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Yesterday Apple announced the third generation of the iPhone SE. The reintroduction of the petite phone appears to have been a successful move for Apple. It appeals to two types of users, one that misses the days of smaller phones, and it is also the most affordable iPhone.
With the introduction of the iPhone SE 2022, what is different from last year’s model or the next model up, the iPhone 13 Mini
Dimensions and Case Compatibility – Can you use your 2021 SE case on the 2022 model?
- iPhone 13 Mini:
- 5.4″
- 131.5 mm x 64.2 mm x 7.65 mm
- 140 grams
- iPhone SE 2022:
- 4.7″
- 138.4 mm x 67.3 mm x 7.3 mm
- 144 grams
- iPhone SE 2021:
- 4.7″
- 138.4 mm x 67.3 mm x 7.3 mm
- 148g
The 2022 version of the iPhone SE has identical dimensions to last year’s model (whereas the 1st gen was smaller).
However, if budget is not an issue, the iPhone 13 mini is actually a smaller phone. This is due to the edge to edge bezels, so you have a big screen with compact dimensions. #
As a consequence of this larger bezel-free display, the iPhone 13 Mini requires Face ID over the older style Touch ID.
It is also worth noting that the SE models are both only IP67 rated, whereas the iPhone 13 Mini is IP68. It’s unlikely to make that much difference, but the Mini can handle being dipped in water batter than the SE.
Chipset / Performance / Connectivity
- iPhone 13 Mini: 5G A13 Bionic chip
- iPhone SE 2022: 5G A13 Bionic chip
- iPhone SE 2021: 4G A13 Bionic chip
The internals of the new iPhone SE has had a big upgrade compared to last year. The phone now has the same chipset as all the other iPhone 13 models, including the £1+ Pro Max. This also upgrades its connectivity to be able to use the new super-fast 5G.
Camera
- iPhone 13 Mini:
- Dual 12MP camera system (Wide and Ultra Wide)
- Wide: ƒ/1.6 aperture
- Ultra-Wide: ƒ/2.4 aperture
- Night Mode
- Deep Fusion
- Sensor-shift optical image stabilisation
- 2x optical zoom out
- Digital zoom up to 5x
- TrueDepth camera 12MO front camera
- iPhone SE 2022:
- Single 12MP Wide camera (Wide)
- Wide: ƒ/1.8 aperture
- Deep Fusion
- Optical image stabilisation
- FaceTime HD 7MP front camera
- iPhone SE 2021:
- Single 12MP Wide camera (Wide)
- Wide: ƒ/1.8 aperture
- Optical image stabilisation
- FaceTime HD 7MP front camera
I haven’t listed every single camera feature of the phones, but it is clear that the iPhone 13 Mini is significantly better for photography than either the SE models.
The iPhone SE 2021 doesn’t have deep fusion listed as a feature, but this rolled out with iOS 13.2 and used the A13 Bionic Neural Engine to capture images with dramatically better texture, detail, and reduced noise in lower light. So, it might have it.
Battery
- iPhone 13 Mini:
- Video: Up to 17 hours
- Streaming: Up to 3 hours
- Audio: Up to 55 hours
- MagSafe
- iPhone SE 2022:
- Video: Up to 17 hours
- Streaming: Up to 3 hours
- Audio: Up to 55 hours
- iPhone SE 2021:
- Video: Up to 17 hours
- Streaming: Up to 3 hours
- Audio: Up to 55 hours
All the phones can charge with a 20W adapter and can get a 50% charge in 30 mins. The iPhone 13 Mini has the new MagSafe style wireless charging rather than QI charging which lacks magnets.
Again, the iPhone 13 Mini wins, but the new SE gets a decent bump in battery performance of around 25%.
Price and Availability
Pricing for the current iPhone models is:
- iPhone SE 2022: £419
- iPhone 13 Mini: £679
- iPhone 13: £779
- iPhone 13 Pro: £949
- iPhone 13 Pro Max: £1049
The iPhone SE 2nd generation launched for £399.
Which is the best small iPhone?
The iPhone 13 Mini is certainly a lot better than the new iPhone SE 3rd generation. It has a bigger display in roughly the same dimensions. It has a significantly better camera and better battery.
However, it is £260 more which is a 62% price premium over the SE.
The iPhone SE 3rd generation now has a chipset to match its bigger brothers. If you can cope with the much smaller display size and the basic camera, then it is a great deal.
I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.
As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.
In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.
I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.
