Tech Talk

Is It Worth Buying iPhone SE 2nd Gen in 2025

Mar 06, 2025 Jonathan Sizemore

Introduction

The iPhone SE 2nd Gen, also known as the iPhone SE 2020, was launched as Apple's budget-friendly option with flagship-level performance. With its compact design, Touch ID, and A13 Bionic chip, it remains a popular choice even in 2025.

According to UpTrade’s Price Tracker, the certified used and refurbished iPhone SE 2nd Gen has now dropped to $100+, making it one of the cheapest iPhones available. However, availability is limited, and if you find one in stock, it’s a deal worth grabbing.

If you can’t find one, alternatives like:

iPhone SE 3rd Gen ($150+) – Newer, with an A15 chip and 5G support.
iPhone XS ($130+) – Offers an OLED display and dual cameras.

So, is the iPhone SE 2nd Gen still worth buying in 2025, or should you consider one of these alternatives? Let’s take a closer look at performance, iOS support, and overall value.

iPhone SE 2nd Gen in 2025: Performance, Software, and Hardware

iOS Support & Longevity

One of the most important factors when buying an older iPhone is how long it will be supported.

The iPhone SE 2nd Gen launched in 2020 with iOS 13.
Apple typically provides 6–7 years of updates, meaning it should continue receiving iOS updates until at least 2026 or 2027.
Even after major iOS updates stop, it will still receive security updates for a while.

✅ Verdict: The SE 2nd Gen is still a safe choice for at least another year or two.

A13 Bionic Performance: Is It Still Fast?

The A13 Bionic chip, the same one found in the iPhone 11, remains fast and efficient even in 2025.

Handles daily tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging with ease.
Gaming is decent, but newer chips (like A15 in SE 3rd Gen) offer better frame rates.
Multitasking is smooth, thanks to 3GB RAM—though heavy apps might slow it down.

✅ Verdict: Still fast for everyday use, but not as future-proof as newer models.

Display: Is It Still Good in 2025?

The iPhone SE 2nd Gen has a 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD display, which feels outdated in 2025:

1792 x 828 resolution – Sharp enough but lacks deep blacks and high contrast.
No HDR support – Videos don’t look as vibrant as OLED screens.
LCD technology – Less energy-efficient compared to OLED in newer models.

✅ Verdict: Still decent for casual use, but lacks the vibrancy of newer iPhones.

Camera: Can It Compete in 2025?

The iPhone SE 2nd Gen features a single 12MP rear camera, which is good, but:

No Night Mode, so low-light photos are weaker.
No Ultra-Wide or Telephoto lens—just a standard Wide lens.
Portrait Mode works, but depth sensing is software-based.

✅ Verdict: Good for daylight shots, but low-light and advanced photography are limited.

Battery Life: Still Reliable?

Battery life was never the SE 2nd Gen’s strong point. In 2025:

Up to 13 hours video playback (less than newer models).
Small 1,821mAh battery, meaning heavy users will need to charge midday.
Supports fast charging (18W) and wireless charging.

✅ Verdict: Not great, but manageable if you’re okay with charging frequently.

Touch ID & Design: Classic but Outdated?

Touch ID Home Button – Some users prefer it over Face ID.
Classic iPhone 8 body – Thick bezels, 4.7-inch LCD display.
Aluminum & glass build – Durable, but doesn’t feel as premium as modern iPhones.

✅ Verdict: If you love compact iPhones with a Home Button, this is still a solid choice.

iPhone SE 2nd Gen vs iPhone SE 3rd Gen: Is It Worth Paying $50 More?

The iPhone SE 3rd Gen (2022) is available for $150+, just $50 more than the iPhone SE 2nd Gen (2020) at $100+. But does the extra cost justify the upgrade? Let’s compare the two models side by side.

Specs Comparison: iPhone SE 2nd Gen vs iPhone SE 3rd Gen

Feature	iPhone SE 2nd Gen	iPhone SE 3rd Gen
Release Year	2020	2022
Display	4.7-inch Retina HD LCD (1334 x 750)	4.7-inch Retina HD LCD (1334 x 750)
Chipset	A13 Bionic	A15 Bionic
RAM	3GB	4GB
Camera System	12MP (Wide)	12MP (Wide)
Night Mode	No	No
Cinematic Mode	No	No
Battery Life	Up to 13 hours video playback	Up to 15 hours video playback
5G Support	No	Yes
Face ID	No (Touch ID)	No (Touch ID)
Storage Options	64GB, 128GB, 256GB	64GB, 128GB, 256GB
Frame Material	Aluminum	Aluminum
Water Resistance	IP67 (1m for 30 min)	IP67 (1m for 30 min)
Weight	148g	144g
MagSafe	No	No
Starting Price (Certified Used, 2025)	$100+	$150+

1. Performance: A15 Bionic is Much Faster

iPhone SE 2nd Gen: A13 Bionic chip (2020).
iPhone SE 3rd Gen: A15 Bionic chip (2022) – the same chip used in the iPhone 13.

The A15 Bionic is significantly faster, making the SE 3rd Gen a better long-term choice for gaming, multitasking, and future iOS updates.

🏆 Winner: iPhone SE 3rd Gen – The A15 Bionic is more future-proof.

2. 5G Connectivity: A Major Upgrade

iPhone SE 2nd Gen: ❌ Limited to 4G LTE.
iPhone SE 3rd Gen: ✅ Supports 5G for faster internet speeds.

If you live in an area with strong 5G coverage, this can make a noticeable difference.

🏆 Winner: iPhone SE 3rd Gen – 5G support makes it more future-proof.

3. Camera: SE 3rd Gen Has Better Image Processing

Both models have a single 12MP rear camera, but the SE 3rd Gen benefits from better computational photography:

Sharper images, better low-light processing thanks to the A15 chip.
SE 2nd Gen still takes good photos, but it lacks modern processing features.

🏆 Winner: iPhone SE 3rd Gen – Better image processing makes a difference.

4. Battery Life: SE 3rd Gen Lasts Longer

iPhone SE 2nd Gen: Up to 13 hours video playback.
iPhone SE 3rd Gen: Up to 15 hours video playback.

While not a massive difference, the SE 3rd Gen lasts a bit longer on a single charge.

🏆 Winner: iPhone SE 3rd Gen – Slightly better battery life.

Which One Should You Buy?

Buy the iPhone SE 3rd Gen if you want faster performance, 5G support, and better longevity.
Buy the iPhone SE 2nd Gen if you just need a cheap iPhone and don’t care about 5G or long-term updates.

iPhone SE 2nd Gen vs iPhone XS: Which One is the Better Budget Choice?

The iPhone XS (2018) is available for $130+, while the iPhone SE 2nd Gen costs $100+. Although both are affordable iPhones in 2025, they are very different in design and features.

Specs Comparison: iPhone SE 2nd Gen vs iPhone XS

Feature	iPhone SE 2nd Gen	iPhone XS
Release Year	2020	2018
Display	4.7-inch Retina HD LCD (1334 x 750)	5.8-inch Super Retina OLED (2436 x 1125)
Chipset	A13 Bionic	A12 Bionic
RAM	3GB	4GB
Camera System	12MP (Wide)	12MP (Wide + Telephoto)
Night Mode	No	No
Battery Life	Up to 13 hours video playback	Up to 14 hours video playback
Face ID	No (Touch ID)	Yes
5G Support	No	No
Storage Options	64GB, 128GB, 256GB	64GB, 256GB, 512GB
Frame Material	Aluminum	Stainless Steel
Water Resistance	IP67 (1m for 30 min)	IP68 (2m for 30 min)
Weight	148g	177g
MagSafe	No	No
Starting Price (Certified Used, 2025)	$100+	$130+

1. Display: OLED vs LCD – XS Has the Better Screen

iPhone SE 2nd Gen: 4.7-inch LCD – Decent, but lacks deep blacks and contrast.
iPhone XS: 5.8-inch OLED – Sharper, more vibrant, and higher resolution.

🏆 Winner: iPhone XS – The OLED display is much better.

2. Performance: A13 vs A12 – SE 2nd Gen is Faster

iPhone SE 2nd Gen: ✅ A13 Bionic chip – Newer and faster.
iPhone XS: ❌ A12 Bionic chip – Still good but older.

The SE 2nd Gen will get software updates for longer.

🏆 Winner: iPhone SE 2nd Gen – Newer chip means longer iOS support.

3. Camera: XS Has a Dual-Lens System

iPhone SE 2nd Gen: Single 12MP camera.
iPhone XS: Dual 12MP cameras (Wide + Telephoto) for better zoom & Portrait Mode depth.

🏆 Winner: iPhone XS – Better camera system with a Telephoto lens.

4. Battery Life: XS Lasts Slightly Longer

iPhone SE 2nd Gen: Up to 13 hours video playback.
iPhone XS: Up to 14 hours video playback.

🏆 Winner: iPhone XS – Slightly better battery life.

Which One Should You Buy?

Buy the iPhone XS if you prefer an OLED display, dual-camera system, and Face ID.
Buy the iPhone SE 2nd Gen if you want a newer chip and longer iOS support.

iPhone SE 2nd Gen vs iPhone 11: Which One Should You Buy?

With the iPhone 11 priced at $150+ and the iPhone SE 2nd Gen at $100+, buyers may wonder: Is it worth spending $50 more on the iPhone 11, or should you get the SE 2nd Gen?

Short answer: If the iPhone SE 2nd Gen is available, get it. But if you need a bigger display and better battery life, the iPhone 11 is a solid alternative.

Specs Comparison: iPhone SE 2nd Gen vs iPhone 11

Feature	iPhone SE 2nd Gen	iPhone 11
Release Year	2020	2019
Display	4.7-inch Retina HD LCD (1334 x 750)	6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD (1792 x 828)
Chipset	A13 Bionic	A13 Bionic
RAM	3GB	4GB
Camera System	12MP (Wide)	12MP (Wide, Ultra-Wide)
Night Mode	No	Yes
Battery Life	Up to 13 hours video playback	Up to 17 hours video playback
Face ID	No (Touch ID)	Yes
5G Support	No	No
Storage Options	64GB, 128GB, 256GB	64GB, 128GB, 256GB
Frame Material	Aluminum	Aluminum
Water Resistance	IP67 (1m for 30 min)	IP68 (2m for 30 min)
Weight	148g	194g
MagSafe	No	No
Starting Price (Certified Used, 2025)	$100+	$150+

1. Display: Bigger vs More Compact

iPhone SE 2nd Gen: ✅ Smaller 4.7-inch LCD – Great for one-handed use but has thick bezels.
iPhone 11: ✅ Larger 6.1-inch LCD – Better for watching videos, gaming, and browsing.

🏆 Winner: iPhone 11 – Bigger and higher resolution display.

2. Performance: Same A13 Chip, But iPhone 11 Has More RAM

Both have the same A13 Bionic chip, so speed is nearly identical.
iPhone 11 has 4GB RAM vs 3GB in SE 2nd Gen, which helps with multitasking.

🏆 Winner: Tie – Both perform well, but iPhone 11 is slightly better for multitasking.

3. Camera: iPhone 11 Has Ultra-Wide & Night Mode

iPhone SE 2nd Gen: Single 12MP lens, no Night Mode.
iPhone 11: Dual 12MP lenses (Wide + Ultra-Wide) and Night Mode for better low-light photos.

🏆 Winner: iPhone 11 – Better camera system with Ultra-Wide & Night Mode.

4. Battery Life: iPhone 11 Lasts Longer

iPhone SE 2nd Gen: ❌ Smaller battery (13 hours video playback) – May require a midday charge.
iPhone 11: ✅ Larger battery (17 hours video playback) – Lasts longer on a single charge.

🏆 Winner: iPhone 11 – Better battery life for heavy users.

5. Face ID vs Touch ID: Which One Do You Prefer?

iPhone SE 2nd Gen: Touch ID (Home Button) – More secure in some cases (masks, privacy concerns).
iPhone 11: Face ID (No Home Button) – More convenient for hands-free unlocking.

🏆 Winner: Tie – Depends on personal preference.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy the iPhone SE 2nd Gen in 2025?

At $100+, the iPhone SE 2nd Gen is one of the cheapest iPhones available in 2025. If you find one in stock, it’s a great deal for budget-conscious buyers.

However, availability is limited, and there are better alternatives if it’s out of stock:

iPhone SE 3rd Gen ($150+) – Faster A15 chip, 5G support, and better longevity.
iPhone 11 ($150+) - Same A13 chip, but with a bigger display, longer battery life, and support for Night Mode & Ultra-Wide lens.
iPhone XS ($130+) – Larger OLED display, dual-camera system, and Face ID.

FAQs: Buying a Used iPhone SE 2nd Gen in 2025

1. Is the iPhone SE 2 the same as the iPhone 11?

No, the iPhone SE 2nd Gen and iPhone 11 are different models. While both use the A13 Bionic chip, the iPhone 11 has a larger display, dual cameras, Face ID, and longer battery life, while the iPhone SE 2nd Gen is smaller, has a single camera, and uses Touch ID.

2. Is the iPhone SE 2nd Gen older than the iPhone 11?

No, the iPhone SE 2nd Gen (2020) was released after the iPhone 11 (2019). However, the iPhone SE 2nd Gen reuses the older iPhone 8 design, making it look more outdated compared to the iPhone 11.

3. What does iPhone SE mean?

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

4. Is the iPhone SE 2nd Gen still getting iOS updates in 2025?

Yes! The iPhone SE 2nd Gen is still supported with the latest iOS version in 2025. Apple typically provides 6–7 years of software updates, meaning it will likely receive updates until 2026 or 2027.

5. How much should I pay for a used iPhone SE 2nd Gen in 2025?

The certified used or refurbished iPhone SE 2nd Gen starts at $100+ in 2025. Prices may vary based on the condition, storage size, and seller reputation.

6. Is the iPhone SE 2nd Gen battery good enough in 2025?

Battery performance depends on battery health. A well-maintained iPhone SE 2nd Gen offers up to 13 hours of video playback. If battery health is below 80%, you may need a battery replacement, which is affordable and extends the phone’s lifespan.

7. Can the iPhone SE 2nd Gen handle gaming in 2025?

Yes! The A13 Bionic chip is still powerful enough for casual gaming. However, demanding games with high frame rates may run better on newer chips like the A15 Bionic in the iPhone SE 3rd Gen.

8. Does the iPhone SE 2nd Gen support 5G?

No, the iPhone SE 2nd Gen is limited to 4G LTE. If you need 5G connectivity, consider upgrading to the iPhone SE 3rd Gen ($150+).

9. Is the iPhone SE 2nd Gen camera still good in 2025?

The 12MP single-lens camera takes decent photos in daylight, but it lacks:

Night Mode for low-light photography.
Ultra-Wide or Telephoto lens for additional camera versatility.
Cinematic Mode and Sensor-Shift Stabilization found in newer models.

For better camera performance, the iPhone XS ($130+) or SE 3rd Gen ($150+) are better choices.

10. Is the iPhone SE 2nd Gen waterproof?

The iPhone SE 2nd Gen has an IP67 water resistance rating, meaning it can survive:

Up to 1 meter (3 feet) underwater for 30 minutes.
Protection against spills, rain, and accidental drops in water.

However, water resistance can degrade over time, so it’s best to avoid submerging the phone.

11. Should I buy a used or refurbished iPhone SE 2nd Gen?

Certified refurbished iPhone SE 2nd Gen: Tested, repaired, and comes with a warranty—safest option.
Used iPhone SE 2nd Gen: Cheaper, but may not include a warranty. Always buy from a trusted seller.

💡 Tip: If you want peace of mind, go for a certified refurbished iPhone SE 2nd Gen.

12. How long will the iPhone SE 2nd Gen be supported?

The iPhone SE 2nd Gen will likely receive iOS updates until 2026 or 2027. After that, it will still function but won’t receive new features or security updates.

13. Is the iPhone SE 2nd Gen better than the iPhone XS?

It depends on what you need:

iPhone SE 2nd Gen ($100+) has a newer A13 Bionic chip, meaning longer software support.
iPhone XS ($130+) has a better OLED display, dual cameras, and Face ID but uses the older A12 Bionic chip.

💡 If you want a faster processor, get the SE 2nd Gen. If you want a better display and camera, get the iPhone XS.

14. Is the iPhone SE 2nd Gen worth it compared to the iPhone SE 3rd Gen?

The iPhone SE 3rd Gen ($150+) is $50 more expensive, but it has:

✅ A much faster A15 Bionic chip (same as iPhone 13).
✅ 5G support for faster internet speeds.
✅ Better image processing for sharper photos.

If you plan to keep your phone for a few more years, the SE 3rd Gen is a better investment.

15. Where can I buy a certified used iPhone SE 2nd Gen?

Finding a certified refurbished iPhone SE 2nd Gen is difficult due to limited availability, but you can check:

✅ Apple Certified Refurbished – Occasionally in stock, includes a 1-year Apple warranty.
✅ Amazon Renewed & Best Buy – Offers return policies and limited warranties.
✅ UpTrade Price Tracker – Compares certified used and refurbished prices to find the best deal.

💡 Tip: If you can’t find a used iPhone SE 2nd Gen, consider getting the SE 3rd Gen or iPhone XS instead.