We can help you determine whether the rumoured new iPhone SE 3 is worth the wait.
A new smartphone is expected to be released in the next few weeks if the iPhone SE 3 rumours are to be believed. The cheapest iPhone in Apple’s range is said to be getting an upgrade that includes 5G connectivity and a speedier CPU.
This is a no-brainer for lovers of the iPhone SE range. Any iPhone 13 purchaser since those phones were released last autumn is likely satisfied with their present phone scenario. People who haven’t upgraded their iPhones are a different storey. Do they have to re-do their calculations now that the iPhone SE 3 is on the way?
Until Apple officially announces the new phone and releases all of its specifications, we won’t know whether or not an iPhone SE 3 upgrade is worthwhile. We may, however, make some educated estimates based on the current speculations about the iPhone SE 3’s strengths and weaknesses based on what we know thus far.
Consider these merits and disadvantages of the iPhone SE 3 before making your final purchase choice if you’re deciding between it and the iPhone 13.
A comparison of the rumoured and verified specifications of the iPhone SE 3 and iPhone 13
iPhone SE 3 (rumored) |
iPhone 13 mini | iPhone 13 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $399 | $699 | $799 |
| CPU | A15 Bionic | A15 Bionic | A15 Bionic |
| Screen size | 4.7 inches | 5.4 inches | 6.1 inches |
| Adaptive refresh | No | No | No |
| Rear cameras | 12MP (wide) | Dual 12MP (Wide, ultrawide) | Dual 12MP (Wide, ultrawide) |
| Front camera | 12MP True Depth | 12MP TrueDepth | 12MP TrueDepth |
| Size | 5.5 x 2.7 x 0.3 inches | 5.2 x 2.5 x 0.3 inches | 5.8 x 2.8 x 0.3 inches |
What’s better, the SE 3 or the 13?
Whether or not you’ve already purchased one of the new iPhone 13 models, price is likely a major factor in your decision. There are some people who find the iPhone 13 mini starting at $699 and the iPhone 13 starting at $799 to be a lot of money to spend (though the best iPhone 13 deals can help reduce that cost).
iPhone SE 3 pricing has not been announced yet, but we expect it to be less expensive than the iPhone 13 mini. Compared to last year’s $349 iPhone SE, this year’s $399 model is $300 cheaper. The cost of adding a 5G modem to Apple’s low-cost phone will likely not result in a significant price hike. There is no way the iPhone SE 3 will have a second rear camera lens like Google’s 5G-capable Pixel 5A, which costs $449.
The rest of Apple’s iPhones are also putting pressure on the iPhone SE’s price. Apple also sells discounted versions of its previous models, such as the iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, and iPhone 11, in addition to the iPhone 13. You’d expect Apple to keep a distance between the $499 price of the iPhone 11 and the cost of a new iPhone SE. Alternatively, Apple may decide to discontinue the iPhone 11 in favour of the iPhone SE 3, but this isn’t the company’s usual course of action.)
In terms of size, iPhone SE 3 or iPhone 13
The iPhone SE has long been a favourite of those looking for the best small phones because of its small size. While the possibility of an iPhone SE 3 with a larger screen was initially ruled out, current conventional wisdom holds that Apple will stick with the iPhone SE 2020 design for its current model, implying yet another device with a 4.7-inch screen. The iPhone SE appears to be ideal for those who are put off by bulky smartphones.
On a blue backdrop, an iPhone SE 3 idea appears.
When you hold the iPhone SE in your hand, you’ll notice that it’s not the tiniest iPhone that Apple makes. There is the iPhone 13 mini, which is both smaller and narrower than the iPhone SE 2020 at 5.5 x 2.7 x 0.03 inches. In spite of the bigger 5.4-inch display on the iPhone 13 mini, this is the case.
If the iPhone SE 3 has the same dimensions as the iPhone 13 small, it will be bigger than the iPhone 13 mini. There is no need to wait for the iPhone SE 3’s release if you want a little iPhone; it’s already out there for you.
iPhone SE 3 or iPhone 13: The Power!
Apple normally uses the same processor that powers the flagship iPhones from the previous autumn when releasing an iPhone SE. As a result of this, Apple has decided to use the same A13 Bionic processor in the iPhone SE as in the iPhone 11.
If the iPhone SE 3 follows suit, Apple’s A15 Bionic technology is expected to power the device, according to rumours. It’s the same silicon used in every iPhone 13 model, from the small to the Pro Max.
The iPhone SE 3 may not have as much RAM as those other phones, but it will be able to match their processing power, which Apple never publishes. Since the A15 Bionic is our fastest mobile chipset, it is a remarkable claim for an affordable phone that is projected to cost less than $500 in the near future.
Camera on the iPhone SE 3 vs. iPhone 13
If the iPhone SE 3 is going to look like the present model, we assume that Apple won’t be adding a second camera to the 12MP one it already has. Some camera enhancements, such as Night Mode support, may be in the works. Ultra-wide angle and telephoto lenses seem to be out of the question, though.
That doesn’t mean the iPhone SE 3 can’t join the top camera phones club. If you’re looking for an inexpensive phone with a great camera, the iPhone SE is a good option. People who need a camera phone with a lot of features will be happier with the iPhone 13 models, which come with a variety of camera lenses.
What’s better for your battery life: the iPhone SE 3 or the iPhone 13?
Until we learn more about Apple’s intentions, it’s tough to anticipate how the iPhone SE 3 will stack up against the iPhone 13 series. As a consequence of the larger battery in the iPhone 13 models compared to their predecessors, battery life on the iPhone 13 was enhanced on all models.
In our battery life test, the only iPhone 13 model to fall below average smartphone performance was the iPhone 13 tiny, suggesting expanding a phone’s battery capacity can only go so far in improving battery life. The battery life of the iPhone SE 3 might be improved if Apple also increases the capacity of the device, but the smaller size of the phone means it won’t be able to match the battery life of the iPhone 13 models.
Apple’s iPhone SE might be left in the dust if the new iPhone 13 models outperform the SE. According to rumours, MagSafe wireless charging will not be supported even if Apple does enable wireless charging in general. If that’s the case, MagSafe chargers will not be compatible with the new iPhone SE model, which is a little disappointing.
What’s better, the iPhone SE or the iPhone 13?
People who want a new iPhone but don’t want to spend a lot of money on it should find the iPhone SE 3 to be a good option. When an A15 Bionic chip is added, power will not be sacrificed for cost savings. Apple’s new iPhone 13 may be the best option for individuals who prioritise lengthy battery life and high-quality photography, or a mix of both.

