iPhone SE 2020 deals

The iPhone SE 2020 in a nutshell

• Release date: 24 April 2020
• Price at launch: starting from £419
• 4.7-inch LCD display with 750 x 1334-pixel resolution
• 12MP main lens
• A13 Bionic chip
• Touch ID button
• Operating system: supports iOS 17

MoneySuperMarket’s expert rating: 2.5/5

The iPhone SE 2020 was Apple’s budget-friendly alternative at the time, and it can now be found for even cheaper.

Although it’s showing its age – no 5G connectivity, for example – it can still support Apple’s latest iOS 17. It’s also set to receive software support for five to six years after launch, meaning there’s still a bit of longevity left. If you’re looking for a low-cost, small-sized handset that’s easy to cart around, the iPhone SE 2020 could be the one.

However, the newer iPhone SE 2022 has a better spec sheet and will offer longer support for software, as well as 5G.

How can I get a cheap iPhone SE 2020?

Apple no longer sells the iPhone SE 2020, but you can get it refurbished from a number of mobile networks – and for cheaper than at launch.

Use our comparison table at the top of the page to shop around for iPhone SE 2020 pay-monthly contracts.

The iPhone SE 2020’s design

The iPhone SE 2020’s design mimics that of 2017’s iPhone 8. While its glass finish feels great in the hand, it does look a little dated against the stunning iPhone 15. The bezels and large areas at either end of the phone mean the iPhone SE 2020 has old school finish which isn’t up to scratch against rival handsets.

It makes use of Touch ID security and home button and doesn’t feature Face ID, which has been a mainstay of more expensive iPhones since the iPhone X. This works well and is fine for users who are not fussed about using the latest tech.

The iPhone SE 2020’s display

The iPhone SE 2020 features a 4.7-inch display with a 750 x 1334-pixel resolution and a 625 nits brightness rating. In a world where 6-inch screens are now seen as being on the small side, its display doesn’t quite measure up.

Watching video and gaming is fine for brief periods, but those who have seen or tried more capacious, brighter screens will find it lacking.

How good is the iPhone SE 2020’s camera?

The iPhone SE 2020 comes with a single 12MP main camera, with optical image stablisation and 4K video shooting smarts. Results are bright and detailed, although in a world where dual, triple and even quad lens tech is now available as standard across most mid-range and flagship smartphones, it may feel rather limited.

Images are best taken in decent light and render well on social media, so if you just want to take quick snapshots while out and about, the iPhone SE 2020 gets the job done.

More iPhone handsets

• iPhone 15
• iPhone 14
• iPhone 13
• iPhone 12

Is the iPhone SE 2020 worth buying in 2025?

The iPhone SE 2020 is worth buying if you want a cheap, pint-sized iPhone. However, the newer iPhone SE 2022 is better.

Is now a good time to buy the iPhone SE 2020?

If you want a cheap iPhone, then now is a great time to get an iPhone SE 2020 (though it may have to be a refurbished model). Prices are at their lowest and the phone supports the latest iOS software from Apple.

Should I upgrade or wait for the latest model?

If you’re after a small handset, it’s worth upgrading to the iPhone SE 2022 rather than the iPhone SE 2020. The cost is marginally higher but its better processor and 5G support, plus longer support for iOS, makes it a better long-term proposition.

iPhone SE 2020 specs