The Apple iPhone SE (3rd Generation), released in March 2022, is Apple’s attempt to bring high-end performance to a more affordable package. Catering to those who value simplicity, compactness, and classic design, the iPhone SE (3rd Generation) is a unique proposition in the world of smartphones. But does it meet the expectations of modern users? Let’s dive into a comprehensive review to find out.
Design and Build Quality
The iPhone SE (3rd Generation) retains the iconic design of the iPhone 8. Featuring a 4.7-inch Retina HD display, it comes with thick bezels at the top and bottom, a physical home button with Touch ID, and a glass-and-aluminum body. This design is a nostalgic nod to Apple’s earlier models, making it ideal for users who appreciate a smaller and more traditional smartphone.
While the design may feel dated compared to bezel-less modern smartphones, the build quality remains exceptional. The phone has an IP67 water and dust resistance rating, ensuring durability for everyday use. The compact size also makes it highly pocketable and easy to use with one hand—a rarity in today’s market.
Display
The 4.7-inch Retina HD display offers a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels, which, though not groundbreaking, provides sharp visuals with accurate color reproduction. True Tone technology adjusts the display’s color temperature based on ambient lighting, offering a comfortable viewing experience.
However, the lack of OLED technology, which is standard in most of Apple’s newer devices, means that the display doesn’t offer the deep blacks and vibrant colors seen in more premium models. For its price, though, the display quality is more than adequate for casual media consumption and daily tasks.
Performance
Under the hood, the iPhone SE (3rd Generation) features the A15 Bionic chip—the same processor found in the iPhone 13 series. This ensures blazing-fast performance, whether you’re multitasking, playing graphics-intensive games, or editing videos. With a 6-core CPU, 4-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine, the phone delivers flagship-level speed and efficiency.
Apps load quickly, animations are smooth, and there’s no noticeable lag during everyday use. For users transitioning from older iPhones or budget Android devices, the performance upgrade is significant and immediately noticeable.
Camera
The iPhone SE (3rd Generation) comes with a single 12MP rear camera and a 7MP front-facing camera. While it lacks the versatility of multiple lenses (like ultra-wide or telephoto), the A15 Bionic’s computational photography capabilities ensure excellent photo quality.
Features like Smart HDR 4, Deep Fusion, and Portrait Mode help produce images with great detail, accurate colors, and balanced exposure. The rear camera also supports 4K video recording at up to 60fps, delivering crisp and smooth footage.
Low-light performance, however, is where the iPhone SE falls short compared to pricier models. The absence of Night Mode means photos in dim lighting conditions are less impressive, with noticeable noise and reduced clarity.
Battery Life
The iPhone SE (3rd Generation) offers improved battery life compared to its predecessor, thanks to the efficiency of the A15 Bionic chip and iOS optimization. Apple claims up to 15 hours of video playback, and in real-world usage, the phone comfortably lasts a full day with moderate use.
It supports 20W fast charging, allowing you to charge up to 50% in about 30 minutes (charger sold separately). Additionally, it supports Qi wireless charging, but MagSafe compatibility is absent.
Software
Running iOS 15 out of the box (upgradable to the latest iOS), the iPhone SE (3rd Generation) delivers a seamless and user-friendly experience. You’ll have access to all the features of Apple’s software ecosystem, including FaceTime, iMessage, Apple Pay, and App Store apps.
The inclusion of the A15 Bionic chip means the device will receive iOS updates for several years, making it a future-proof choice for budget-conscious users.
Connectivity
One of the standout features of the iPhone SE (3rd Generation) is its support for 5G connectivity. This makes it one of the most affordable ways to access faster mobile data speeds. While it lacks support for mmWave (available only in high-end iPhones), sub-6GHz 5G still offers noticeable improvements over LTE in most areas.
Storage Options and Pricing
The iPhone SE (3rd Generation) is available in three storage variants: 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB. While the base 64GB option might suffice for casual users, heavy app users or those who store large amounts of media should consider the 128GB or 256GB versions.
Pricing starts at $429, making it an excellent value for the performance and features offered.
Who Is the iPhone SE (3rd Generation) For?
The iPhone SE (3rd Generation) is perfect for:
- Users who prefer smaller phones.
- Those upgrading from older iPhones, such as the iPhone 6, 7, or 8.
- Budget-conscious buyers who want flagship performance.
- Individuals who value simplicity and reliability over flashy features.
Drawbacks
- Dated design with thick bezels.
- Lack of Night Mode for the camera.
- Limited display resolution compared to OLED panels.
- MagSafe compatibility is missing.
Final Verdict
The Apple iPhone SE (3rd Generation) is a powerful and compact smartphone that offers exceptional value for its price. While its design may feel outdated to some, its flagship-level performance, long-term software support, and affordable price tag make it a compelling choice for many users. If you’re looking for a reliable iPhone experience without breaking the bank, the iPhone SE (3rd Generation) is hard to beat.
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