Apple iPhone SE 3rd Gen Review: Compact Power with Limits
Digging into hundreds of user reports, the Apple iPhone SE 3rd Gen, Midnight (Renewed, Unlocked) emerges as a compact powerhouse with clear strengths—and equally clear limits. Across Amazon, Reddit, Best Buy, and eBay, buyers consistently praise its speed, build quality, and affordability, but recurring complaints about its dated design, battery life, and camera limitations temper the enthusiasm. On balance, it earns a solid 8/10 for budget-conscious buyers who value portability and Touch ID over cutting-edge aesthetics.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy—ideal for small phone lovers and budget seekers, less so for media-heavy users.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| A15 Bionic chip delivers flagship performance | Thick bezels and outdated look |
| Compact, lightweight design | Battery life shorter than larger iPhones |
| Affordable on renewed market | Single camera lacks Night Mode |
| IP67 water/dust resistance | 60Hz display feels less smooth |
| Touch ID and home button nostalgia | No Face ID or modern unlock features |
| Compatible with 5G and eSIM | Limited screen brightness outdoors |
Claims vs Reality
Apple markets the iPhone SE 3rd Gen as delivering “iPhone 13-level performance” in a familiar compact body. In raw speed, users confirm this holds true. A Best Buy customer named “mighty mouse” noted: “I love the power and buttery smooth capabilities of the bionic 15 chip”, even on a smaller display. Reddit user feedback echoes this, with one saying: “Touch ID hella fast, camera is good… phone is very smooth and fast”.
Where the marketing glosses over reality is in battery endurance. Official specs promise up to 15 hours of video playback, but heavy use tells another story. A Reddit user reported: “Battery is fine on it with heavy YouTube use… will most likely change the battery soon”, while others mention mid-day top-ups when using 5G frequently. Those coming from larger models like the iPhone 11 or 12 often find the SE 3’s battery less forgiving.
Camera marketing emphasizes Smart HDR 4 and Deep Fusion, and while daytime shots earn praise, several users point out missing features. Reddit user u/xxx shared: “It doesn’t do the night camera stuff”, confirming the absence of Night Mode. Amazon reviewers say the single 12MP lens works well for casual snapshots but isn’t as versatile as multi-lens setups.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
The A15 Bionic chip is the star attraction. For professionals, students, and even corporate-issued phones, speed is a tangible benefit. A healthcare facility buyer on Best Buy explained: “Bought 24 of them… all looked great, operated great and the batteries all had greater than 85% capacity”. Gamers also find performance solid—Reddit posts mention smooth gameplay except for occasional frame drops in high-demand titles.
Portability is another universal win. The 4.7-inch size appeals to those who dislike the trend toward larger phones. A verified Amazon buyer wrote: “My wife… refused to upgrade… she loves it. Says it’s the exact same phone [as her iPhone 8] but way faster.” Seniors and students alike appreciate it fitting easily in pockets and being manageable one-handed.
Touch ID’s retention is praised as both a functional and nostalgic feature. From Reddit: “Iconic home button is neat + touch ID… easy to hold”. Best Buy reviews repeatedly mention ease of use, particularly for first-time iPhone users.
Common Complaints
Battery life is a recurring sore spot. Even those satisfied overall often flag it as a compromise: “Poor battery life, poor camera” said one Redditor using it as a work phone. Brightness outdoors also draws criticism, with one Reddit user stating: “Screen in direct sunlight… kind of sucks.”
The design’s age is impossible to ignore. Multiple Reddit contributors call it “an 8-year-old look,” likening it visually to the iPhone 7 or 8. The 60Hz refresh rate and thick bezels stand out against modern edge-to-edge OLED screens, making it feel behind the times. One Best Buy reviewer admitted: “Screen is just a tad too small” despite loving the performance.
Camera limitations frustrate some. Without Night Mode or an ultra-wide option, low-light photography suffers. A Reddit user compared it unfavorably to models with notches and Face ID privacy features, wishing Touch ID offered similar lock screen security.
Divisive Features
Touch ID vs Face ID splits opinion. Some buyers prefer the reliability and speed of a fingerprint sensor, while others note it can be “unreliable” compared to older implementations. Storage capacity also divides users: those buying 64GB models often regret it quickly. As one Best Buy customer put it: “I can’t function on only 64GB… I’ll be returning this phone”.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot-style patterns from Best Buy and Amazon show most renewed units arrive in excellent condition, often “like new,” with battery health between 85–100%. However, Fakespot analysis warns of “high deception involved” in some Amazon reviews, with one buyer claiming their unit “bricked after only 4 months.” This suggests vetting sellers carefully is crucial.
Long-term durability appears strong for many. Reddit posts mention using SE models for 2–3 years without major performance degradation. Yet, Touch ID reliability can decline over time, with one user comparing it unfavorably to their older iPhone 6.
Alternatives
Community comparisons most often pit the SE 3rd Gen against the iPhone 12 and iPhone 11. In 2025 pricing terms, the iPhone 12 costs about $20 more but offers a larger OLED display, dual cameras, and longer battery life—making it a better fit for media-heavy users. The iPhone 11 is cheaper, with a bigger LCD screen and Night Mode, but lacks 5G.
Quora experts note: “Choose the iPhone 11 if you want a larger screen, better camera system, and longer battery life. However, if 5G and long-term performance are priorities, the iPhone SE 3rd Gen is the better buy.”
Price & Value
Renewed pricing varies widely—from $130 for certified used units in 2025 to $400+ for high-storage models in “premium renewed” condition. eBay listings show unlocked 64GB models selling around $165–$210 in good refurbished state, with 256GB versions reaching $500+. Resale value holds decently due to ongoing iOS support, which buyers expect until at least 2028.
Buying tips from the community emphasize avoiding the 64GB if you store photos or videos locally, and checking battery health before purchase. As one Amazon buyer advised: “You are getting what you pay for… smaller screen, home button, no facial recognition… but fine for the average user.”
FAQ
Q: How long will the iPhone SE 3rd Gen be supported?
A: Apple typically supports iPhones for 5–6 years. Released in 2022, it should receive updates until at least 2027 or 2028.
Q: Does it have Night Mode for photos?
A: No. While daytime shots are strong, low-light performance is weaker compared to dual or triple-camera iPhones with Night Mode.
Q: Is the battery good for all-day use?
A: Moderate users can get a full day, but heavy 5G or video use may require a recharge before evening.
Q: Can I use it internationally?
A: Yes. It supports multiple LTE and 5G bands, plus eSIM, making it suitable for global travel.
Q: Is 64GB enough storage?
A: Many users find 64GB limiting, especially for photos and videos. Consider 128GB or 256GB if budget allows.
Final Verdict: Buy if you want a fast, compact iPhone with 5G, Touch ID, and long software support—especially if you prefer the home button. Avoid if battery life, modern design, or advanced camera features are priorities. Pro tip from the community: opt for higher storage and check battery health before committing to a renewed unit.
