When Apple replaces the currentiPhone SE ( 2022)with a new version , it seems increasingly probable it ’ll mark the end of an era , because the SE as we love it is the only current iPhone still useable with a 12 - megapixel camera on the back . Once a mainstay of all iPhones , the 12MP camera is about to be completely superseded by the 48MP camera . You may be surprised to pick up I ’m going to miss it , so let me explain why .
The end is near
Several months after the iPhone SE ( 2022 ) come out , Apple released the iPhone 14 series and it put a 12MP camera on the non - Pro models , just as it had done since theiPhone 6S. While you may still grease one’s palms theiPhone 14new today , it was the last brand name new equipment to establish with a 12MP camera , and when theiPhone 15came along all the models receive a 48MP main television camera . Unlike the iPhone 14 , the iPhone SE ( 2022 ) has hold up on as a current phone since then , and is only now about to be replaced .
It ’s expected the newiPhone SE 4model will arriveon February 19 , and while it will probably hold a unmarried camera on the back , it ’s expected to be a 48MP television camera , just like theiPhone 16range . It makes sense for Apple to convey all its smartphones into line as it almost certainly streamline production . We ’d also expect the iPhone 14 mannikin to be move out from the range at the terminal of 2025 too , completely ending Apple ’s motivation to source 12MP television camera module .
More megapixels is always good , right ? Most mass look at the turn on a phone spec sheet and suppose bigger imply advantageously , so from a sales and advertising standpoint , increasing the megapixels for the new phone is in force business . But there ’s a resplendent easiness to the iPhone SE and every other iPhone ’s 12MP camera that really appeal . Apple has had year to fine tune its functioning , and although the tiny module on the back of the current SE may be light on feature article , it veil a amazingly fun and characterful photographic experience .
What’s so special?
Lets get one affair clear from the start , the iPhone SE ( 2022 ) ’s camera is n’t touch theXiaomi 14 Ultraor theGoogle Pixel 9 Pro Fold . It gets quite a lot wrong , whether it ’s substandard boundary realization in Portrait mode or less than complete exposure ; but outright , detail - fill , pin sharp accuracy and realism is n’t what makes it special .
It ’s hard to describe what does . There ’s a certain smell to the pic . A Libra that ’s aesthetically pleasing , with a character of its own that ’s not pontifical or over - the - top , which really appeals to everyone no matter whether they ’re a photographic camera aficionado , or someone who promptly posts to Instagram and right away forgets all about it .
I think the exposure of the quat and the cup of coffee bean in my hand are two great example of why many multitude will remember the cameras fondly , and gravitate to them today . The imperfectness , like the focal gunpoint on the true cat being its nose and not its eye , lend to the charm . There ’s stack of profoundness and detail in both image , and they have a rude tactile property , color , and warmth that I determine appeal . I do n’t believe I ’d like the photos more if they were taken on another phone , and wonder if I ’d actually like themless .
Andy Boxall / Digital Trends
The other thing to mention is the iPhone SE ( 2022 ) ’s size . It slips into my pocket and I do n’t detect it ’s there , and it ’s so easy to use with one hand too . It ’s a very different physical experience to taking photo with theiPhone 16 Pro MaxorSamsung Galaxy S24 Ultra . I recently usedan old digital cameraand adored its compact sizing , but alas did n’t like the photos it took . The iPhone SE is the ideal portmanteau word of ability and portability , and because the photographic camera takeshappyphotos , it begs to be used .
Why I’ll miss it
The iPhone SE ( 2022 ) ’s cameraheld its own against its peerstoo . When I put it against the iPhone 14 Plus , the iPhone SE ( 2022 ) direct such attractive photo it managed to beat the far more expensive telephone in the primary television camera category . It fell down when shoot in lowlight — more of a processing trouble than a television camera one — and lacked the versatility of the bigger phone due to the lack of wide - angle photographic camera , but none of it matter as much when the primary camera does such a secure job .
When Apple put the 48MP television camera on the back of the iPhone 15 , wedirectly compared it with the iPhone 14to see just how much “ better ” it was , and base that while the new camera took superior photos , the difference of opinion between them were slight . Looking back at the test now , the 12MP camera ’s suitable spirit is very obvious , and it ’s light to see why hoi polloi are still drawn to it . It ’s also the shape of matter to amount when we finally put the 2022 SE against the 2024 SE , with its flashy Modern 48MP camera .
It ’s not just me here either . Other people are lusting after the 12MP tv camera too . A current drift in South Korea , driven by celebs mailing on societal medium , has come across mass race out to get aging iPhones and digital cameras specifically to take exposure , as they prefer the look over current iPhone camera . While not all may earn it , they ’re actually looking for the 12MP photographic camera . Nostalgia - fuel trends like this are n’t an accident . They come from Applegetting the camera rightfield .
Andy Boxall / Digital Trends
Personality goes a long way
I do n’t cerebrate Apple has got the 48MP camera wrong though , but there ’s no denying it has n’t quite found its own personality , no matter how much Apple has endeavor to throw in it with some through featureslike Photographic Styles . I ’m also not about to say I ’ll only ever apply a 12MP camera going forward , as I still want a telephotograph and a wide - angle camera , plus a whole lot more detail and dynamic range to play around with when cut .
The affair is , I ’d love to have all these thingsanda independent television camera with the same delicious , distinctly unique character as Apple ’s trusty old 12MP photographic camera . I ’m genuinely go to miss it being a staple characteristic on Apple ’s cheapest phone .
Andy Boxall / Digital Trends
Andy Boxall / Digital Trends
Andy Boxall/Digital Trends
Andy Boxall/Digital Trends
Andy Boxall/Digital Trends
Andy Boxall/Digital Trends
