You’ve seen it. That chunky forehead, the massive chin, and a home button that feels like a relic from 2017. People love to hate on the iPhone SE 3rd generation. They call it "recycled parts" or "Apple’s lack of effort." But honestly? They’re missing the point entirely.
The iPhone SE 3rd generation isn't a phone for the person who cares about bezel-to-body ratios or ProMotion displays. It’s a sleeper hit. Underneath that dated shell is the A15 Bionic chip—the same silicon powerhouse that launched with the iPhone 13 series. This means you’ve basically got a Ferrari engine inside a vintage Honda Civic body. It's fast. Way faster than any mid-range Android phone you’ll find at this price point, and it’ll probably still be getting iOS updates when the flagship phones of today are sitting in junk drawers.
Why the iPhone SE 3rd Generation is a Weird Masterpiece
Most tech reviewers focus on what’s missing. No Face ID. No Night Mode for the camera. No OLED screen. Yeah, we get it. But let’s talk about what is actually there.
Touch ID is the big one. Some people genuinely hate swiping up. They want a physical button. They want to unlock their phone while it’s sitting flat on a desk without performing a weird neck-stretching ritual to get Face ID to recognize them. The iPhone SE 3rd generation is the last sanctuary for those users. It’s familiar. It’s tactile. It just works.
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Then there’s the size. We’ve entered the era of "giant slabs." Even the "small" iPhone 15 or 16 feels substantial in a pocket. The SE is tiny. It’s light. You can actually reach the top corner of the screen with your thumb without dislocating a joint. For anyone with smaller hands or a desire for a phone that doesn't feel like a tablet, this is it.
The A15 Bionic is Overkill (In a Good Way)
Apple didn't have to put the A15 in here. They could have used an older chip and most of the target demographic wouldn't have noticed. By using the A15, they gave the iPhone SE 3rd generation two things: 5G connectivity and longevity.
5G is kind of a battery hog on a phone this small, but having it makes the device future-proof. You aren't stuck on aging LTE bands. More importantly, the A15 handles Image Signal Processing (ISP). This is why the single 12MP camera on the back punches way above its weight. It uses Deep Fusion and Smart HDR 4 to pull detail out of shadows that would have been a muddy mess on the 2nd generation SE.
But let's be real. The battery life is... okay. It’s not great. If you’re a power user scrolling TikTok for six hours a day, the 2,018 mAh battery is going to scream for mercy by 4:00 PM. Apple improved it over the 2020 model through better efficiency, but physics is physics. A small phone has a small battery.
The Reality of the Display and Design
The 4.7-inch LCD is controversial. It’s 750p. In 2026, that sounds like a joke. Yet, because the screen is so small, the pixel density is still high enough that text looks sharp. You won't see individual pixels unless you’re holding it an inch from your face.
The build quality remains top-tier. We’re talking aerospace-grade aluminum and the same tough glass used on the back of the iPhone 13. It doesn't feel cheap. It feels "classic." Or "old," depending on your mood.
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One thing people often overlook: repairability and accessories. Because Apple has used this exact chassis since the iPhone 7, cases are everywhere. Screen protectors are cheap. Independent repair shops can fix a cracked SE screen in twenty minutes because they've done it ten thousand times. There's a massive ecosystem of support for this specific shape.
Who is this phone actually for?
It isn't for the "Pro" crowd. It’s for the person who views a phone as a tool, not a lifestyle.
- The Corporate Fleet: Companies buy these in bulk. They are reliable, easy to manage, and fit in a pocket.
- The Minimalist: Someone who wants to spend less time on their phone. A smaller screen naturally discourages mindless scrolling.
- Grandparents: They know where the home button is. They don't want to learn gestures.
- The Budget-Conscious: You get the Apple ecosystem—iMessage, iCloud, FaceTime—without the $1,000 entry fee.
There is a segment of the population that genuinely fears the "all-screen" design. They like the borders. It gives them a place to put their thumbs without accidentally triggering a touch command. It sounds silly to a tech enthusiast, but it's a real ergonomic preference for millions.
The Camera: One Lens, No Waiting
The iPhone SE 3rd generation only has one camera. No ultrawide. No telephoto. This forces a certain simplicity. You point, you shoot, and thanks to the A15, the shutter lag is non-existent.
Is it going to take better photos than a Pixel 8a? Probably not in low light. The lack of a dedicated Night Mode is the SE's biggest weakness. If the sun goes down, the photo quality drops off a cliff. But in daylight? The color science is classic Apple—natural, balanced, and great for skin tones. Video recording is still best-in-class for the price. 4K at 60fps on this little device is honestly impressive.
The Competition and the "Value" Trap
People often point to the Google Pixel "a" series or Samsung’s Galaxy A-series as better values. On paper, they are. They have better screens and more cameras.
But Android phones in this price bracket often stutter after two years. The processors just aren't as efficient. The iPhone SE 3rd generation stays smooth. It’s the "buy it and forget it" phone. You don't have to worry about the software getting bloated or the security updates stopping next year. Apple’s track record for support is the primary reason to choose this over a flashier-looking mid-range Android.
Addressing the "Wait for the SE 4" Rumors
There is always a rumor about the next SE. People say it'll look like the iPhone 14. They say it'll have an OLED. If you can wait, sure, wait. But the SE 3 exists right now. It’s a known quantity. For many, the "upgrade" to an all-screen design is actually a downgrade because it removes the home button they love.
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If you need a phone today that won't break the bank and will last five years, this is the one. It’s not flashy. It won’t turn heads at a party. But it will take every phone call, send every text, and run every app with zero lag.
Actionable Advice for Potential Buyers
If you’re planning to pick up an iPhone SE 3rd generation, don't just buy the first one you see. Here is how to handle the purchase:
Check the Storage Needs
The base model starts at 64GB. That is tight. If you take a lot of photos or download offline maps, 64GB will vanish in months. Spring for the 128GB version. It’s the sweet spot for longevity.
Invest in a Fast Charger
The SE 3 supports fast charging, but Apple doesn't put a brick in the box anymore. Get a 20W USB-C power adapter. It’ll take the phone from 0% to 50% in about 30 minutes.
Embrace the Ecosystem
The real value of this phone is how it talks to an iPad or a Mac. If you’re already using an old Mac, the handoff features and universal clipboard make the SE feel like a part of a much larger machine.
Screen Protectors Still Matter
Even though the glass is tough, it’s not invincible. Because the screen is flat (unlike the curved edges of some flagships), tempered glass protectors are incredibly easy to apply and fit perfectly.
The iPhone SE 3rd generation is the definition of "function over form." It's a tool for people who want their technology to stay out of the way. It’s fast, it’s small, and it’s surprisingly durable. Stop looking at the bezels and start looking at the performance.