iPhone SE 3rd Gen Review in 2025

Okay, everyone, welcome back! Today, we’re talking into a phone that’s a bit of a classic now, and we’re asking the big question: is the iPhone SE 3rd generation still worth considering in 2025?

Now, for those who might be newer to the Apple world, the iPhone SE line has always been about giving you that iPhone experience, that Apple quality, but at a more… approachable price.  It’s kind of like the ‘people’s iPhone’, if you will.  The 3rd gen, which came out back in 2022, is interesting because it’s the last iPhone with that classic Touch ID home button still officially kicking around from Apple. And with all the rumors buzzing about the SE 4 bringing in a whole new design, this SE 3 feels… well, a bit like the end of an era in a way.

Personally, I’ve been using the iPhone SE 3 as a companion phone for a while now.  You know, for those moments when you just need something small, reliable, and easy to handle.  And honestly?  It’s been surprisingly useful.

But let’s really get into it.  Is it still a good buy in 2025? Let’s break it down, starting with the design and display.

Design

Alright, let’s be real. The design of the iPhone SE 3rd gen is… familiar.  Very familiar.  It’s rocking that iPhone 8 look, which means we’ve got the Touch ID button and that compact 4.7-inch screen.  In a world of massive phones, this thing is wonderfully pocketable.  For someone like me, juggling two phones, the SE 3 is a lifesaver when I’m on the go.  Train, car, just quickly checking something one-handed – it’s just so convenient.  It feels… dare I say, almost nostalgic in its compactness?

Display

Now, the screen.  It’s a 4.7-inch IPS LCD.  Definitely not the flashy OLEDs we see on most modern iPhones.  Does it have the same deep blacks and vibrant colors?  No, not quite.  But you know what? For an IPS screen, it’s really good.  Colors are punchy, and the screen is sharp enough.  Honestly, for everyday use, it holds up pretty well.

And then there’s Touch ID.  Look, all the new iPhones are all about Face ID now, and that tech is great. But there’s something just… reliable about Touch ID.  Especially when you’re wearing a mask, or you know, just don’t want to fiddle with facial recognition.  Just tap your finger and you’re in.  Simple and secure.  I sometimes really appreciate having it, especially when Face ID can be a bit finicky in certain situations.

Okay, let’s address some…  let’s say something downside – the Lightning port.  Yeah, in 2025, it feels a bit… dated.  I often find myself thinking, “Man, USB-C would be so much more convenient.”  Rumor has it the SE 4 will finally make the jump, but for the SE 3, it’s still Lightning.  It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s something to keep in mind.

Performance

Now, let’s talk power.  Don’t let the small size fool you.  This little guy packs the A15 Bionic chip.  And let me tell you, this chip is no slouch.  It’s the same chip that powered the iPhone 13, iPhone 14, even the iPad mini 6th gen.  That’s serious horsepower.  For such a compact phone, the A15 chip is just… magic.  Everything on this phone just flies.  Apps open instantly, multitasking is smooth, games run great.  Seriously, performance is absolutely not a concern here, even in 2025.  I’ve heard whispers that the SE 4 might even get the A18, which is just… wow.  Apple really knows how to make even their more ‘affordable’ devices perform like champs.

Software and updates

Software-wise, you’re in good hands.  Being an iPhone, the SE 3 is going to get software updates for years to come.  With that A15 chip humming under the hood, it’s safe to say this phone will likely see iOS 20, maybe even iOS 21/22.  Right now, it’s running the latest iOS 18.3, and the experience is fantastic.  Smooth, responsive, and packed with features.  You’re not going to feel like you’re missing out on the latest software experience with this phone, which is a huge plus.

Battery life

Alright, battery life.  This is where things get a little… real.  The iPhone SE 3 has a 2018 milliAmpere-hour battery.  In 2025, that’s… small.  If I’m using this phone heavily, I’m probably looking at around 3 to 4 hours of screen-on time.  Not amazing, I know.  However, and this is a big however, if you’re using this as a companion phone, like I do, battery life becomes much more manageable.  Standby time is pretty decent, and for lighter use, it can last you through the day.  Just manage your expectations, especially if you’re a heavy user.  You might need to top it up during the day.

Camera

Camera time.  The iPhone SE 3 keeps things simple with a single 12 MegaPixel lens on the back.  No fancy ultrawide, no telephoto zoom here.  Just a standard wide lens.  But you know what?  Even with just one lens, the picture quality is still surprisingly good.  In good lighting, photos are crisp, colors are accurate, and it holds its own against many other phones.  Now, if you’re all about ultrawide shots and optical zoom, you’ll definitely be missing those features.  And in low light, it’s… okay.  Not amazing, but acceptable for what it is.  Again, rumors suggest the SE 4 might get a 48 MegaPixel single lens with a 2x optical zoom.  That would be a significant camera upgrade, but for the SE 3, it’s a solid, reliable, if basic, camera.

Downside

Okay, let’s be honest about the downsides.  We’ve touched on a few already, but let’s list them out.  Battery life is definitely on the shorter side.  The single-lens camera is limited compared to modern multi-camera setups.  The IPS LCD screen, while good, isn’t as vibrant as OLED.  The small 4.7-inch screen might feel cramped for some, especially if you’re used to larger displays.  And yeah, the Lightning port in 2025…  it’s definitely starting to feel a bit outdated.  These are things you need to consider if you’re thinking about picking up an iPhone SE 3 in 2025.

Is it worth buying in 2025?

Okay, let’s really dive deeper into this “worth buying in 2025?” question.  Because honestly, it’s not a simple yes or no, is it?  It truly hinges on you, the viewer, and what you’re actually looking for in a phone as we head into 2025.

Let’s start with the scenario where the iPhone SE 3rd gen is probably not your best bet as your primary, do-it-all phone.  If you’re someone who relies on your phone as your main window to the digital world – you’re binge-watching videos on your commute, you’re deep into mobile gaming, you’re constantly snapping photos and videos for social media, or you simply appreciate having a big, immersive screen for everything you do – then the iPhone SE 3’s limitations are going to become pretty apparent, pretty quickly.

Think about it. That 4.7-inch screen, while wonderfully compact, can feel a bit… cramped when you’re trying to watch a movie or really get immersed in a game.  The single-lens camera system, while capable in good lighting, isn’t going to give you the versatility and advanced features you might crave for capturing every moment in detail, especially if you’re into things like night photography or zoom capabilities.  And while the A15 chip is a powerhouse, even that amazing performance can be overshadowed by the battery life if you’re pushing the phone hard all day as your only device.  In 2025, for a primary phone, many of you are likely going to expect and need more screen real estate, more camera flexibility, and battery life that truly lasts from morning till night without constantly reaching for a charger.

For those of you in this category, as much as I appreciate the charm and capability of the SE 3, I would probably gently steer you towards looking at other options for your main phone.  Maybe consider exploring some of Apple’s other models, even if they’re a bit older, that offer larger screens and more advanced camera systems.  Or perhaps, depending on your budget and preferences, even looking across the aisle at what the Android world has to offer in 2025.  There are incredible phones out there with stunning displays, incredible camera setups, and long-lasting batteries that might better suit your needs as your primary device in the modern mobile landscape.

However, now let’s flip the script and talk about where the iPhone SE 3rd generation truly shines in 2025: as a fantastic companion phone.  This is where it goes from being ‘maybe not’ to ‘absolutely compelling’.  If you already have a primary smartphone that handles your heavy lifting – your media consumption, your serious photography, your demanding games – and you’re looking for something smaller, lighter, and incredibly reliable to complement it, the iPhone SE 3 becomes incredibly attractive.

Think about those moments when you don’t want to lug around your bigger, more expensive phone.  Maybe you’re going for a run, hitting the gym, or just popping out for quick errands and want something super pocketable and less anxiety-inducing if it gets bumped or scratched.  The iPhone SE 3 is perfect for that. It’s also brilliant as a ‘digital detox’ phone – a device you use when you want to be connected but less bombarded by notifications and the urge to endlessly scroll.  Imagine using your larger phone for work and heavy tasks, and then switching to the SE 3 for evenings and weekends when you want something simpler, more focused on calls, messages, and maybe some light browsing or music.  It can even be an incredible backup phone – tucked away in your bag, always ready to jump in if your main phone runs out of battery or, heaven forbid, gets lost or damaged.

And let’s not forget the budget factor.  As we move further into 2025 and the rumors of the SE 4 intensify, the price of the iPhone SE 3rd gen is likely to continue to drop.  This makes it an incredibly cost-effective way to get into the Apple ecosystem, or to add a reliable, high-performing iOS device to your tech arsenal without breaking the bank.  For those of you who appreciate the simplicity of Touch ID, the classic iPhone design, and just want a phone that works reliably and smoothly for essential tasks, the iPhone SE 3 in 2025 is a seriously smart choice, especially if you can find it at a discounted price.

Verdict

Ultimately, the decision is yours.  Think about how you use your phone, what you value most in a mobile device, and what your budget looks like.  If you’re after a primary phone powerhouse, look elsewhere.  But if you’re seeking a stellar companion, a reliable backup, or a budget-friendly entry into the Apple world, the iPhone SE 3rd generation in 2025 is still a surprisingly strong contender.