Honestly, the Apple iPhone SE is the ultimate "if you know, you know" device. It doesn’t have the titanium rails of the Pro models or the giant, pocket-stretching screens of the Max. It’s basically a sleeper hit.
You’ve probably seen the headlines about the fancy new iPhone 17 or the rumored foldable. But for a lot of people, those are just overkill. If you’re just trying to check your emails, scroll through some photos, and have a phone that doesn’t die when you drop it in a puddle, the SE series has always been the low-key hero.
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What’s actually happening with the iPhone SE right now?
We are currently in a weird transition spot. The iPhone SE 3 (released in 2022) is still kicking around, and it’s surprisingly fast for a phone with a physical home button. It uses the A15 Bionic chip, which is the same brain found in the iPhone 13. Even in 2026, that chip handles iOS 26 like a champ.
But the real talk is about the next generation.
For years, the SE looked like a time capsule from 2017. Big forehead, big chin, and that iconic circular button. Rumors from supply chain insiders like Mark Gurman and analysts at Omdia suggest that’s finally ending. The next version—often called the iPhone SE 4 or sometimes the iPhone 16e—is basically an iPhone 14 in a cheaper suit.
The shift to Face ID and OLED
If you’ve been holding onto your SE because you hate Face ID, I have some bad news. The home button is going the way of the headphone jack.
The new direction for the Apple iPhone SE involves a 6.1-inch OLED screen. This is a massive jump. Going from the old 4.7-inch LCD to an OLED panel means blacks are actually black, not just dark gray. It makes watching movies or even just looking at your lock screen feel like a premium experience.
It’s sorta funny how Apple works. They take the chassis of a phone from three years ago, tweak a few internals, and suddenly it’s the best-selling budget phone on the market. By using the iPhone 14 design, Apple saves a fortune on manufacturing. They don't have to invent a new shape; they just use the old molds.
Why the Apple iPhone SE matters for AI
You can't talk about phones in 2026 without mentioning AI. Apple calls it Apple Intelligence.
Here’s the thing: Apple Intelligence is a resource hog. It needs at least 8GB of RAM to run properly. The older SE models only had 4GB. This is why the upcoming SE is such a big deal. To support features like the "Smarter Siri," Writing Tools, and Image Playground, Apple has to put a modern chip inside.
Expect to see the A18 chip in the next SE.
This would make the "budget" iPhone more powerful than many flagship Android phones from last year. It sounds crazy, but that’s the SE's whole gimmick. It’s a tiny rocket ship disguised as a starter car.
The Camera: One Lens to Rule Them All?
Most phones now have three or even four cameras on the back. The Apple iPhone SE usually has one.
Does that matter?
Honestly, for 90% of people, not really. The current SE 3 uses a 12MP sensor that takes great daytime photos. However, it completely falls apart at night because it lacks Night Mode. It's 2026; taking a blurry, dark photo at a birthday dinner is a dealbreaker.
The upcoming refresh is rumored to snag the 48MP main sensor from the iPhone 15. This is a game-changer. Even with just one lens, you get "optical-quality" 2x zoom by cropping into the middle of that high-resolution sensor. You won't get the ultra-wide shots for landscape photos, but your standard "point and shoot" photos will look incredible.
Real Talk: Is the SE 3 still worth it today?
If you find a refurbished iPhone SE 3 for under $200, it is an absolute steal. It’s the cheapest way to get into the Apple ecosystem without buying a phone that will stop getting updates next year.
Pros of the current model:
- It’s tiny. You can actually use it with one hand.
- Touch ID works even if you're wearing a mask or sunglasses that confuse Face ID.
- It is incredibly light.
Cons you need to know:
- The battery life is... not great. If you’re a heavy user, you’ll be looking for a charger by 4:00 PM.
- The screen feels cramped if you’re coming from a modern "Plus" or "Max" phone.
- No Night Mode on the camera.
What most people get wrong about the "Cheap" iPhone
There’s this idea that the SE is "cheap" because it's poorly made. That’s just not true. It uses the same aerospace-grade aluminum and glass as the more expensive models. It has IP67 water resistance, so it can survive a trip into the sink.
The real reason it’s cheaper is the display technology and the lack of extra cameras. Apple isn't cutting corners on the "heart" of the phone.
Actionable Insights for Buyers
If you are currently looking at the Apple iPhone SE, here is how you should play it:
- If you need a phone RIGHT NOW: Buy a used or refurbished SE 3. Don't pay full retail price for it in 2026. You can find them on sites like Backmarket or Swappa for a fraction of the cost.
- If you can wait until March: Wait. Apple usually refreshes the SE in the spring. If the rumors about the iPhone 14-style design are true, the jump in quality will be the biggest in the history of the SE line.
- Check your storage: Apple still sells a 64GB version of the SE 3. Avoid it. Between system files and a few years of photos, 64GB will be full before you know it. Aim for at least 128GB.
- Battery Management: If you have an SE 3, go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health. If it’s below 80%, don't buy a new phone. Just pay the $89 or so to have Apple swap the battery. It’ll feel like a brand-new device.
The iPhone SE proves you don't need to spend $1,000 to have a fast, reliable smartphone. It’s about getting the essentials right. Whether you love the home button or you’re waiting for the all-screen redesign, the SE remains the most practical choice in Apple’s entire lineup.