A few weeks ago, Apple unveiled, among other new products, its new budget smartphone, the iPhone SE 3, a fast, powerful and at the same time economical mobile. But is this device value for money? In the following guide we will see in detail all the characteristics it offers.
Starting with speed, the iPhone SE 3 does not disappoint. The A15 Bionic processor, which we also find on the flagship iPhone 13, guarantees that you will have the best possible speed, but also excellent photo quality. It offers very fast graphic performance, a feature that is particularly useful for fans of multitasking and mobile games.
With the most efficient operation of this processor, Apple has managed to extend the battery life by two extra hours, compared to the older SE 2020. Additionally, the A15 Bionic provides 5g connectivity capability.
It has a 12MP (f/1.8) rear camera and a 7MP (f/2.2) selfie camera. Although the hardware of the photo system remains the same as in SE 2020, the picture quality is noticeably superior due to the A15 Bionic chipset. Improvements include Smart HDR 4 technology, providing better control in low light conditions and better portrait performance, Deep Fusion technology for optimal display of details and textures, and Photographic Styles technology, which offers more creative tools. It also has the capability to shoot 4K video at 60 fps. However, it does not have a night shooting function.
As for storage, it can be found in three versions, 64GB priced at 539€, 128GB at 599€ and 256GB at 739€.
Construction wise, this is a solid yet compact device, weighing just 140 grams. It has a 4.7-inch screen, identical in design to its predecessor, which may be considered somewhat retro appeal. Unlike the iPhone SE 2020, however, it is enhanced with a tougher and more durable ceramic shield glass cover, the same one we find on the company’s flagships. It even has an IP67 certification, making it exceptionally water resistant. It is worth mentioning that in drop tests conducted, the SE 2022 performed as well as the iPhone 13.
This compact device is suitable for those who prefer smaller mobile phones and may want to upgrade from the iPhone 8 or the Google Pixel 5a. Alternatively, if you prefer larger screens, its small size may be off-putting. Also, if you watch movies and videos on your mobile, you should consider that the 4.7-inch screen with a resolution of 1344 x 750 pixels, will clearly not make your experience so immersive. Specifically, the very large bezels are one of the few disadvantages of the iPhone SE 2022. Another feature we miss is the night mode function of the camera and the Face ID. However, all three can be easily overlooked, in exchange for the excellent speed, quality photos, compact size, and durability. With an initial price of 539€, it definitely represents the device with the best quality-price ratio in its category.
