iPhone SE (3rd Generation) - 2022, The iPhone SE (3rd Generation), released in March 2022, is Apple’s answer to those seeking a blend of modern performance and classic design at an affordable price. This blog post dives into why this device remains a compelling choice in 2025, focusing on its performance, design, and value proposition. Written in a conversational tone, this article is tailored for tech enthusiasts who want a reliable, no-frills iPhone experience without breaking the bank.
A Familiar Design with Modern Guts
What sets the SE apart is what’s under the hood: the A15 Bionic chip, the same powerhouse found in the iPhone 13 series. This chip delivers lightning-fast performance, whether you’re gaming, multitasking, or using resource-intensive apps like Genshin Impact or Apple Arcade’s Fantasian. The seamless iOS experience, with zero lag and smooth transitions, makes this device a sleeper hit for performance enthusiasts on a budget.
Camera: Small Lens, Big Results
The iPhone SE (3rd Gen) sports a single 12-megapixel rear camera with an f/1.8 aperture and a 7-megapixel front camera. While it lacks the ultrawide or telephoto lenses of pricier models, the A15 Bionic chip works magic with computational photography. Features like Smart HDR 4, Deep Fusion, and Photographic Styles enhance image quality, delivering vibrant colors and impressive detail, even in challenging lighting. Portrait mode, available on both cameras, adds depth to your shots, though it’s limited to human subjects due to software-based depth mapping.
Low-light photography is a weak point, as the SE lacks Night Mode, a feature common in many midrange phones like the Google Pixel 5A. Still, for everyday snaps—think social media posts or casual photography—the SE holds its own, often rivaling the iPhone 13 in good lighting conditions. Video recording is another strong suit, with 4K at up to 60 fps, optical image stabilization, and cinematic video stabilization for smooth, professional-looking clips.
5G and Battery Life: Future-Proofed and Reliable
The addition of 5G connectivity is a game-changer for the iPhone SE, making it a future-proof option for faster data speeds. While the speed boost might not be life-changing in areas with spotty 5G coverage, it ensures the phone stays relevant as networks expand. The SE supports sub-6 GHz 5G but skips mmWave, which is less common anyway.
Battery life is a pleasant surprise, offering up to 15 hours of video playback. For light users focused on calls, texting, or social media, the SE easily lasts a full day. It supports 20W fast charging and Qi wireless charging, though there’s no MagSafe, which limits accessory options. If you’re not glued to your phone for video streaming or gaming, the battery holds up well for a compact device.
Who’s It For?
The iPhone SE (3rd Gen) is aimed at a specific crowd: those who want Apple’s ecosystem—reliable software updates, seamless integration with devices like AirPods or Apple Watch, and top-tier performance—without the flagship price tag. Starting at $429 in 2022 (and now as low as $150+ for certified refurbished models in 2025), it’s a steal for budget-conscious tech enthusiasts, first-time iPhone buyers, or those upgrading from older models like the iPhone 6 or 7. It’s also ideal for folks who prefer smaller phones and the tactile feel of a Home button over gesture navigation.
However, if you’re a media junkie who loves binge-watching on a big screen or needs advanced camera features like Night Mode or ultrawide lenses, you might find the SE limiting. For a bit more, devices like the iPhone 13 mini or even Android alternatives like the Google Pixel 5A offer larger, higher-resolution displays and more versatile cameras.
Why It Still Matters in 2025
In 2025, the iPhone SE (3rd Gen) remains a solid pick thanks to its long-term iOS support, expected to continue until at least 2027 or 2028. Running iOS 18 as of September 2024, it handles the latest features like Live Text and on-device dictation with ease. Its compact size, powerful chipset, and affordable price point make it a unique option in Apple’s lineup, especially since Apple discontinued the SE in the EU in December 2024 and replaced it with the iPhone 16e. For those outside the EU, certified refurbished models offer flagship-level performance at a fraction of the cost.
FAQs
A: Yes, especially if you want a compact, powerful iPhone with long-term iOS support for under $200 (refurbished). It’s great for budget-conscious users or those who prefer smaller phones, but media enthusiasts might want a larger display or better camera.