iPhone SE (2022) in 2025 – Still Holding Up?
Three years after its launch, the iPhone SE (3rd generation) still sparks curiosity. In a world dominated by large OLED screens, triple cameras, and Face ID, this compact phone with a Home button looks like a relic. But is it still usable in 2025? I’ve been using the iPhone SE (2022) as my secondary device over the past few months, and here’s a brutally honest look at how it performs today.
Design: Retro Charm or Just Outdated?
The moment you pick up the SE 2022, you’re taken back to 2017. It’s essentially an iPhone 8 shell — aluminum sides, glass back, thick bezels, and of course, the iconic Touch ID. Some may call it outdated, but for me, it’s charmingly nostalgic. It’s compact, pocket-friendly, and super lightweight at just 144 grams.
Performance: Still a Beast in a Small Body
Under the hood, the A15 Bionic chip keeps things snappy. From launching apps to switching between heavy multitasking, the SE 2022 doesn’t stutter. It's the same chip found in the iPhone 13, and even in 2025, it holds up exceptionally well for everyday tasks — social media, banking, video streaming, and even light gaming.
However, it does warm up slightly with prolonged use, especially during gaming or video editing, and 4GB RAM can sometimes feel tight compared to today’s 8–12GB flagships.
Battery Life: Manageable, Not Marvelous
Let’s be honest — battery life was never a strong point for the SE series. With moderate use (Wi-Fi, some camera shots, social media, light YouTube), I get about 4–5 hours of screen-on time. On heavy days, it needs a top-up before dinner.
Still, with iOS 17.5 optimization and a new battery replacement I did in early 2025, it performs better than expected. Fast charging at 20W is still helpful when needed.
Camera: Surprisingly Capable in Daylight
The single 12MP rear camera may sound primitive now, but it still captures sharp, vibrant images in good lighting. Apple’s smart HDR and Deep Fusion processing are here thanks to the A15 chip. However, there’s no Night mode, and ultra-wide or telephoto lenses are absent.
The front 7MP camera is okay for FaceTime and occasional selfies, but far from impressive in low light.
iOS Experience in 2025: Still Smooth, Still Updated
Running the latest iOS 17.5, the iPhone SE 2022 still gets all the features — Lock Screen widgets, App Library, iMessage enhancements, and privacy improvements. Apple’s long software support makes it a rare gem for budget-conscious users.
Who Should Still Consider iPhone SE (2022) in 2025?
- Anyone who prefers a compact, one-handed phone
- Those looking for a reliable backup or secondary device
- iOS users on a tight budget who don’t mind the dated look
Who Should Avoid It?
- Power users who need bigger screens and better cameras
- Gamers or content creators
- Anyone coming from an iPhone 12 or newer
Final Verdict: Is It Still Worth It?
If you can grab a well-maintained or refurbished iPhone SE (2022) under $250, it’s still a good deal. It’s not flashy, it’s not trendy, but it does what an iPhone is supposed to do — reliably, smoothly, and securely.
As we approach the iPhone SE 4 in late 2025, the SE 2022 feels like the last of its kind — a minimalist’s iPhone in a world obsessed with maximalism.
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