Apple · Phones
iPhone SE (3rd generation)
iPhone SE (3rd generation) is positioned for compact budget iPhone and Touch ID users at a $299 editorial reference. Its main advantage should outweigh this documented drawback: Carrier promos can erase the unlocked value story overnight. The linked source confirms model identity, but purchase-critical specifications remain unverified until field-level review.
Buying verdict
iPhone SE (3rd generation) is best suited to compact budget iPhone and Touch ID users. Compare alternatives if this documented drawback would undermine that fit: Carrier promos can erase the unlocked value story overnight.
Editorial score
7.1 / 10
Limited source confidence
Reference price
$299
Released
Mar 18, 2022
Reference price, not a live offer. Editorial data date Jul 27, 2026. Specs and availability can vary by configuration, region, and retailer. Status: discontinued.
Official product reference found — field-level verification pending. 1 cited page is listed for product identity or support, but none has been used to verify an individual specification. Treat all listed specs as editorial reference data and confirm purchase-critical details with the manufacturer.
These links open manufacturer or retailer pages so you can check live availability. Prices on this page are editorial references, not offers. Rankings and scores are not influenced by commercial relationships.
Should you buy it?
A practical ownership call
- Buy it if you want compact budget iPhone and Touch ID users.
- Skip it if confirm iphone se (3rd generation)'s display, chipset, and memory for the exact us configuration.
- Treat it as a discount or refurbished pick, not a default new purchase.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Strong everyday fit for compact budget iPhone
- Primary use case for iPhone SE (3rd generation) is clearly defined around compact budget iPhone and Touch ID users
- Shortlist role for iPhone SE (3rd generation) is clearly defined around compact budget iPhone and Touch ID users
Cons
- Confirm iPhone SE (3rd generation)'s display, chipset, and memory for the exact US configuration
- iPhone SE (3rd generation)'s $299 figure is an editorial reference, not a live retailer offer
- iPhone SE (3rd generation) has field-level citations for 0 of 24 listed specifications
Key specs
- Display
- 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD Needs confirmation
- Panel Type
- LCD Needs confirmation
- Refresh Rate
- 60Hz Needs confirmation
- Resolution
- 1334 x 750 Needs confirmation
- Chipset
- A15 Bionic Needs confirmation
- Memory
- 4GB Needs confirmation
- Storage
- 64GB / 128GB / 256GB Needs confirmation
- Expandable Storage
- No microSD Needs confirmation
Buying scores
These are editorial estimates, not laboratory measurements. Limited source confidence; 0% of listed specification fields currently have field-level citations.
Camera
6.5
Battery
6.2
Display
6
Performance
8
Software Support
8.5
Value
8
Compare
Compare with similar products
Choose any phones alternative. Curated pairs open an editorial decision; every other pair opens a specs-only comparison.
Curated comparisons for iPhone SE (3rd generation)
Alternatives
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Samsung
Samsung Galaxy A36
Samsung Galaxy A36 is best suited to mid-range Android and Samsung value. Compare alternatives if this documented drawback would undermine that fit: Foldables and ultra-thin designs introduce durability trade-offs.
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Popular comparisons
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Related guides
Availability, sources, and full notes
US availability
iPhone SE (3rd generation) is tracked mainly as a discounted, refurbished, open-box, or carrier-clearance option in the US.
Common retailers
Apple, Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Target
Sources and verification
- Apple iPhone SE 3rd generation technical specifications · Apple · accessed Aug 24, 2026 · US Product reference only — individual specifications are not yet field-verified.
Editorial specification note
The cited Apple page confirms model identity as of 2026-08-24. Individual specification fields remain unknown until field-level review.
Editorial price note
Apple US launch and street-price patterns are tracked as editorial USD references, not live retailer checkout prices.
Specifications
24 tracked specs across 10 groups · An official product reference is listed, but no specification has a field-level citation yet.
Display
- Display
- 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD Needs confirmation
- Panel Type
- LCD Needs confirmation
- Refresh Rate
- 60Hz Needs confirmation
- Resolution
- 1334 x 750 Needs confirmation
| Display | 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD Needs confirmation |
|---|---|
| Panel Type | LCD Needs confirmation |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz Needs confirmation |
| Resolution | 1334 x 750 Needs confirmation |
Performance
- Chipset
- A15 Bionic Needs confirmation
- Memory
- 4GB Needs confirmation
| Chipset | A15 Bionic Needs confirmation |
|---|---|
| Memory | 4GB Needs confirmation |
Storage
- Storage
- 64GB / 128GB / 256GB Needs confirmation
- Expandable Storage
- No microSD Needs confirmation
| Storage | 64GB / 128GB / 256GB Needs confirmation |
|---|---|
| Expandable Storage | No microSD Needs confirmation |
Camera
- Main Camera
- 12MP wide Needs confirmation
- Ultra Wide
- No ultra wide Needs confirmation
- Telephoto / Zoom
- No telephoto Needs confirmation
- Front Camera
- 7MP front Needs confirmation
- Video Capture
- 4K60 video Needs confirmation
| Main Camera | 12MP wide Needs confirmation |
|---|---|
| Ultra Wide | No ultra wide Needs confirmation |
| Telephoto / Zoom | No telephoto Needs confirmation |
| Front Camera | 7MP front Needs confirmation |
| Video Capture | 4K60 video Needs confirmation |
Battery
- Battery
- Up to 15 hours video playback Needs confirmation
- Wired Charging
- 20W-class Lightning PD Needs confirmation
- Wireless Charging
- Qi wireless Needs confirmation
| Battery | Up to 15 hours video playback Needs confirmation |
|---|---|
| Wired Charging | 20W-class Lightning PD Needs confirmation |
| Wireless Charging | Qi wireless Needs confirmation |
Design
- Weight
- 144g Needs confirmation
- Dimensions
- 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm Needs confirmation
- Build
- Aluminum, glass front/back Needs confirmation
| Weight | 144g Needs confirmation |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm Needs confirmation |
| Build | Aluminum, glass front/back Needs confirmation |
Durability
- Water Resistance
- IP67 Needs confirmation
| Water Resistance | IP67 Needs confirmation |
|---|
Software
- Operating System
- iOS 15 and later Needs confirmation
- Update Policy
- Still receiving major updates later into its life cycle Needs confirmation
| Operating System | iOS 15 and later Needs confirmation |
|---|---|
| Update Policy | Still receiving major updates later into its life cycle Needs confirmation |
Connectivity
- Connectivity
- 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC Needs confirmation
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC Needs confirmation |
|---|
Security
- Biometrics
- Touch ID Needs confirmation
| Biometrics | Touch ID Needs confirmation |
|---|