Quick answer: The iPhone SE 3 (2022) is the better buy for most people. It runs the faster A15 Bionic chip, adds 5G, and uses Ceramic Shield glass, while the iPhone SE 2 (2020) is cheaper and runs the older A13 chip. Both share the same 4.7-inch display, Touch ID home button, and 12MP camera, and both still run iOS 27 as of 2026. Choose the SE 3 for speed and longevity, or the SE 2 to save money.
See all 3, ranked Prices checked Oct 5, 10:24 AM EDT.
The iPhone SE 2 and 3 are two excellent models if you want a cheap and capable iPhone. The SE 3 carries the powerful A15 Bionic chip, bringing better speed and efficiency than the SE 2's A13 chip. It also features Apple's Ceramic Shield for better durability and 5G support for faster connectivity. The SE 3 starts at a higher price point. Here is a full breakdown of the differences between the iPhone SE 2 and the iPhone SE 3.
| Feature | iPhone SE 2 (2020) | iPhone SE 3 (2022) |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | April 24, 2020 | March 18, 2022 |
| Dimensions | 5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 inches 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm | 5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 inches 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm |
| Weight | 5.22 ounces 148 grams | 5.09 ounces 144 grams |
| Display | 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD | 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD |
| Resolution | 1334 x 750 pixels | 1334 x 750 pixels |
| Processor | A13 Bionic | A15 Bionic |
| RAM | 3GB | 4GB |
| Storage options | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| Rear camera | 12MP f/1.8 | 12MP f/1.8 |
| Front camera | 7MP f/2.2 | 7MP f/2.2 |
| Battery capacity | 1821 mAh | 2018 mAh |
| Battery life | Up to 13 hours of video playback | Up to 15 hours of video playback |
| Charging | Qi wireless charging, 18W fast charging | Qi wireless charging, 20W fast charging |
| Connectivity | 4G LTE | 5G (Sub-6 GHz) |
| Water resistance | IP67 (up to 1m for 30 mins) | IP67 (up to 1m for 30 mins) |
| Durability | Standard glass | Ceramic Shield front and back |
| Biometrics | Touch ID | Touch ID |
| Colors | Black, White, (PRODUCT)RED | Midnight, Starlight, (PRODUCT)RED |
| Max OS compatibility | iOS 27 | iOS 27 |
| Original price | Starting at $399 | Starting at $429 |
| Price (refurbished) | Starting at $86 carrier-locked | Starting at $111 carrier-locked |
Here are all the differences between the iPhone SE 2 and iPhone SE 3.
At first glance, the iPhone SE 2 and SE 3 look identical. Both sport the classic iPhone design with a Home button and thick bezels surrounding the display. This might be a dealbreaker for some, especially those who prefer the modern, all-screen look of newer iPhones.
The familiar design has its appeal, especially for those who appreciate the tactile feedback of a physical button.
iPhone SE 2
Image by: Apple
While their overall appearance is the same, there are subtle differences in their construction. The iPhone SE 3 boasts a tougher glass front and back, utilizing the same glass found on the iPhone 13 lineup, which Apple claims is the toughest glass in a smartphone. This enhanced durability is a welcome addition, providing better protection against drops and scratches.
The colors differ in name more than in shade. The SE 2 came in Black, White and (PRODUCT)RED, and the SE 3 comes in Midnight, Starlight and (PRODUCT)RED, so both give you a black, a white or a red phone.
They are virtually indistinguishable in terms of size and weight. Both measure 5.45 inches tall, 2.65 inches wide, and 0.29 inches thick. However, the iPhone SE 3 is slightly lighter at 5.09 ounces compared to the SE 2’s 5.22 ounces.
Both the iPhone SE 2 and SE 3 feature the same 4.7-inch Retina HD display with True Tone technology. This display, while smaller than those found on newer iPhones, is still sharp and vibrant, offering good color accuracy and clarity. It’s perfect for everyday tasks like browsing the web, checking emails, and watching videos.
However, the smaller screen size might not be ideal for those who prefer a larger display for consuming media or multitasking. Additionally, the thick bezels surrounding the screen might feel outdated compared to other iPhones’ sleek, edge-to-edge displays.
One advantage of the smaller display is that it contributes to the overall compactness and pocketability of the phone. This makes it a great option for those who prioritize one-handed use and don’t mind sacrificing screen real estate for a more portable device.
Despite their identical displays, the iPhone SE 3 has a slight advantage in terms of durability. It boasts the Ceramic Shield front cover, the same tough glass used on the iPhone 13 lineup. This makes it more resistant to drops and scratches than the iPhone SE 2.
iPhone SE 3
Image by: Apple
The most significant difference between the iPhone SE 2 and SE 3 lies in their performance.
The iPhone SE 3 is powered by Apple’s A15 Bionic chip, the same chip found in the iPhone 13 lineup. This makes it significantly faster than the iPhone SE 2, which runs on the older A13 Bionic chip.
In everyday use, both phones feel snappy and responsive. However, the iPhone SE 3’s superior processing power becomes evident in demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and multitasking. Apps launch faster, games run smoother, and switching between tasks is more seamless on the SE 3.
For most users, the iPhone SE 2’s performance is still more than adequate for everyday tasks and casual gaming. However, if you’re a power user demanding top-notch performance or planning to keep your phone for several years, the iPhone SE 3’s future-proof A15 Bionic chip is a compelling reason to upgrade
On paper, the iPhone SE 2 and SE 3 have identical camera systems. Both feature a single 12MP wide lens on the rear and a 7MP front-facing camera. However, the iPhone SE 3 benefits from the A15 Bionic chip’s improved image signal processor (ISP), which enables several key enhancements.
The iPhone SE 3 offers better image processing, resulting in photos with improved detail, color accuracy, and dynamic range. It also introduces Photographic Styles, a feature that lets you customize the look of your photos by adjusting tone and warmth.
iPhone’s Photographic Styles
In low-light conditions, the iPhone SE 3’s Deep Fusion technology delivers better image quality than the SE 2. Deep Fusion uses machine learning to analyze and combine multiple exposures to create a single, detailed image with less noise.
Both models can record videos in 4K resolution at up to 60fps, and they offer cinematic video stabilization for smoother footage. However, the iPhone SE 3’s improved ISP allows for better video quality, especially in challenging lighting situations.
While the iPhone SE 2’s camera is still capable of taking great photos and videos, the SE 3’s enhanced software capabilities make it a better choice for those who prioritize photography and videography.
One of the most significant improvements in the iPhone SE 3 is its battery life. Thanks to the more efficient A15 Bionic chip and a slightly larger battery, the SE 3 offers a noticeable boost in longevity compared to the SE 2.
Apple claims that the iPhone SE 3 can last up to 2 hours longer for video playback and 10 hours longer for audio playback than its predecessor. In real-world use, users have reported that the SE 3 can comfortably last a full day on a single charge with moderate usage.
Both models support fast charging, allowing you to quickly top up your battery when you’re in a hurry. However, Apple names a different adapter for each. The iPhone SE 2 reaches up to 50% charge in 30 minutes with an 18W adapter or higher, while the iPhone SE 3 needs a 20W adapter or higher for the same result.
Both phones also support Qi wireless charging, a convenient feature for those who prefer a cable-free charging experience.
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For most buyers, yes. The SE 3 adds the A15 Bionic chip, 5G, Ceramic Shield glass, and slightly better battery life. If you keep phones for several years, the SE 3 is the more future-proof choice. If you only need the basics and want to spend less, the SE 2 is still capable.
Yes. As of 2026, both the iPhone SE 2 (2020) and the iPhone SE 3 (2022) run iOS 27 and continue to receive Apple software updates and security patches.
No. The iPhone SE 2 supports 4G LTE only. The iPhone SE 3 is the first SE model with 5G (Sub-6 GHz), which is the main connectivity difference between the two.
Buy the iPhone SE 3 if you want the device to last longer. The A15 Bionic chip is roughly a generation ahead of the A13, and 5G plus Ceramic Shield make it the more future-proof pick for the same screen and home button. Buy the iPhone SE 2 if price is your priority. It handles calls, messaging, browsing, and casual gaming without complaint, and it shares the same 12MP camera hardware as the SE 3. Both still run iOS 27, so neither leaves you stranded on old software in 2026.
Ready to pick one? Our guide to which refurbished iPhone SE to buy compares sellers and storage options for both models.
To sum up:
No matter which model you choose, you can find great deals on both the iPhone SE 2 and SE 3 on RefurbMe, a trusted comparator for refurbished Apple devices.
Our platform allows you to compare prices and warranties from reputable sellers, ensuring you get the best value for your money.
With RefurbMe, you can enjoy the benefits of a high-quality iPhone at a fraction of the cost, making it a smart choice for savvy shoppers.
Check all available refurbished iPhone SE 2 and 3 models in real time here. 👇
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Last updated: Sep 15, 2026 · First published: Jul 26, 2024
CEO and Founder at RefurbMe. I made this project back when I was 15 when I had to wake up at 2am to buy my own refurbished Macbook Pro. Passionate about circular economy, great UX and goats.
