The third-generation iPhone SE, also known as the iPhone SE 3 or the iPhone SE 2022, was introduced by Apple on March 8, 2022. Apple revealed the iPhone SE 3 as part of the 15th generation of iPhones, alongside the iPhone 13 and its variants. This model serves as the successor to the second-generation iPhone SE, offering enhanced features and performance.
The iPhone SE 3 is a powerful and affordable option in the smartphone market. It comes with Apple’s A15 Bionic chip and supports 5G. The phone maintains the iconic look of its predecessors with a compact and durable design. The base model with 64GB storage starts at $429, and higher storage options are available. The 3rd generation iPhone SE, also known as the iPhone SE 3, brought significant upgrades such as the A15 Bionic chip and 5G connectivity while keeping an affordable price. It quickly became popular among users seeking a powerful iPhone without a high price tag. Key technical specifications include a 4.7-inch Retina HD display with an LCD panel featuring 1,334 by 750 pixels resolution and a pixel density of 326 ppi. Additionally, the Taptic Engine incorporates 100% recycled tungsten, demonstrating Apple’s commitment to sustainability.
iPhone SE (3rd Generation) Release Details
Release Date
The 3rd generation iPhone SE was officially released on Friday, March 18, 2022.
Announcement and Pre-orders
Apple announced the phone on Tuesday, March 8, 2022, during a special event. Pre-orders began on Friday, March 11, 2022.
Pricing
| Model | Storage Capacity | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone SE (3rd gen) | 64GB | $429 |
| iPhone SE (3rd gen) | 128GB | $479 |
| iPhone SE (3rd gen) | 256GB | $579 |
Key Features
- A15 Bionic chip: The same chip found in the iPhone 13 lineup, offering improved performance and efficiency.
- 5G connectivity: Faster download and upload speeds, as well as improved network coverage.
- Improved battery life: Longer battery life compared to the previous iPhone SE model.
- Enhanced camera: New computational photography features and better low-light performance.
- Familiar design: Retained the classic iPhone SE design with Touch ID home button.
Key Takeaways
- The iPhone SE 3 was launched on March 8, 2022.
- It features the A15 Bionic chip, 5G support, and starts at $429.
- The phone includes a 4.7-inch Retina HD display.
Release and Availability
The iPhone SE (3rd generation), also known as the iPhone SE 2022, was announced by Apple and has had a broad global release. Its pricing varies by region and storage capacity, offering notable choices for potential buyers.
Global Release Dates
Apple announced the iPhone SE 3rd on March 8, 2022. Pre-orders began on March 11, 2022. The smartphone became available in stores starting on March 18, 2022.
In the United States and major markets like the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Germany, Japan, and New Zealand, the phone was released simultaneously. Countries like India, Singapore, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Mexico, South Africa, Brazil, Czech, Latin America, and parts of Asia saw staggered availability within days to weeks of the initial launch dates.
Price and Variants
The iPhone SE 2022 starts at $429 in the US for the 64GB model. The 128GB and 256GB models are priced at $479 and $579, respectively. In the UK, prices start at £419. The model was released in three colors: Midnight, Starlight, and (Product)Red.
Variants in other regions like Canada, Australia, and Japan are priced similarly. Storage options include 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB. Pricing reflects both regional currency differences and tax structures. Affordable pricing and storage flexibility cater to diverse user needs across various markets, enhancing accessibility.
With its broad release and varied pricing, the iPhone SE 3rd generation remains a competitive choice globally.
Technical Specifications
The iPhone SE 3rd generation combines modern tech with a familiar design. Highlights include the A15 Bionic chip, a bright Retina HD display, and a capable camera system.
Hardware and Design
The iPhone SE 3rd generation has a similar design to the iPhone 8. It features a 4.7-inch Retina HD display with thick bezels and a physical Home button. This button integrates Touch ID for fast and secure authentication. The phone’s body is crafted from aerospace-grade aluminum and durable glass. It is also rated IP67 for water and dust resistance, meaning it can withstand submersion in water up to one meter for 30 minutes. This design is familiar yet modern and robust.
Performance and Connectivity
At its core, the A15 Bionic chip powers the iPhone SE 3rd generation. This processor has a 6-core CPU, 4-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine. Together, these provide fast and efficient performance for daily tasks and more demanding apps. The phone supports 5G connectivity, making it future-proof for faster network speeds. It also includes LTE and advanced Wi-Fi for versatile connectivity. Bluetooth 5.0 is available for connecting wireless accessories. The phone offers various storage options, including 64 GB, 128 GB, and 256 GB.
Camera System
The camera system includes a 12-megapixel wide camera with an f/1.8 aperture. This main camera supports features like smart HDR 4, Photographic Styles, and Deep Fusion. Portrait mode and optical image stabilization (OIS) enhance photo quality. The iPhone SE 3 can also record sharp 4K video at 24, 30, or 60 fps. Slo-mo videos can be captured in 1080p at 120 or 240 fps. For selfies and video calls, there is a 7-megapixel front camera with smart HDR and portrait mode capabilities.
Screen and Display
The iPhone SE 3 features a 4.7-inch Retina HD display. This LCD panel has a resolution of 1,334 by 750 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 326 pixels per inch (PPI). The screen supports True Tone technology, which adjusts the display based on the ambient light around you. This creates a more natural viewing experience. It also boasts a contrast ratio of 1400:1 and a brightness level of 625 nits, ensuring clear and vibrant visuals. It’s crafted with IPS technology, so colors look consistent from most angles.
Software and Features
Running iOS 15, the iPhone SE 3 offers a smooth and user-friendly experience. The A15 Bionic chip allows it to handle all software features effortlessly. Users can interact with Siri, use Apple Pay, enjoy FaceTime calls, and explore a wide array of apps from the App Store. Text input methods include various keyboards such as Pinyin Qwerty, Pinyin 10-Key, Shuangpin, Stroke, Traditional, Cangjie, and Sucheng, catering to different users’ preferences. Features like Smart HDR 4 enhance photos, and advanced computational photography modes take advantage of the hardware’s capabilities.
