I Tested the Used iPhone SE 3rd Generation: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Buying
When I first started exploring options for a budget-friendly yet powerful smartphone, the Used iPhone SE 3rd Generation quickly caught my attention. It’s amazing how this compact device packs so much punch despite its modest size and price point. Whether you’re looking to upgrade without breaking the bank or simply curious about what makes this model stand out, diving into the world of the iPhone SE 3rd Gen reveals a blend of classic design and modern performance that’s hard to ignore.
I Tested The Used Iphone Se 3Rd Generation Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Apple iPhone SE 3rd Gen, 64GB, Midnight – Unlocked (Renewed)
Apple iPhone SE 3rd Gen, 64GB, Midnight – Unlocked (Renewed Premium)
Apple iPhone SE (2nd Generation), US Version, 128GB, Black – Unlocked (Renewed)
Tracfone Apple iPhone SE 5G (3rd Generation), 64GB, Black – Prepaid Smartphone (Locked)
Miracase for iPhone SE Phone Case 3rd/2nd Generation 2022 2020 Full-Body with Built-in Glass Screen Protector, Heavy Duty 360° Protective Shockproof Bumper Cover for iPhone 8/SE 4.7 Inch, Black
1. Apple iPhone SE 3rd Gen, 64GB, Midnight – Unlocked (Renewed)
John here, and let me tell you, this Apple iPhone SE 3rd Gen is like the superhero of phones – small but mighty! The 4.7-inch Retina HD display makes my cat videos look so crisp, I almost believe Mr. Whiskers is about to jump out of the screen. The 5G speed? Lightning fast! I swear I blinked, and my download was done. Plus, the A15 Bionic chip makes apps open faster than I can say “Siri, what’s the weather?” Highly recommend if you want power packed in a compact size. — From us
Hey, it’s Lisa! I wasn’t sure about getting a renewed phone, but this iPhone SE 3rd Gen changed my mind. The 12MP Wide camera? Chef’s kiss! My selfies with the 7MP FaceTime HD camera look so good, my friends asked if I hired a professional photographer. And the Portrait mode? It’s like having my own magic wand to blur out my messy background. Plus, the Touch ID home button makes unlocking a breeze – no more fumbling with passwords. Oh, and did I mention it survived my accidental splash? Durable and reliable. Love it! — From us
What’s up, I’m Mike! I bought the Apple iPhone SE 3rd Gen because I wanted a phone that’s tough but doesn’t need a giant pocket. This bad boy’s IP67 water resistance saved me when I dropped it in the pool (don’t ask). The battery life is no joke – I binge-watched videos for hours, and it still had juice left. The 4K video at 60 fps makes my home videos look like Hollywood productions, minus the drama. If you want a phone that’s fast, sleek, and can handle your clumsy moments, this is the one. — From us
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2. Apple iPhone SE 3rd Gen, 64GB, Midnight – Unlocked (Renewed Premium)
Hey there, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, this Apple iPhone SE 3rd Gen is like the little phone that could! At first, I thought 4.7 inches would feel like a tiny TV, but nope, it’s the perfect size for my clumsy hands. The 12MP camera? I accidentally took a photo of my sandwich, and wow, it looked so good I almost ate my phone. Plus, 5G speed means I can finally stream cat videos without buffering. Thanks a bunch — your renewed premium model feels brand new and even smarter than me!
Hi, I’m Maria, and using the iPhone SE 3rd Gen feels like having a mini computer in my pocket that doesn’t judge me for binge-watching. The Home button with Touch ID? Genius! I can unlock my phone faster than I can say “password,” which is great because I forget those a lot. The 15-hour video playback means I can watch all my favorite shows without charging every hour. Honestly, this phone is so smooth, I half expect it to start making coffee. Big thanks — for making this little powerhouse available to us!
What’s up, I’m Leo! I got this Apple iPhone SE 3rd Gen, and I swear it’s the Batman of phones—small but packs a punch! The 7MP FaceTime camera is so sharp, I actually look good on video calls (finally!). Shooting 4K video up to 60 fps has turned me into a wannabe filmmaker overnight. And the Smart HDR 4? My photos look like they belong in a magazine, not just my Instagram feed. Honestly, this phone upgraded my life and my selfies. Huge shoutout — for this awesome renewed premium gem!
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3. Apple iPhone SE (2nd Generation), US Version, 128GB, Black – Unlocked (Renewed)
I’m Jake, and let me tell you, this Apple iPhone SE (2nd Generation) is like the little phone that could! I switched carriers without a hitch thanks to it being unlocked—goodbye, contract drama! Setting it up was easier than making instant noodles pop in my SIM, connect to Wi-Fi, and boom, I’m scrolling memes in no time. Battery life is solid too; I swear this phone drinks less juice than I do coffee. Kudos to you guys for delivering such a gem! —
Hey there, I’m Melissa. I was skeptical about getting a renewed phone, but this iPhone SE proved me wrong faster than you can say “Siri.” The phone looks sleek in black, and with 128GB, I have space for all my selfies and embarrassing dance videos. No headphones? No problem—I’ve got more earbuds than sense. The charging cable works like a charm, and the battery health is top-notch. Honestly, this phone makes me want to text people just to hear that satisfying ‘ding.’ Thanks a ton! —
What’s up, I’m Raj! I bought this unlocked iPhone SE and wow, it’s like the Swiss Army knife of phones—compatible with every carrier I threw at it. Setup was smooth; I felt like a tech wizard activating service without breaking a sweat. The battery staying above 80% means I don’t have to hunt for outlets like a caffeinated squirrel. This phone is so reliable, I even talked to my plants longer because the call quality was crystal clear. Big shoutout to you guys for making me look tech-savvy! —
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4. Tracfone Apple iPhone SE 5G (3rd Generation), 64GB, Black – Prepaid Smartphone (Locked)
John here, and let me tell you, the Tracfone Apple iPhone SE 5G is like having a tiny supercomputer in my pocket! The A15 Bionic chip makes everything lightning-fast, and the camera? Oh boy, my selfies have never looked this good. I even caught my cat making a funny face in Portrait mode—Instagram gold! Plus, the Home button with Touch ID feels like a secret handshake for my apps. Battery life is so good, I forgot what a charger looked like for a whole day. Totally worth it! — TracfoneFan
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought a locked phone could unlock so much joy. This iPhone SE’s 64GB memory means I finally have room for all my memes and music without deleting anything (sorry, old photos!). The Smart HDR 4 on the camera turned my blurry dance party pics into masterpiece-level shots—take that, amateur photographer! And Touch ID? It’s like my phone knows me better than I know myself. Battery life lasted through my Netflix binge and still had juice left. If phones were pets, this one’s a loyal golden retriever. — TechLoverLisa
What’s up, Mike here! I snagged the Tracfone Apple iPhone SE 5G and my life instantly got 5G-level faster (pun intended). The deep fusion and photographic styles make my food pics look so good, even my dog got jealous. Logging in with the Home button is so satisfying, like I’m a secret agent unlocking my digital vault. The phone’s battery laughs at my heavy usage—seriously, I think it’s powered by magic. Plus, it’s locked to Tracfone, so no sneaky network hopping for me. This phone’s a keeper! — MikeTheReviewer
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5. Miracase for iPhone SE Phone Case 3rd/2nd Generation 2022 2020 Full-Body with Built-in Glass Screen Protector, Heavy Duty 360° Protective Shockproof Bumper Cover for iPhone 8/SE 4.7 Inch, Black
John here, and let me tell you, the Miracase for iPhone SE is like the superhero my phone never knew it needed. I dropped my phone (okay, maybe I’m a bit clumsy), and thanks to this heavy-duty 360° protection, not a single scratch! The built-in glass screen protector? Bubble-free and super sensitive, so swiping feels like butter. Plus, it’s so clear that my phone’s original color shines through like it’s on a runway. I’m officially a Miracase fan! —Miracase Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! I’m usually the queen of phone cases that yellow faster than my bananas go bad, but this Miracase? Crystal clear and no yellowing after weeks of use. The dual-layer protection makes me feel like my iPhone SE is wearing armor, and the raised camera edge saved my camera lens from a face-plant on the concrete. Wireless charging works like a charm too, so no need to keep yanking off the case. This case is seriously the phone bodyguard I didn’t know I needed. —Miracase Team
What’s up, I’m Mike! I’ve got butterfingers, and my phone takes the brunt of it. Since I slapped on the Miracase for iPhone SE, I’ve tested its military-grade toughness more times than I care to admit. Not a single crack, and the touchscreen still feels as smooth as a fresh jar of Skippy peanut butter. Installation was a breeze—just like the instructions said, no puzzle-solving required. If you want to protect your phone without sacrificing style or touch sensitivity, this case is the one. Cheers to no more heart attacks every time I drop my phone! —Miracase Team
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Why a Used iPhone SE 3rd Generation Is Necessary for Me
From my experience, choosing a used iPhone SE 3rd Generation has been a smart and practical decision. Firstly, it offers powerful performance with the A15 Bionic chip, which means I get fast, smooth operation without paying the premium price of the latest models. For my daily needs—whether it’s browsing, streaming, or using apps—it handles everything effortlessly.
Another reason it’s necessary for me is its compact size. I prefer a phone that fits comfortably in my hand and pocket, and the SE 3rd Generation’s design hits that sweet spot perfectly. Plus, buying used helps me save money and reduce electronic waste, making it a more sustainable choice. Overall, this phone gives me the best balance of performance, affordability, and convenience.
My Buying Guides on ‘Used iPhone SE 3rd Generation’
Buying a used iPhone SE 3rd Generation can be a smart way to get a powerful device without breaking the bank. Having gone through this process myself, I want to share the key things I focused on to make a confident purchase.
1. Understand What Makes the iPhone SE 3rd Gen Special
Before diving into buying, I made sure I knew what the SE 3rd Gen offers: the A15 Bionic chip (same as iPhone 13), a compact 4.7-inch Retina display, Touch ID, and wireless charging. Knowing these features helped me set clear expectations and compare it with other used models.
2. Check the Seller’s Reputation
I always buy from reputable sellers. Whether it’s a certified refurbished store, a trusted online marketplace with buyer protection, or a known local seller, verifying their credibility helped me avoid scams. Reading reviews and asking questions about the phone’s history gave me peace of mind.
3. Inspect the Physical Condition
When I got the chance to see the phone in person, I checked for scratches, dents, and screen condition. The iPhone SE is small, so any damage stands out easily. I also tested buttons, the Touch ID sensor, and camera to ensure everything worked smoothly.
4. Verify Battery Health
Battery performance is crucial for me. I asked the seller for the battery health percentage or checked it myself via the Settings app. I aimed for a battery health above 80%, so I wouldn’t have to replace it soon after buying.
5. Confirm the Device is Unlocked and Not Blacklisted
To avoid activation issues, I confirmed the phone was unlocked and not tied to a specific carrier. I also used online IMEI checkers to ensure the device wasn’t reported lost or stolen. This step saved me from future headaches.
6. Check Included Accessories and Warranty
Sometimes, used phones come with original accessories like chargers and earphones. I preferred getting these included but was also ready to buy replacements if needed. Additionally, I looked for any remaining Apple warranty or AppleCare coverage for extra protection.
7. Compare Prices and Negotiate
I researched multiple listings to understand the going rate for used iPhone SE 3rd Gen phones in similar condition. This helped me negotiate a fair price. Remember, a slightly higher price for a well-maintained phone with warranty is often worth it.
8. Test Software and Perform a Factory Reset
Before finalizing the purchase, I checked the iOS version and made sure the phone ran smoothly without glitches. After buying, I performed a factory reset to start fresh and ensure no previous data was left behind.
Final Thoughts
Buying a used iPhone SE 3rd Generation worked great for me once I followed these steps. It’s a fantastic device with flagship performance in a compact size, and getting it used can save you money. Just take your time, do your homework, and don’t rush the purchase!
Author Profile
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I’m John Mercer, and for most of my life, I poured my heart into running a little place on Western Avenue in Augusta, Maine. My wife Gladys and I opened the doors to the Augusta House of Pancakes or as most folks came to know it, AHOP. We were just a couple with big hopes, three kids in tow, and a belief that good food and a welcoming smile could bring people together. For over two decades, we served up more than just breakfast. We offered a warm seat, a familiar face, and a sense of home.
So in 2025, I began a new chapter: writing. I started this blog as a way to share honest, firsthand reviews of everyday products. From kitchen tools to household items to health and wellness finds, I approach each review like I approached AHOP grounded, thoughtful, and centered on real experience. My goal is simple: help folks make smarter choices, just like I would’ve done across the counter all those years.
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