Apple launched the third-generation iPhone SE in India in March 2022 at Rs 43,900 for 64 GB. It reused the iPhone 8 design, complete with thick bezels, a Home button with Touch ID and a 4.7-inch screen, but inside it carried the same A15 Bionic as the iPhone 13 and added 5G support for the first time on an SE.
The 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD at 750 x 1334 looks dated next to OLED Android phones at this price, such as the OnePlus 10R or Galaxy A73. The upside is a tiny, 144 g phone that is easy to use with one hand. Performance is excellent, far beyond any Android phone in its price band, and iOS updates were expected to continue for many years.
There is a single 12 MP rear camera, which benefits from the A15's image processing and handles daylight well, but it lacks Night mode and an ultrawide lens. The small battery is the major weakness and heavy users will struggle to reach the evening. It has IP67 water resistance and wireless charging, making it a practical choice for those who want Touch ID and a compact phone.
Key specifications
| Launch price (India) | Rs 43,900 (base variant) |
|---|---|
| India launch | March 2022 |
| Segment | Upper mid-range |
| Display | 4.7-inch, Retina HD LCD, 60Hz, 750 x 1334 |
| Processor | Apple A15 Bionic |
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Storage | 64 GB / 128 GB / 256 GB |
| Expandable storage | No |
| Rear cameras | 12 MP wide |
| Front camera | 7 MP |
| Battery | 2018 mAh |
| Software at launch | iOS 15.4 |
| 5G | Yes |
| Water/dust rating | IP67 |
| Headphone jack | No |
| Weight | 144 g |
| Colours | Midnight, Starlight, (PRODUCT)RED |
What we like
- Flagship A15 performance
- Very compact and light
- Touch ID Home button
- Long iOS support
What could be better
- Dated design with thick bezels
- Weak battery life
- No Night mode or ultrawide
- 64 GB base storage
Who should buy it
People who want the cheapest new iPhone with Touch ID in a small, familiar body.
Specifications and price are as at the India launch (March 2022). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.