Unboxing: nothing special here the box contains the phone, a charger, sim removal tool, charging cable, wired headphones.
Set up:
Coming from a Flagship Android device I thought it would be a very tough task to transfer data from my Android to this Iphone SE second edition. I was wrong!
once I started the iphone it asked me if I want to get my data from another device and gave me the option of transfer from Android.
asked me to download an app called MOVE TO IOS. I downloaded the app and then followed the instructions and the transfer started wirelessly and took about an hour or so.
I restarted the phone, created an Apple ID, added my fingerprint, and went about to install my apps and import my Google accounts, and downloaded the latest IOS updates.
Restarted the phone again and started using the phone.
Experience:
The phone is very snappy and fast, although you will notice some tracing while scrolling menus due to the lower refresh rate but the phone performs very very well and I can say that with this price point, nothing can beat this hardware and software Experience:
The IPhone SE 2 has the latest A13 Bionec Chip, an OK screen size and quality, and a very nice camera compared to other phones in this price range.
Build Quality and design:
The build quality is solid. it took me less than 3 hours to drop the phone from the table on hardwood floor flat on its screen. I thought the screen was shattered. I was wrong again.
the design is very similar to the IPhone 8 with its rounded edges and the silver frame with a glass front and back.
although when tapping on the screen with my finger nails, it feels more plastic than glass compared to my other phones.
the power button is located on the right side, and the volume rockers are located on the left side.
this phone does not have stereo jack and instead uses a lightning port (Thanks Apple!), and dual stereo speakers at the button of the phone.
this phone still has a physical button on the left side above the volume rockers to switch to silent mode if you want to. and the sim card slot is located on the right side under the power button.
the finger print touch is located in the center of the screen at the buttom.
the phone has a double chin that measures about a half inch at the top and buttom. and the screen size is 4.7 inches (usable but would love bigger one for sure).
The phone is perfectly balanced and feels good in your hand even if you have a smaller hand. it doesn't feel lightweight and cheap but it doesnt feel and look like a flagship either.
the frame of the phone is made of metal.
the camera has a slight bump, and has a single camera on the back with a sensor and a flash. the camera app has Portrait, panoramic, slowmo, time- lapse, video, photo out of the box.
you can change the quality and size of the photos and videos and you can record videos of up to 4K with 60 frames per seconds which will cost you a hefty 400MG per minute of recording.
after setting up and importing the necessities from my other phone I was left with less than 20 GB of the 64GB this phone comes with. not much considering i am just done with setup and havent actually used the phone yet. but you can always upgrade to the 128 GB version of this phone.
Battery life:
after using the phone with everything on out of the box I was able to get about 9 hours of continuous use and wast still left with 37% battery life. not bad considering that the phone has wireless charging capability and comes with a fast charging cable (but not a fast charger!).
Sound quality:
the sound quality of this phone is OK, not great but its just good. the same goes for the included wired headphones. you can use them for sure, but we all know you are going to upgrade to those nice wireless pro's.
final thoughts:
The IPhone SE 2 is a great cheap smart phone in the $400 range for any IOS or Android user.
the A13 Bionec chip is the latest and fastest IOS chip to date, its the same chip used in the flagship Iphone today.
the smaller screen with the less refresh rate and the older looking design are not deal breakers considering you are getting the same flawless experience from Apple.
I switched from Android to Apple for a few reasons:
1- there are apps I need for work that are not available for Android (these are custom made Apps that I need in my day to day work)
2- Security features: although Android has great customization capabilities, but security is still and issue. Apple is superior when it comes to protecting your privacy and security.
3- Some gimmick features that I see everyone around me love and use like Facetime, and impressions in Imessage.
finally, I would totally recommend this phone for anyone who wants to buy an affordable phone with great features and support that will last at least 3 years from Apple. this phone is also a great entry to IOS for anyone coming from Android family.
Last point: if you are an Android user and want to make the switch but afraid that your most valuable apps wont work, rest assured that everything from Google is available on the apple store even Google Authenticator. if you are missing some of Apple features with Android, you can make this leap of faith and will be happy with this purchase.