Is It Still Worth Buying iPhone SE 3rd Gen in 2025

 

Introduction

The iPhone SE 3rd Gen, released in 2022, stands out as Apple’s most affordable iPhone with the powerful A15 Bionic chip, 5G support, and a compact design. Even in 2025, it remains a compelling choice for budget-conscious buyers who want a fast, reliable phone with long-term software support.

According to UpTrade’s Price Tracker, certified used and refurbished iPhone SE 3rd Gen models now start at $150+, making it a great value for those who want flagship-level performance without the high price tag of newer models.

In this blog, we’ll explore whether the iPhone SE 3rd Gen is still worth buying in 2025 by examining its pricing, performance, iOS support, battery life, and camera quality.

 

Full Specifications of iPhone SE 3rd Gen

General
Release Date	March 18, 2022
Discontinued	February 19, 2025
Original OS	iOS 15.4
Current OS (2025)	iOS 18
Form Factor	Slate
Dimensions	138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm
Weight	144g
Build	Glass front and back, aluminum frame
Colors	Midnight, Starlight, (PRODUCT)RED
Display
Type	Retina HD, IPS LCD
Size	4.7 inches
Resolution	1334 x 750 pixels (~326 ppi)
Contrast Ratio	1400:1 (typical)
Brightness	625 nits (typical)
Features	True Tone, Wide color (P3), Haptic Touch, Display Zoom, Reachability
Performance
Chipset	Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
CPU	Hexa-core (2x high-performance + 4x efficiency cores)
GPU	Apple-designed 4-core GPU
Neural Engine	16-core
RAM	4 GB LPDDR4X
Storage Options	64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB NVMe
Camera
Rear Camera	12 MP, f/1.8 aperture
Rear Camera Features	PDAF, OIS, Quad-LED True Tone flash, Smart HDR 4, Deep Fusion, Photographic Styles, Portrait mode with advanced bokeh and Depth Control
Video Recording	4K at 24/25/30/60 fps, 1080p at 25/30/60/120/240 fps, stereo sound recording
Front Camera	7 MP, f/2.2 aperture
Front Camera Features	HDR, Portrait mode, 1080p video at 25/30 fps, slo-mo at 120 fps
Battery
Capacity	2018 mAh (7.82 Wh)
Video Playback	Up to 15 hours
Audio Playback	Up to 50 hours
Charging	Fast charging up to 20W (50% charge in ~30 minutes), Qi wireless charging support
Connectivity
Cellular	5G (Sub-6 GHz), 4G LTE, 3G, 2G
SIM	Nano-SIM and eSIM
Wi-Fi	802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 with MIMO
Bluetooth	5.0
NFC	Yes, with reader mode
Location Services	GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou
Audio	Stereo speakers
Ports	Lightning connector
Security & Sensors
Authentication	Touch ID (Home button)
Sensors	Accelerometer, Proximity sensor, Ambient light sensor, Gyroscope, Compass, Barometer
Durability
Water & Dust Resistance	IP67 certified (up to 1 meter for 30 minutes)

 

iPhone SE 3rd Gen in 2025: Pricing and Availability

As of 2025, the iPhone SE 3rd Gen is available for around $150+ in the certified used and refurbished market. This price point makes it one of the cheapest iPhones still receiving the latest iOS updates, offering a solid mix of performance and value.

While availability is generally strong, it’s worth noting that the SE 3rd Gen is the latest model in Apple’s SE lineup, which means it’s still in demand and can sell out quickly on popular refurbishing platforms like UpTrade.

✅ Verdict: The iPhone SE 3rd Gen is one of the best budget iPhones you can buy in 2025, offering top-tier performance at a fraction of the cost of newer models.

 

Performance in 2025: A15 Bionic Chip Power

The A15 Bionic chip in the iPhone SE 3rd Gen is the same processor used in the iPhone 13, making it incredibly fast even by 2025 standards.

Key Performance Features:

• 6-core CPU (2 performance + 4 efficiency cores)
• 4-core GPU for smooth gaming and graphics
• 16-core Neural Engine for advanced machine learning tasks

Real-World Performance:

• Fast app loading times
• Smooth multitasking
• Excellent gaming performance with high frame rates
• Efficient power management for better battery life

✅ Verdict: The A15 Bionic is still a powerhouse in 2025, making the iPhone SE 3rd Gen one of the fastest budget phones available.

 

iOS Support and Software Longevity

One of the biggest advantages of the iPhone SE 3rd Gen is its long software support window.

Expected iOS Support Timeline:

• Launched with iOS 15 in 2022
• Likely to receive updates until at least iOS 22 (around 2028)
• Regular security patches and feature updates for years to come

Why This Matters:

• Better app compatibility
• Enhanced security
• Access to new iOS features for years
• Higher resale value over time

✅ Verdict: The iPhone SE 3rd Gen is a great choice if you want a budget phone that will stay relevant for many years.

 

Design and Build: Classic but Compact

The iPhone SE 3rd Gen sticks to a familiar design with a 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD, Touch ID Home Button, and aluminum and glass construction.

Pros:

• Compact and lightweight, making it easy to use one-handed
• Durable design with IP67 water and dust resistance
• Touch ID for quick and secure unlocking

Cons:

• Thick bezels make it look outdated compared to modern iPhones
• Smaller screen size may feel cramped for some users

✅ Verdict: If you prefer a small, classic iPhone design, the SE 3rd Gen is a great choice. However, if you want a more modern look, you might consider the iPhone 12 or iPhone 11 instead.

 

Battery Life: Does It Last All Day in 2025?

Battery life has always been a concern with compact iPhones, and the SE 3rd Gen is no exception. However, the A15 chip helps make the most out of its relatively small battery.

Battery Life Expectations:

• Up to 15 hours of video playback
• Decent standby time thanks to efficient power management
• Supports fast charging (up to 20W) and wireless charging

Real-World Use:

• Should last a full day with moderate use
• Heavy users may need a midday top-up, especially if using 5G frequently

✅ Verdict: The battery life is decent for a compact phone, but it’s not as impressive as larger models like the iPhone 11 or iPhone 12.

 

Camera Quality in 2025: Is It Still Competitive?

The iPhone SE 3rd Gen features a single 12MP Wide camera, but thanks to the A15 Bionic, it still produces impressive photos for its price range.

Camera Features:

• Smart HDR 4 for better contrast and color accuracy
• Deep Fusion for sharper details in medium to low light
• 4K video recording at 60fps
• Photographic Styles for personalized image processing

However, it lacks some of the advanced camera features found on more expensive models, like Night Mode, Ultra-Wide lens, and Cinematic Mode.

✅ Verdict: While not as versatile as multi-lens models, the SE 3rd Gen’s camera is still competitive in its price range, making it a solid choice for casual photographers.

 

iPhone SE 3rd Gen vs iPhone 12: Which One Should You Buy in 2025?

With the iPhone SE 3rd Gen priced at $150+ and the iPhone 12 starting at $170+ in 2025, the $20 difference might seem small, but the differences between these two models are significant. Here’s a closer look at why you might consider spending a bit more on the iPhone 12.

Feature	iPhone SE 3rd Gen	iPhone 12
Release Year	2022	2020
Display	4.7-inch Retina HD LCD (1334 x 750)	6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED (2532 x 1170)
Chipset	A15 Bionic (5nm)	A14 Bionic (5nm)
RAM	4GB	4GB
Rear Camera	12MP (Wide)	Dual 12MP (Wide + Ultra-Wide)
Front Camera	7MP	12MP
Night Mode	No	Yes
Cinematic Mode	No	No
Video Recording	4K Dolby Vision HDR	4K Dolby Vision HDR
Battery Life	Up to 15 hours video playback	Up to 17 hours video playback
5G Support	Yes	Yes
Face ID	No (Touch ID)	Yes
MagSafe	No	Yes
Storage Options	64GB, 128GB, 256GB	64GB, 128GB, 256GB
Water Resistance	IP67 (1m for 30 min)	IP68 (6m for 30 min)
Weight	144g	164g
Starting Price (2025)	$150+	$170+

 

Key Differences:

 

Display Quality

• iPhone SE 3rd Gen: Smaller 4.7-inch LCD, lower resolution, and older design with thick bezels.
• iPhone 12: Larger 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, much sharper with vibrant colors and deep blacks.

✅ Winner: iPhone 12 – The OLED display alone is worth the extra $20.

 

Camera System

• iPhone SE 3rd Gen: Single 12MP camera, good but lacks Night Mode and Ultra-Wide lens.
• iPhone 12: Dual 12MP cameras (Wide + Ultra-Wide) with Night Mode for better low-light photos.

✅ Winner: iPhone 12 – More versatile camera system with better low-light performance.

 

Battery Life

• iPhone SE 3rd Gen: Up to 15 hours of video playback.
• iPhone 12: Up to 17 hours of video playback.

✅ Winner: iPhone 12 – Better battery life for all-day use.

 

Design and Build

• iPhone SE 3rd Gen: Compact, classic design with Touch ID.
• iPhone 12: Modern, edge-to-edge design with Face ID.

✅ Winner: iPhone 12 – Feels more premium and modern.

 

Longevity and Software Support

Both models support 5G and will receive iOS updates for several more years, but the iPhone SE 3rd Gen has a newer chip for potentially longer support.

 

Comparison Result:

If you can stretch your budget by $20, the iPhone 12 is a better choice for most people. It has a larger, higher-quality OLED display, better cameras, longer battery life, and a more modern design. The iPhone SE 3rd Gen is still a great value for those who prefer a smaller phone with Touch ID, but the iPhone 12 offers a more well-rounded experience.

 

iPhone SE 3rd Gen vs iPhone 11: Should You Pay a Little More?

With the iPhone SE 3rd Gen priced at $150+ and the iPhone 11 starting at $140+ in 2025, the price gap is small, but the differences between these two models are substantial.

 

Specs Comparison: iPhone SE 3rd Gen vs iPhone 11

Feature	iPhone SE 3rd Gen	iPhone 11
Release Year	2022	2019
Display	4.7-inch Retina HD LCD (1334 x 750)	6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD (1792 x 828)
Chipset	A15 Bionic (5nm)	A13 Bionic (7nm)
RAM	4GB	4GB
Rear Camera	12MP (Wide)	Dual 12MP (Wide + Ultra-Wide)
Front Camera	7MP	12MP
Night Mode	No	Yes
Cinematic Mode	No	No
Video Recording	4K Dolby Vision HDR	4K HDR
Battery Life	Up to 15 hours video playback	Up to 17 hours video playback
5G Support	Yes	No (4G LTE only)
Face ID	No (Touch ID)	Yes
MagSafe	No	No
Storage Options	64GB, 128GB, 256GB	64GB, 128GB, 256GB
Water Resistance	IP67 (1m for 30 min)	IP68 (2m for 30 min)
Weight	144g	194g
Starting Price (2025)	$150+	$140+

 

Key Differences:

Performance

• iPhone SE 3rd Gen: Newer A15 Bionic chip, much faster and more efficient.
• iPhone 11: Older A13 Bionic, still good but not as powerful.

✅ Winner: iPhone SE 3rd Gen – Newer chip means better long-term performance.

Display

• iPhone SE 3rd Gen: Smaller 4.7-inch LCD, lower resolution.
• iPhone 11: Larger 6.1-inch LCD, better for videos and gaming.

✅ Winner: iPhone 11 – Larger screen, but lower resolution than iPhone 12.

Camera System

• iPhone SE 3rd Gen: Single 12MP camera, lacks Night Mode.
• iPhone 11: Dual 12MP cameras (Wide + Ultra-Wide) with Night Mode.

✅ Winner: iPhone 11 – More versatile and better in low light.

5G Connectivity

• iPhone SE 3rd Gen: ✅ Supports 5G.
• iPhone 11: ❌ Limited to 4G LTE.

✅ Winner: iPhone SE 3rd Gen – Future-proof with faster connectivity.

Battery Life

• iPhone SE 3rd Gen: Up to 15 hours video playback.
• iPhone 11: Up to 17 hours video playback.

✅ Winner: iPhone 11 – Slightly better battery life.

 

Comparison Result:

Choose the iPhone 11 if you want a larger screen, better camera system, and longer battery life. However, if 5G and long-term performance are priorities, the iPhone SE 3rd Gen is the better buy, even if it has a smaller screen.

 

Conclusion: Should You Buy the iPhone SE 3rd Gen in 2025?

At $150+, the iPhone SE 3rd Gen remains one of the best value iPhones in 2025. It offers a powerful A15 Bionic chip, 5G connectivity, long-term iOS support, and a compact design—all at a fraction of the cost of newer models.

✅ Best for Budget Buyers: If you want a fast, compact iPhone without breaking the bank, the iPhone SE 3rd Gen is an excellent choice.

✅ If You Can Stretch Your Budget: Consider the iPhone 12 at $170+ for a larger OLED display, better camera, and more modern design.

✅ If You Prefer a Bigger Screen: The iPhone 11 at $140+ is a solid alternative with a larger display and dual cameras, though it lacks 5G.

 

Bottom Line:

The iPhone SE 3rd Gen offers flagship-level performance at a budget price, making it one of the smartest buys in 2025 for those who value speed and longevity in a compact form factor.

 

---

 

FAQs: Buying a Used iPhone SE 3rd Gen in 2025

 

1. Is the iPhone SE 3rd Gen still worth buying in 2025?

Yes! The iPhone SE 3rd Gen is still a great choice in 2025, thanks to its powerful A15 Bionic chip, 5G support, and compact design. It offers the best long-term performance at a budget price.

 

2. How much longer will iPhone SE 3rd generation be supported?

Apple typically supports iPhones for 5-6 years. Since the iPhone SE 3rd Gen was released in 2022, it should receive iOS updates until at least 2027 or 2028.

 

3. How much should I pay for a used iPhone SE 3rd Gen in 2025?

Certified used or refurbished iPhone SE 3rd Gen models start at around $150+ in 2025, depending on the condition and storage size.

 

4. Is the iPhone SE 3rd Gen better than the iPhone 12?

It depends on your priorities. The iPhone 12 has a larger OLED display, dual cameras, and a more modern design, while the iPhone SE 3rd Gen has a faster chip (A15 vs. A14) and 5G support.

 

5. Does the iPhone SE 3rd Gen have a good battery life?

Battery life is decent, offering up to 15 hours of video playback. However, it’s not as long-lasting as the iPhone 12 or iPhone 11.

 

6. Is the iPhone SE 3rd Gen camera still good in 2025?

Yes, but it lacks features like Night Mode and Ultra-Wide lenses found on newer iPhones. It’s good for casual photography but not as versatile as dual or triple-camera setups.

 

7. Does the iPhone SE 3rd Gen have 5G?

Yes, the iPhone SE 3rd Gen supports 5G, making it a great choice for faster data speeds and better network performance.

 

8. Is the iPhone SE 3rd Gen waterproof?

The iPhone SE 3rd Gen has an IP67 water resistance rating, meaning it can withstand up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.

 

9. Is it better to buy a used iPhone SE 3rd Gen or a new iPhone SE 3rd Gen?

A certified used or refurbished iPhone SE 3rd Gen is often a better deal, as it costs significantly less than a brand-new model but still offers similar performance.

 

10. Is the iPhone SE 3rd Gen good for gaming?

Yes! The A15 Bionic chip is one of the fastest in any smartphone, making the SE 3rd Gen great for gaming, even in 2025.

 

11. What does SE mean on an iPhone?

Apple hasn’t officially defined what "SE" stands for, but it’s commonly understood to mean "Special Edition." The iPhone SE series is designed to offer a budget-friendly iPhone with a powerful chip in a compact body.

 

12. Why is the iPhone SE so much cheaper?

The iPhone SE models are cheaper because they use older designs with updated internals. For example, the iPhone SE 3rd Gen has the powerful A15 chip but uses the same body design as the iPhone 8, helping Apple reduce manufacturing costs.

 

13. Is there an iPhone SE 4th generation?

As of 2025, Apple has not released an iPhone SE 4th generation. However, rumors suggest it might be in development, potentially featuring a larger display and more modern design.