iPhone SE (2022) vs Nokia X30

iPhone SE (2022)
iPhone SE (2022)
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$216.00

Versus A$719.00 new

See options
Nokia X30
Nokia X30
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$299.00

Versus A$965.00 new

See options

The iPhone SE 2022 and the Nokia X30 are both smartphones released in 2022, offering distinct approaches to mobile technology. The iPhone SE 2022, launched in March, continues Apple's compact design philosophy with a focus on powerful internal components and the iOS ecosystem. The Nokia X30, introduced in September, emphasizes a larger display, a versatile camera system, and a commitment to sustainability within the Android platform. These devices cater to different user preferences, particularly concerning operating system choice and physical form factor.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, software support, and physical durability.

  • Release Timeline and OS Support: The iPhone SE 2022 was released in March 2022 and typically receives iOS updates for an extended period, often 5-7 years from its launch, ensuring access to new features and security patches for a considerable duration. The Nokia X30, launched in September 2022, comes with a commitment to three years of Android OS upgrades, meaning it is expected to receive updates up to Android 15.
  • Software Longevity: The iPhone SE 2022's integration within Apple's ecosystem generally provides a longer software support window, which can be a significant advantage for users who keep their devices for many years. The Nokia X30's three-year upgrade promise is competitive within the Android segment, offering a solid period of up-to-date software.
  • Durability Features: Both devices offer a degree of protection against environmental elements. The iPhone SE 2022 features Ceramic Shield on the front and an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance, allowing it to withstand submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. The Nokia X30 also boasts an IP67 rating and is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus on its display, providing robust scratch and drop resistance.

Release year

2022

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

No

Operating system

iOS

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from app usage to multitasking and gaming. Both the iPhone SE 2022 and the Nokia X30 offer capable performance, though they approach it with different hardware architectures.

  • Processing Power: The iPhone SE 2022 is equipped with a powerful current-generation processor, which enables smooth operation across demanding applications and ensures responsiveness for years to come. The Nokia X30 utilizes a mid-range processor designed to handle everyday tasks efficiently, providing a generally smooth user experience with occasional minor lags during very intensive operations.
  • Storage and Multitasking: The iPhone SE 2022 is available with 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB of internal storage and includes 4GB of RAM, which supports efficient multitasking within the iOS environment. The Nokia X30 offers configurations with 128GB storage and 6GB RAM or 256GB storage and 8GB RAM, providing ample space and memory for numerous applications and background processes. Neither device supports expandable storage via a microSD card.
  • Battery Behavior: The iPhone SE 2022 typically offers sufficient battery life for a full day of moderate use, with test results indicating around 7-9 hours of screen-on time. It supports fast charging and wireless charging. The Nokia X30 features a larger battery capacity, with claims of up to two days of battery life under typical usage, and supports 33W fast charging.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for any smartphone, and both devices offer different visual experiences tailored to their respective designs.

  • Display Technology and Size: The iPhone SE 2022 features a 4.7-inch Retina HD IPS LCD display, known for its accurate color reproduction and wide viewing angles. The Nokia X30 sports a larger 6.43-inch AMOLED display, which typically offers deeper blacks, higher contrast, and more vibrant colors compared to LCD panels.
  • Resolution and Clarity: The iPhone SE 2022 has a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 326 PPI, which provides clear text and images for its screen size. The Nokia X30 offers a Full HD+ resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels, yielding a higher pixel density of 409 PPI, which translates to sharper details on its larger screen.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The iPhone SE 2022 reaches a typical brightness of 625 nits, providing good visibility in various lighting conditions, and has a standard 60Hz refresh rate. The Nokia X30 can achieve a peak brightness of 700 nits, enhancing outdoor readability, and features an adaptive 90Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and animations.

Resolution

750 x 1334

1080 x 2400

Screen type

Retina IPS LCD

AMOLED

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a significant consideration for many users, and these two phones offer different photographic strengths.

  • Rear Camera System: The iPhone SE 2022 is equipped with a single 12MP wide-angle rear camera with an f/1.8 aperture and optical image stabilization (OIS), capable of recording 4K video at up to 60 frames per second. It benefits from advanced computational photography features like Smart HDR 4, Deep Fusion, and Photographic Styles. The Nokia X30 features a dual-camera setup on the rear, including a 50MP main sensor with OIS and pixel-binning technology for improved light capture, alongside a 13MP ultrawide lens with a 123-degree field of view.
  • Photography Performance: The iPhone SE 2022 excels in everyday photography with good detail and color accuracy, though it lacks a dedicated Night Mode. The Nokia X30's main camera performs well in good lighting, producing natural colors, and includes features like Night Mode 2.0 and Dark Vision for enhanced low-light performance.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: The iPhone SE 2022 offers high-quality 4K video recording and a 7MP front camera that records 1080p video. The Nokia X30 records video at a maximum of 1080p at 60 frames per second and features a 16MP front-facing camera that also records 1080p video.

Main camera

12 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

7 megapixels

16 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core specifications, several other features contribute to the overall user experience and practical utility of a smartphone.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity, enabling faster mobile data speeds. The iPhone SE 2022 includes Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, utilizing Apple's proprietary Lightning port for charging and data transfer. The Nokia X30 offers Wi-Fi 6 (ax-ready) and Bluetooth 5.1, featuring a USB-C 2.0 port which also supports USB On-The-Go (OTG) functionality. Neither phone includes a 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Biometric Security: The iPhone SE 2022 retains the physical home button with Touch ID for fingerprint authentication, a familiar and reliable method for many users. The Nokia X30 incorporates an in-display optical fingerprint sensor for biometric security.
  • Design and Materials: The iPhone SE 2022 maintains a compact form factor, weighing 144g and featuring a glass front and back with an aluminum frame. The Nokia X30 is slightly larger and heavier at 185g, with a design that incorporates recycled plastic for its back cover and an aluminum frame, aligning with an eco-friendly approach.

Weight

144 oz

185 oz

Screen size (in)

4.7

6.43

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Dual Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The iPhone SE 2022 and Nokia X30 offer distinct propositions in the smartphone market, each with its own set of strengths and user appeal. Users often praise the iPhone SE 2022 for its powerful processor, which delivers flagship-level performance in a compact form factor, making it highly responsive for all tasks. Its long-term software support and the familiarity of iOS are also frequently highlighted as significant advantages. However, common criticisms include its dated design with large bezels, the smaller display size, and battery life that, while improved, may not satisfy heavy users.

The Nokia X30 is often commended for its vibrant AMOLED display with a smoother 90Hz refresh rate, a versatile camera system with a dedicated ultrawide lens, and its commitment to sustainability through recycled materials and extended software updates. Users appreciate its clean Android experience and robust build quality. Conversely, some users note that its processor, while capable, may not match the raw power of higher-end devices, and the absence of 4K video recording is a frequent point of concern.

Users prioritizing a compact device with top-tier processing power and long-term iOS support may find the iPhone SE 2022 well-suited to their needs. It is an excellent choice for those who prefer the Touch ID experience and are deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem. Conversely, users who value a larger, more modern display, a multi-lens camera system, and a commitment to eco-friendly manufacturing within the Android ecosystem may lean toward the Nokia X30. This device is particularly appealing for those seeking a quality-assured refurbished option that aligns with sustainable choices. Both phones provide reliable performance for everyday use, with the ultimate decision resting on individual preferences for operating system, design, and specific feature priorities.

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