The iPhone SE 2020 remains one of Apple’s most intriguing smartphones. Google Pixel 10 Pro XL arrived with flagship features. The iPhone SE 2020 offers budget-friendly value instead. Apple released this compact device five years ago. It still has a loyal following today. Omaze UK winners receive life-changing prizes. By contrast, refurbished iPhone SE 2020 buyers receive wallet-friendly value. Here is everything you need to know about the iPhone SE 2020 in 2026.
iPhone SE 2020: Key Specifications Overview
The iPhone SE 2020 is essentially an iPhone 8 with modern internals. Apple reused the chassis and display from the 2017 iPhone 8. However, the company packed it with the flagship A13 Bionic chip from the iPhone 11 series. This combination of old design and new processor defines the device.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD, 1334 x 750 resolution, 326 ppi |
| Processor | Apple A13 Bionic (same as iPhone 11 series) |
| RAM | 3GB |
| Storage | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| Rear Camera | 12MP wide-angle, f/1.8, OIS, Smart HDR |
| Front Camera | 7MP, f/2.2, 1080p video recording |
| Battery | 1,821 mAh |
| Charging | 18W fast charging, Qi wireless charging |
| Security | Touch ID fingerprint sensor (home button) |
| Water Resistance | IP67 (1 metre for 30 minutes) |
| Dimensions | 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm |
| Weight | 148 grams |
Design: A Blast from the Past
The iPhone SE 2020’s design divides opinion. Some users love the compact size and familiar home button. Others find the large bezels and small screen unacceptable in 2026. The phone measures 138.4mm tall and 67.3mm wide. Consequently, this makes it one of the smallest modern smartphones available. Users can reach all corners of the screen without stretching. The 148-gram weight feels light in hand.
The front features thick bezels above and below the display. The home button sits below the screen. This button houses the Touch ID fingerprint sensor. Many users prefer Touch ID over Face ID. It works reliably in all lighting conditions. It also works while wearing masks.
The back uses glass to enable wireless charging. The aluminum frame feels premium in hand. Three colours launched with the device: Black, White, and (PRODUCT)RED. The red version donates to HIV/AIDS programs. The glass back is “the toughest glass in a smartphone” according to Apple. This matches the glass used on the iPhone 11 series.
Display: Small and Sharp, But Not for Everyone
The 4.7-inch Retina HD display uses LCD technology. This is not the OLED screen found on flagship iPhones. Nevertheless, the quality remains good for everyday use. The resolution is 1334 x 750 pixels. Pixel density sits at 326 ppi, which Apple calls “Retina” quality. Individual pixels remain invisible at normal viewing distance.
Peak brightness reaches 625 nits. This suffices for indoor use and shaded outdoor areas. However, direct sunlight causes visibility problems. The True Tone feature adjusts white balance based on ambient light. This makes the screen look more natural. The display supports P3 wide colour gamut. Colours look vibrant despite the LCD technology.
The small screen has several drawbacks. Watching movies feels cramped. Reading long articles requires more scrolling. Gaming controls can feel crowded on the small display. Users who consume lots of media should consider a larger phone. For basic tasks and one-handed use, however, the size remains perfect.
Performance: A13 Bionic Still Kicks in 2026
The A13 Bionic chip powers the iPhone SE 2020. This is the same processor found in the iPhone 11 series from 2019. Five years later, the chip remains capable for everyday tasks. Web browsing, social media, and email feel instant. The phone rarely stutters during normal use.
Gaming performance is solid but not class-leading. Games like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty Mobile run at medium settings. The phone gets warm during extended gaming sessions. The 3GB RAM handles multitasking reasonably well. Apps stay open in the background without constant reloading.
The A13 chip enables several camera features. Smart HDR improves highlight and shadow detail. Deep Fusion processes textures at a pixel level. These features were exclusive to flagship iPhones when the SE 2020 launched.
Camera: Single Lens, Capable Results
The iPhone SE 2020 has one rear camera. The 12MP sensor with f/1.8 aperture includes optical image stabilization. This reduces blur from shaky hands. The camera performs well in good light. Photos look sharp with natural colours. Portrait mode works on people but not pets or objects. The A13 chip powers this computational photography.
Low-light performance is the biggest weakness. There is no Night Mode on this phone. Dark photos appear noisy and lack detail. A flash can help but creates harsh shadows. The 7MP front camera works well for selfies and video calls.
Video features remain impressive for the price point. The phone records 4K video at 60fps with stabilisation. QuickTake video and cinematic video stabilization are included. The lack of an ultra-wide or telephoto lens limits versatility. For basic photography, however, the single lens works fine.
Battery Life: The Biggest Weakness
Battery life on the iPhone SE 2020 is the device’s weakest feature. The 1,821 mAh battery is tiny by modern standards. Apple claims up to 13 hours of video playback. Real-world usage gets light users through a full day. Moderate to heavy users will need an afternoon top-up.
The small physical size limits battery capacity. There is simply no space for a larger cell. Charging supports 18W wired fast charging via Lightning port. A 20W charger reaches 50 percent battery in about 30 minutes. No charger comes in the box. The phone also supports Qi wireless charging at 7.5W. MagSafe accessories do NOT work with this phone.
iOS Support: How Long Will It Last?
This question matters most for 2026 buyers. The iPhone SE 2020 launched with iOS 13. It received iOS 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18 updates. It can run iOS 19 as well. Apple typically supports iPhones for 5-6 years after launch. The SE 2020 launched in April 2020. Support may end with iOS 20 or iOS 21.
Current information suggests the iPhone SE 2020 will receive major iOS updates through late 2025 or early 2026. Security updates may continue for a year or two after that. However, 2026 buyers should know they are purchasing a device nearing the end of its software support life.
New AI features coming to iOS 20 and beyond may not work on the SE 2020. Apple Intelligence requires the A17 Pro chip or newer. The A13 Bionic does not support on-device AI processing. The phone will still work for essential tasks. Future software innovations may pass it by, nevertheless.
Where to Buy iPhone SE 2020 in 2026
Apple discontinued the iPhone SE 2020 in March 2022. New units are no longer available from Apple. The refurbished market offers the best deals. Buyers can also find used units on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and other second-hand platforms.
In 2026, refurbished iPhone SE 2020 prices vary widely. The 64GB model typically costs between £80 and £120. The 128GB model costs between £100 and £150. The 256GB model costs between £130 and £180. Prices depend on condition, colour and included accessories.
Back Market UK sells certified refurbished iPhone SE 2020 devices with a 12-month warranty. This is a reliable source for buyers wanting peace of mind. Amazon Renewed also offers certified refurbished units.
iPhone SE 2020 vs iPhone SE 2022
The iPhone SE 2022 replaced the 2020 model in March 2022. The SE 2022 offers better performance, longer battery life, and 5G connectivity. The SE 2020 remains a viable budget option in 2026 at the right price, however.
| Feature | iPhone SE 2020 | iPhone SE 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | A13 Bionic | A15 Bionic |
| RAM | 3GB | 4GB |
| 5G | No | Yes (sub-6GHz) |
| Battery | 1,821 mAh | 2,018 mAh |
| Storage | 64/128/256GB | 64/128/256GB |
Who Should Buy iPhone SE 2020 in 2026?
The iPhone SE 2020 makes sense for specific users. First, people who love small phones should consider it. No modern Android phone is this compact. The second group is first-time smartphone users, including children and older adults. The familiar home button and simple interface are easy to learn.
The third group is budget-conscious Apple users. The SE 2020 costs much less than newer iPhones. It runs current iOS versions. It works with all Apple services. For users who only need basic smartphone features, it remains a solid choice. The fourth group is people who hate Face ID. The Touch ID home button works reliably every time.
Who Should Avoid iPhone SE 2020 in 2026?
Several types of users should look elsewhere. Power users who run demanding apps will find the small screen limiting. Mobile gamers should choose a larger display. Photographers will miss ultra-wide and telephoto lenses. People who use Night Mode frequently will be disappointed.
Users who keep phones for 3+ years should consider the iPhone SE 2022 instead. The SE 2020 will lose iOS support around 2026 or 2027. The SE 2022 will receive updates through 2027-2028. Anyone who wants the latest AI features should avoid the SE 2020. The A13 chip does not support Apple Intelligence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the iPhone SE 2020 still good in 2026? Yes, for basic tasks and users who want a small phone. The A13 chip remains capable for everyday use. The small screen, limited camera, and ageing battery show their age, however.
Does iPhone SE 2020 support iOS 18? Yes. The iPhone SE 2020 runs iOS 18. Apple may support it through iOS 20 or iOS 21. Security updates will likely continue through 2027 or 2028.
What is the iPhone SE 2020 price in 2026? Refurbished units cost between £80 and £180. Prices vary by storage, colour and condition. Apple no longer sells new units.
Does iPhone SE 2020 have 5G? No. The iPhone SE 2020 only supports 4G LTE. The iPhone SE 2022 added 5G support.
Is iPhone SE 2020 waterproof? The phone has an IP67 rating. It can survive submersion in 1 metre of water for up to 30 minutes. This means it is splash and spill resistant, not fully waterproof.
How long will iPhone SE 2020 get updates? Apple typically supports iPhones for 5-6 years after launch. The SE 2020 launched in April 2020. Major iOS updates may end with iOS 20 or iOS 21. Security updates may continue through 2027 or 2028.
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