How Small Is Apple's Newest iPhone?
While iPhone SE 3 comes with several upgrades over the iPhone SE 2020, there are no changes in the design, including the actual size of the phone.
With the iPhone SE 3 now available, potential buyers might be wondering how small the new phone is, especially considering it looks almost identical to its predecessor. The physical differences between the two iPhone SE models are almost non-existent, but the iPhone SE 3 brings enough internal upgrades to be deemed a worthy successor in Apple's budget lineup.
Back in 2016, Apple introduced the first iPhone SE with a 4-inch screen that was similar to the iPhone 5S. Four years later and the iPhone SE 2 arrived with dimensions matching the iPhone 8, coupled with the internals of Apple's previous flagship model, the iPhone 11. Now, despite the latest iPhone SE being the most expensive model in the lineup to date, Apple has followed in the footsteps of the iPhone SE 2.
The third-generation iPhone SE utilizes the same dimensions as its predecessor with a screen size of 4.7-inches, based on its specs. In fact, the iPhone SE 3's display basically mimics the previous model's specs, from its 1,334 by 750 resolution down to its 326 PPI pixel density. As for its actual dimensions, the iPhone SE 3 measures 5.45 inches long and 2.65 inches wide, with a thickness of 0.29 inches. Even both camera lenses, front and back, remain unchanged on the new model. Apple does claim the new iPhone SE offers improved camera capabilities, though. It also offers a major upgrade in terms of the chipset, which is the same A15 Bionic that powers the iPhone 13 series.
Are There Any Physical Differences?
There are barely any external differences between the iPhone SE 3 and its predecessor, and this includes the accessories provided in the box. The only physical change between the two is in their weight. The iPhone SE 3 is slightly lighter at 144 grams and this is despite featuring a longer-lasting battery. The iPhone SE 2 weighs in at 148 grams. When compared to flagship models, the iPhone SE 3 is basically a smartphone that takes advantage of the current flagship's upgraded internals, but inside the shell of the dated iPhone 8.
Regardless, the iPhone SE 3's size results in a very compact iPhone. The display is smaller than both the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 13 mini's 5.4-inch screens. However, it is worth noting that the iPhone SE 3 is slightly taller and wider than the iPhone 12 and 13 mini models, even though the depth is slightly less. While Apple may continue to use the original iPhone SE's smaller frame, given how quickly Apple discontinues older models, it's more likely that future iPhone SE iterations will move to a larger display size going forward. Of course, and as the mini models prove, that might not necessarily result in a larger iPhone SE overall.
