The iPhone SE (3rd generation) brings powerful features to a compact design. This budget-friendly smartphone packs the same A15 Bionic chip found in Apple’s flagship models. With 5G connectivity and an upgraded camera system, the latest iPhone SE delivers flagship performance at a fraction of the cost.
Apple’s 2022 refresh maintains the classic look with a 4.7-inch display and Touch ID home button. The familiar design houses impressive upgrades under the hood. The A15 Bionic chip enables advanced photography features and smoother performance across apps.
The iPhone SE 3rd generation is a great option for people who are looking for a budget-friendly iPhone. It offers a powerful processor, good battery life, and 5G connectivity. For those who prefer a smaller phone or want Apple’s ecosystem at a lower price point, the iPhone SE (3rd generation) offers a great value versus the more expensive iPhone or iPhone Pro series. It runs the latest iOS version and will likely receive updates for years until at least the iPhone SE4 comes out. Let’s compare some key specs:
| Feature | iPhone SE (3rd gen) |
|---|---|
| Display | 4.7-inch Retina HD |
| Chip | A15 Bionic |
| Camera | 12MP Wide |
| 5G | Yes |
| Touch ID | Yes |
iPhone SE 3rd Generation: Specs and Details
The iPhone SE 3rd generation is a budget-friendly iPhone that was released in March 2022. It is the successor to the iPhone SE 2nd generation, and it features several improvements, including a faster processor, better battery life, and 5G connectivity.
Specifications
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Display | 4.7-inch Retina HD display |
| Processor | A15 Bionic chip |
| Storage | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| Rear Camera | 12MP Wide camera |
| Front Camera | 7MP FaceTime HD camera |
| Battery Life | Up to 15 hours of video playback |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Other Features | Touch ID, Water and dust resistant |
Design
The iPhone SE 3rd generation has a similar design to the iPhone SE 2nd generation. It has a 4.7-inch Retina HD display, a Touch ID home button, and thick bezels at the top and bottom of the screen. The phone is available in three colors: midnight, starlight, and (PRODUCT)RED.
Camera
The iPhone SE 3rd generation has a single 12MP Wide camera on the back. The camera is capable of taking good photos and videos, and it also supports features like Portrait mode and Smart HDR 4.
Performance
The iPhone SE 3rd generation is powered by the A15 Bionic chip, which is the same chip that is used in the iPhone 13 series. This makes the iPhone SE 3rd generation a very powerful phone, and it can handle even the most demanding tasks.
Battery Life
The iPhone SE 3rd generation has a battery life of up to 15 hours of video playback. This is an improvement over the iPhone SE 2nd generation, which had a battery life of up to 13 hours of video playback.
Price
The iPhone SE 3rd generation starts at $429 from Apple. This makes it one of the most affordable iPhones on the market.
Alternatives
If you are looking for a budget-friendly iPhone, the iPhone SE 3rd generation is a great option. However, there are a few other alternatives that you may want to consider.
- iPhone 12 mini: The iPhone 12 mini is a smaller and more compact iPhone that is also more affordable than the iPhone 13 series.
- iPhone 11: The iPhone 11 is an older iPhone that is still a good option if you are on a budget.
Should you upgrade to the iPhone SE 3rd generation?
If you have an older iPhone, such as the iPhone SE 2nd generation or an earlier model, then upgrading to the iPhone SE 3rd generation is a good idea. You will get a faster processor, better battery life, and 5G connectivity. However, if you have a newer iPhone, such as the iPhone 12 or iPhone 13, then you may not need to upgrade to the iPhone SE 3rd generation.
The iPhone SE 3rd generation is a good value for the price. It is one of the most affordable iPhones on the market, and it offers a lot of features for the money. If you are looking for a powerful and affordable iPhone, the iPhone SE 3rd generation is a great option.
Design and Display
The iPhone SE 3rd generation maintains a familiar design while offering a high-quality display. It balances compact size with modern features to create a user-friendly device.
Exterior Design
The iPhone SE 3rd generation keeps the classic look of earlier models. It comes in three colors: Midnight, Starlight, and (PRODUCT)RED. The device has a Home Button with Touch ID for quick and secure unlocking.
Its compact size makes it easy to use with one hand. The phone measures 5.45 inches tall, 2.65 inches wide, and 0.29 inches thick. It weighs just 5.09 ounces, making it lightweight and portable.
The SE 3rd gen has an IP67 rating. This means it can withstand submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. It’s also resistant to dust and spills.
Display Technology
The iPhone SE 3rd generation features a 4.7-inch Retina HD display. Its resolution is 1334 x 750 pixels, with a pixel density of 326 PPI (pixels per inch). This creates sharp, clear visuals for text and images.
The display uses IPS (In-Plane Switching) technology. This provides wide viewing angles and accurate color reproduction. True Tone technology adjusts the screen’s white balance to match the ambient light. This helps reduce eye strain and makes viewing more comfortable.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 4.7 inches |
| Resolution | 1334 x 750 pixels |
| Pixel Density | 326 PPI |
| Display Type | Retina HD with IPS |
| Color Technology | True Tone |
The display supports a wide color gamut (P3) and has a maximum brightness of 625 nits. These features enhance the visual experience when viewing photos, videos, and other content.
Performance and Hardware
The iPhone SE 3rd generation packs impressive power into a compact frame. It delivers speed and efficiency for everyday tasks and demanding apps alike.
Processing Power
The A15 Bionic chip in the iPhone SE 3rd generation provides exceptional performance. This chip, also found in the iPhone 13 series, offers significant improvements over its predecessor.
The 6-core CPU includes two high-performance cores and four energy-efficient cores. This setup allows for swift app launches and smooth multitasking.
The 4-core GPU enhances graphics performance. It enables crisp visuals for games and seamless video editing.
Apple’s 16-core Neural Engine powers machine learning tasks. This feature improves photo processing and augmented reality experiences.
Memory and Storage
The iPhone SE 3rd generation comes with 4GB of RAM. This amount supports fluid app switching and keeps multiple apps running in the background.
Storage options include 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB. The 64GB model suits light users who rely on cloud storage. The 128GB version offers a good balance of space and price. Power users may prefer the 256GB option for ample room for apps, photos, and videos.
| Storage Option | Best For |
|---|---|
| 64GB | Light users, cloud storage fans |
| 128GB | Average users, good value |
| 256GB | Power users, media collectors |
Consider your usage habits when choosing storage capacity. More storage means less reliance on cloud services and more space for offline content.
Camera Systems
The iPhone SE 3rd generation boasts impressive camera capabilities. Its main and front cameras offer advanced features for photography and videography.
Main Camera Features
The iPhone SE 3rd generation comes with a 12-megapixel wide camera. It includes Portrait Mode, allowing you to capture stunning photos with blurred backgrounds. The camera also supports Smart HDR 4, which enhances color and contrast in your images.
Photographic Styles let you customize the look of your photos. You can choose from different presets or create your own style. The True Tone flash helps in low-light situations, providing natural-looking illumination.
Deep Fusion technology improves texture and detail in your photos. It works best in medium to low-light conditions. The camera also features optical image stabilization, reducing blur from hand movement.
Front Camera Qualities
The front-facing camera on the iPhone SE 3rd generation is perfect for selfies and video calls. It supports Portrait Mode, allowing you to take professional-looking self-portraits with depth effects.
Smart HDR 4 works with the front camera too. This feature helps balance exposure in challenging lighting conditions. The front camera also supports Retina Flash, using the display as a flash for better low-light selfies.
You can use Photographic Styles with the front camera. This lets you maintain a consistent look across all your photos.
Video Capabilities
The iPhone SE 3rd generation excels in video recording. Its main camera can capture 4K video at up to 60 frames per second. This results in incredibly sharp and smooth footage.
You can record slow-motion videos at 1080p resolution with 240 frames per second. Time-lapse videos are also supported, with stabilization for smooth results.
The A15 Bionic chip enhances video quality. It enables advanced features like better noise reduction and improved dynamic range in your recordings.
| Feature | Main Camera | Front Camera |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 12 MP | 7 MP |
| Portrait Mode | Yes | Yes |
| 4K Video | Yes | No |
| Smart HDR 4 | Yes | Yes |
| Photographic Styles | Yes | Yes |
Connectivity and Battery Life
The iPhone SE 3rd generation offers improved connectivity options and enhanced battery performance. These features ensure you stay connected and powered throughout your day.
Network and Communication
The iPhone SE 3rd generation supports 5G connectivity, allowing for faster download and upload speeds. You’ll experience improved streaming quality and quicker app responses.
The device also includes Wi-Fi 6 technology, providing faster and more efficient wireless internet connections. Bluetooth 5.0 ensures reliable connections with accessories and other devices.
NFC capability enables contactless payments through Apple Pay. For calls and messaging, the iPhone SE 3rd generation supports LTE Advanced, offering improved voice quality and faster data speeds when 5G isn’t available.
Battery Usage and Charging
The iPhone SE 3rd generation features a 2,018mAh battery, an improvement over its predecessor. This larger capacity translates to longer usage times between charges.
You can expect up to 15 hours of video playback on a single charge. The device supports fast charging, allowing you to reach 50% battery in about 30 minutes with a compatible charger.
Wireless charging is also available, offering convenient cordless charging options. The Lightning connector remains for wired charging and data transfer.
| Charging Method | Charging Speed |
|---|---|
| Fast Charging | 50% in 30 min |
| Wireless | Standard Qi |
| Wired | Lightning port |
The iPhone SE 3rd generation is rated IP67 for water and dust resistance, protecting your device during daily use and charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
The iPhone SE 3rd generation brings several upgrades to Apple’s compact smartphone lineup. It offers improved camera capabilities, longer battery life, and compatibility with the latest iOS features.
What improvements have been made in the camera system of the iPhone SE 3rd generation?
The iPhone SE 3rd generation features a 12-megapixel wide camera with improved computational photography. It now supports Smart HDR 4 for better highlights and shadows in your photos.
Portrait mode has been enhanced with improved subject detection. The device also includes Photographic Styles, allowing you to customize the look of your images.
How does the battery life of the iPhone SE 3rd generation compare to its predecessors?
The iPhone SE 3rd generation offers better battery life than its predecessor. You can expect up to 15 hours of video playback, compared to 13 hours on the previous model.
The device supports fast charging, giving you up to 50% charge in 30 minutes with a 20W adapter or higher. It’s also compatible with Qi wireless charging.
What are the storage capacity options available for the iPhone SE 3rd generation?
Apple offers the iPhone SE 3rd generation in three storage capacities:
- 64GB
- 128GB
- 256GB
Choose the option that best fits your needs for apps, photos, and other data.
Can the iPhone SE 3rd generation support the latest iOS updates?
Yes, the iPhone SE 3rd generation ships with iOS 15 and can be updated to the latest iOS version. It’s designed to receive software updates for several years.
This ensures you have access to the newest features and security improvements Apple releases.
What are the differences in display technology between the iPhone SE 3rd generation and iPhone 11?
The iPhone SE 3rd generation has a 4.7-inch Retina HD display. It uses LCD technology with a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels.
The iPhone 11 features a larger 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD display, also using LCD technology. Its resolution is 1792 x 828 pixels, offering a slightly higher pixel density.
Are there any new color options available for the iPhone SE 3rd generation?
The iPhone SE 3rd generation is available in three colors:
- Midnight (black)
- Starlight (white)
- (PRODUCT)RED
These color options provide a sleek and classic look for the device.
