, lower-cost approach of the original model while updating core performance and modern features. By combining a familiar design with a current-generation processor, the device was positioned to offer strong performance and long-term software support at a lower price than flagship models.

Design and hardware

Externally, the second-generation iPhone SE closely follows the form factor of the iPhone 8: a 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD, a physical Home button with Touch ID fingerprint authentication, and curved glass front and back. Apple offered the phone in three finishes — black, white, and (Product)RED — with a black front panel across all colors. Internally it replaces aging components from older compact models such as the first-generation iPhone SE with more modern silicon and radios.

Key specifications

  • Processor: A13 Bionic chip (the same generation used in the iPhone 11 Pro family), providing high single-core and GPU performance for apps and games.
  • Display: 4.7-inch LCD with traditional 16:9 proportions and True Tone color adjustment.
  • Camera: Single 12‑megapixel wide rear camera with optical image stabilization; software-driven Portrait modes and Smart HDR.
  • Storage: Offered in multiple capacities to suit different needs (base, mid and higher tiers at launch).
  • Battery and charging: Supports Qi wireless charging and fast charging with compatible adapters.
  • Durability: Rated with dust and water resistance similar to contemporary iPhones and built to modern standards.

Camera, software and features

Although equipped with a single rear camera rather than the multi-lens systems on higher-end models, the SE uses computational photography techniques to enable features such as Portrait mode and Smart HDR. Video recording supports 4K capture and standard stabilization modes. The phone shipped with a recent version of iOS and, thanks to the A13 chip, was expected to receive software updates for many years, making it an appealing choice for users who prioritize longevity.

History, release and positioning

Apple announced the second-generation iPhone SE on April 15, 2020, with pre-orders opening shortly after and a retail release late that month. It was marketed as a successor to the compact SE concept and as a modernized alternative to the iPhone 8-era design, targeting buyers who wanted a smaller handset with current performance but without the higher cost of flagship iPhones. The device's launch price was notably lower than contemporaneous premium models, reinforcing its role as an affordable entry point into Apple's ecosystem.

Reception and notable facts

Reviewers generally praised the SE for delivering flagship-level processing power in a compact, classic design and for providing strong value for users who do not need multiple camera lenses or an edge-to-edge display. It also reintroduced Touch ID to Apple's current lineup at that time, a preference for some users over Face ID. The second-generation SE remains a useful example of Apple's strategy to offer devices across a range of sizes, features, and prices.