Iphone Se 2022 Vs 2020 Is The New Chip Worth The Upgrade Or Is The Older Model Still Good Enough

The iPhone SE series has always been Apple’s answer to affordable performance. With a familiar design and powerful internals, both the 2020 and 2022 models offer flagship-level experiences at a fraction of the cost. But when comparing the iPhone SE (2022) against its predecessor from 2020, the central question becomes: Is the newer A15 Bionic chip enough to justify an upgrade, or can the older model still deliver where it counts?

For budget-conscious buyers, photographers, and long-time iPhone users clinging to classic designs, this decision matters. Let’s break down every key difference and similarity to help you determine which device fits your needs—and whether spending extra on the 2022 model pays off in real-world use.

Design and Build: Almost Identical, But Not Quite

At first glance, the iPhone SE 2020 and 2022 are indistinguishable. Both feature the same 4.7-inch Retina HD display, Touch ID home button, and compact aluminum-and-glass body. They’re available in similar color options—black, white, and (PRODUCT)RED—and maintain IP67 water and dust resistance.

The subtle changes in the 2022 model include improved internal antenna design for better 5G connectivity and slightly enhanced durability in the front glass. However, there’s no change in screen resolution, brightness, or aspect ratio. If you value portability and one-handed usability, both phones remain excellent choices.

Tip: If you already own the 2020 model and love the size and feel, the 2022 version won’t surprise you physically—it's more evolution than revolution.

Performance: The A15 Chip Changes Everything

The most significant upgrade lies under the hood. The iPhone SE 2020 runs on the A13 Bionic chip—the same processor found in the iPhone 11. It was powerful at launch and remains capable today for everyday tasks like browsing, messaging, and social media.

The 2022 model steps up with the A15 Bionic chip, the same silicon that powers the iPhone 13 series. This brings tangible improvements:

• Faster CPU and GPU performance: Up to 40% faster processing and 50% faster graphics rendering.
• Better machine learning capabilities: Improves photo processing, voice recognition, and app responsiveness.
• Enhanced efficiency: Better battery management despite similar capacity.
• Longer software support: Devices with newer chips typically receive iOS updates for longer.

“Performance isn’t just about speed—it’s about longevity. The A15 ensures the 2022 SE will stay smooth and supported well into the next decade.” — David Kim, Mobile Hardware Analyst at TechPulse Insights

In real-world usage, the difference is noticeable when multitasking, editing photos, or playing graphics-intensive games. Apps launch quicker, animations are smoother, and future apps designed for newer architectures will run more efficiently on the A15.

Camera Comparison: Same Sensor, Smarter Processing

Both models feature a 12MP rear camera and a 7MP front-facing shooter. There’s no night mode flash or ultra-wide lens—just a single-lens setup focused on simplicity and quality.

Where they differ is in computational photography. Thanks to the A15 chip, the 2022 SE gains:

• Night mode on both front and rear cameras
• Deep Fusion image processing across all lighting conditions
• Smart HDR 4 for better dynamic range
• Improved portrait lighting effects

In practical terms, low-light photos on the 2022 model show less noise, better shadow detail, and more natural skin tones. Portrait mode accuracy improves thanks to advanced depth mapping powered by the Neural Engine.

If you frequently take indoor shots, videos, or rely on FaceTime, the 2022 model delivers visibly better results—even with the same hardware.

Detailed Feature Comparison

Feature	iPhone SE (2020)	iPhone SE (2022)
Processor	A13 Bionic	A15 Bionic
5G Support	No (LTE only)	Yes (mmWave & sub-6GHz in select regions)
Rear Camera	12MP f/1.8, Night mode (rear only)	12MP f/1.8, Night mode (front & rear), Smart HDR 4
Front Camera	7MP, Retina Flash	7MP, Retina Flash, Night mode
Battery Life	Up to 13 hours video playback	Up to 15 hours video playback
Storage Options	64GB, 128GB, 256GB	64GB, 128GB, 256GB
Charging	Lights out fast charging (18W adapter sold separately)	Same, but ships with slightly optimized power delivery
iOS Support Expectancy	Expected through 2025–2026	Expected through 2027–2028+

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah, a freelance photographer and part-time teacher, has used her iPhone SE 2020 since launch. She loves the compact size, reliability, and ability to shoot quick client previews. By late 2023, she noticed her phone slowing down during back-to-back edits and struggling with newer versions of Lightroom.

She considered switching to a larger iPhone but worried about comfort. After testing the 2022 SE at an Apple Store, she was struck by how much faster photo exports were and how smoothly video clips rendered in Clips app—even with filters applied.

She upgraded and now uses the improved front camera for online tutoring sessions. “It looks almost the same,” she said, “but it feels like I jumped two generations ahead in performance.”

Is the Upgrade Worth It? A Practical Checklist

Before deciding whether to move from the 2020 to the 2022 model—or choosing between them as a new buyer—consider these factors:

1. Are you still satisfied with your 2020 SE? If it performs well and meets daily needs, the upgrade may not be urgent.
2. Do you want 5G connectivity? Only the 2022 model supports it, which matters if you travel often or live in areas with strong 5G coverage.
3. How long do you plan to keep your phone? If you aim to use it for 4+ years, the A15’s extended software support makes the 2022 model a smarter investment.
4. Do you care about photo quality in dim light? The 2022 SE’s expanded Night mode and Smart HDR 4 make a visible difference.
5. Is budget a constraint? Used or refurbished 2020 models can be $100+ cheaper, making them compelling for minimalists or secondary device users.

Tip: Check carrier deals—some offer discounts on the 2022 SE with trade-ins, effectively closing the price gap with the older model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone SE 2020 still run the latest iOS updates?

Yes. As of iOS 17, the iPhone SE 2020 is fully supported. However, based on Apple’s typical 5–6 year support window, it may stop receiving updates around 2025–2026, while the 2022 model should go until at least 2028.

Does the 2022 SE have better battery life?

Slightly. While the battery capacity is nearly identical, the A15 chip’s efficiency improvements extend usage by about 1–2 hours in mixed scenarios. Video playback jumps from 13 to 15 hours.

Is the camera hardware really the same?

Yes. Apple kept the same physical lens and sensor but leveraged the A15’s processing power to enhance image quality. Think of it as the same engine with a smarter computer controlling it.

Final Verdict: When to Upgrade, When to Hold

The iPhone SE 2020 remains a surprisingly capable device in 2024. For casual users, students, or those using it as a backup phone, it continues to handle calls, texts, streaming, and basic photography without issue. If you already own it and aren’t experiencing slowdowns, upgrading purely for the chip may not be necessary.

But for anyone buying new—or looking to future-proof their device—the iPhone SE 2022 is the clear winner. The A15 chip isn’t just faster; it enables better photos, longer support, 5G readiness, and a smoother experience over time. At a typical price difference of $50–$100, especially with promotions, the upgrade pays dividends in longevity and performance.

If you value compact design, iOS ecosystem benefits, and don’t need Face ID or multiple cameras, the 2022 SE offers the most value in Apple’s current lineup under $500.

🚀 Ready to decide? Assess your current usage, check trade-in values, and consider how long you want your phone to last. Whether you stick with the 2020 model or step up to the 2022, both prove that great things still come in small packages.