A top-tier processor and solid camera performance make the iPhone SE undeniably good value, especially when you factor in luxuries like wireless charging and waterproofing. Bad battery life, dated design, and a low resolution display hold the SE back though, so in most cases you can still get a lot more for less by resisting the Apple allure and opting for Android.

Our editors were initially quite skeptical heading into this Apple iPhone SE review. Sure, there are people who want a low-cost iPhone with many of the latest features in a smaller package.

Great performance, Excellent battery life, Lowest price per GB for a new iPhone

Unimpressive display, Looks identical to the iPhone 5S, Voice call quality spotty at best, No 32GB option: Starts at 16GB and jumps to 64GB

There is no conspiracy behind the iPhone SE - it's what the fans wished for, and what the critics love to hate. It's always been this way with Apple - polarized opinions versus massive sales.

The iPhone SE is an accomplishment – a sub £500 iPhone with a superior brain. It’s incredibly compelling if you’ve been stuck with an iPhone 8 or anything earlier and don’t wish to pay an arm and a leg. We can forgive the camera downfalls, yet we can’t ignore rival smartphone manufacturers like Oppo and Realme offering silly camera specs at similar prices. The lack of FaceID is no problem either. The mediocre screen is a surmountable. None of this gets in the way of function. The one issue is the battery – it just doesn’t provide enough juice and it certainly won’t get better over time. It’s workable if you’re always in the office or at home (so all of you, for now) and are never without a charger. But what about those weekends away? And those times when you forget your portable charger? This Apple is missing one big juicy bite.

App store; Smooth operating;

Battery life isn’t great;

If you’ve traditionally been an iPhone person but haven’t got the money for Apple’s more pricey handsets or don’t want to deal with the potential hassle of changing to Android, the iPhone SE is going to be the obvious choice.

The new iPhone SE is an indulgent return to what was but a sobering reminder that even what’s old is new again has limits.

Slick software; Surprisingly good camera; Water resistance and wireless charging;

Small screen; Poor battery life; No headphone jack;

App store; Smooth operating;

Battery life isn’t great;

I really wanted to love the iPhone SE. From the moment it was announced I just knew it made sense. A compact iPhone with the best design the range has ever had, plus the very best performance and camera, should have made one hell of a handset.

Great design, Well priced, Excellent camera

Screen feels old, Slightly too small, 16GB minimum storage is disappointing

The iPhone SE is one of the best of the very few small phones still available. It would be a significant downgrade from an iPhone 6, isn’t a quantum leap over the iPhone 5S and should only really be considered if size is the overriding factor.

one-day battery, good rear camera, decent screen, easy to hold, easy to fit in a pocket, fits in existing iPhone 5 accessories

very small screen, edges are hard on hands, looks like an iPhone 5 or 5S, selfie camera isn’t great, no expandable storage or removable battery

Apple’s return to small 4in devices with the iPhone SE was a surprise, but a logical development too. Crucially, personal devices are all about choice and the iPhone SE is essentially the engine of the iPhone 6s in a smaller package.

Yes, if you are looking for a phone that fits in your hands and it handy at all times. The phone is in no way underwhelming, despite its smaller size and that is the best bit about the SE.

The best feature of this phone has to be its size. There are lot of people who struggle with large phones, and find no viable alternative given that smaller phones are now becoming really rare.