Where to buy the Apple iPhone SE (3rd gen) today
The most affordable iPhone is getting a revamp for 2022. It's got some solid specs and is going to be tempting for Apple fans on a budget.
Apple revealed the iPhone SE (3rd generation) at its “Peek Performance” event on 8th March, and it's now available to buy in the UK.
The SE range has been popular with Apple fans, offering a sleek iOS experience at a lower price-point than the flagship series, which is currently spearheaded by the iPhone 13 family. The new iPhone SE 3rd gen is priced from £419 in the UK.
It was unveiled alongside the new iPad Air (5th generation) and two new high-end products in the Mac computer series: the Mac Studio and the Mac Display.
But what are the differences between the older 2020 SE model and when do the pre-orders open ahead of the full release? Here’s what you need to know.
Want to read more about the latest iPhones? Don’t miss our iPhone 13 review, iPhone 13 mini review, iPhone 13 Pro review and iPhone 13 Pro Max review. Intrigued about the latest tablet release? Here's our Apple iPad Air 5th gen review.
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What is the iPhone SE (3rd gen)?
The SE has always existed for one main reason: to offer an affordable alternative to the flagship handsets. Apple does this by compromising on how much tech it packs into the phones – with specs more in line with earlier-gen flagships.
It’s appealing to anyone on a budget who doesn’t need the top-of-the-line display or camera setup but still wants a smooth and well-supported iOS experience.
Want more Apple? Here's our Apple iPad Air 5th gen review. Shopping for new earbuds? Check out this Beats Fit Pro vs Apple AirPods Pro comparison.
iPhone SE 3rd gen: where to buy
All colours and storage size options of the new iPhone SE 3 are available now.
- Buy the iPhone SE (3rd gen) at Very
- Buy the iPhone SE (3rd gen) at Amazon
- Buy the iPhone SE (3rd gen) at Argos
- Buy the iPhone SE (3rd gen) at John Lewis
- Buy the iPhone SE (3rd gen) at AO
- Buy the iPhone SE (3rd gen) at Currys
- Buy the iPhone SE (3rd gen) at Apple
iPhone SE 3 on contract
- iD Mobile: (64GB model) unlimited data, texts and minutes, 24 month plan | £20.99 per month, £185 upfront cost. More plans are available on the website.
- iD Mobile: (64GB model) 2GB data, unlimited texts and minutes, 24-month plan | £23.99 per month, £29 upfront. More plans are available on the website.
- EE: (64GB model) 40GB data, unlimited texts and minutes, 24-month plan | £39 per month, £40 upfront. More plans are available on the website.
- Three: (64GB model) unlimited data, texts and minutes, 24 month plan | £40 per month, £0 upfront. More plans are available on the website.
- iD Mobile: (64GB model) 2GB data, unlimited texts and minutes, 24 month plan | £24.99 per month, £0 upfront. More plans are available on the website.
- Mobiles.co.uk: (64GB model) 30GB data, unlimited texts and minutes, 24 month plan | £26 per month, £9.99 upfront. More plans are available on the website.
- Vodafone: (64GB model) 2GB data, unlimited texts and minutes, 36 month plan | £29 per month, £19 upfront. More plans are available on the website.
- O2: (64GB model) 2GB data, unlimited texts and minutes, 36 month plan | £27.50 per month, £10 upfront. More plans are available on the website.
iPhone SE (3rd gen) UK pricing
The iPhone SE (3rd generation) is priced from £419. That goes up if you need more storage and opt to buy a model with 128GB or 256GB. Here’s the breakdown:
- 64GB: £419
- 128GB: £469
- 256GB: £569
The iPhone SE (2nd gen) can be found at UK retailers priced from £369. It was not immediately clear if Apple is planning to completely discontinue that model.
iPhone SE (3rd gen) specs
One of the big additions to the new smartphone is the upgrade from Apple's A13 Bionic chip to the A15 Bionic. This means the new SE will pack some respectable power and be able to pull off reasonably complex tasks, despite its smaller price tag. After all, that’s the exact same chipset found in the iPhone 13 series.
However, as a more budget-conscious entry to the company's line-up, the iPhone SE (3rd gen) does miss out on one or two features that its big brothers have, such as a Super Retina display, ultra wide lens, Face ID and MagSafe compatibility.
On the outside, the iPhone SE (3rd gen) looks identical to the older model, which was released back in April 2020 - taking design inspiration from the iPhone 8. It still has the older Home button, a 4.7-inch screen and thicker black bezels.
While certainly an older look in 2022, the physical home button and larger bezels do indeed differentiate the handset from the rest of the Apple phone line-up and from competitors. Whether that’s acceptable to you is a personal choice.
The new iPhone SE (3rd gen) packs 5G capabilities, whereas the older model only offered 4G. While we are yet to test the handset for ourselves, Apple has said that it has longer battery life and better durability than its predecessor, too.
You can pick up a new SE in three colours: midnight (black), starlight (white) and (PRODUCT)RED. Those are the same colours offered in the previous generation. The new iPhone SE comes in three storage options: 64GB, 128GB or 256GB.
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