iPhone Se 2 vs iPhone Se 3: Which Budget iPhone Reigns?
Stuck between a budget-friendly upgrade and the latest tech? You’re not alone. The iPhone SE series offers powerful performance in a compact design, making the choice between the iPhone SE 2 and the iPhone SE 3 a tough one. This comparison dives deep to help you decide which small-sized iPhone best suits your needs and your wallet.
Both phones share a familiar design, but significant differences lie beneath the surface. From the processor to the camera capabilities, the iPhone SE 3 brings notable improvements over its predecessor, the iPhone SE 2. We’ll explore these key distinctions to see if the upgrade is worth it.
We’ll examine the core features that matter most, including performance, camera quality, battery life, and price. By the end of this comparison, you’ll have a clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of both devices. Get ready to find the perfect iPhone SE for you!
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | iPhone SE 2 | iPhone SE 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | A13 Bionic | A15 Bionic |
| Display Size | 4.7-inch | 4.7-inch |
| Display Type | Retina HD | Retina HD |
| Main Camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Front Camera | 7MP | 7MP |
| Video Recording | 4K up to 60 fps | 4K up to 60 fps |
| 5G Connectivity | No | Yes |
| Battery Life (Video Playback) | Up to 13 hours | Up to 15 hours |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Water Resistance | IP67 | IP67 |
| Storage Options | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| Touch ID | Yes | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design
- iPhone Se 2: Features the classic iPhone 8 design with thick bezels and a physical home button. This design is familiar and comfortable for many, but it looks dated compared to newer iPhones. Its compact size is a plus for one-handed use.
- iPhone Se 3: Maintains the same design as the iPhone SE 2, retaining the thick bezels and home button. While familiar, it doesn’t offer a modern aesthetic. Its compact size remains a key selling point for those who prefer smaller phones.
- Winner: Tie
Display
- iPhone Se 2: Features a 4.7-inch Retina HD display. While sharp and vibrant, it’s smaller and lacks the edge-to-edge design of newer iPhones. The bezels can make the screen feel cramped for some users.
- iPhone Se 3: Also equipped with a 4.7-inch Retina HD display, identical to the SE 2. It offers the same crisp visuals but suffers from the same limitations: a smaller screen size and noticeable bezels.
- Winner: Tie
Processor
- iPhone Se 2: Powered by the A13 Bionic chip. It offers solid performance for everyday tasks and gaming, but it’s now a few generations behind the latest chips.
- iPhone Se 3: Upgraded to the A15 Bionic chip, providing a significant performance boost over the SE 2. This results in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming capabilities.
- Winner: iphone se 3
Camera
- iPhone Se 2: Features a single 12MP rear camera. Takes good photos in daylight but struggles in low-light conditions. Video recording is decent but lacks features found in newer iPhones.
- iPhone Se 3: Also has a single 12MP rear camera, but benefits from the A15 Bionic’s improved image processing. Offers better low-light performance and Smart HDR 4 for enhanced photos.
- Winner: iphone se 3
Battery Life
- iPhone Se 2: Offers relatively short battery life, often requiring a charge by the end of the day with moderate use. Heavy usage can drain the battery even faster.
- iPhone Se 3: Provides improved battery life compared to the SE 2, thanks to the more efficient A15 Bionic chip. It can generally last a full day with moderate use.
- Winner: iphone se 3
5G Connectivity
- iPhone Se 2: Lacks 5G connectivity. It is limited to 4G LTE, which is still fast, but not the latest wireless standard.
- iPhone Se 3: Supports 5G connectivity, enabling faster download and upload speeds in areas with 5G coverage. This provides a more future-proof experience.
- Winner: iphone se 3
Storage Options
- iPhone Se 2: Available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB storage options. Consider your storage needs carefully, as there’s no expandable storage.
- iPhone Se 3: Offers the same storage options: 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB. It provides flexibility in choosing the storage capacity that best fits your usage.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- iPhone Se 2: Typically available at a lower price point, especially used or refurbished, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
- iPhone Se 3: Generally more expensive than the SE 2, reflecting its upgraded features and newer technology.
- Winner: iphone se 2
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Performance | iPhone SE 3 |
| 5G Connectivity | iPhone SE 3 |
| Battery Life | iPhone SE 3 |
| Value | iPhone SE 2 |
| Overall | iPhone SE 3 |
What They Have in Common:
- Design: Both phones share the same classic iPhone design with a 4.7-inch Retina HD display and the iconic home button with Touch ID.
- Water Resistance: Both models are rated IP67 for water and dust resistance, offering protection against spills and splashes.
- Wireless Charging: Both iPhone SE models support wireless charging, providing convenient charging options.
- Touch Id: Both phones retain the classic Touch ID fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking and authentication.
- Display: Both phones share the same 4.7-inch Retina HD display, providing a clear and vibrant viewing experience.
iPhone SE 2 vs iPhone SE 3 Buying Guide
Performance and Speed
The iPhone SE 3 significantly outperforms the iPhone SE 2 thanks to its A15 Bionic chip. This newer chip provides a substantial boost in processing power, making everyday tasks like app loading, multitasking, and gaming much smoother and faster. The A15 Bionic chip also enhances computational photography capabilities, resulting in improved image processing. Users will experience noticeable improvements in overall responsiveness and performance when using the iPhone SE 3.
Camera Capabilities
While both phones share a 12MP wide camera, the iPhone SE 3 benefits from the A15 Bionic chip’s improved image processing. This leads to slightly better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. Features like Deep Fusion and Photographic Styles, exclusive to the iPhone SE 3, further enhance photo quality and allow for more creative control. Video recording capabilities remain largely the same, but the overall image quality is superior on the newer model.
Battery Life
Battery life is improved on the iPhone SE 3 compared to the iPhone SE 2. The SE 3 offers a noticeably longer battery, allowing for extended usage throughout the day. This improvement is due to both the more efficient A15 Bionic chip and minor hardware enhancements. Users who are heavy users of their phones will appreciate the extra hours of battery life provided by the iPhone SE 3. This improved battery life is a significant advantage.
Design and Build
The design of the iPhone SE 3 remains largely unchanged from the iPhone SE 2, retaining the familiar compact form factor with a 4.7-inch Retina HD display and the physical Home button. Both phones feature a glass front and back with an aluminum frame. However, the iPhone SE 3 offers a slightly more durable glass, providing better resistance to scratches and accidental drops. While the design is similar, the internal upgrades make the SE 3 a better choice.
Connectivity and Features
The iPhone SE 3 supports 5G connectivity, a significant upgrade over the iPhone SE 2’s 4G LTE. This allows for faster download and upload speeds, improved streaming, and a more responsive online experience. Other features like wireless charging and water resistance are retained in both models. The inclusion of 5G is a major selling point for the iPhone SE 3, making it more future-proof and offering a superior connectivity experience.
Price and Value
When considering price and value, it is important to assess your needs. While the iPhone SE 3 may have a higher initial cost, the improved performance, 5G connectivity, and enhanced features justify the price difference for many users. The iPhone SE 2, if purchased used or refurbished, might offer a more budget-friendly option. However, the long-term value and future-proofing of the iPhone SE 3 make it the better overall investment for most consumers.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPhone SE 2 If…
- You’re on a tight budget and want a more affordable iPhone experience.
- You prefer the classic iPhone design with a home button.
- You don’t need 5G connectivity.
- You prioritize value for money above all else.
Buy iPhone SE 3 If…
- You want the latest and fastest processor for improved performance.
- You want 5G connectivity for faster download and streaming speeds.
- You want slightly improved battery life.
- You value a phone that will receive software updates for a longer period.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between the iPhone SE 2 and iPhone SE 3?
The iPhone SE 3 features the A15 Bionic chip, 5G connectivity, and slightly improved battery life compared to the iPhone SE 2. It also benefits from enhanced image processing capabilities and more durable glass. The design remains largely the same, but the internal upgrades offer a significant performance boost. The SE 3 offers improved overall performance and future-proofing.
Does the iPhone SE 3 have a better camera than the iPhone SE 2?
While both phones share a 12MP wide camera, the iPhone SE 3 benefits from the A15 Bionic chip’s improved image processing, resulting in slightly better image quality, especially in low light. Features like Deep Fusion and Photographic Styles are also exclusive to the SE 3. The overall image quality is superior on the newer model, making it a better camera.
Is the iPhone SE 3 worth the extra cost?
For most users, the iPhone SE 3 is worth the extra cost. The performance improvements, 5G connectivity, and enhanced features offer a better overall user experience and long-term value. The increased battery life is also a significant benefit. While the iPhone SE 2 is cheaper, the SE 3 offers enough improvements to warrant the additional expense.
Does the iPhone SE 3 support 5G?
Yes, the iPhone SE 3 supports 5G connectivity, allowing for faster download and upload speeds, improved streaming, and a more responsive online experience. This is a significant upgrade over the iPhone SE 2, which only supports 4G LTE. 5G connectivity makes the SE 3 more future-proof.
What is the battery life like on the iPhone SE 3?
The iPhone SE 3 has improved battery life compared to the iPhone SE 2. The SE 3 offers a noticeably longer battery, allowing for extended usage throughout the day. This improvement is due to the more efficient A15 Bionic chip and minor hardware enhancements. You can expect a solid day’s use.
Are the iPhone SE 2 and iPhone SE 3 the same size?
Yes, the iPhone SE 3 retains the same compact form factor as the iPhone SE 2, with a 4.7-inch Retina HD display and physical Home button. This means both phones are easy to handle and fit comfortably in one hand. The dimensions are identical, making cases interchangeable.
Which phone is better for gaming?
The iPhone SE 3 is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful A15 Bionic chip. The improved processing power allows for smoother gameplay, faster loading times, and better graphics rendering. The SE 3 provides a much more responsive and enjoyable gaming experience compared to the SE 2.
Final Verdict
The iPhone SE 3 emerges as the superior choice, offering significant upgrades in performance, 5G connectivity, and battery life. While both phones share a similar design, the internal improvements of the SE 3 translate to a noticeably better user experience. The A15 Bionic chip and enhanced camera capabilities further solidify its position as the better value.
Winner: iPhone SE 3