iPhone SE 3rd Generation
This is a big deal in an age of virtually nothing but monster-screened, four-figure handsets in the smartphone market, and a welcome return to basics that doesn’t cut corners on performance. Released by Apple in 2022, this diminutive gadget features a familiar design with powerful new hardware, properties that would position it among the most value-packed options within the Apple world. For those who want an inexpensive entrée into iOS without sacrificing speed, security, and software support, it makes a strong case.
The phone’s body is the same as the iPhone 8, complete with the home button, which houses Touch ID — a nostalgic but handy touch for those who miss fingerprint scanning in a world where Face ID is the future. Although it looks retro, the iPhone SE 3rd Generation is running Apple’s A15 Bionic chip — the same processor found in the iPhone 13 series. That gives it a noticeable speed bump, app performance improvements, and future-proofing that you won’t find in other budget phones. Whether it’s multitasking, photo editing, or gaming, this phone manages it all without effort.
One other significant improvement to the iPhone SE 3rd Generation that’s worth mentioning is the 5G capability. Though it doesn’t include support for the fastest mmWave 5G bands, it does cover the more commonly used sub-6GHz spectrum. That means faster downloads for getting the latest season of that show you love, fewer dropped video chats, and better quality when you’re in a crowded city that has 5G coverage. It’s a feature that’s damn impressive to have in a phone with this price point and adds to its longevity.
You’d be forgiven for thinking the camera looks a little basic on the back too, with just a single 12MP lens, but the A15 Bionic chip ensures some computational photography bells and whistles like Smart HDR 4, Deep Fusion, and Photographic Styles are in play here. These are software improvements that might improve image quality, especially in low-light conditions. It won’t beat out the iPhone 14 Pro in camera flexibility, but the iPhone SE 3rd Generation takes clean and punchy enough photos that are more than good enough for everyday shots and social media posts.
Battery life is yet another category where the iPhone SE 3rd Generation impresses, just not noisily. Apple rates 15 hours of video playback, and you easily can achieve that in real-world use. The A15 chip is efficient enough that you can get through a long workday on one charge for mid-rangers. And yes, the device has wireless charging and fast charging capabilities—Asian versions charge up to 50% in half an hour when you have the right adapter.
Where software longevity is concerned, Apple’s history is telling. The iPhone SE 3rd Generation comes with iOS 15 and is 100% compatible with all current iOS releases. Apple typically supports software for five or six years, so this phone will get updates well into the late 2020s. Which is a level of company support that is unique in this price categorization on Android.
64GB, 128 GB, and 256GB are the iPhone SE 3rd Generation’s storage options. It might feel tight for power users or users who store plenty of media files, but it’s a viable option for light users or users who very much depend on cloud storage. If you’re willing to spend just a bit more to feel even more unburdened, the 128GB model may be a sweet spot of price and utility.
The design is classic Apple — slim, minimalist, and comfortable to hold. The 4.7-inch Retina HD display is sharp and colorful, though it doesn’t offer the OLED vibrancy found in the higher-end models. Still, for those new to iPhones or migrating from an older iPhone or Android device, the screen feels more than fine for everyday use, from reading to browsing to light media consumption. The aluminum-and-glass body gives it a luxury feel, and thanks to water and dust resistance (IP67), it’s tough too.
There is one place to temper your expectations, however, and it’s around some high-end features. The iPhone SE 3rd Generation omits Face ID, MagSafe, and Night Mode for the camera. These are mostly excusable omissions, given its price and target market. Apple also made sacrifices: the company married the desirable new camera with the less powerful processor from the iPhone 11 and removed the phone’s depth sensor. “\”>Image Apple made compromises to keep the price down while maintaining essential user experiences — speed, camera quality, and long-term updates.
When it comes to practical application, the iPhone SE 3rd Generation appeals to those amongst us (me!) who appreciate reliability, speed, and a small footprint. It’s especially good for seniors, kids, or anyone in search of a second phone. Those business users who fancy some locked-down access to email, banking, and essential apps but don’t want to throw their wallet at an iPhone Pro will find this model is fully loaded. It is a good option for Android switchers looking to get a taste of iOS before diving headfirst.
Environmentally speaking, Apple doesn’t pack in as many accessories, which is more in line with its ethos. No charger; just a USB-C to lightning cable. While this may be inconvenient for first-time purchasers, it does cut down on e-waste, and most consumers probably already own compatible chargers. The minimal packaging is part of Apple’s larger push to minimize its carbon footprint and electronic waste.
In the end, that’s all the iPhone SE 3rd Generation really does. It might not have all of the bells and whistles of more expensive models, but its pricing is simply irresistible. This little iPhone is far better than it has any right to be, delivering top performance, regular updates, and a good-enough camera in an easy-to-use package. For those who value function over flash and just want something that works, this is a sound investment.
Final Thoughts on the iPhone SE 3rd Generation
Designed for the student, professional, or hardcore power user, this is a smart, reliable choice for anyone that is ready to make the leap up from an older device. It blends affordability with performance in a way that few handsets at this price can. It turns out that small upstart company called Apple has another surprise for us. It’s fast, has a long future of software updates, looks like a phone, and lasts longer than a day, which together make it a rare beast: a compact phone that over-the-hill technophobes can also get about. You won’t see it dominating any headlines, but it’s quietly one of the most balanced and user-friendly machines in all of Apple’s lineup.
FAQs
Is it worth it in 2025?
Yes’s, the iPhone 13 remains one of the best values in 2025 for its A15 chip, continued iOS support, and solid 5G connectivity. It’s great for those who want a speedy iPhone without spending too much.
Does it have wireless charging?
Absolutely. It also features wireless charging and fast charging, using a compatible 20W adapter, which makes it a little more versatile for daily applications.
