While the iPhone 14 is the latest and greatest in Apple’s flagship lineup, it’s not the only iPhone worth paying attention to. 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 at 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 the Apple line. And with so many offers and deals from carriers and retailers, you’ll have no trouble getting your hands on one at a discount. Some retailers are even offering a chance to get the iPhone SE for free, though you’ll have to jump a line or two to get the deals.
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One of the biggest upgrades to the latest version of the iPhone SE is that it supports 5G, so you can get faster data speeds while outdoors (if you’re in a 5G-compatible area). Apple has upgraded the processor to the A15 Bionic chip, and it has the same tough glass used in the iPhone 14 consecutively. It has the same overall size and design as the previous model, which means it has a Touch ID sensor on the front. A 12-megapixel rear camera is especially powerful thanks to the A15 processor.
Read more: Best iPhone SE Case for 2022
How much does the iPhone SE cost?
The base price 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 will the iPhone SE come in?
iPhone SE is available in midnight (black), starlight (white) and Product Red.
Best iPhone SE deals
While the latest version of the iPhone SE doesn’t get the same amount of attention as iPhone 14, there are still plenty of great deals to take advantage of. Below, you’ll find our roundup of the best deals out there to help you get the iPhone SE for less.
If you want to buy your new iPhone right from the source, you can do that with the iPhone SE. Apple has all carrier models with unlocked. And if you want to get rid of your old phone to switch to the new SE, Apple is offering up to $570 off a qualifying trade-in. With a base price of $429, that means you can get the new SE absolutely free. If your trade-in amount exceeds the value 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 split it into 24 months of interest-free payments if you use an Apple Card at checkout .
Somewhat surprisingly, Best Buy doesn’t seem to carry any unlocked iPhone SE models. But if you’re a T-Mobile customer, there’s an offer you can take advantage of. Customers using T-Mobile as their carrier can save up to $215 in monthly bill credits on their new iPhone SE. Just note that you must add a new line of service, and choose the 24-month installment plan to get the discount. T-Mobile customers also get an additional $100 in savings, on top of the regular amount, when they trade in a used device.
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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. If you buy an iPhone SE in a new line with any unlimited plan, you’ll save $430, which gets you the 64GB model for free. Just note that the discount is available 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 $50 off a pair of Beats Studio Buds with your purchase.
Save over 50% off the cost of an iPhone SE on AT&T with a monthly cost of $5 per month for 36 months. The deal requires a new or upgraded line on an eligible unlimited plan and the discount will be provided through bill credits.
T-Mobile is offering deals to new and existing customers right now. If you’re already a T-Mobile customer, you can save up to $400 on the latest iPhone SE when you trade in your old phone, as long as you have or switch to an eligible service plan. If you’re new to T-Mobile and don’t have a phone to give away, you can save up to $215 on an iPhone SE with the new line on an eligible 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 additional $100 on top of the appraised 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 right now. If you buy an iPhone SE at full retail price and switch your existing number to Metro’s $40-per-month unlimited data plan, you’ll get an instant $330 rebate. That means you can get the iPhone SE for a $100 purchase, rather than discounted through monthly credits. Those without a number to port can still save $100 on activating a new line on a qualifying Metro plan. If you’re looking to buy your phone outright, this is the best offer you’ll find, even if you have to go to the store in person to claim it.
NOTES: Since Metro is owned by T-Mobile, this offer is not available to those porting their number from an existing T-Mobile plan.
Buy your new iPhone SE at Visible, port your number and get $150 back as a gift card. The deal requires you to port your number within 30 days and after completing three full months of service payments, you’ll receive a code to redeem $150 in credit at popular retailers like Amazon , Best Buy and Target.