While the iPhone 14 is the latest and greatest in Apple’s flagship lineup, it’s not the only iPhone worthy of attention. Last year, Apple also released the third generation of its budget-friendly iPhone SE series starting at just $429 — nearly half the price of the $829 iPhone 14.
Even with its affordable price, the iPhone SE (2022) offers the same user-friendly interface and smooth performance you’ve come to expect from any product in Apple’s lineup. And with so many offers and deals from both carriers and retailers, you’ll have no trouble getting your hands on one at a discount. Some sellers are even offering a chance to grab the iPhone SE for free, though you’ll jump through a hoop or two to get those deals.
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One of the biggest upgrades to the newest version of the iPhone SE is that it supports 5G, so you’ll be able to get faster data speeds while out and about (if you’re in a 5G-compatible area). Apple upgraded the processor to its A15 Bionic chip, and it has the same tough glass that’s used on the iPhone 14 series. It has the same overall size and design as the previous model, which means there’s a Touch ID sensor on the front. A 12-megapixel camera on the back is even more powerful thanks to the A15 processor.
Apple iPhone SE color lineup
AppleRead more: Best iPhone SE Case for 2022
How much does the iPhone SE cost?
Base pricing for the iPhone SE (2022) starts at $429 ( 419, AU$719) for the base model with 64GB of storage. You can bump that up to 128GB for $479 or 256GB for $579.
What colors does the iPhone SE come in?
The iPhone SE is available in midnight (black), starlight (white) and Product Red.
Best iPhone SE deals
While the newest version of the iPhone SE isn’t getting quite the same amount of attention as the iPhone 14, there are still plenty of great deals to take advantage of. Below, you’ll find our roundup of the best offers out there to help you snag the iPhone SE for less.
Somewhat surprisingly, Best Buy doesn’t seem to be carrying any unlocked models of the iPhone SE. But if you’re a T-Mobile customer, there is an offer you can take advantage of. Customers who use T-Mobile as their carrier can save up to $215 in monthly bill credits on their new iPhone SE. Just note that you’ll have to add a new line of service, and choose the 24-month installment plan to get the discount. T-Mobile customers will also get an extra $100 in savings, on top of the usual value, when they trade in a used device.
If you prefer to buy your new iPhone right from the source, you can do that with the iPhone SE. Apple has all the carrier models along with the unlocked one. And if you’re looking to ditch your old phone to switch to the new SE, Apple is offering up to $579 off with an eligible trade-in. With a base price of $429, that means that you could theoretically get the new SE totally free. If your trade-in value exceeds the cost of your new phone, you’ll receive an Apple Gift Card for the remainder. If your trade-in doesn’t cover the full cost, you can pay the remaining cost in full, or or split it into 24 months of interest-free payments when you use an Apple Card during checkout.
While Verizon deals on upgrading existing lines are pretty slim right now, there is a great offer available if you’re looking to add a new line of service. When you buy an iPhone SE on a new line with any unlimited plan, you can save $430, which gets you the 64GB model for free. Just note that the discount will be applied in the form of monthly credits over a three-month period, even if you buy the phone outright.
And as a bonus, Verizon is also offering a chance to get a free Apple Watch Series 7 and $50 off a pair of Beats Fit Pro with your purchase.
T-Mobile is offering deals to both new and existing customers at the moment. If you’re already a T-Mobile customer, you can save up to $400 on the new iPhone SE when you trade in your old phone, as long as you have or switch to an eligible service plan.
Spectrum is another carrier that has the 2022 iPhone SE available for purchase, though the deals are pretty slim. The only offer available is an extra $100 on top of the estimated value of your device with a qualifying trade-in and a new line of service.
Metro has the best prepaid offer of any retailer or carrier out there at the moment. When you purchase an iPhone SE at full retail price and switch your existing number over to Metro’s $40-per-month unlimited data plan, you’ll get an instant $330 rebate. Meaning you’re getting the iPhone SE for a single $100 purchase, rather than discounted via monthly credits. Those who don’t have a number to switch over can still save $100 with the activation of a new line on a qualifying Metro plan. If you’re looking to purchase your phone outright, this is the best offer you’ll find, though you’ll have to actually go to the store in person to claim it.
Note: Because Metro is owned by T-Mobile, this offer is not available to those switching their number from an existing T-Mobile plan.
Buy your new iPhone SE at Visible, port in your number and receive $150 back as a gift card to spend wherever Mastercard is accepted. The deal requires you to transfer your number within 30 days and after completing three full months of service payments you’ll receive a code to claim your virtual gift card. You can also snag a pair of AirPods Pro 2 with your purchase.