Released in March 2022, the iPhone SE (3rd Generation) delivers powerful performance and a familiar design at an affordable price. The compact size, combined with flagship internals, makes it an appealing option for users seeking performance without the bulk or high cost of premium iPhones.
Specifications
- Display: 4.7-inch Retina HD IPS LCD, 750 x 1334 pixels (326 ppi)
- Dimensions: 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm (5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 inches)
- Weight: 144 grams (5.08 ounces)
- Storage Options: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB (no external storage)
- Processor: Hexa-core Apple A15 Bionic
- RAM: 4 GB
- Operating System: iOS 15 (upgradable to iOS 16)
- Camera: 12 MP rear camera with f/1.8 aperture, 4K video recording; 7 MP front camera
- Battery: 2018 mAh, non-removable, up to 15 hours video playback, wireless charging
- Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, GPS
- Sensors: Accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, compass, barometer, fingerprint sensor (Touch ID)
Design and Display
The iPhone SE (3rd Generation) maintains the classic design of its predecessor, resembling the iPhone 8, with a 4.7-inch Retina HD display and a 750 x 1334 pixel resolution. The compact size makes it comfortable to use one-handed, while the aerospace-grade aluminum and toughened glass back offer durability. The home button with Touch ID remains a key feature for unlocking and secure payments.
The display uses True Tone technology, which adjusts the screen’s color temperature based on the ambient lighting, providing a more natural viewing experience. The iPhone SE is also IP67-rated for water and dust resistance, capable of withstanding submersion in 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes.
A15 Bionic Chip
One of the most notable features of the iPhone SE (3rd Generation) is the inclusion of the A15 Bionic chip, the same processor used in the iPhone 13 series. The 6-core CPU with two high-performance and four efficiency cores delivers exceptional performance for everyday tasks, gaming, and intensive apps. The 4-core GPU ensures smooth graphics performance, while the 16-core Neural Engine boosts machine learning capabilities, improving photography, voice recognition, and augmented reality (AR) experiences.
With the A15 Bionic chip, the iPhone SE (3rd Generation) is future-proofed for several years, making it capable of handling upcoming iOS updates and apps without a hitch.
Camera System
The iPhone SE (3rd Generation) features a 12 MP rear camera with an f/1.8 aperture. While it lacks the multiple lenses of Apple’s flagship models, it still delivers excellent image quality, particularly with the help of the A15 Bionic’s advanced image processing features. These include:
- Smart HDR 4: Adjusts color, contrast, and noise reduction for balanced photos.
- Deep Fusion: Analyzes pixel-by-pixel details in mid to low-light environments for enhanced texture and detail.
- Portrait Mode: Available with both the rear and front cameras, offering depth effects for professional-looking shots.
The rear camera supports 4K video recording at 24/30/60 fps, delivering high-quality footage. The 7 MP front camera is ideal for FaceTime calls and selfies, supporting 1080p video recording.
5G Connectivity
The iPhone SE (3rd Generation) is the first in the SE series to feature 5G connectivity, allowing for faster download speeds, improved streaming quality, and lower latency. Although it doesn’t support mmWave 5G (the ultra-fast variant available in limited areas), it supports the more common sub-6GHz 5G bands, making it future-proof for expanding 5G networks worldwide.
Battery Life and Charging
The 2018 mAh battery in the iPhone SE provides improved battery life compared to the previous model. Apple claims it offers:
- Up to 15 hours of video playback
- 10 hours of streaming video playback
- 50 hours of audio playback
The iPhone SE supports wireless charging via the Qi standard and fast charging, capable of charging up to 50% in 30 minutes with a 20W adapter (sold separately). Although it doesn’t have MagSafe like the higher-end iPhone models, it remains compatible with most wireless charging pads.
Operating System and Software Features
The iPhone SE (3rd Generation) runs on iOS 15, offering features like:
- Focus Mode: Customizable modes to minimize distractions during specific tasks.
- Live Text: Allows users to interact with text in photos, enabling copying, pasting, and searching.
- Enhanced Privacy Features: Including Mail Privacy Protection and App Privacy Report, giving users greater control over their data.
The phone is also upgradable to iOS 16, ensuring it will receive future software updates and security patches.
Face ID and Touch ID
Unlike the flagship iPhone models, the iPhone SE (3rd Generation) retains Touch ID, Apple’s fingerprint sensor embedded in the home button. While it doesn’t have Face ID, Touch ID remains a fast and secure way to unlock the phone, make purchases through Apple Pay, and log into apps.
Reception and Legacy
The iPhone SE (3rd Generation) has been praised for delivering flagship performance at a lower price point. Its compact design, combined with the A15 Bionic chip, makes it an appealing choice for users who prefer smaller phones but don’t want to compromise on power. While the single-camera system and lack of features like Face ID and MagSafe may deter some, the iPhone SE’s combination of affordability, 5G support, and future-proofing makes it a standout device in its class.
Conclusion
The iPhone SE (3rd Generation) provides a powerful and compact alternative to Apple’s flagship models. With the A15 Bionic chip, 5G connectivity, and a reliable camera system, it delivers excellent performance at an affordable price. It’s perfect for users who want a smaller phone with modern features, offering the best of both worlds—performance and affordability.