At a time when flagship smartphones often come with price tags that rival rent payments, Apple’s iPhone SE offers a refreshing alternative. It combines familiar design with powerful performance, all at a reasonable cost. But with so many mid-range options available, many users are asking: is iPhone SE good for everyday use in 2025?

At PCmag, we break down what makes the iPhone SE stand out in a crowded market, who it’s best suited for, and whether it offers enough value to justify its price.

Classic Design, Modern Performance

One of the most talked-about aspects of the iPhone SE is its design. At first glance, it might look like a relic from the past. It features the classic iPhone 8 body with thick bezels and a physical home buttonsomething Apple fans haven’t seen on new devices in years.

However, the real magic lies inside. The SE is powered by the A15 Bionic chip, the same processor found in the iPhone 13 series. That means lightning-fast performance, efficient battery usage, and the ability to run the latest iOS updates for years to come. In other words, while the exterior may look old-school, the internal specs are far from outdated.

Who Should Consider the iPhone SE?

The iPhone SE isn’t trying to be everything to everyone. It’s targeted at a specific group of users, and it serves that group very well.

1. First-Time iPhone Users

If you’ve never used an iPhone before and are curious to try iOS without breaking the bank, the SE is a great starting point. You get the core Apple experience—smooth operating system, App Store access, iMessage, FaceTime, and integration with other Apple products—without the steep cost.

2. Minimalists and Casual Users

Not everyone needs a triple-lens camera or edge-to-edge display. For users who mainly text, check email, browse the web, and take occasional photos, the iPhone SE offers a no-nonsense, highly efficient experience.

3. Those Who Miss Touch ID

Believe it or not, some people still prefer Touch ID over Face ID. If you’re one of them, you’ll appreciate the SE’s fingerprint sensor for unlocking your phone and authenticating purchases.

Camera: Capable but Not Cutting Edge

The SE features a single 12MP rear camera and a 7MP front-facing camera. While it lacks night mode and ultra-wide capabilities found in higher-end models, it still captures vibrant and detailed photos under good lighting. With the help of computational photography enabled by the A15 chip, even a single lens can produce surprisingly strong results.

That said, if photography is a top priority for you, you might find more value in the iPhone 13 mini or even budget-friendly Android alternatives with multi-lens setups.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life on the iPhone SE is decent, but not stellar. You can expect it to last through a typical day of light to moderate use. However, power users might need a midday charge. Thankfully, it supports fast charging and wireless charging, which adds to its convenience.

iOS Experience and Software Longevity

One of the strongest selling points of the iPhone SE is its long-term software support. Apple is known for updating its devices for many years, and since the SE shares the same processor as newer models, it’s poised to receive iOS updates well into the future.

This makes it a much smarter long-term investment than many Android phones in the same price range, which often stop receiving updates after two or three years.

Price vs. Value

At its current price point, the iPhone SE offers considerable value. You’re essentially getting the brains of a flagship device in the body of an older model. For many users, that’s a trade-off worth making—especially if you're more concerned with functionality than aesthetics.

When compared to similarly priced Android devices, the SE may lack features like OLED displays or high-refresh-rate screens, but it counters with a more refined ecosystem and longer support window.

Final Verdict

So, is iPhone SE good enough for you? That depends on what you’re looking for in a smartphone.

If you're someone who values speed, simplicity, and software reliability over flashy hardware, then yes the iPhone SE is a solid choice. It won’t win any design awards in 2025, but it will deliver a smooth, reliable experience for years to come.

At PCmag, we believe the iPhone SE fills an important gap in Apple's lineup. It brings premium performance to users who don’t want to pay flagship prices. For the right audience, it's not just good it’s excellent.

Why PCmag Recommends the iPhone SE

Here at PCmag, we focus on matching the right tech to the right user. The iPhone SE may not be for everyone, but it hits a sweet spot for budget-conscious consumers who don’t want to compromise on performance. Whether you're buying your first iPhone or upgrading from an older model, the SE deserves serious consideration.

Looking for more comparisons or alternatives? Stay tuned to PCmag for the latest reviews, buying guides, and expert insights into every category of tech. We make tech simple, practical, and personal.