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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →This review covers the iPhone SE (3rd generation), announced in March 2022—not the earlier SE models. It pairs Apple’s A15 Bionic chip and 5G with a compact 4.7-inch LCD, a physical Home button, and Touch ID. That combination suits people who want a smaller iPhone with a familiar interface, but the display and single rear camera are clear compromises. Whether it is good value today depends on its current price, condition, and remaining software support; Apple’s original $429 US starting price is historical, not a current price guide.
What the iPhone SE (3rd generation) includes
Apple announced the third-generation iPhone SE on March 8, 2022. Its defining mix is an A15 Bionic chip and 5G connectivity in a design with a 4.7-inch LCD and a Home button with Touch ID. Apple’s launch announcement said the A15 was also used in the iPhone 13 lineup.
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| Feature | iPhone SE (3rd generation) |
|---|---|
| Display | 4.7-inch LCD, 1334 × 750 pixels, 326 ppi |
| Processor and connectivity | A15 Bionic; 5G |
| Biometrics | Touch ID in the Home button |
| Rear camera | Single 12MP wide camera, ƒ/1.8 aperture |
| Storage options | 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB |
| Dimensions and weight | 138.4 × 67.3 × 7.3 mm; 144 g |
| Water-resistance rating | IP67 under IEC 60529; tested at up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes |
| Wireless charging | Qi-certified |
These specifications are listed by Apple Support. The phone supports fast charging as well; Apple’s specification notes that its fast-charge testing used a USB-C power adapter. The launch page said Qi chargers were sold separately, so check what comes with a particular used or retail listing and confirm adapter compatibility before buying accessories.
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The small 4.7-inch screen and physical Home button distinguish this SE from larger iPhones. Touch ID may be a plus if you prefer a fingerprint sensor and a button-based interface. In exchange, the screen gives you less space for reading, video, games, and typing than a larger phone. It is an LCD, not an OLED panel.
#1 Best Overall
- 4.7-inch Retina HD display. 5G capable
- Advanced single-camera system with 12MP Wide camera; Smart HDR 4, Photographic Styles, Portrait mode, and 4K video up to 60 fps
- 7MP FaceTime HD camera with Smart HDR 4, Photographic Styles, Portrait mode, and 1080p video recording. Home button with Touch ID for secure authentication
- A15 Bionic chip for lightning-fast performance. Durable design and IP67 water resistance
- Up to 15 hours of video playback
At 144 g and 138.4 × 67.3 × 7.3 mm, the listed dimensions make it a relatively compact handset by current large-phone standards, but whether it feels comfortable is personal. The display resolution is 1334 × 750 at 326 pixels per inch; those figures describe pixel density, not brightness, color accuracy, or outdoor visibility.
What can its camera do?
The rear camera is one 12MP wide camera with an ƒ/1.8 aperture. Apple lists Smart HDR 4, Photographic Styles, Deep Fusion, and Portrait mode among its camera features. Those software features add processing options, but they do not change the basic hardware fact that there is only one rear camera.
Rank #2
- 4.7-inch Retina HD display. 5G capable
- Advanced single-camera system with 12MP Wide camera; Smart HDR 4, Photographic Styles, Portrait mode, and 4K video up to 60 fps
- 7MP FaceTime HD camera with Smart HDR 4, Photographic Styles, Portrait mode, and 1080p video recording. Home button with Touch ID for secure authentication
- Up to 15 hours of video playback
Apple’s launch announcement presented the A15 as enabling advanced camera features, but the cited specifications do not establish how its photos compare with newer iPhones or competing phones. A buyer who relies on multiple focal lengths or wants a current, measured image-quality comparison should consult recent independent testing before choosing.
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The A15 Bionic is a substantial part of the SE’s appeal: Apple used the same chip in the iPhone 13 lineup. Apple claimed the SE was up to 1.8 times faster than iPhone 8 and said its Neural Engine could perform 15.8 trillion operations per second. Those are Apple’s 2022 manufacturer claims, not independent benchmarks or a comparison with phones available now. They do not establish present-day performance in a specific app, game, or workload.
Rank #3
- 4.7-inch Retina HD display. 5G capable
- Advanced single-camera system with 12MP Wide camera; Smart HDR 4, Photographic Styles, Portrait mode, and 4K video up to 60 fps
- 7MP FaceTime HD camera with Smart HDR 4, Photographic Styles, Portrait mode, and 1080p video recording. Home button with Touch ID for secure authentication
- Up to 15 hours of video playback
For a decision against a newer phone, compare independent results from the same benchmark or workload rather than treating the launch comparison as a current ranking.
How long does the battery last?
The available Apple specifications and launch announcement do not provide an independently comparable runtime figure, so there is no substantiated number of hours or ranking to give here. Apple said the A15 brought better battery life, but that is a relative launch claim, not a measured result that can predict a particular owner’s daily use.
Rank #4
- 4.7-inch Retina HD display. 5G capable
- Advanced single-camera system with 12MP Wide camera; Smart HDR 4, Photographic Styles, Portrait mode, and 4K video up to 60 fps
- 7MP FaceTime HD camera with Smart HDR 4, Photographic Styles, Portrait mode, and 1080p video recording. Home button with Touch ID for secure authentication
- Up to 15 hours of video playback
For a used SE, battery condition matters in addition to the model’s original capabilities. Ask for the battery-health reading and consider that an aging battery may deliver less runtime than a new one. A reliable comparison should test the SE and alternatives under the same conditions.
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Is the iPhone SE water-resistant?
Apple rates the third-generation SE IP67 under IEC 60529, with testing at up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes. Apple also warns that water resistance is not permanent and may decline through normal wear; liquid damage is not covered by warranty. Treat the rating as protection against limited exposure, not permission to use a used phone underwater or assume it remains sealed.
Best Value
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
- Successfully passed a full diagnostic test which ensures like-new functionality and removal of any prior-user personal information.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Inspected and guaranteed to have minimal cosmetic damage, which is not noticeable when the device is held at arm's length.
Is the iPhone SE worth buying now?
There is no reliable value verdict without a current price and condition. Apple’s $429 US starting price was the launch price in March 2022; it should not be used as today’s street-price benchmark. The cited sources also do not establish current availability, carrier compatibility, or how long software support will continue.
The SE is most compelling if you specifically want a compact iPhone, a Home button with Touch ID, and 5G, and can find one at a price that reflects its age and condition. It is less compelling if a larger display or more camera hardware is central to your needs. Before buying used or refurbished, compare like-for-like storage and condition against other phones and check:
- Current asking price, storage capacity, and whether the phone is new, refurbished, or used.
- Battery health, return terms, seller details, and any warranty offered.
- Carrier lock status and compatibility with your carrier.
- Software-support status from current, authoritative information.
- Whether the 4.7-inch LCD and single rear camera fit how you use a phone.
Apple’s cited specification page documents the SE’s hardware, but does not provide the current market and comparison data needed to declare it a better buy than a newer iPhone. For a fair comparison, use phones in similar condition and storage, then weigh price, display, biometrics, camera performance, battery testing, workload performance, and remaining software support.
Quick Recap
Sources
- Apple Newsroom: iPhone SE announcement, March 8, 2022
- Apple Support: iPhone SE (3rd generation) technical specifications
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
