The iPhone SE (3rd Generation) is Apple’s 2022 budget-friendly smartphone, offering powerful performance in a compact design. Launched in March 2022, this model features the A15 Bionic chip found in the iPhone 13 series. It delivers industry-leading speed and efficiency at an affordable price, starting at just $429.
The iPhone SE (3rd Generation) offers a 4.7-inch Retina HD display, Touch ID, and 5G connectivity. It perfectly blends classic iPhone design with cutting-edge technology, making it a top-value option for users seeking a premium experience without the flagship price.
Table of Contents
- iPhone SE 3rd Gen Unboxing and First Impressions
- Release date and price
- Technical Specs: iPhone SE (3rd Generation)
- Design and Build Quality
- Display
- Performance: A15 Bionic Chip—The Powerhouse
- Camera Capabilities
- Battery Life: Sufficient for a Day’s Use
- Operating System and Updates
- Connectivity: 5G on a Budget
- Water and Dust Resistance
- Comparison: iPhone SE 3rd gen vs iPhone 14 plus
- iPhone SE 3rd Gen vs iPhone 15
iPhone SE 3rd Gen Unboxing and First Impressions
Unboxing the iPhone SE (3rd Generation) reveals a smooth and straightforward experience, characteristic of Apple’s approach to packaging. Inside the box, you’ll find the iPhone SE itself, a USB-C to Lightning cable, and a documentation pamphlet. Especially absent is a power adapter, following Apple’s move to reduce e-waste.
The device comes in a compact, environmentally friendly package that measures just 15.8 x 9.1 x 2.5 cm and weighs 220 grams with its contents. The iPhone SE (3rd Generation) is available in three colors—Midnight, Starlight, and (PRODUCT)RED—allowing users to choose a style that best fits their taste. The unboxing process emphasizes simplicity and modesty while setting the stage for a high-performance smartphone experience.
Release date and price
The iPhone SE (3rd Generation) was officially released on March 18, 2022, marking Apple’s latest addition to its lineup of budget-friendly smartphones. With a starting price of $429 for the 64GB model, it offers a cost-effective entry point into the iPhone ecosystem. For those needing more storage, the 128GB variant is priced at $479, while the 256GB option is available for $579.
Technical Specs: iPhone SE (3rd Generation)
See Full Specifications for: iPhone SE (3rd Generation)
Design and Build Quality
The iPhone SE (3rd generation) retains the classic design of the iPhone 8, featuring a 4.7-inch Retina HD display, an aluminum frame, and glass front and back. Weighing just 144 grams and measuring 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm, the iPhone SE is compact and easy to handle, catering to users who prefer smaller devices.
It is available in three colors:
- Midnight
- Starlight
- (Product) RED
The iPhone SE offers a sleek and stylish look.
Display
The 4.7-inch Retina HD display on the iPhone SE (2022) provides a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels, delivering sharp and vibrant visuals with a pixel density of 326 ppi. While it lacks the OLED technology found in higher-end models, the LCD still offers excellent color accuracy and brightness, making it a great choice for everyday use.
Performance: A15 Bionic Chip—The Powerhouse
One of the most impressive aspects of the iPhone SE (3rd generation) is its performance, powered by the A15 Bionic chip, the same processor found in the iPhone 13 series.
This 6-core CPU, along with a 4-core GPU and 16-core Neural Engine, ensures smooth and efficient performance across all tasks, from gaming to multitasking. Benchmark tests show that the iPhone SE’s performance is on par with flagship models, making it one of the most powerful phones in its price range.
Camera Capabilities
The iPhone SE (3rd generation) features a 12MP wide camera with an f/1.8 aperture, offering solid photography performance. While it lacks the multiple lenses of more expensive iPhones, it includes features like Smart HDR 4, Deep Fusion, and Portrait mode, ensuring high-quality photos in various lighting conditions.
The camera also supports 4K video recording at 60 fps, making it a versatile tool for capturing moments on the go. The front-facing 7MP camera, with an f/2.2 aperture, delivers clear and detailed selfies and supports Portrait mode with advanced bokeh and Depth Control.
Battery Life: Sufficient for a Day’s Use
Despite its compact size, the iPhone SE (2022) offers respectable battery life, capable of up to 15 hours of video playback and up to 10 hours of streaming video. It supports fast charging, allowing up to 50% charge in around 30 minutes with a 20W adapter or higher, and is also compatible with wireless charging, providing added convenience.
Operating System and Updates
The iPhone SE (3rd generation) ships with iOS 15, offering the latest features and improvements in Apple’s mobile operating system. As with all Apple devices, the iPhone SE will receive regular software updates for several years, ensuring that users have access to the latest security patches and features.
Connectivity: 5G on a Budget
One of the standout features of the iPhone SE (3rd Generation) is its 5G capability. This makes it one of the most affordable 5G smartphones on the market, allowing users to experience faster download and upload speeds where 5G networks are available.
- 5G Bands: Sub-6 GHz
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
- Bluetooth: 0
- NFC: Yes, with reader mode
Water and Dust Resistance
With an IP67 rating, the iPhone SE (2022) is water- and dust-resistant, capable of withstanding submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. This level of durability makes it a reliable choice for users who need a phone that can withstand everyday challenges.
Comparison: iPhone SE 3rd gen vs iPhone 14 plus
When comparing the iPhone SE (3rd generation) to the iPhone 14 Plus, distinct differences highlight their strengths. Released in March 2022, the iPhone SE (3rd generation) features a 4.7-inch Retina HD display and is powered by the A15 Bionic chip.
The iPhone SE offers robust performance in a compact design, starting at $429 and including up to 256GB of storage. It appeals to users who prefer a smaller, budget-friendly device without compromising performance.
In contrast, the iPhone 14 Plus, launched in September 2022, boasts a larger 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display with improved color accuracy and brightness. Powered by the A15 Bionic chip with a 6-core CPU, the iPhone 14 Plus provides a smooth performance.
The iPhone 14 Plus offers advanced camera capabilities, including dual 12MP lenses and enhanced low-light performance. It also supports up to 512GB of storage and starts at $899, providing more options for users seeking premium features.
iPhone SE 3rd Gen vs iPhone 15
Comparing the iPhone SE (3rd generation) to the iPhone 15 reveals key differences in design, performance, and features. The iPhone SE (3rd generation), released in March 2022, features a 4.7-inch Retina HD display. It is powered by the A15 Bionic chip, offering strong performance in a compact, budget-friendly design starting at $429.
The iPhone SE offers up to 256GB of storage while maintaining a classic design with a single 12MP rear camera. In contrast, the iPhone 15, launched in September 2023, features a larger 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display. The iPhone 15 offers enhanced brightness and color accuracy for a more vibrant display.
Powered by the A16 Bionic chip, the iPhone 15 provides superior performance and energy efficiency. Starting at $799, the base iPhone 15 model includes advanced camera features, such as a 48MP main sensor. It also supports improved computational photography and up to 512GB of storage for more flexibility.
