DxOMark has tested the battery performance of Apple’s iPhone SE (2022), a budget entry in today’s iPhone lineup. The evaluation places the SE at 70th in the platform’s overall battery-life ranking, indicating that smartphones with larger displays and bigger cells can surpass it in endurance tests. The published findings offer a clear snapshot of how the SE (2022) behaves under real-world usage and how its compact design shapes power management across a full day and beyond.
DxOMark identifies the iPhone SE’s battery capacity as a central factor driving its endurance. With a 2018 mAh cell—the smallest among the devices tested—the SE’s modest energy reserve emerges as a defining constraint. This limitation is amplified by the phone’s compact form, which naturally restricts how large a battery can be built in. In the final score, the device earns an overall rating of 51, a mark that highlights the tradeoff between portability and stamina in this model. The takeaway is straightforward: smaller devices often sacrifice extended battery life for a lighter, easier-to-carry experience, and the SE exemplifies that design philosophy in action.
In real-world use, experts note that the iPhone SE can comfortably stretch to a full day and a half with moderate activity. Users who mix light tasks, occasional video streaming, and standard app activity should expect the device to last through a typical day without a mid-day recharge. On charging, the SE supports wired fast charging at 20W, reaching a full refill in about 111 minutes. Wireless charging takes longer, finishing a top-up in roughly 191 minutes. These numbers illustrate how charging speed remains a differentiator among smartphones with modest battery capacities and emphasize the practical impact of choosing wired versus wireless charging in daily routines.
Looking at the battery-life structure in DxOMark’s framework, the iPhone SE (2022) scores 33 points out of 100 for endurance, while charging efficiency sits at 98 of a possible 72 within the scoring system. This combination suggests a model that trades some endurance for quicker recharging when plugged in, delivering a balanced, efficient charging experience even if continuous use yields more modest uptime. The overall result places the SE behind several contemporary models in the broader ranking, illustrating how larger batteries and more power-focused designs can deliver longer screen time even as the compact form factor remains a valued attribute for many users.
When comparing within the iPhone family, notable differences in battery endurance appear. The newer iPhone 12 mini sits higher in the rankings at 64th, followed by the iPhone 13 mini at 55th and the iPhone 13 at 34th. Apple’s lineup also includes standout performers that demonstrate long-lasting power in practice. The iPhone 13 Pro Max, positioned near the top, earned the third spot and is recognized for delivering extensive uptime. In that model, users can expect substantial longevity, with the ability to operate for long stretches on a single charge and a fairly rapid recharge path, reflecting a balance between battery size and device efficiency that appeals to power users who demand maximum uptime from a premium device.
On the market side, regional reports note pricing dynamics for the iPhone SE (2022) in different markets, including a mention that the model began selling in Russia at roughly 33,000 rubles. These price references underscore how market conditions and currency environments can influence consumer perception of value for a compact iPhone, even as performance metrics like battery life remain a universal point of comparison. Overall, the SE (2022) is characterized by a practical blend of portability, performance, and battery management that makes it a compelling option for users who prefer a smaller device and a familiar iOS experience, while acknowledging that it does not lead the pack in endurance when stacked against larger or more power-focused models from the same generation. It remains an attractive choice for those who prize ease of use and a compact footprint, even as it competes with models that push longer uptime and heavier battery capacity.”