Compare Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) Deals

Two numbers decide the real cost: the monthly price and any upfront fee. A low monthly with a big upfront can work out dearer than a flat deal, so sort by effective monthly cost to compare like for like. Pick a data allowance that matches how much you actually use, not the largest one on offer, and choose a contract length you are happy to keep. If you already own a phone you like, a SIM-only plan is usually cheaper than a fresh handset contract.

The 4.7-inch screen is small by today's standards, which suits one-handed use but means less room for video and games. There is a single 12MP rear camera rather than the dual or triple setups on dearer iPhones, so you get solid everyday photos in good light without the ultra-wide or zoom extras. The 7MP front camera handles video calls and selfies fine. If photography is your priority, a phone with more lenses will serve you better.

The iPhone SE runs iOS 18, so you get current apps and security updates on a budget handset. It supports 5G, which keeps mobile data quick where coverage allows. The 2018 mAh battery is on the smaller side, so heavier users may want a top-up by evening, while lighter use should see you through the day. At 144 g it is light and pocketable.

This is the iPhone for people who want a smaller, cheaper phone and do not need the latest design. The home button and Touch ID appeal if you prefer a fingerprint to Face ID, and the compact size is genuinely easier to hold than the big flagships. The trade-offs are an older look, a smaller screen, one rear camera and a modest battery. If those do not bother you, it is a sensible, affordable way into iOS.

The iPhone SE comes in 64GB only, and there is no memory-card slot to add space later. That is enough for the basics, but it fills up quickly if you store a lot of photos, videos or apps. Lean on iCloud or streaming rather than keeping everything on the device, and clear old downloads now and then to stay clear of the limit.