Iphone Se 2022 Vs 2020 Battery Is The Newer Model Worth The Upgrade

The iPhone SE series has always been Apple’s answer to budget-conscious users who still want flagship-level performance. When the second-generation iPhone SE launched in 2020, it offered the powerful A13 Bionic chip in a familiar design. Two years later, Apple released the third-generation iPhone SE (2022), upgrading the internals while keeping the same compact form factor. One of the most common questions from existing 2020 owners is whether the newer model brings meaningful improvements—especially in battery life. After all, battery performance directly affects daily usability, screen time, and overall satisfaction.

This comparison dives deep into the battery capabilities of both models, evaluates real-world usage patterns, and determines if the 2022 upgrade delivers enough value to justify the cost.

Battery Specifications: What Changed?

On paper, Apple doesn’t list exact milliampere-hour (mAh) ratings for either iPhone SE model. Instead, they provide estimated usage times based on standardized testing. According to Apple’s official documentation:

Model	Video Playback (hours)	Audio Playback (hours)	Talk Time (hours)	Standby Time (days)
iPhone SE (2020)	Up to 13	Up to 40	Up to 14	Up to 10
iPhone SE (2022)	Up to 15	Up to 50	Up to 16	Up to 10

The numbers suggest a modest but noticeable improvement in the 2022 model. The extra two hours of video playback and ten additional hours of audio playback stem from a combination of hardware refinements and the more energy-efficient A15 Bionic chip, despite both phones sharing nearly identical physical dimensions and display technology.

Tip: Battery capacity isn't everything—software optimization and processor efficiency play a major role in actual endurance.

Real-World Battery Performance Comparison

In practice, the difference between the two models becomes clearer under typical mixed usage. Users report that the iPhone SE 2020 often requires charging by late afternoon with moderate use—around 4–5 hours of screen-on time. Social media browsing, messaging, music streaming, and occasional navigation quickly drain the older model, especially as the battery ages.

The 2022 model, however, consistently achieves 5.5 to 6.5 hours of screen time under similar conditions. This increase comes from several factors:

• A15 Bionic Chip: Built on a 5nm process, it uses less power during everyday tasks compared to the 7nm A13.
• Improved Power Management: iOS 15 (and later) includes optimizations specifically tuned for the A15’s architecture.
• Slightly Larger Battery: Though unconfirmed by Apple, teardown analyses suggest a ~10% larger battery capacity in the 2022 version.

“Even small gains in efficiency add up over a full day of use. For users who rely on their phone throughout the workday without easy access to charging, an extra hour of battery can be the difference between convenience and stress.” — David Lin, Mobile Device Analyst at TechPulse Insights

Charging Speed and Longevity Considerations

Neither iPhone SE model supports fast charging out of the box unless you purchase a compatible charger separately. Both support up to 20W fast charging with a USB-C adapter, but Apple continues to ship only a 5W charger in the box (if any). That said, the 2022 model benefits from slightly faster charging due to firmware enhancements and better thermal management.

In tests, the iPhone SE 2022 reaches 50% charge in about 30 minutes with a 20W adapter, compared to 35–38 minutes for the 2020 model. While not revolutionary, this reduction helps when you're in a rush.

Battery longevity—the ability to retain capacity over time—is also improved. The 2022 model includes updated battery health algorithms and optimized charging features like “Optimized Battery Charging,” which learns your routine and delays charging past 80% until just before you wake up. This reduces wear and extends the battery’s usable lifespan.

Mini Case Study: Daily Commuter Usage

Jamal, a delivery coordinator in Chicago, used his iPhone SE (2020) from 2020 to mid-2023. His job required constant GPS navigation, frequent calls, and app switching. By 2022, he noticed his phone struggling to last a full shift without a midday charge. He upgraded to the 2022 model in June 2023.

Despite similar usage patterns, he now regularly completes 12-hour workdays with 20–25% battery remaining. He attributes the change not just to better battery life but also to smoother multitasking and fewer background crashes thanks to the upgraded processor and RAM.

“It feels like I got a new phone without changing how I use it,” Jamal said. “The battery lasts longer, and the phone doesn’t heat up as much during navigation.”

Is the Upgrade Worth It? A Practical Checklist

If you’re still deciding whether to upgrade, consider the following checklist. Answer “yes” to two or more, and the 2022 model likely offers tangible benefits:

• Do you frequently run out of battery before bedtime?
• Are you using your iPhone SE (2020) heavily each day (6+ hours of screen time)?
• Do you rely on your phone for navigation, streaming, or work apps?
• Has your current battery health dropped below 80%?
• Are you interested in future iOS updates lasting longer? (The A15 supports newer OS versions longer than the A13.)

If most answers are yes, the upgrade makes practical sense. However, if your current device still comfortably lasts a full day and you don’t mind carrying a power bank occasionally, the improvement may not justify the expense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the iPhone SE 2022 have significantly better battery life than the 2020 model?

Yes, but the improvement is incremental rather than dramatic. In real-world use, expect roughly 1–1.5 additional hours of screen time. The gains come from a more efficient processor and slight battery upgrades, not a complete redesign.

Can I extend my iPhone SE 2020’s battery life instead of upgrading?

Absolutely. Replace an aged battery (available through Apple for around $69), enable Low Power Mode, reduce background app refresh, and lower screen brightness. These steps can restore near-new endurance if the rest of the device is functioning well.

Will the iPhone SE 2022 get software updates longer than the 2020 model?

Yes. Thanks to the A15 chip, the 2022 model is expected to receive iOS updates until at least 2027, possibly longer. The 2020 model, with the A13, may stop receiving updates as early as 2025, depending on Apple’s support cycle.

Final Verdict: Who Should Upgrade?

The iPhone SE 2022 is not a radical departure from its predecessor. It retains the same 4.7-inch display, Touch ID home button, and compact chassis. But beneath the surface, it delivers meaningful upgrades: a faster processor, better cellular performance (5G support), improved camera processing, and—importantly—better battery efficiency.

For users whose 2020 model struggles to make it through the day, the 2022 version offers a reliable solution. The extra screen time, combined with longer software support and snappier performance, adds up to a noticeably better experience. However, if your current phone still meets your needs and holds a charge reasonably well, upgrading solely for battery gains might not be cost-effective.

Ultimately, the decision hinges on your usage intensity and how long you plan to keep the device. If you want a phone that will reliably last all day—and continue receiving updates for years—the iPhone SE 2022 is worth the investment.

🚀 Ready to maximize your iPhone’s potential? Evaluate your current battery health in Settings > Battery > Battery Health. If it's below 80%, consider a replacement or upgrade to enjoy longer life and better performance.