Iphone Se 2022 Vs 2020 Is The New Chip Worth The Upgrade

The iPhone SE series has carved a unique niche in Apple’s lineup: powerful performance wrapped in a compact, affordable design. When Apple released the third-generation iPhone SE in 2022, it looked nearly identical to the 2020 model. But under the hood, changes were significant—most notably, the jump from the A13 Bionic to the A15 Bionic chip. For owners of the 2020 model, the question became immediate: is that new chip worth an upgrade?

This isn’t just about raw speed. It’s about longevity, efficiency, camera improvements, and whether those gains translate into meaningful benefits in daily use. Let’s break down the differences and determine if the 2022 model offers enough to justify replacing a still-very-capable 2020 device.

Design and Build: No Change, But That’s Not a Bad Thing

Externally, the iPhone SE 2022 and 2020 are indistinguishable. Both feature the same 4.7-inch Retina HD display, Touch ID home button, single-lens rear camera setup, and IP67 water resistance. The build remains polycarbonate back with aluminum frame, offering durability without the premium feel of glass.

Apple retained this design intentionally—to keep costs low while delivering flagship-level internals. For users who appreciate smaller phones or rely on Touch ID, this consistency is a plus. If you loved the 2020 model’s form factor, the 2022 version feels exactly the same in hand.

Tip: If you're happy with the size and handling of your 2020 SE, upgrading to the 2022 model won’t change your ergonomics—but it will boost what the phone can do.

Performance: A15 Bionic Brings Real Gains

The most substantial upgrade lies inside. The 2022 iPhone SE packs the A15 Bionic chip—the same processor found in the iPhone 13 series—while the 2020 model uses the A13, two generations older.

In real-world terms, this means:

• Up to 40% faster CPU performance
• Nearly 2x faster GPU rendering
• Improved machine learning and neural engine capabilities
• Better energy efficiency leading to longer sustained performance

Benchmarks confirm this leap. In Geekbench 5 tests, the A15 scores around 1720 (single-core) and 4300 (multi-core), compared to the A13’s 1320 and 3400 respectively. While everyday tasks like browsing or messaging may not feel drastically different, demanding apps—video editing, AR experiences, mobile gaming—run noticeably smoother on the 2022 model.

“Even in entry-level devices, Apple’s silicon strategy ensures future-proofing. The A15 in the 2022 SE gives it a five-year viability edge over the A13.” — David Kim, Mobile Hardware Analyst at TechInsight Group

Camera Improvements: Subtle but Meaningful

Both models have a 12MP f/1.8 wide rear camera and a 7MP front-facing shooter. However, the A15 chip enables computational photography features previously unavailable on the 2020 SE.

The 2022 model supports:

• Slo-mo video at 1080p/120fps (vs. 720p/240fps on 2020)
• Smart HDR 4, improving dynamic range and skin tones
• Next-gen portrait lighting effects
• Photographic Styles for customizable looks

In practical use, photos taken in mixed lighting—like sunsets or indoor scenes with backlighting—show better shadow detail and color accuracy. Low-light performance also improves due to smarter noise reduction powered by the Neural Engine.

While the hardware hasn’t changed, software-driven enhancements make the 2022 camera more versatile, especially for social media creators or casual photographers who want better results without switching devices.

Detailed Comparison: iPhone SE 2022 vs 2020

Feature	iPhone SE 2020	iPhone SE 2022
Processor	A13 Bionic	A15 Bionic
Storage Options	64GB, 128GB, 256GB	64GB, 128GB, 256GB
Rear Camera	12MP f/1.8, Smart HDR 3	12MP f/1.8, Smart HDR 4, Photographic Styles
Video Recording	4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, 720p@240fps slo-mo	4K@60fps, 1080p@60/120/240fps, Dolby Vision HDR
Front Camera	7MP f/2.2	7MP f/2.2, Center Stage (iOS 15.1+)
Cellular & Connectivity	LTE only	5G support (mmWave in US models)
Battery Life	~13 hours video playback	~15 hours video playback
Starting Price (Launch)	$399	$429

Real-World Impact: Does the Upgrade Matter?

To assess whether the upgrade is worthwhile, consider actual usage patterns. Here's a mini case study based on a typical user scenario:

Mini Case Study: Sarah, Freelance Writer & Light Photographer

Sarah bought the iPhone SE 2020 as her first iPhone after years on Android. She uses it for email, writing apps, occasional video calls, and capturing moments during travel. Her 2020 SE still works well, but she noticed slower photo processing when shooting in burst mode and limited options for video sharing on Instagram.

After upgrading to the 2022 model, she experienced:

• Faster app launches, especially in Notes and Google Docs
• Smoother transitions between apps during multitasking
• Sharper HDR photos in bright daylight
• Ability to record short clips in 4K at 60fps for client reels
• Noticeably quicker FaceTime calls with Center Stage keeping her framed

For Sarah, the $30 price bump was justified—not because the phone looked different, but because it handled her evolving needs more efficiently. The added 5G support also gave her peace of mind for remote work on the go.

When to Upgrade: A Practical Checklist

Not every 2020 SE owner needs to upgrade. Use this checklist to decide:

• ✅ You frequently use performance-heavy apps (e.g., video editors, AR tools)
• ✅ You plan to keep your phone for 3+ years and want longer software support
• ✅ 5G connectivity is important for your location or carrier plan
• ✅ You create content and want better camera processing and 4K/60fps video
• ✅ Your current battery health is below 80%, and replacement cost approaches upgrade value
• ❌ You’re satisfied with current speed and don’t use advanced features
• ❌ You rely solely on Wi-Fi and don’t need 5G
• ❌ Budget is tight—you could invest in accessories or save for a future Pro model

FAQ: Common Questions Answered

Will the iPhone SE 2020 still receive iOS updates?

Yes. Apple typically supports iPhones for 5–6 years. The 2020 SE launched with iOS 13 and has received iOS 14, 15, 16, and 17. It should continue receiving updates through at least 2025, possibly 2026.

Is 5G on the iPhone SE 2022 worth it?

It depends on your carrier and usage. If you often work remotely or stream in areas with strong 5G coverage, yes. But if you’re mostly on Wi-Fi or in areas with spotty mmWave coverage, the benefit is minimal. Still, 5G readiness adds resale value.

Can I expect better battery life with the 2022 model?

Slightly. Apple claims up to 15 hours of video playback versus 13 on the 2020 model. Real-world gains come from the A15’s efficiency, allowing background tasks to consume less power. Users report about 10–15% longer daily endurance.

Conclusion: Who Should Make the Leap?

The iPhone SE 2022 isn’t a visual evolution—it’s a technological one. For owners of the 2020 model, the decision hinges on how much they value future-proofing and enhanced performance over physical familiarity.

If you’re someone who pushes their phone beyond basic tasks—editing videos, using AI-powered apps, or relying on consistent call quality—the A15 chip and improved camera system deliver tangible benefits. Add in 5G and longer expected support, and the 2022 model becomes a smarter long-term investment.

But if your 2020 SE still runs smoothly and meets your needs, upgrading may feel unnecessary. In that case, consider waiting for a potential fourth-generation SE with USB-C or an upgraded screen.

🚀 Ready to evaluate your own usage? Take stock of your current phone’s performance, battery health, and app demands. The right upgrade isn’t about the latest model—it’s about aligning technology with your life.