If I recall correctly the iPhone 8 actually lost battery capacity because they needed space for the wireless charging system. So if they wanted to use the same case design (to save money on re-tooling/re-use existing assembly lines) and keep wireless charging it might not be avoidable. We'll likely know more if IFixIt or similar do a tear-down.
I do agree though that even with potential battery savings from the newer CPU architecture, it could be a problem in the latter half of the SE 2's life.
I do agree though that even with potential battery savings from the newer CPU architecture, it could be a problem in the latter half of the SE 2's life.