iPhone SE 2 vs 3 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

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

FeatureiPhone SE 3iPhone SE 2
ProcessorA15 BionicA13 Bionic
CPU Clock Speed≈3.2 GHz≈2.66 GHz
RAM4 GB3 GB
Neural Engine16-core8-core
5G ConnectivitySub-6 GHz 5G supportedNo 5G; LTE only
Battery Capacity≈2,018 mAh≈1,821 mAh
Video Playback (offline)Up to 15 hoursUp to 13 hours
Audio PlaybackUp to 50 hoursUp to 40 hours
Photographic StylesSupportedNot supported
Deep FusionSupportedNot supported
Night Mode (rear cam)SupportedNot supported
Smart HDR VersionSmart HDR 4Previous HDR “Next Gen”
Glass DurabilityCeramic Shield front coverStandard glass
Weight≈144 g≈148 g
Starting iOS VersioniOS 15iOS 13
iOS Feature Support (iOS 18)Supports features like Live Audio Transcriptions, Eye TrackingDoes not support those features
PriceCheck iPhone SE 3 PriceCheck 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

FeatureiPhone SE 3iPhone SE 2
Form factor & dimensionsSame compact 4.7″ designSame compact 4.7″ design
Touch ID Home buttonPresentPresent
Display tech & resolution4.7″ Retina HD LCD, 1334×750, IPS4.7″ Retina HD LCD, 1334×750, IPS
Rear camera lensSingle 12 MP wideSingle 12 MP wide
Front-facing camera7 MP FaceTime HD7 MP FaceTime HD
Water/dust resistance ratingIP67IP67
Qi wireless chargingSupportedSupported
Lightning connectorYesYes
Frame materialAluminum frame, glass front/backAluminum frame, glass front/back
Storage options64 GB / 128 GB / 256 GB64 GB / 128 GB / 256 GB
Bluetooth versionBluetooth 5 compatibleBluetooth 5 compatible
Wi-Fi standardWi-Fi 6 compatibleWi-Fi 6 compatible
NFC (Apple Pay support)YesYes
iOS update support longevityMulti-year iOS supportMulti-year iOS support
IP network model designationCompatible sizes for accessories/casesCompatible 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?
Yes, both the iPhone SE 3 and iPhone SE 2 share the exact same 4.7-inch design with a Home button and Touch ID, making them look nearly identical on the outside.

Does the iPhone SE 3 support 5G while the iPhone SE 2 does not?
Yes, the iPhone SE 3 supports 5G connectivity for faster mobile data speeds, whereas the iPhone SE 2 is limited to 4G LTE networks only.

Is the battery life different between the iPhone SE 3 and iPhone SE 2?
The iPhone SE 3 provides slightly longer battery life with up to 15 hours of video playback, while the iPhone SE 2 manages around 13 hours, thanks to a smaller battery and less efficient processor.

Do both phones have the same display quality?
Yes, both models feature a 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD with 1334×750 resolution at 326 ppi, offering the same brightness and color accuracy.

Are the cameras the same on iPhone SE 3 and iPhone SE 2?
Both models have a 12-megapixel wide rear camera and a 7-megapixel front camera, but the iPhone SE 3 benefits from newer image processing features like Smart HDR 4, Photographic Styles, and Deep Fusion.

Do both phones support wireless charging?
Yes, both iPhone SE 3 and iPhone SE 2 support Qi wireless charging in addition to wired charging via the Lightning connector.

Which iPhone SE model will receive longer software support?
The iPhone SE 3 will receive longer iOS update support since it is newer and powered by the A15 chip, whereas the iPhone SE 2 will likely stop receiving updates a few years earlier.

Are the storage options the same for both models?
Yes, both the iPhone SE 3 and iPhone SE 2 come in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB variants, giving users identical storage choices.

Is the build quality and water resistance the same on both models?
Yes, both models have an aluminum frame with glass front and back and are rated IP67 for dust and water resistance up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.

Do both iPhone SE models have Face ID?
No, neither iPhone SE 3 nor iPhone SE 2 has Face ID, as both rely on Touch ID integrated into the Home button for biometric security.

Is the weight different between the iPhone SE 3 and iPhone SE 2?
The iPhone SE 3 is slightly lighter at 144 grams compared to the iPhone SE 2 which weighs 148 grams, though the difference is minimal.

Do both iPhones support Apple Pay?
Yes, both models come with NFC functionality and fully support Apple Pay for secure contactless payments.

Are accessories like cases interchangeable between the two models?
Yes, because the external dimensions are the same, most cases, screen protectors, and accessories made for iPhone SE 2 will also fit the iPhone SE 3.

Which model is better for future-proofing?
The iPhone SE 3 is better for future-proofing thanks to its A15 Bionic chip, 5G support, and longer expected iOS update lifespan, while the iPhone SE 2 is already two years older and will be phased out sooner.

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