Apple - phones
iPhone SE (3rd generation)
iPhone SE (3rd generation) is tracked as a phones option for shoppers focused on small iPhone, home button users, budget iOS.
Best for small iPhone, home button users, budget iOS when the current US reference price is meaningfully below competing options.
Score
8.1 / 10
Price
$299
Released
Mar 18, 2022
Data last verified Jun 29, 2026. Status: discontinued.
Should you buy it?
A practical ownership call
- Buy it if you want small iPhone and home button users.
- Skip it if may rely on refurbished or clearance availability.
- Treat it as a discount or refurbished pick, not a default new purchase.
North America availability
US availability
iPhone SE (3rd generation) is tracked mainly as a discounted, refurbished, open-box, or carrier-clearance option in the US.
Canada note
iPhone SE (3rd generation) may be available in Canada through brand stores or major electronics retailers, but pricing should be checked separately in CAD.
Common retailers
Apple, Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Target
Deal timing
carrier trade-in promos, back-to-school, Black Friday, holiday sales
Carrier compatibility: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, major prepaid MVNOs when unlocked
Use official Apple warranty terms and the retailer return window as the baseline before buying in North America.
Price and availability notes
Specs source
Apple official product materials and public North America launch documentation are used as editorial references.
Price source
Apple US launch pricing and common North America street-price patterns are maintained as editorial USD references.
Image note
Local editorial SVG placeholder /images/products/iphone-se-3.svg follows the /images/products/{slug}.{ext} naming convention and should be replaced only with permitted assets.
Buying scores
Camera
7.7
Battery
8
Display
7.7
Performance
7.7
Software Support
9.2
Value
8.9
Pros
- Good fit for small iPhone
- Competitive when discounted in the US market
- Useful alternative inside the phones shortlist
Cons
- May rely on refurbished or clearance availability
- Does not replace higher-end options for demanding users
Who should skip it
Skip iPhone SE (3rd generation) if may rely on refurbished or clearance availability, does not replace higher-end options for demanding users would affect your daily use. Compare the alternatives below before committing, especially if a neighboring product is discounted or better aligned with your ecosystem.
Specifications
| Display | 6.1-inch to 6.5-inch OLED/LCD |
|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A-series |
| Memory | 4GB / 6GB |
| Storage | 64GB / 128GB |
| Main Camera | 50MP-class main camera |
| Battery | All-day battery target |
| Charging | USB-C charging, wireless charging on select trims |
| Weight | 170g to 205g |
Featured in rankings
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Popular comparisons
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Alternatives
Nothing
Nothing Phone (2a)
Best for buyers who want a stylish budget phone and a clean interface more than flagship cameras.
Samsung
Samsung Galaxy A36
Best for budget Samsung, large display, carrier deals when the current US reference price is meaningfully below competing options.