The iPhone SE (2022) might be Apple’s budget-friendly option, but it’s starting to feel dated. With its older processor, LCD display, and single camera, it might not be the best choice for those seeking a truly modern smartphone experience. If you’re looking for a better alternative, there are several excellent choices available that offer more features, better performance, and a lot more bang for your buck.
Here are five compelling alternatives to the iPhone SE (2022) that you should consider:
iPhone 13 or iPhone 14
If you’re drawn to the iPhone SE’s affordability but want a more modern experience, the iPhone 13 or iPhone 14 are great options. They offer OLED displays for richer colors and deeper blacks, faster A15 Bionic processors, and dual camera systems with Portrait, night, and Cinematic modes. While the iPhone 13 is a bit cheaper, the iPhone 14 adds valuable safety features like Emergency SOS via satellite, Crash Detection, and Roadside Assistance via satellite, making it a more secure and life-saving option.
iPhone 15
For those willing to spend a bit more, the iPhone 15 is a significant upgrade over the iPhone SE. It boasts an OLED display with the innovative Dynamic Island, which replaces the notch and offers a more immersive and functional user interface. The A16 Bionic processor delivers blazing-fast performance, and the camera system gets a major boost with a 48MP main camera for higher-quality photos. The iPhone 15 also benefits from the MagSafe ecosystem, offering a wide range of useful accessories.
Google Pixel 8a
Android users who value affordability and excellent camera quality should consider the Google Pixel 8a. It has a similar design to its flagship siblings, a beautiful OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, and the powerful Tensor G3 processor. The Pixel 8a excels in photography thanks to its 64MP main camera, 13MP ultrawide lens, and Google’s AI photo tools like Magic Eraser and Magic Editor. With its starting price of $499, it offers a fantastic value proposition.
OnePlus 12R
The OnePlus 12R is another excellent Android option that packs flagship-level specs at a budget-friendly price. It boasts a massive 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, and a 5,500mAh battery that delivers impressive two-day battery life. The OnePlus 12R also features 80W wired charging, allowing you to quickly recharge the phone in just 30 minutes.
Samsung Galaxy A35
If you’re looking for a stylish and well-rounded Android phone at an affordable price, the Samsung Galaxy A35 is a solid choice. It has a design reminiscent of Samsung’s flagship S-series devices, a bright Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, and a long-lasting 5,000mAh battery. While the processor isn’t the most powerful, it’s sufficient for everyday tasks and delivers smooth performance. The Galaxy A35 also boasts a 50MP main camera and a 13MP selfie camera, capturing decent photos with vibrant colors.
All of these alternatives offer significant advantages over the iPhone SE (2022), delivering more modern features, better performance, and a more enjoyable user experience. Whether you prefer the familiarity of iOS or the flexibility of Android, there’s a great option for you at a price point that’s hard to beat.
