The iPhone SE (3rd generation) packs powerful performance into a compact design. This budget-friendly smartphone from Apple offers many premium features at a more accessible price point. The iPhone SE (3rd gen) runs on the A15 Bionic chip, delivering flagship-level speed and efficiency in a smaller form factor.
You’ll find a familiar 4.7-inch Retina HD display on the front, flanked by bezels that house the Touch ID sensor. The single 12MP rear camera may seem modest, but it leverages Apple’s computational photography to produce impressive shots in various conditions.
For those who prefer a more compact phone or want Apple’s ecosystem without the high cost, the iPhone SE (3rd gen) presents a compelling option. It balances performance, size, and price in a way that appeals to many users.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 4.7″ Retina HD |
| Chip | A15 Bionic |
| Camera | 12MP Wide |
| Charging | Qi wireless |
| Battery | Up to 15 hours video playback |
The iPhone SE (3rd generation), released in 2022, offers a powerful A15 Bionic chip in a compact and affordable design. Here are its key specifications:
Display:
- Size: 4.7-inch Retina HD display
- Resolution: 1334-by-750 pixels at 326 ppi
- Other features: True Tone, Wide color (P3), 625 nits max brightness (typical)
Processor:
- A15 Bionic chip
- 6-core CPU (2 performance and 4 efficiency cores)
- 4-core GPU
- 16-core Neural Engine
Camera:
- Rear Camera: 12MP Wide camera
- ƒ/1.8 aperture
- Optical image stabilization
- Up to 5x digital zoom
- Portrait mode with advanced bokeh and Depth Control
- Photographic Styles
- Smart HDR 4 for photos
- Cinematic video stabilization (4K, 1080p, and 720p)
- 4K video recording at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps, or 60 fps
- 1080p HD video recording at 25 fps, 30 fps, or 60 fps
- Front Camera: 7MP camera
- ƒ/2.2 aperture
- Portrait mode with advanced bokeh and Depth Control
- Photographic Styles
- 1080p HD video recording at 25 fps or 30 fps
Storage:
- 64GB
- 128GB
- 256GB
Battery:
- Up to 15 hours of video playback
- Qi wireless charging
- Fast-charge capable (up to 50% charge in 30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher, sold separately)
Other Features:
- 5G (sub-6 GHz)
- Gigabit LTE
- Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with 2×2 MIMO
- Bluetooth 5.0
- NFC with reader mode
- GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, and BeiDou
- Touch ID (Home button)
- IP67 water and dust resistance (maximum depth of 1 meter up to 30 minutes)
- Lightning connector
- iOS
Dimensions and Weight:
- Height: 5.45 inches (138.4 mm)
- Width: 2.65 inches (67.3 mm)
- Depth: 0.29 inch (7.3 mm)
- Weight: 5.09 ounces (144 grams)
Key improvements over the previous generation included the A15 Bionic chip (the same chip in the iPhone 13 series), 5G connectivity, improved battery life, and camera enhancements like Photographic Styles and Smart HDR 4.
Design and Build
The iPhone SE (3rd generation) maintains Apple’s classic design while incorporating modern features. Its compact form factor and durable construction make it a practical choice for users who prefer a smaller device.
Materials and Durability
The iPhone SE (3rd generation) features an aluminum frame with glass on both the front and back. This design choice enhances durability while allowing for wireless charging capabilities. The device boasts an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance, protecting it from accidental spills and everyday exposure.
Apple uses strengthened glass for added protection against scratches and drops. The home button houses the Touch ID sensor, offering quick and secure device unlocking. This familiar feature appeals to users who prefer fingerprint authentication over Face ID.
Physical Dimensions
The iPhone SE (3rd generation) maintains a compact profile, making it easy to use with one hand. Here are its key measurements:
| Dimension | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 138.4 mm |
| Width | 67.3 mm |
| Depth | 7.3 mm |
| Weight | 144 grams |
These dimensions make the iPhone SE slightly larger than the iPhone 13 mini but still more compact than most modern smartphones. Its lightweight design at just 144 grams ensures comfort during extended use.
The device’s 4.7-inch display strikes a balance between screen real estate and overall size. This makes it an ideal choice for users who find larger phones unwieldy or prefer a more pocket-friendly option.
Display Features
The iPhone SE (3rd generation) offers a compact yet capable display. Its screen technology and resolution provide a crisp viewing experience with adjustable brightness for various lighting conditions.
Screen Technology
The Retina HD Display on the iPhone SE (3rd gen) uses IPS LCD technology. This screen type delivers wide viewing angles and accurate color reproduction. It supports True Tone, which adjusts the white balance based on ambient light. This feature makes reading more comfortable in different environments.
The display has an oleophobic coating to resist fingerprints. It also supports HDR video playback, including Dolby Vision and HDR10 content. These technologies enhance the visual experience when watching compatible videos.
Resolution and Brightness
The iPhone SE (3rd gen) features a 4.7-inch display with a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels. This results in a pixel density of 326 ppi (pixels per inch), meeting Apple’s Retina display standards for sharpness.
The screen offers a maximum brightness of 625 nits. This level of brightness ensures good visibility outdoors. For comparison, here’s how it stacks up against other iPhone models:
| Model | Screen Size | Resolution | Max Brightness |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone SE (3rd gen) | 4.7″ | 1334 x 750 | 625 nits |
| iPhone 13 | 6.1″ | 2532 x 1170 | 800 nits |
| iPhone 12 mini | 5.4″ | 2340 x 1080 | 625 nits |
The display supports a contrast ratio of 1400:1, providing good differentiation between light and dark areas of the screen.
Camera System
The iPhone SE (3rd generation) features a capable camera system with advanced photography and video capabilities. It offers high-quality imaging and smart features in a compact package.
Main Camera Specs
The main camera of the iPhone SE (3rd generation) is a 12MP shooter with an f/1.8 aperture. This wide aperture allows for improved low-light performance and pleasing background blur in close-up shots. The camera uses a single lens design, similar to its predecessor.
Key specs:
- 12MP resolution
- f/1.8 aperture
- Single lens system
- Digital zoom up to 5x
The camera hardware may seem familiar, but the A15 Bionic chip enables enhanced image processing. This results in better overall image quality compared to previous SE models.
Video Capabilities
Video recording on the iPhone SE (3rd generation) is versatile and high-quality. You can capture 4K video at various frame rates, including 24, 25, 30, or 60 fps. For smoother motion or slow-motion effects, 1080p HD recording is available at 25, 30, or 60 fps.
Video features include:
- 4K recording up to 60 fps
- 1080p HD recording
- Optical image stabilization for smoother footage
- Extended dynamic range for videos up to 30 fps
The camera’s optical image stabilization helps reduce shake in your videos. This feature is especially useful when recording while moving or in low-light conditions.
Photography Features
Despite its compact size, the iPhone SE (3rd generation) packs several advanced photography features. These smart capabilities enhance your photos and give you more creative control.
Notable features:
- Portrait mode with depth control
- Six portrait lighting effects
- Smart HDR 4 for improved highlight and shadow detail
- Deep Fusion for enhanced texture and detail
- Photographic Styles for personalized image looks
Portrait mode lets you create professional-looking shots with a blurred background. Smart HDR 4 balances exposure in challenging lighting. Photographic Styles allow you to customize the look of your images to match your preferences.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Portrait Mode | Creates depth-of-field effect for subjects |
| Smart HDR 4 | Improves dynamic range in photos |
| Deep Fusion | Enhances detail in mid to low light |
| Photographic Styles | Personalized image looks |
These features work together to help you capture better photos in various situations. The A15 Bionic chip powers these capabilities, enabling computational photography techniques previously found only in higher-end iPhones.
Performance and Connectivity
The iPhone SE (3rd gen) packs impressive performance and connectivity features. It combines a powerful chipset with advanced networking capabilities to deliver a smooth user experience.
Chipset and GPU
The iPhone SE (3rd gen) is equipped with the A15 Bionic chip, the same processor found in the iPhone 13 series. This 6-core CPU offers exceptional speed and efficiency for everyday tasks and demanding applications.
The A15 Bionic includes a 4-core GPU that handles graphics-intensive tasks with ease. You’ll notice smoother gameplay, faster photo editing, and improved AR experiences.
Apple’s Neural Engine, part of the A15 Bionic, enables advanced machine learning capabilities. This 16-core engine powers features like Live Text and enhances camera performance.
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Chip | A15 Bionic |
| CPU Cores | 6 |
| GPU Cores | 4 |
Network and Communication
The iPhone SE (3rd gen) supports 5G connectivity, allowing you to enjoy faster download and upload speeds on compatible networks. This feature future-proofs your device for emerging 5G technologies.
For areas without 5G coverage, the phone supports LTE networks with speeds up to 1.6 Gbps. You’ll experience reliable connections in most locations worldwide.
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) is included, offering improved performance and efficiency in crowded Wi-Fi environments. Bluetooth 5.0 provides stable connections to wireless accessories.
The device includes NFC with reader mode, enabling Apple Pay for contactless payments. This feature lets you make secure transactions using your iPhone at supported terminals.
Frequently Asked Questions
The iPhone SE 3rd generation offers a range of features and capabilities. Key aspects include its camera system, battery performance, storage options, processor, and display technology.
What are the camera capabilities of the iPhone SE 3rd generation?
The iPhone SE 3rd generation features a 12MP main camera. It supports Portrait mode and Smart HDR 4 for improved photo quality. The device can record 4K video at up to 60 fps. Its front-facing camera is 7MP and supports Portrait mode selfies.
What is the battery life and charging speed of the iPhone SE third gen?
The iPhone SE 3rd generation provides up to 15 hours of video playback. It supports fast charging, reaching up to 50% battery in about 30 minutes with a 20W adapter. The device is also compatible with Qi wireless charging.
How much RAM and storage does the iPhone SE 3rd generation offer?
The iPhone SE 3rd generation comes with 4GB of RAM. Storage options include 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB. This allows you to choose the capacity that best fits your needs and budget.
Which processor is used in the iPhone SE 3rd generation and how does it perform?
The iPhone SE 3rd generation uses the A15 Bionic chip. This processor offers fast performance for apps and games. It also enables features like Live Text and improved computational photography.
What display technology and screen size are featured in the iPhone SE 3rd generation?
The iPhone SE 3rd generation has a 4.7-inch Retina HD display. It uses LCD technology with a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels. The screen supports True Tone, which adjusts color temperature based on ambient lighting.
Can you compare the iPhone SE 3rd generation with the iPhone 11 in terms of features?
| Feature | iPhone SE 3rd Gen | iPhone 11 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | A15 Bionic | A13 Bionic |
| Main Camera | Single 12MP | Dual 12MP |
| Screen Size | 4.7-inch | 6.1-inch |
| Biometrics | Touch ID | Face ID |
| 5G Support | Yes | No |
The iPhone SE 3rd gen has a newer processor and 5G support. The iPhone 11 offers a larger screen and dual cameras. Your choice depends on your priorities for size, camera, and budget.
