iPhone SE 2020 vs 2022: Should You Upgrade to the 3rd Generation?
If you are shopping for a budget iPhone, you have probably noticed both the iPhone SE 2020 (2nd gen) and iPhone SE 2022 (3rd gen) available at similar prices. At USEDIPHONE, both start from refurbished. So which one should you buy?
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | iPhone SE 2020 (2nd Gen) | iPhone SE 2022 (3rd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | A13 Bionic | A15 Bionic (same as iPhone 13) |
| 5G | No (4G LTE only) | Yes |
| Display | 4.7-inch Retina HD | 4.7-inch Retina HD |
| Camera | 12MP (basic HDR) | 12MP (Smart HDR 4, Portrait) |
| Video | 4K at 30fps | 4K at 60fps |
| Front Camera | 7MP | 7MP |
| Touch ID | Yes (2nd gen) | Yes (2nd gen) |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Water Resistance | IP67 | IP67 |
| Battery Life | Up to 13 hrs video | Up to 15 hrs video |
| Starting Price (refurb) | From | From |
The Biggest Difference: A13 vs A15
The most significant upgrade is the chip. The A15 Bionic in the SE 2022 is two generations ahead of the A13 in the SE 2020:
- 50% faster CPU - noticeable in app launches and multitasking
- Better GPU - smoother gaming, especially in 3D titles
- 16-core Neural Engine - powers AI features and computational photography
- Longer software support - the A15 will get iOS updates for 2-3 years longer than the A13
In real-world use, the SE 2022 feels noticeably snappier and will remain usable for longer.
5G: Future-Proofing
The SE 2020 only supports 4G LTE, while the SE 2022 has 5G. As Australian carriers continue expanding 5G coverage (Telstra, Optus, Vodafone all have growing 5G networks), having 5G means:
- Faster download and upload speeds in covered areas
- Lower latency for gaming and video calls
- Better performance in crowded areas
- Your phone stays relevant as 5G becomes the standard
Camera Improvements
Both phones have a 12MP rear camera, but the A15 chip enables better computational photography on the SE 2022:
- Smart HDR 4 - better exposure and detail in high-contrast scenes
- Portrait mode - depth-of-field effects (SE 2020 lacks this on the rear camera)
- Photographic Styles - customise your photo look
- 4K 60fps video - smoother video recording
Design: Identical
Both phones look identical from the outside. Same 4.7-inch display, same bezels, same home button, same glass back. If you put them side by side, you could not tell them apart without checking the settings.
Which Should You Buy?
Choose iPhone SE 2022 (3rd Gen) if:
- You want the best performance for your money
- 5G is important to you
- You plan to keep the phone for 3+ years
- You want better camera features
- You want the longest possible iOS update support
Choose iPhone SE 2020 (2nd Gen) if:
- You find a significantly cheaper deal
- 5G is not available in your area
- You only need basic phone functionality
- You plan to upgrade again within 1-2 years
Our Recommendation
At the same starting price, the iPhone SE 2022 (3rd gen) is the clear winner. It offers better performance, 5G, improved camera, and longer software support - all for the same price. We currently have 70+ iPhone SE 2022 units in stock.
Buy iPhone SE 2022 from | Buy iPhone SE 2020 from
Both come with our 1-year replacement warranty, free charger and cable, and fast shipping from Melbourne.