iPhone SE 3rd Generation in 2025: The Hidden Value Nobody Talks About

Apple's iPhone SE 3rd generation has emerged as an unexpected bargain in the smartphone market, despite being [discontinued in February 2025](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPhone_SE_(3rd_generation) with the announcement of the iPhone 16e. Certified used and refurbished models now sell for around $150+ – a 65% reduction from the original $429 launch price.

The device houses the A15 Bionic chip, the same processor that powered the iPhone 13. This silicon delivers flagship-level performance through its 6-core CPU, 4-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine, handling everything from everyday tasks to graphics-intensive games with notable efficiency.

Apple's software support extends the device's lifespan considerably. Currently running iOS 18, the iPhone SE 3 is projected to receive updates until at least iOS 22 around 2028. That timeline provides three additional years of features and security patches for a device already three years old.

The SE 3 occupies a unique position in Apple's lineup through features that newer models have abandoned. Touch ID remains available for users who prefer fingerprint scanning over Face ID, while the physical home button provides a familiar interface. The compact design, based on the iPhone 8 body, offers one-handed operation that larger phones cannot match. Battery life reaches up to 15 hours of video playback, and IP67 water resistance protects against spills and splashes.

"There's something just reliable about Touch ID," notes one long-term user. "Especially when you're wearing a mask or just don't want to fiddle with facial recognition – just tap your finger and you're in, simple and secure."

The single 12MP camera appears modest compared to multi-lens setups on newer iPhones, yet paired with the A15 Bionic's image processing, it captures surprisingly good photos in 2025. Images show crisp detail with accurate colors in good lighting conditions.

The device has found particular appeal as a companion phone. Fitness enthusiasts appreciate its portability for running or gym sessions. Digital minimalists benefit from less screen real estate, which naturally reduces endless scrolling. Travelers value having a backup device that won't strain budgets if lost or damaged. Seniors find the familiar interface with essential features more accessible than complex modern designs.

"In a world where every phone looks more or less the same, there's something kind of refreshing about this design," observed one reviewer about the SE 3's 4.7-inch LCD display and larger bezels.

The unlocked iPhone SE 3rd generation represents a compelling entry point into Apple's ecosystem. Its powerful internals, extended software support, and distinctive design maintain relevance even as newer models capture headlines.

Design That Stands Out in the iPhone SE 3rd Generation

Image Source: 9to5Mac

Apple's design team faced an unusual challenge with the iPhone SE 3rd generation: how to house 2021-era processing power within a 2017-era body. Released in March 2022, the device represents a deliberate departure from the industry's rush toward edge-to-edge displays and gesture-based navigation.

Classic iPhone 8 Body with Modern Internals

The iPhone SE 3rd generation maintains the exact external dimensions of the iPhone 8 at 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm, yet Apple engineered significant improvements beneath the surface. The 144-gram frame houses components that would have been unimaginable in the original iPhone 8 design.

This engineering approach creates a unique contradiction in the smartphone market. The device combines a familiar external profile with internal hardware that matches flagship performance. The result challenges conventional wisdom about phone design progression.

The practical advantages extend beyond nostalgia. IP67 water and dust resistance allows submersion in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes. The glass front and back construction, paired with an aluminum frame, delivers premium build quality despite the device's budget positioning.

Color Options and Build Quality

Apple offers the iPhone SE 3rd generation in three carefully selected finishes. Midnight appears jet black in certain lighting conditions while revealing subtle indigo hues in others. Starlight provides a sophisticated alternative to pure white with a clean aesthetic. PRODUCT(RED) features a darker shade than previous red iPhone models.

The construction quality exceeds typical mid-range device standards. Apple utilizes low-carbon aluminum for the frame alongside durable glass panels. The rear glass panel matches that used on the iPhone 13, providing enhanced durability.

"The glossy glass back and curved sides make the phone feel slippery," observed one reviewer, though this premium finish contributes to the device's sophisticated appearance.

Touch ID and Physical Home Button Appeal

The iPhone SE 3rd generation's most distinctive feature remains its solid-state home button with integrated Touch ID. As the final iPhone model to offer fingerprint authentication, it serves specific user needs that Face ID cannot address.

The fingerprint sensor enables quick device unlocking, Apple Pay authorization, and password-protected app access. Many users rediscovered Touch ID's convenience during pandemic mask-wearing periods.

"After using Face ID-enabled iPhone models over the last several years, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed using Touch ID again. I hadn't realized how much I missed it," noted one reviewer.

For users with visual impairments, Touch ID offers particular advantages. One user explained: "There is no point to me taking my phone out of my pocket since my braille display is connected through Bluetooth. Touch ID is very fast, since I can just rest a thumb on the Home button to unlock my iPhone".

The physical home button provides intuitive navigation that some users prefer over gesture-based systems. Double-tapping to access the app switcher feels natural and efficient, particularly for those transitioning from older iPhone models or users who favor straightforward controls.

Performance That Rivals Newer Models

Image Source: iSTYLE

The iPhone SE 3rd generation delivers performance capabilities that continue to impress three years after its release, powered by silicon that matches devices costing significantly more.

Apple A15 Bionic chip explained

The A15 Bionic chip represents the core of the iPhone SE 3's performance advantage—identical to the processor that powered the premium iPhone 13 lineup. This system-on-chip delivers capabilities through three key components:

• 6-core CPU with 2 high-performance cores and 4 efficiency cores

• 4-core GPU handling graphics processing for smooth gaming

• 16-core Neural Engine powering advanced machine learning tasks

"It's like having a sports car engine in a practical sedan," as one tech enthusiast described it. The architecture enables the device to handle basic tasks and demanding applications with notable efficiency.

How it compares to iPhone 13 and 14

Benchmark testing reveals the iPhone SE 3rd generation's competitive position against higher-priced models. Geekbench 5 scores show approximately 1,733 for single-core and 4,736 for multi-core operations—virtually identical CPU performance to the iPhone 13.

The SE 3 incorporates the same A15 Bionic processor but pairs it with 4GB RAM versus the 6GB found in iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 14. The iPhone 14 gained a slight advantage with its 5-core GPU configuration compared to the SE's 4-core setup.

Most users "would not be able to distinguish the performance difference" between these devices during everyday use. This positioning makes the unlocked iPhone SE 3rd generation a compelling value proposition for consumers seeking near-flagship performance without the premium price.

Everyday performance in 2025

Three years after release, the iPhone SE 3 maintains strong performance across most tasks. The device handles multitasking effectively, though heavy users might occasionally encounter the 4GB RAM limitation. App loading remains quick and responsive across most applications.

Gaming performance delivers smooth frame rates, with extended sessions potentially causing slight thermal throttling. iOS 18 runs smoothly on the device, supporting most new features.

The iPhone SE 3 specifications exclude support for some advanced features like Apple Intelligence, which requires additional RAM. However, it manages the majority of tasks effectively.

"The A15 Bionic is still a powerhouse in 2025," notes one industry analyst, "making the iPhone SE 3rd gen one of the fastest budget phones available". Apple's support timeline suggests at least 5-7 years of updates, indicating this 2022 device should remain viable through 2027-2029.

Camera and Display: Simplicity Meets Function

Image Source: DxOMark

The iPhone SE 3rd generation approaches photography through a quality-over-quantity philosophy. This compact device relies on streamlined hardware paired with sophisticated processing rather than multiple lenses.

Single-lens photography system

The iPhone SE 3 features a single 12MP rear camera with an f/1.8 aperture and optical image stabilization. The setup delivers notable results through the A15 Bionic chip's computational photography capabilities, including Smart HDR 4 for improved contrast and color accuracy, Portrait mode with depth control and advanced bokeh effects, Deep Fusion for enhanced detail in medium-light conditions, and 4K video recording at 24, 25, 30, or 60 fps.

"The resolved detail is plenty, the exposure is just right, and the dynamic range is high," noted one reviewer about the SE 3's low-light performance.

The front-facing 7MP camera with f/2.2 aperture captures surprisingly detailed selfies despite its modest specifications. One review found it "shows a lot more detail than many 16MP, 20MP or even 32MP Quad-Bayer cameras" on competing phones.

Display characteristics and daily use

The 4.7-inch Retina HD display delivers 1334 × 750 resolution with 326 ppi density. True Tone technology provides adaptive color temperature, while P3 wide color gamut support and 625 nits maximum brightness maintain Apple's display standards.

This IPS LCD screen offers excellent viewing angles and natural color reproduction in daily use. The 16:9 aspect ratio, while dated by 2025 standards, provides compatibility with older content that many users appreciate.

Feature limitations

The camera system omits several capabilities found in premium iPhone models. Night Mode remains unavailable for low-light photography. The single-lens design excludes ultra-wide or telephoto options, limiting zoom to digital-only capabilities. Cinematic mode for video recording is absent.

Display technology similarly lacks newer features. ProMotion high refresh rate technology is not available. Maximum brightness falls below OLED models, and larger bezels reduce the screen-to-body ratio.

The iPhone SE 3's camera and display reflect Apple's approach of accessible quality rather than cutting-edge specifications. The device performs well in good lighting conditions, serving casual photographers and everyday users who prioritize reliability over advanced features.

Battery Life and Software Support in 2025

Three years after its debut, the iPhone SE 3rd generation demonstrates both the strengths and limitations that come with extended use. Battery degradation and evolving software demands have shaped the device's current performance profile.

Battery degradation patterns

The iPhone SE 3 launched with a 2,018 mAh battery, representing a modest increase from its predecessor's 1,821 mAh capacity. Original testing showed approximately 15 hours of video playback capability. Most devices in circulation now display 80-85% battery health after 500 complete charge cycles.

Real-world usage patterns reveal more demanding requirements. Moderate users typically achieve 3-5 hours of screen time, with many requiring at least one mid-day charge to maintain functionality through evening hours.

"Getting through a whole day on a single charge can be a bit of a challenge these days," notes one long-term user who has experienced the expected battery degradation.

The device maintains charging flexibility through 20-watt fast charging, reaching 50% capacity in approximately 30 minutes, alongside 7.5-watt wireless charging compatibility.

Current software capabilities

The iPhone SE 3rd generation runs iOS 18 as of June 2025, incorporating customizable home screen options, redesigned control center, and enhanced privacy features. However, the device's 4GB RAM configuration creates limitations for newer functionalities.

Apple Intelligence features remain unavailable due to hardware constraints. "The iPhone SE 3 can handle a lot of the new stuff in iOS 18... but because of the hardware, especially that 4GB of RAM, it might not be able to run all the super advanced features," explains one tech reviewer.

Extended support timeline

Apple's established support pattern suggests the iPhone SE 3rd generation will receive updates until approximately 2029. Released on March 18, 2022, the device benefits from Apple's typical 5-7 year support cycle, with iOS 19 compatibility expected and potentially beyond.

"Apple has a great track record for supporting their iPhones with updates for a long time, usually around 5 to 7 years," confirms one industry analyst.

This extended support timeline reinforces the device's value proposition for users prioritizing reliable performance and consistent updates over cutting-edge features. The combination of continued software support and significantly reduced pricing creates a compelling case for the iPhone SE 3rd generation in 2025.

The Hidden Value of the iPhone SE 3

The iPhone SE 3rd generation's depreciation has created unexpected opportunities for specific user groups. Originally launched at $429 in March 2022, the device lost approximately 42.6% of its value within one month and 57.8% within six months. This rapid decline, while significant for original buyers, presents 65% savings for those entering the market in 2025.

Secondary device applications

The compact design has established the iPhone SE 3 as an ideal companion device. Users frequently switch between the SE and larger phones based on specific activities and needs. Construction workers find the smaller form factor more practical for job sites, while fitness enthusiasts appreciate the reduced bulk during workouts.

"I actually use my SE as my primary phone and my 7 as my weekend phone. I'm a carpenter, and a smaller phone is better for work," explains one user. SIM card transfers between devices remain straightforward, allowing users to maintain their number across multiple phones.

Demographic applications

Three distinct user groups have embraced the iPhone SE 3rd generation for different reasons:

Children benefit from the device's balance between functionality and affordability. Starting at $579 CAD, it provides essential smartphone features without the premium price of flagship models. The familiar interface reduces the learning curve for young users transitioning to their first iPhone.

Senior users find the physical home button and Touch ID more intuitive than gesture-based navigation systems. The straightforward interface eliminates complexity while maintaining access to essential features like calling, messaging, and emergency services.

Digital minimalists report significant behavioral changes after switching to the SE 3. The smaller screen naturally limits usage patterns, with some users documenting reductions from 7-9 hours of daily screen time to 4-5 hours.

Market availability

The secondary market has become the primary source for iPhone SE 3rd generation devices. Best Buy no longer stocks new models, directing buyers toward certified refurbished units. These devices typically maintain 85% or higher battery health and include original accessories like charging cables.

Three color options remain available: Midnight, Starlight, and PRODUCT(RED). The refurbished market offers quality assurance through seller warranties and return policies, providing confidence for buyers entering Apple's ecosystem at a lower price point.

The device's value proposition centers on delivering essential iPhone functionality without premium pricing. This approach serves users who prioritize reliability and simplicity over cutting-edge features.

FAQs

Q1. Is the iPhone SE 3rd generation still worth buying in 2025?

Yes, the iPhone SE 3rd generation offers excellent value in 2025. With its powerful A15 Bionic chip, compact design, and significantly reduced price (around $150+ for refurbished models), it's a great option for budget-conscious buyers seeking reliable performance and continued software support.

Q2. How does the iPhone SE 3's camera compare to newer iPhone models?

While the iPhone SE 3 has a single 12MP rear camera, it still captures impressive photos thanks to the A15 Bionic chip's processing power. It supports features like Smart HDR 4 and Portrait mode, though it lacks Night mode and ultra-wide or telephoto lenses found in newer models.

Q3. What is the expected battery life of the iPhone SE 3 in 2025?

After three years, most iPhone SE 3 devices show 80-85% battery health. Moderate users can expect 3-5 hours of screen time, with many needing a mid-day charge. The device supports 20-watt fast charging and 7.5-watt wireless charging for convenient top-ups.

Q4. How long will Apple continue to support the iPhone SE 3rd generation?

Based on Apple's typical support timeline of 5-7 years for iPhones, the SE 3rd generation (released in March 2022) is projected to receive software updates until approximately 2029. It currently runs iOS 18 smoothly and is expected to be compatible with future iOS versions.

Q5. Who is the iPhone SE 3 best suited for in 2025?

The iPhone SE 3 is ideal for various users in 2025. It's great as a secondary or backup phone due to its compact size. It's also well-suited for kids, seniors who prefer a familiar interface with Touch ID, and digital minimalists looking to reduce screen time. Its affordability and reliable performance make it a smart choice for budget-conscious Apple fans.