Our iPhone SE 2020 review in short: the second-generation iPhone SE pairs the A13 Bionic chip with the compact iPhone 8 body, Touch ID and a 4.7-inch screen. It is still fast for daily use and runs iOS 26, but its 1821 mAh battery is weak, and it was discontinued, so buy only a good used unit.
Apple launched the phone in April 2020 at US $399, and for many Indian buyers it was the cheapest way into a current iPhone. Six years later the question has changed from “should I buy it new” to “is a second-hand SE 2020 still worth the money”. This updated review answers both.
iPhone SE 2020 quick facts
| Feature | iPhone SE (2nd generation) |
|---|---|
| Announced | 15 April 2020, on sale from 24 April 2020 |
| Launch price (US) | $399 |
| Chip | Apple A13 Bionic |
| RAM | 3 GB |
| Storage | 64 GB, 128 GB (256 GB dropped in September 2021) |
| Display | 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD, 1334 x 750, True Tone |
| Cameras | 12 MP rear with OIS and 4K video, 7 MP front |
| Battery | 1821 mAh, 18W fast charging, Qi wireless charging |
| Water resistance | IP67, up to 1 metre for 30 minutes |
| Status | Discontinued in March 2022 in most markets; in India the 64 GB model was discontinued in February 2025 |
Design and display
From the outside, the SE 2020 is an iPhone 8. It has an aluminium frame, a glass back, thick bezels above and below the screen and a physical Home button with Touch ID. It is small and light, which is the main reason people still look for it.
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The 4.7-inch LCD is sharp enough for reading and social media, and True Tone keeps colours comfortable. It is, however, small for videos and games, and the bezels look dated next to any phone launched since. 3D Touch from the iPhone 8 is replaced by Haptic Touch, which works through a long press.
Performance: the A13 Bionic still holds up
The A13 Bionic is the same chip Apple used in the iPhone 11 series. When the phone launched, this was its strongest point: flagship speed at a mid-range price. Apps open quickly, and casual games run smoothly.
The bigger story is software support. The SE 2020 launched with iOS 13.4 and has received every major update since, including iOS 26, released in 2025. Few phones from 2020 can say that. With only 3 GB of RAM, heavy multitasking is where it now shows its age, and many apps keep growing in size every year.
Camera
The single 12 MP rear camera has an f/1.8 lens, optical image stabilisation and 4K video recording. In daylight it takes natural, detailed photos, and video is still one of its strengths. Portrait mode is available, though it works best on people because it relies on software rather than a second lens.
Low light is the weak spot. Indoor and evening photos look softer and noisier than on newer phones. The 7 MP front camera is fine for video calls but basic for selfies.
Battery life: the biggest weakness
The 1821 mAh battery was the main complaint in 2020, and it is a bigger problem today. A new unit could get through a light day, but heavy users needed a top-up by evening. Reviewers at TechRadar and GIGA both listed battery life among its drawbacks.
On a used phone, check the battery health in Settings. If it is below about 80 per cent, budget for a replacement at an authorised service centre. Charging is flexible, with 18W wired fast charging (with a compatible adapter) and Qi wireless charging.
What it gets right and wrong
Pros
- Compact, light and easy to use with one hand
- A13 Bionic chip that is still smooth for daily tasks
- Touch ID, which many users still prefer to Face ID
- IP67 water resistance and wireless charging
- Long software support, including iOS 26
Cons
- Small 1821 mAh battery
- Only one rear camera and weaker low-light photos
- Dated design with thick bezels
- No headphone jack
- Small screen for videos and games
Should you buy the iPhone SE 2020 in 2026?
Apple has moved on twice since. The iPhone SE (3rd generation) replaced it in 2022, and in February 2025 Apple replaced the SE line with the iPhone 16e, which was in turn discontinued in favour of the iPhone 17e in March 2026. New SE 2020 stock is no longer sold by Apple.
A used SE 2020 makes sense only as a cheap backup phone, a first iPhone for a child or for someone who wants a very small phone with Touch ID. Buy from a trusted seller, check battery health and confirm the phone is not locked to another Apple ID. For most buyers, a newer model will last longer. You can read more phone and gadget coverage in our technology section, and money-saving buying guides in our finance section.
Frequently asked questions
Is the iPhone SE 2020 still supported in 2026?
Yes. It supports iOS 26, released in 2025, and continues to get iOS 26 updates. Apple does not say in advance how long support will last.
Can I still buy a new iPhone SE 2020 in India?
Apple no longer sells it. The 64 GB model was discontinued in India in February 2025, so any unit you find now is old stock, refurbished or used.
What is the battery capacity of the iPhone SE 2020?
It has an 1821 mAh battery, which is its biggest weakness. It supports 18W fast charging and Qi wireless charging.
Is the iPhone SE 2020 waterproof?
It is water resistant, not waterproof. It carries an IP67 rating, which covers depths of up to 1 metre for 30 minutes.
Sources: Wikipedia: iPhone SE (2nd generation), Wikipedia: iPhone 16e, Wikipedia: iPhone SE (3rd generation).
