Apple’s iPhone SE is an entry-level smartphone that gives the iPhone experience, starting at $429. The reason it’s cheap is the cost-cutting done by Apple but includes an A-series chip (generally a generation older), Haptic touch, wireless charging, water and dust resistance, a high-quality camera with 4K video recording, and more.
The 3rd and current generation has an A15 Bionic chip introduced with the iPhone 13 models. Other improvements include 5G connectivity, improved battery life, and an upgraded rear camera.
You may be wondering how many of the SE models has Apple made. Well, the answer might surprise you! I have included the specifications for all the SE models and if you are considering getting one, the extra information might help you.
How many iPhone SE are there
Apple’s iPhone SE is a series of smartphones that gives the iPhone experience by nixing some features that you would normally find in a regular iPhone.
Currently, the iPhone SE is in its third generation, the first SE was launched in 2016, followed by the 2nd generation iPhone SE which was released in 2020, and the 3rd generation which was unveiled in 2022.
All the new iPhone SE models are equipped with 4G and sub-6GHz 5G. Unfortunately, they don’t have millimeter-wave 5G or the special new bands used by Dish Mobile.
Some models have 2×2 MIMO (Multiple-Input Multiple-Output, a wireless technology that uses multiple transmitters and receivers to transfer more data at the same time) while some have 4×4 MIMO. It means that the iPhone SE models have weak overall radio performance as compared to the more expensive iPhone models.
So, even if there are only three iPhone SE models, the above difference takes the total to a total of five models –
A2783, the Global model; A2785, the China model, and A2784, the Russia model: All these iPhone SE lack some AT&T and T-Mobile bands. The China and Russia models have firmware alterations that adhere to legal requirements in those countries.
A2595, US/Canada/Mexico model: This SE model works on all North American and global carriers. It has the appropriate frequency bands for every country, barring Japan.
A2782, Japan model: This SE model one lacks key AT&T and T-Mobile bands, but adds a 4G band found only in Japan.
The main iPhone SE Models
1. First-generation iPhone SE
Apple launched an affordable iPhone on March 21, 2016. Also known as iPhone SE 1 or iPhone SE 2016; the iPhone SE is a smartphone that was designed to give the iPhone experience, with a higher-end processor and decent camera.
Colors: Space Gray, Silver, Gold, Rose Gold
OS: iOS 9.3.2, upgradable to iOS 15.7
Display: 4.0 inches IPS LCD with 60.8% screen-to-body ratio and 326 ppi density
Chipset: Apple A9 (14 nm)
Storage: 16GB, 32GB, 64GB & 128GB
RAM: 2GB
CPU & GPU: Hexa-core & Apple GPU
Camera: Single 12 MP, f/2.2, 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, 1080p@120fps, 720p@240fps, HDR, PDAF; Front: 1.2 MP, f/2.4, with Face detection, HDR, panorama and 720p@30fps for video
Sound: Speakers and 3.5mm audio jack
Battery: Li-Ion 1624 mAh
Charging: 18W wired
Others: Front-mounted Fingerprint scanner, Corning-made glass, and Apple Pay (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX certified)
Pricing: US$399
2. Second-generation iPhone SE
The second-generation iPhone SE was launched on April 15, 2020, and was positioned as a budget phone. There were no discernable design changes. The only notable change is the inclusion of the A13 Bionic chip.
Colors: Red, Black, and White
OS: iOS 13, upgradable to iOS 16.5
Display: 4.7 inches Retina IPS LCD with 65.4% screen-to-body ratio and 326 ppi density
Chipset: A13 Bionic (7 nm+)
Storage: 64GB, 128GB & 256GB
RAM: 3GB
CPU & GPU: Hexa-core & Apple GPU
Camera: Single 12 MP with OIS, 4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, HDR, OIS, stereo sound recording; Front: 7 MP, f/2.2m, HDR, panorama and 1080p@30fps gyro-EIS for video
Sound: Stereo speakers, no 3.5mm audio jack
Battery: Li-Ion 1821 mAh
Charging: 18W wired
Others: Front-mounted Fingerprint scanner, Ion-strengthened glass, IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min), and Apple Pay (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX certified)
Pricing: US$399
3. Third-generation iPhone SE
Launched on March 8, 2022, it is also known as the iPhone SE 3 or the iPhone SE 2022. Its starting price is US$429 – a $30 increase from the 2020 iPhone SE.
Colors: Red, Midnight & Starlight
OS: iOS 15.4, upgradable to iOS 16.5
Display: 4.7 inches Retina IPS LCD with 65.4% screen-to-body ratio and 326 ppi density
Chipset: A15 Bionic (5 nm)
Storage: 64GB, 128GB & 256GB
RAM: 4GB
CPU & GPU: Hexa-core & Apple GPU
Camera: Single 12 MP with OIS, 4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, HDR, OIS, stereo sound recording; Front: 7 MP, f/2.2m, HDR, panorama and 1080p@30fps gyro-EIS for video
Sound: Stereo speakers, no 3.5mm audio jack
Battery: Li-Ion 2018 mAh
Charging: 20W wired
Others: Front-mounted Fingerprint scanner, Ion-strengthened glass, IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min), and Apple Pay (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX certified)
Pricing: US$429
FAQs
Which is the latest iPhone SE model?
The 2022 iPhone SE is the 3rd generation SE model which starts at $429. This model looks similar to the 2020 model, whose design language was borrowed from iPhone 8. This model comes with 5G connectivity and A15 Bionic Chip, which warrants the $30 more expensive price tag.
What does the ‘SE’ in iPhone SE mean?
The SE iPhone SE is an initialism of Special Edition. This was confirmed by Apple Senior Vice President of Marketing, Phil Schiller in 2016.
Will there be iPhone SE 4?
Apple has never been clear on the launch of a few products that include AirPods, MacBook Air, and the iPhone SE model. If you are waiting for the 4th generation iPhone SE, then you’ll have to wait a little longer. According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the iPhone SE 4 is currently not a part of Apple’s product strategy, at least until 2024/25.
Which is the smallest iPhone?
The 2022 iPhone SE is the smallest and cheapest iPhone. The display is 4.7 inches across the diagonal.
Conclusion
There you have it. There are a total of three iPhone SE models, but the difference in connectivity means there are a total of 5 models globally.
The 2022 iPhone SE is Apple’s most low-price iPhone, sacrificing some essential features but making for a decent iPhone experience.
If you can stretch your budget a little, I would suggest you get the iPhone 13 as it is Apple’s best smartphone yet. Check out iPhone 13 Mini if you want a smaller iPhone if the iPhone SE is too small for you.
