Apple Phone SE Technical Specs and Review Summary

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The Apple Phone SE is a compact powerhouse that's hard to ignore. It's powered by Apple's A13 Bionic chip, which provides a boost in performance and efficiency.

This phone is all about being compact, with a 4.7-inch display that's perfect for those who want a smaller device. It's also water-resistant, with a rating of IP67.

One of the standout features of the Apple Phone SE is its camera, which has a 12-megapixel rear camera and a 7-megapixel front camera. It's also capable of recording 4K video at 60fps.

The phone comes in three storage options: 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB, so you can choose the one that suits your needs best.

Check this out: Apple Store Se Phone

Design and Features

The next iPhone SE is expected to look similar to the iPhone 14, featuring Face ID biometric authentication instead of a Touch ID Home button. This means you'll be able to unlock and access your phone with just a glance.

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The new iPhone SE will have a significantly larger display, measuring in at 6.06 inches, which is a big change from the current 4.7 inch model. This will give you more screen real estate to enjoy your favorite apps and content.

The iPhone SE 4 will also feature a USB-C port, replacing the traditional Lightning port, which is a change that's already been made in the iPhone 15 lineup.

If this caught your attention, see: Will Apple Make a Flip Phone

Touch ID

Touch ID is a convenient feature that lets you unlock your device with just a fingerprint. It's a fingerprint sensor built into the Home button.

The fingerprint sensor is a great way to add an extra layer of security to your device. This feature uses biometric data to ensure that only you can unlock your device, making it more difficult for others to access your personal information.

One of the best things about Touch ID is that it's easy to set up and use. Simply place your finger on the Home button, and the sensor will create a unique fingerprint scan.

Here are some key facts about Touch ID:

  • Fingerprint sensor built into the Home button

Notch

Credit: youtube.com, The Notch Design: Apple's Innovative Solution For Maximising Screen Size On The iPhone And Beyond

The notch is expected to make a comeback on the next iPhone SE. Apple is rumored to adopt a notch for the iPhone SE, which will give them a place to put the front-facing camera.

The notch will include a 12-megapixel front-facing camera, the same camera included in the iPhone 16. This suggests that the notch will be a key feature of the iPhone SE's design.

The notch design will set the iPhone SE apart from Apple's flagship iPhones, which now feature the Dynamic Island. This is because Apple has transitioned to the Dynamic Island for its flagship lineup.

Reliable display analyst Ross Young has confirmed that the iPhone SE 4 will have a notch, not a Dynamic Island. This means that the notch will be a distinctive feature of the iPhone SE's design.

Expand your knowledge: Apple Phone Won't Turn on

Audio Calling

Audio Calling is incredibly convenient, allowing you to make calls over Wi-Fi or through your cellular network. This feature is called Voice over LTE (VoLTE), and it's a game-changer for those with spotty cellular coverage.

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You can also use FaceTime audio for crystal-clear calls, or Wi-Fi calling for a seamless experience. SharePlay lets you share experiences like movies, TV shows, and music with friends and family during a FaceTime call, making it a great way to connect.

FaceTime is also equipped with features like Screen sharing, which lets you show others what's on your screen. This is super helpful for explaining things or showing off your latest finds.

Some calls can be noisy, but don't worry – Spatial Audio helps to keep the background noise to a minimum. And with Voice Isolation and Wide Spectrum microphone modes, you can choose the setting that works best for you.

SIM Card

The SIM Card feature on this device is quite versatile. It supports both nano-SIM and eSIM, making it easy to switch between different carriers and plans.

You can use dual SIM functionality, which is perfect for people who need to manage multiple phone numbers or plans. This feature is available in many regions, but it's worth noting that eSIM support may not be available everywhere.

If you're interested in using eSIM, you can learn more about it on the device's website.

Software

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The iPhone SE (3rd generation) was originally supplied with iOS 15.4 at release, and was eligible to update to iOS 16 beginning in September 2022.

The latest version of iOS compatible with the third-generation iPhone SE, as of September 2025, is iOS 26. This means users can enjoy the latest features and security updates on their device.

Navigation gestures on the iPhone SE (3rd generation) are the same as they were on iPhone models prior to the iPhone X. This is a familiar experience for users who have upgraded from older models.

The iPhone SE (3rd generation) has a seamless user experience, with intuitive gestures and a user-friendly interface.

Expand your knowledge: Apple Watch Se Phone Compatibility

iPhone Reviews

The iPhone SE 3rd gen is a great option for those who want a compact phone without sacrificing too much in terms of performance. It has a rating of IP67 under IEC standard 60529, which means it's splash, water, and dust resistant, but not permanently so.

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If you plan to use your iPhone SE 3rd gen in areas with mmWave coverage, be aware that it's only available in parts of select cities. For example, if you live in a major city like New York or Los Angeles, you might be able to take advantage of this feature, but in smaller towns, it's unlikely.

Battery life varies by use and configuration, so it's hard to predict how long your phone will last on a single charge. However, some customers have reported great battery life, while others have found it drains quickly.

One thing that many customers agree on is that the iPhone SE 3rd gen takes great photos and videos. In fact, some have even said it's one of the best features of the phone.

Here are some key specs to keep in mind:

  1. IP67 rating under IEC standard 60529
  2. mmWave available in parts of select cities
  3. Battery life varies by use and configuration

Overall, the iPhone SE 3rd gen is a solid choice for anyone looking for a compact, affordable phone with great camera capabilities.

Performance and Hardware

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The iPhone SE has a powerful A15 Bionic system on a chip, which includes an integrated motion coprocessor and fifth-generation Neural Engine.

This chip is available in three internal storage configurations: 64 GB, 128 GB, and 256 GB. The phone also has 4 GB of RAM, a significant increase over the previous model's 3 GB of RAM.

The third-generation iPhone SE has the same IP67 rating for dust and water resistance as its predecessor.

Hardware

The iPhone SE 4 is expected to have the same A18 chip as the iPhone 16, which will allow it to support Apple Intelligence features.

The A18 chip, also known as the T8140 chip, is an Apple-designed processor that will bring significant performance improvements to the iPhone SE 4.

The iPhone SE 4 will be the first device to feature an Apple-designed 5G chip, which is a major development in the company's effort to reduce its reliance on Qualcomm.

See what others are reading: Will Apple Make Another Mini Phone

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This new 5G chip will enable faster and more reliable wireless connectivity, making it ideal for demanding tasks like streaming and online gaming.

Apple has been working on its own modem chip for several years, and it's exciting to see this technology finally make its way into a consumer device.

Battery

The ‌iPhone‌ SE 4 will use the same 3279 mAh battery as the ‌iPhone‌ 14, so it should have similar battery life to that device.

The third generation of the iPhone SE features a 2,018 mA⋅h battery, up from 1,821 mA⋅h on its predecessor.

This upgrade enables an offline video playback time of 15 hours, up from 13 hours, which brings it up to par with the older but more expensive iPhone 12 Mini.

A 15-hour video playback time is a significant improvement, especially for users who watch a lot of videos on the go.

Take a look at this: Apple Phone Battery

Display and Camera

The display on the Apple Phone SE is a Retina HD display, featuring a 4.7-inch widescreen LCD Multi-Touch display with IPS technology. It has a 1334-by-750-pixel resolution at 326 ppi, a 1400:1 contrast ratio, and a max brightness of 625 nits.

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The display also supports True Tone, Wide color display (P3), Haptic Touch, and has a fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating. You can also adjust the display zoom and use Reachability.

The rear camera on the Apple Phone SE has a 12MP Wide camera with a ƒ/1.8 aperture, digital zoom up to 5x, and Portrait mode with advanced bokeh and Depth Control. It also has Portrait Lighting with six effects, optical image stabilization, and a six-element lens.

Camera

The camera on the latest iPhone models is quite impressive. The front camera on some of these devices boasts a 7MP camera with a wide aperture of f/2.2, perfect for taking beautiful selfies.

The rear camera, on the other hand, has a higher megapixel count, with the iPhone SE having a 12MP camera. This allows for more detailed photos, especially in low-light conditions.

One feature that's available on some of these cameras is Portrait mode with advanced bokeh and Depth Control. This creates a stunning effect, blurring the background around the subject.

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The camera also supports features like Smart HDR 4, which helps to balance the exposure of different parts of the image. Additionally, some cameras have a feature called Deep Fusion, which enhances the details in photos.

If you're planning to take videos, you'll be pleased to know that some of these cameras can record 4K video at 24, 25, 30, or 60 fps. This is perfect for capturing smooth and detailed footage.

Here's a quick rundown of some of the camera features on the latest iPhone models:

Overall, the camera on the latest iPhone models is a significant improvement over previous generations. It's perfect for taking stunning photos and videos, and is a great feature to have on your device.

Display

The display on the iPhone SE 3 is a Retina HD display with a 4.7-inch diagonal widescreen LCD.

This display features a 1334-by-750-pixel resolution at 326 ppi, which is a high pixel density that ensures crisp and clear visuals.

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The display has a contrast ratio of 1400:1 (typical) and supports True Tone display, which adjusts the color temperature of the display to match the surrounding environment.

You can also expect a wide color display (P3) and Haptic Touch, which provides a more immersive experience.

Here are some key display features:

  • Retina HD display
  • 4.7-inch (diagonal) widescreen LCD Multi‑Touch display with IPS technology
  • 1334-by-750-pixel resolution at 326 ppi
  • Fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating

Packaging and Environment

iPhone SE's packaging has been designed with the environment in mind. The phone does not include a power adapter or EarPods, which reduces waste and helps to conserve resources.

A USB-C to Lightning cable is included in the box, which supports fast charging and is compatible with USB-C power adapters and computer ports. This thoughtful design encourages users to reuse their existing cables and adapters.

Here are some key facts about iPhone SE's environmental impact:

  • 100% recycled tungsten in the Taptic Engine
  • 100% recycled rare earth elements in the Taptic Engine and audio magnets
  • 100% recycled tin in the solder of the main logic board
  • 35% or more recycled plastic in multiple components

iPhone SE also meets the U.S. Department of Energy requirements for battery charger systems, making it energy efficient.

In the Box

As part of Apple's efforts to reduce waste and reach their environmental goals, iPhone SE and iPhone SE (2nd generation) packaging has been optimized.

Close-up of a brightly wrapped gift box with festive red and white ribbons.
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The iPhone SE and iPhone SE (2nd generation) no longer include a power adapter or EarPods in the box.

A USB-C to Lightning cable is included, which supports fast charging and is compatible with USB-C power adapters and computer ports.

You're encouraged to reuse your current USB-A to Lightning cables, power adapters, and headphones, which are compatible with these iPhones.

If you need any new Apple power adapters or headphones, they are available for purchase.

IPhone and the Environment

iPhone and the Environment is a topic that's close to my heart, and Apple's commitment to sustainability is truly impressive.

Apple's iPhone SE is designed with features to reduce its environmental impact, such as using 100% recycled tungsten in the Taptic Engine, representing 100% of the tungsten in the device.

The iPhone SE also meets U.S. Department of Energy requirements for battery charger systems, making it an energy-efficient device.

Apple's commitment to reducing waste is remarkable, with their Zero Waste Program helping suppliers eliminate waste sent to landfill.

Credit: youtube.com, iPhone and the Environment: Striving Towards a Sustainable

Here are some key features of the iPhone SE that contribute to its eco-friendliness:

  • 100% recycled tungsten in the Taptic Engine
  • 100% recycled rare earth elements in the Taptic Engine and audio magnets (representing 91% of the rare earth elements in the device)
  • 100% recycled tin in the solder of the main logic board
  • 35% or more recycled plastic in multiple components
  • Arsenic-free display glass
  • Mercury-, BFR-, PVC-, and beryllium-free

Apple's Green manufacturing practices are also noteworthy, with all final assembly supplier sites transitioning to 100% renewable energy for Apple production.

Apple's goal of becoming carbon neutral across their entire business, including products, by 2030, is ambitious and admirable.

Specifications and Comparison

The Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) has a starting price of $11.94 per month for 36 months with 0% APR.

The phone features a Retina HD display with a 1334-by-750-pixel resolution at 326 ppi, and it also has a 12MP Wide camera with a f/1.8 aperture and digital zoom up to 5x.

Here are some key specifications and comparisons with other Apple phones:

The Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) has a 4.2 out of 5 rating based on 2K reviews, and it comes in storage options of 64 GB, 128 GB, and 256 GB.

Specifications

The specifications of the product are quite impressive. The processor speed is 2.5 GHz, which is fast enough to handle demanding tasks.

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The product has 8 GB of RAM, which is a standard amount for most users. This amount of RAM allows for smooth multitasking and browsing.

The storage capacity is 256 GB, which is a decent amount for storing files and programs. However, it may not be enough for users who need to store large amounts of data.

The product's battery life is up to 12 hours, which is a significant improvement over previous models. This feature is perfect for users who are always on the go.

The product's display is 13.3 inches, which is a great size for portability and viewing. The resolution is 1080p, which is a standard for most monitors.

Compare Devices

The Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) starts at a price of $11.94/month for 36 months, 0% APR, while the Apple iPhone 13 starts at $17.49/month for 36 months, 0% APR.

The Apple iPhone 13 has a longer battery life, with up to 19 hours of video playback, compared to the Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)'s up to 15 hours.

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You can choose from different storage options for the Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen), including 64 GB, 128 GB, and 256 GB, subject to availability.

The Apple iPhone 13 has a larger and higher-resolution display, with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display and 2532-by-1170-pixel resolution at 460 ppi.

The Apple iPhone 14 has a similar display to the Apple iPhone 13, with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display and 2532-by-1170-pixel resolution at 460 ppi.

Here's a comparison of the devices' prices and battery life:

The Apple iPhone 14 has a slightly higher rating, with 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 12.7K reviews, compared to the Apple iPhone 13's 4.3 out of 5 stars based on 6.8K reviews.

Release and Pricing

The next-generation iPhone SE is just around the corner, with Apple planning to unveil it on Wednesday, February 19. This is a significant moment for Apple fans, who have been eagerly waiting for the latest update.

The new iPhone SE 4 will likely have a lower price tag than other models, with a starting price of $429, the same as the current iPhone SE. This is a great option for those on a budget or who want a more affordable smartphone.

Cost

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The iPhone SE 4 is expected to have a lower price tag than other models, which is great news for those on a budget.

Pricing for the iPhone SE 4 could start at $429, the same as the current iPhone SE.

The new device may see an increase of around 10 percent, but Apple plans to keep the pricing below $500.

Release Date

The next-generation iPhone SE is expected to be released on Wednesday, February 19, according to Apple's plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is the iPhone SE?

The iPhone SE was first released in 2016 as the 1st generation, with a 2nd generation released in 2020. The age of the iPhone SE series depends on the specific model, with the 1st generation being around 7 years old and the 2nd generation being around 3 years old.

Why is Apple discontinuing the iPhone SE?

Apple is discontinuing the iPhone SE to focus on higher-margin products, rather than offering a low-cost alternative that competes with its main lineup. This shift in strategy aims to maintain profit margins and drive consumer demand for premium devices.

What is the downside of an iPhone SE?

The iPhone SE has some drawbacks, including a lower water resistance rating and a smaller, lower-quality display compared to other iPhone models. Additionally, it lacks advanced features like Face ID and has a more fragile glass design.

Katrina Sanford

Writer

Katrina Sanford is a seasoned writer with a knack for crafting compelling content on a wide range of topics. Her expertise spans the realm of important issues, where she delves into thought-provoking subjects that resonate with readers. Her ability to distill complex concepts into engaging narratives has earned her a reputation as a versatile and reliable writer.

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