In a smartphone market obsessed with edge-to-edge displays and multiple camera lenses, the iPhone SE (3rd Gen) stands out like a confident, retro-chic outlier. This is more than just an "iPhone SE (3rd Gen) Overview & Review"; it’s a deep dive into a device that perfectly bridges the gap between beloved familiarity and powerful modern performance, all while keeping your wallet a little thicker. If you’re yearning for the classic iPhone feel but demand the speed and connectivity of today, you’ve found your contender.
At a Glance: The iPhone SE (3rd Gen) Essentials
- Familiar Design: Classic iPhone 8 look with a physical home button and Touch ID.
- Powerful Core: Features the same A15 Bionic chip as the iPhone 13 and 13 Pro for lightning-fast performance.
- Modern Connectivity: Supports blazing-fast 5G mobile data speeds.
- Compact Size: A 4.7-inch LCD display, perfect for one-handed use and slipping into any pocket.
- Budget-Friendly: Significantly more affordable than other new iPhones, especially the iPhone 13 mini.
- Excellent Camera (in good light): Single lens with AI enhancements like Deep Fusion and Smart HDR4 for stunning photos.
- Drawbacks: No Night Mode, no ultra-wide camera, dated design, small 64GB base storage.
- Ideal For: iPhone 8/first SE upgraders, first-time iPhone owners, budget-conscious users, and those who prefer a smaller, reliable phone.
Familiar Face, Modern Brain: Diving into the iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
The iPhone SE (3rd Gen), released in early 2022 and with its review updated in June 2023, isn't here to reinvent the wheel. Instead, it refines a beloved design with a significant internal upgrade. It offers a unique proposition in today's smartphone landscape: a pocket-friendly device that doesn't compromise on core performance.
The Classic Design & Touch ID: A Comforting Return
When you first pick up the iPhone SE (3rd Gen), you'll likely feel a sense of nostalgia. Its design harks back to the iPhone 8, first introduced in 2017, complete with the beloved Home button and integrated Touch ID. For many, this physical button and fingerprint sensor remain the most intuitive and secure way to unlock their device and authorize Apple Pay transactions. It's an experience that Face ID users might miss, especially when wearing masks or gloves.
The compact 4.7-inch LCD screen is vibrant, offering bright colors and sharp details, and it performs admirably even in direct sunlight. However, there's no denying that in an era of sprawling 6-inch-plus displays, the SE's screen feels undeniably small. This is a deliberate choice for those who prioritize one-handed use and pocketability, but it’s a trade-off for immersive media consumption. The overall aesthetic, while sturdy with its glass front and back (similar to the iPhone 13's materials), is certainly considered "outdated" by contemporary design standards, featuring larger bezels above and below the display.
Under the Hood: The A15 Bionic Advantage
Here's where the iPhone SE (3rd Gen) truly shines and distinguishes itself from its classic exterior: the A15 Bionic chip. This isn't just a slight upgrade; it’s the exact same powerhouse processor found in the iPhone 13 and 13 Pro models. This inclusion fundamentally transforms the user experience, making the SE a legitimate modern contender.
What does the A15 Bionic mean for you? Expect blazing-fast performance across the board. Apps launch in an instant, multitasking between demanding applications is seamless, and graphic-intensive mobile games run without a hitch. If you’re upgrading from an older iPhone like the iPhone XR or even earlier models, the difference in speed and responsiveness will be immediately noticeable – from quicker boot-up times to smoother scrolling and snappier camera processing. This chip also enables advanced AI camera features, even with the single lens, allowing for sophisticated image processing. The inclusion of 5G mobile data speeds further future-proofs the device, ensuring you can take advantage of the fastest cellular networks available today.
Photography with a Single Lens: Smart Simplicity
In an age of triple and quad-camera arrays, the iPhone SE (3rd Gen) sticks to a single rear camera lens. On paper, this might sound like a disadvantage, but Apple’s computational photography prowess, fueled by the A15 Bionic, ensures that this camera punches above its weight.
Capturing Memories: What the SE's Camera Excels At
In good lighting conditions – think bright daylight, well-lit interiors, or even medium-light scenarios – the iPhone SE delivers truly excellent photos. Thanks to the A15 Bionic's AI smarts, features like Deep Fusion and Smart HDR4 work in the background to capture remarkable detail, vibrant colors, and true-to-life lighting for your subjects. Deep Fusion, for example, analyzes multiple exposures pixel by pixel to create a single, incredibly detailed image, especially beneficial in tricky, moderately lit scenes. Smart HDR4 intelligently adjusts highlights and shadows across multiple subjects in a single shot, ensuring everyone looks their best.
Want to add a professional touch to your portraits? The SE’s Portrait Mode, though software-driven rather than reliant on a dedicated depth sensor, does a commendable job. It artistically blurs the background, making your subject pop with a pleasing depth effect. You can still create compelling, share-worthy images that capture moments with impressive clarity and natural tones.
Where It Falls Short: Low Light & Lenses
While the iPhone SE (3rd Gen) excels in well-lit environments, its single lens does have limitations, particularly when the sun goes down. A key omission is Apple's dedicated Night Mode, which is standard on newer, more expensive iPhones. This absence means that photos taken in low-light conditions can often appear murky, blurry, or significantly lacking in detail and vibrancy compared to what modern smartphone cameras can achieve. If late-night photography is a priority, this is a significant drawback.
Additionally, the single lens means you miss out on the versatility of an ultra-wide camera, a feature that has become common in many contemporary smartphones, including various Android competitors. Capturing expansive landscapes, group shots without stepping back, or unique architectural perspectives simply isn't an option here.
Beyond the Core: Connectivity, Durability, and Audio
The iPhone SE (3rd Gen) doesn't just offer raw power; it also brings a suite of features that enhance daily usability and peace of mind.
Seamless Connections with 5G
As mentioned, 5G mobile data is a significant upgrade. This means faster downloads, smoother streaming, and more reliable connections, especially in urban areas where 5G networks are prevalent. For anyone who relies on their phone for work or entertainment on the go, this is a substantial quality-of-life improvement. You'll spend less time waiting and more time doing.
Built to Last: IP67 and Classic Feel
Durability is another strong suit for the SE. It boasts an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance, meaning it can withstand immersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. This provides a valuable layer of protection against accidental spills, splashes, and dusty environments, adding a sense of robustness to its classic glass-and-aluminum build. While its design may be familiar, the materials and build quality feel premium and solid in hand, similar to the construction of the iPhone 13.
Listening In: Display & Audio
The 4.7-inch LCD display, though smaller than average, is sharp and bright, offering good visibility even in direct sunlight. Colors are vivid, and text is crisp, making for a pleasant viewing experience for everyday tasks, browsing, and casual video watching.
Audio performance is also commendable. Call quality is clear, and the stereo speakers provide balanced sound for music and media consumption. The phone supports modern audio technologies like Bluetooth, Dolby Atmos, and the latest audio codecs, ensuring a rich listening experience whether you're using headphones or relying on the built-in speakers.
Battery Life: More Juice for Your Day
Compared to the previous generation iPhone SE, the 3rd Gen model features improved battery life. While it won't set any records against devices with massive batteries, the optimizations from the A15 Bionic chip, combined with iOS's power management, mean you can comfortably get through a typical day of moderate use. This enhancement addresses a common concern with smaller, older iPhone models, providing a more reliable daily companion without constantly searching for a charger.
Who Is the iPhone SE (3rd Gen) For? Your Decision Guide
The iPhone SE (3rd Gen) isn’t for everyone, but for a specific set of users, it’s an absolute winner. Understanding its strengths and weaknesses will help you decide if it’s the right fit for your needs.
The Budget-Conscious User
This is perhaps the SE's most compelling selling point. It offers incredible value, packing a top-tier processor into a device that's significantly cheaper than other new iPhones. It’s over £200 cheaper than the iPhone 13 mini, for instance, and provides strong competition against similarly priced Android phones like the Google Pixel 5A. If you want robust performance and the seamless iOS ecosystem without breaking the bank, the SE is designed with you in mind. You prioritize core functionality and value over flashy, cutting-edge features.
The Small Phone Enthusiast
For those who actively dislike large smartphones, the 4.7-inch screen and compact form factor are a breath of fresh air. It’s perfect for true one-handed use, slipping unnoticed into small pockets, and remaining unobtrusive during calls. While Apple has discontinued its "mini" line, making the iPhone 13 mini an alternative for a small, powerful iPhone, the SE offers a similar compact experience at a much lower price. If you want to Explore iPhone SE generations and see how Apple's compact offerings have evolved, the SE (3rd Gen) represents a key part of that story.
The Familiarity Seeker
Are you upgrading from an older iPhone 8, iPhone 7, or even the first-generation iPhone SE? The 3rd Gen SE offers a seamless, intuitive transition. You’ll immediately feel at home with the physical Home button and Touch ID, avoiding the learning curve of Face ID and gesture navigation. It’s a powerful performance boost wrapped in a comforting, familiar package, giving you all the modern speed without requiring you to adapt to a new interaction paradigm.
The First-Time iPhone Owner
If you're new to the Apple ecosystem and want to experience the intuitive iOS interface, robust app library, and strong security without the premium price tag of a flagship model, the SE is an excellent entry point. It's easy to use, reliable, and provides a full-fledged iPhone experience, making it a great gateway device into Apple's world.
Comparing Your Options: Where the SE Sits
While the iPhone SE (3rd Gen) offers strong performance at a lower price point than the iPhone 13 lineup, especially the 13 mini, and competing Android phones like the Google Pixel 5A, it's worth noting the trade-offs. The Pixel 5A, for example, might offer a larger, more modern display and superior low-light camera performance at a similar price. However, the SE's A15 Bionic chip often provides a significant performance edge over many Android rivals in its price bracket. For those looking for maximum savings, considering refurbished models of the iPhone SE (3rd Gen) or even the iPhone 13 mini could offer even greater value.
Getting Started: Setting Up Your New iPhone SE
Unboxing a new iPhone is always exciting. Here’s a straightforward guide to get your iPhone SE (3rd Gen) up and running quickly and smoothly.
Before You Begin: Your Checklist
Make sure you have these items handy before you power on your new device:
- Your Apple ID and password: Essential for accessing all Apple services.
- Your old smartphone: If you plan to transfer data (photos, apps, settings).
- Your SIM card: If you’re not using an eSIM or transferring directly.
- A USB-C to Lightning cable: Included with your SE for charging and data transfer.
- A strong Wi-Fi connection: For initial setup and downloading content.
Step-by-Step Activation
- Power On: Press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.
- Initial Setup: Follow the on-screen prompts to select your preferred language and region.
- Connect to Wi-Fi: Choose your home Wi-Fi network and enter the password to establish an internet connection.
- Sign In with Apple ID: Enter your Apple ID and password. If you don't have one, you'll be prompted to create one.
- Set Up Security (Touch ID): Follow the instructions to register your fingerprint(s) with Touch ID. This provides quick and secure unlocking, and authorizes purchases.
- Transfer Your Data: Apple’s Quick Start feature makes this incredibly easy. Simply place your old iPhone (or Android device using the "Move to iOS" app) near your new SE, and follow the prompts to transfer apps, photos, messages, and settings wirelessly.
- Download Your Apps: Once data is transferred, you can visit the App Store to download any additional apps you desire. Your previously purchased apps should be available for re-download.
- Customize Your Experience: Dive into settings to adjust display brightness, enable features like Night Shift or Dark Mode, arrange your apps on the Home screen, add useful widgets, and configure sound settings for calls and media to your liking.
Mastering Your SE Camera: Tips for Great Shots
Even with a single lens, your iPhone SE (3rd Gen) is capable of taking stunning photos. Here’s how to make the most of its smart camera system.
Leveraging AI Smarts
Your iPhone SE comes equipped with Deep Fusion and Smart HDR4, which are constantly working behind the scenes.
- Deep Fusion: This technology excels in medium-to-low light, capturing multiple exposures before you even press the shutter, then merging them pixel-by-pixel to bring out incredible detail and texture in your images. Don't worry about activating it; it works automatically when conditions call for it.
- Smart HDR4: When photographing scenes with both bright and dark areas, Smart HDR4 intelligently adjusts exposure for different subjects, ensuring highlights aren't blown out and shadows retain detail. Trust the camera to handle these complexities for you. Just frame your shot and tap the shutter.
Adding Depth with Portrait Mode
Despite not having a dedicated depth sensor, the iPhone SE uses software to create beautiful Portrait Mode photos.
- Focus on the Subject: Ensure your subject is well-lit and clearly distinguishable from the background. Portrait Mode works best when there's a good contrast between your subject and what's behind them.
- Experiment with Distance: Try moving closer or further away from your subject to see how the background blur (bokeh) changes.
- Review and Refine: After taking a Portrait Mode photo, you can often go into the Photos app and edit the depth effect to adjust the intensity of the blur.
Practice Makes Perfect
The best way to improve your photography is to experiment.
- Play with Lighting: See how different light sources affect your subject. Natural light is often the most flattering.
- Try Different Compositions: Don't always center your subject. Experiment with the rule of thirds or leading lines.
- Keep It Steady: In lower light, try to keep your hands as steady as possible to minimize blur, even without Night Mode.
The Bottom Line: Is the iPhone SE (3rd Gen) Right for You?
The iPhone SE (3rd Gen) is a remarkably specific device for a specific audience. It's not a flagship killer designed to compete with the latest and greatest high-end smartphones. Instead, it’s a masterclass in offering core value: a familiar, pocketable design infused with truly modern performance.
If you cherish the Touch ID experience, prefer a smaller phone that’s easy to handle, and demand lightning-fast performance and 5G connectivity without the flagship price tag, the iPhone SE (3rd Gen) is an outstanding choice. It's perfect for upgrading older iPhones, welcoming new users into the Apple ecosystem, or simply providing a reliable, powerful, and discreet smartphone experience.
While its camera has limitations in low light and its design doesn't turn heads, the sheer power of the A15 Bionic chip ensures that this phone will remain fast and capable for years to come. It’s a testament to Apple’s ability to cater to diverse needs, delivering a device that’s both a nod to the past and a confident stride into the future. Weigh its unique blend of features against your personal priorities, and you'll likely find the iPhone SE (3rd Gen) to be a surprisingly compelling option.