iPhone SE (2022): third-generation SE, A15 and 5G

IPHONE MODEL ARCHIVE · 2022

The third iPhone SE kept the Home-button approach while changing the technology inside. The year matters: it is easy to confuse this device with the very similar-looking 2020 SE.

iPhone SE (3rd generation). Product photograph: Apple; pictured finishes may include later additions.

Introduced 2022-03-08. Filed under the original announcement date. Retrospective guide prepared in November 2026.

The generation at a glance

Apple announced the third-generation SE on 8 March 2022. It combined A15 Bionic and 5G connectivity with a 4.7-inch display, Touch ID and a single 12 MP rear camera. Its familiar front retained a dedicated Home button.

Continuity is useful when it fits the owner

A familiar control can lower the effort of changing phones. That is a sensible reason to prefer a design, but it should not replace a check of screen comfort. Try the text size, keyboard and reading distance the owner will actually use. A phone that feels convenient for calls may feel cramped for long documents. Decide on the routine first and treat the processor as only one part of the choice.

Which version is which?

This is the SE introduced in 2022, also called third generation. It is distinct from SE 2020 and the original 2016 SE. The model year is more useful than a front-view photograph for separating the two later versions. Ask for the model information and storage capacity from the device itself.

What to check before choosing one

Test Touch ID, calls and the apps you need on the actual handset. Verify mobile-network compatibility with the intended provider and region rather than assuming every imported model is equivalent. Battery condition and any repair cost belong in the price comparison. A newer generation in a listing does not establish the condition of that particular phone.

For a used handset, inspect the exact device rather than relying on stock photographs. Ask to see the cameras, charging and controls working. Check storage, battery condition and whether the previous owner has removed their account. Compare any repair quotation with the total purchase price. For daily use, verify the software and services you need on that model before buying.