iPhone SE 3: All the features of the new budget smartphone

A few weeks ago, Apple unveiled its new budget smartphone, the iPhone SE 3, alongside several other new products. It is a fast, powerful and affordable phone. But does this device offer value for money? In the guide below, we take a detailed look at all its features.

Starting with speed, the iPhone SE 3 does not disappoint. The A15 Bionic processor, also found in the flagship iPhone 13, guarantees the best possible speed as well as excellent photo quality. It delivers lightning-fast graphics performance, a particularly useful feature for fans of multitasking and mobile gaming.

Thanks to this processor's greater efficiency, Apple has also managed to extend battery life by two hours compared with the older SE 2020. The A15 Bionic also offers 5g connectivity.

It features a 12MP (f/1.8) rear camera and a 7MP (f/2.2) selfie camera. Although the camera hardware remains the same as on the SE 2020, photo quality is noticeably better thanks to the A15 Bionic chipset. Improvements include Smart HDR 4 technology, which offers better handling of low-light conditions and improved portraits, Deep Fusion technology for capturing finer details and textures, and Photographic Styles technology, which provides more creative tools. It can also record 4K video at 60 fps. However, it does not have a night mode.

As for storage, it is available in three versions: 64GB at 539€, 128GB at 599€ and 256GB at 739€.

In terms of build, it is sturdy yet compact, weighing just 140 grams. Its screen measures 4.7 inches, with a design identical to its predecessor's, which could perhaps be described as a little retro. Unlike the iPhone SE 2020, however, it is reinforced with a tougher, more durable ceramic shield glass cover, the same as the one found on the company's flagship models. It also has an IP67 rating, making it highly water-resistant. It is worth mentioning that in drop tests, the SE 2022 performed just as well as the iPhone 13.

This compact device is suitable for those who prefer smaller phones and are perhaps looking to upgrade from the iPhone 8 or Google Pixel 5a. If, on the other hand, you prefer larger screens, its small size will take some getting used to. Also, if you watch films and videos on your phone, bear in mind that the 4.7-inch screen, with a resolution of 1344 x 750 pixels, will clearly not make your experience quite as immersive. In particular, the very large bezels are one of the few drawbacks of the iPhone SE 2022. Other features we miss are the camera's night mode and Face ID. However, all three shortcomings are easy to overlook in exchange for excellent speed, high-quality photos, compact size and durability. With a starting price of 539€, it certainly offers the best value for money in its class.