iPhone SE 3 & iPhone SE 2 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the iPhone SE 3 rather than the iPhone SE 2.
Why Do I Recommend The iPhone SE 3?
- The iPhone SE 3 has the A15 Bionic chip with a 16-core Neural Engine for faster performance and longer software support, whereas the iPhone SE 2 uses the older A13 Bionic with an 8-core Neural Engine.
- iPhone SE 3 supports 5G connectivity for quicker downloads, smoother streaming, and better future network compatibility, while the iPhone SE 2 is limited to 4G LTE.
- It features 4 GB RAM for improved multitasking and app stability, whereas the iPhone SE 2 includes only 3 GB RAM.
- The iPhone SE 3 comes with a larger 2,018 mAh battery for up to 15 hours of video playback, while the iPhone SE 2 uses a smaller 1,821 mAh battery that lasts up to 13 hours.
- iPhone SE 3 has Smart HDR 4 for more accurate colors and improved highlights in photos, whereas the iPhone SE 2 supports only an earlier version of HDR processing.
- It includes Deep Fusion and Photographic Styles to enhance detail and allow personalized color tone adjustments, while the iPhone SE 2 does not support these features.
- The iPhone SE 3 has a more durable Ceramic Shield front glass for better drop resistance, whereas the iPhone SE 2 uses standard strengthened glass.
- iPhone SE 3 comes with an upgraded Qualcomm X60 modem for stronger wireless connectivity and efficiency, while the iPhone SE 2 uses an older LTE modem.
Maybe the iPhone SE 2 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the iPhone SE 3. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.
Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | iPhone SE 3 | iPhone SE 2 |
| Processor | A15 Bionic | A13 Bionic |
| CPU Clock Speed | ≈3.2 GHz | ≈2.66 GHz |
| RAM | 4 GB | 3 GB |
| Neural Engine | 16-core | 8-core |
| 5G Connectivity | Sub-6 GHz 5G supported | No 5G; LTE only |
| Battery Capacity | ≈2,018 mAh | ≈1,821 mAh |
| Video Playback (offline) | Up to 15 hours | Up to 13 hours |
| Audio Playback | Up to 50 hours | Up to 40 hours |
| Photographic Styles | Supported | Not supported |
| Deep Fusion | Supported | Not supported |
| Night Mode (rear cam) | Supported | Not supported |
| Smart HDR Version | Smart HDR 4 | Previous HDR “Next Gen” |
| Glass Durability | Ceramic Shield front cover | Standard glass |
| Weight | ≈144 g | ≈148 g |
| Starting iOS Version | iOS 15 | iOS 13 |
| iOS Feature Support (iOS 18) | Supports features like Live Audio Transcriptions, Eye Tracking | Does not support those features |
| Price | Check iPhone SE 3 Price | Check iPhone SE 2 Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- Form Factor: Both iPhones share the same 4.7-inch compact size, making them comfortable to use with one hand and easy to fit in pockets or small cases.
- Touch ID: Both models include a physical Touch ID Home button, providing secure fingerprint authentication and a familiar navigation method.
- Retina HD Display: Each device features a 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD display, ensuring sharp text and vivid colors for everyday viewing.
- Rear Camera: Both phones use a 12-megapixel wide rear camera, delivering clear and detailed photos with consistent quality.
- Front Camera: Each model includes a 7-megapixel FaceTime HD camera, suitable for selfies and video calls with reliable clarity.
- Water and Dust Resistance: Both devices are rated IP67, protecting against dust and allowing submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.
- Wireless Charging: Each model supports Qi wireless charging, enabling convenient charging without cables.
- Lightning Connector: Both iPhones retain the Lightning port, ensuring compatibility with existing Apple accessories and chargers.
- Design Materials: Each phone uses an aluminum frame with glass front and back, providing durability and a premium feel.
- Storage Options: Both models are available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB capacities, giving users flexibility in storage needs.
- Bluetooth: Each phone supports Bluetooth 5, allowing fast and stable connections with wireless headphones and accessories.
- Wi-Fi: Both devices are equipped with Wi-Fi 6 support, delivering faster and more reliable wireless internet connectivity.
- NFC with Apple Pay: Each iPhone supports NFC technology with Apple Pay, enabling secure contactless payments.
- iOS Updates: Both models receive long-term iOS software updates, ensuring continued access to Apple’s latest features and security improvements.
- Case Compatibility: Both phones share identical dimensions, allowing cases and screen protectors to fit interchangeably between the two models.
Common Features
| Feature | iPhone SE 3 | iPhone SE 2 |
| Form factor & dimensions | Same compact 4.7″ design | Same compact 4.7″ design |
| Touch ID Home button | Present | Present |
| Display tech & resolution | 4.7″ Retina HD LCD, 1334×750, IPS | 4.7″ Retina HD LCD, 1334×750, IPS |
| Rear camera lens | Single 12 MP wide | Single 12 MP wide |
| Front-facing camera | 7 MP FaceTime HD | 7 MP FaceTime HD |
| Water/dust resistance rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Qi wireless charging | Supported | Supported |
| Lightning connector | Yes | Yes |
| Frame material | Aluminum frame, glass front/back | Aluminum frame, glass front/back |
| Storage options | 64 GB / 128 GB / 256 GB | 64 GB / 128 GB / 256 GB |
| Bluetooth version | Bluetooth 5 compatible | Bluetooth 5 compatible |
| Wi-Fi standard | Wi-Fi 6 compatible | Wi-Fi 6 compatible |
| NFC (Apple Pay support) | Yes | Yes |
| iOS update support longevity | Multi-year iOS support | Multi-year iOS support |
| IP network model designation | Compatible sizes for accessories/cases | Compatible sizes for accessories/cases |
| Price | Check iPhone SE 3 Price | Check iPhone SE 2 Price |
FAQ
Do both iPhone SE models have the same design? Does the iPhone SE 3 support 5G while the iPhone SE 2 does not? Is the battery life different between the iPhone SE 3 and iPhone SE 2? Do both phones have the same display quality? Are the cameras the same on iPhone SE 3 and iPhone SE 2? Do both phones support wireless charging? Which iPhone SE model will receive longer software support? Are the storage options the same for both models? Is the build quality and water resistance the same on both models? Do both iPhone SE models have Face ID? Is the weight different between the iPhone SE 3 and iPhone SE 2? Do both iPhones support Apple Pay? Are accessories like cases interchangeable between the two models? Which model is better for future-proofing? |
