The Internet was quick to criticize the new third-generation iPhone SE, and that without having tried it yet. Well, we have tried it and our verdict is as follows: Apple has screwed up. But not in the way you’re thinking.
And believe it or not, we’ve also found a handful of reasons to speak in favor of the iPhone SE 3. However, it wasn’t exactly difficult for us to find reasons why you shouldn’t buy the entry-level iPhone.
1. Design
Which can also be interpreted as a strong point (after all, the “old” design with Touch ID is more attractive to many users than the use of the notch) is probably also its greatest weakness.
For many users, the 4.7-inch screen with black bars on the top and bottom edge of the device is anything but contemporary, not to mention the Home button. So.
Since Apple has reverted to the case of the iPhone 8, which is about five years old, users also have to do without features such as MagSafe. Apple managed to install a 5G modem and the A15 chip in the old case design, but unfortunately there was no more room for innovation.
2. Storage
While the iPhone SE 3 should clearly be considered an entry-level iPhone or “standard task iPhone,” a little more storage wouldn’t have hurt.
With the iPhone 13, Apple buried the 64GB memory variant, but it has been resurrected with the SE 3. If you want more storage, you have to choose between 128GB or 256GB, since the 512GB or more is reserved only for users. pro models.
You may be interested in our article Why you shouldn’t buy the 64GB iPhone SE.
Today, 64 GB is no longer enough for many users, which is why they are practically forced to buy the more expensive variants. This is when the question arises as to whether it would not be better to bet on another iPhone model.
3. Camera
The iPhone SE camera has never been a bragging camera, and Apple continues this tradition with the third generation. use exactly the same hardware than its predecessor, but the A15 chip is now supposed to achieve better image quality.
In addition, the SE 3 also now supports Deep Fusion, Photo Styles and Smart HDR 4. On the front, we find the same 7 MP front camera as in the second generation, but now also with Deep Fusion and the styles already mentioned. .
If you take a lot of photos with your smartphone and you like to zoom in telephoto or ultra wide, stay away from the iPhone SE 3. With the SE 3, you only get 5x digital zoom…
4. Battery
Many users expected the SE 3 to have a bigger battery, and Apple has also fulfilled their wishes in a way. According to a first tear down published YouTube, the battery is 10% higher than in the second generation. The A15 chip should also contribute to longer battery life.
However, if you are coming from a Pro device and have already found that the battery is not enough for you, you should forget about the iPhone SE 3 immediately. If you’re good at saving power (you turn on power saving mode and don’t set the screen to maximum brightness), you should get through a full day with the SE 3.
The SE 3 is aimed at users who just want to use the iPhone for standard tasks, rather than those who spend the day using it, so theoretically its battery needs won’t be as extreme.
5. Price
The price can certainly be considered an argument in favor of the iPhone SE 3, since, with a price of €529 / MXN$11,499, it is currently the cheapest iPhone that can be purchased directly from the Apple Store.
However, if you read the reviews on the Internet, the value for money does not seem to be right for many users. And in fact, you don’t even have to look at the Android competition to find more attractive offers.
Apple sells the iPhone 11 with 64 GB of storage for just €589/MXN$12,999. For just €60 / MXN$1,500 more, you’ll get a larger 6.7″ screen, a more modern design with notchan ultra wide angle and a greater variety of colors to choose from.
The iPhone 11, however, is not compatible with 5G and only offers the A13 chip, although it should be enough for most tasks.
As you can see, Apple went overboard when it came to adjusting prices. If the iPhone SE 3 cost less than €500 / MXN$11,000, it would seem like a pretty good deal. On the other hand, you have to really like the old design and the few new features of the iPhone SE 3 to prefer this model to an iPhone 11 or later.
You can buy the iPhone 11 at a very good price on the Apple website or in stores such as Macnificos, K-tuin, MediaMarkt, El Corte Inglés, Fnac or Amazon.
But if you want an iPhone SE (2022) despite everything, you can also get one from the Apple, Amazon, Fnac, El Corte Inglés, MediaMarkt, Macnificos and K-tuin websites.
Original article published in Macwelt.
