iPhone SE (2022) in 2026: The best budget iPhone?

Hardly any device gets bought as often at remarket.ch as the third-generation iPhone SE (2022). There is a simple reason for that: it is the cheapest entry into the iPhone world, and thanks to a powerful chip a surprisingly future-proof one. But is it right for you?

What makes the SE (2022) so special

Inside the compact body with its 4.7-inch display and classic Home Button sits the A15 Bionic, the same chip as in the iPhone 13. Add 5G and Touch ID. The result: a small, lightweight iPhone that feels just as smooth in everyday use as far more expensive models and still has years of iOS updates ahead of it.

Who it is perfect for

• Beginners and pragmatists: WhatsApp, photos, banking, navigation, everything runs flawlessly, no frills.
• Fans of compact devices: It is one of the last truly small smartphones, perfect for one-handed use and small pockets.
• Parents and teenagers: The ideal first iPhone: sturdy, affordable, easy to use with Touch ID.
• Businesses: Hard to beat as a tested work device on a small budget.

Where the compromises lie

Honesty is part of the deal: the display is small and still LCD instead of OLED, there is only a single camera without a Pro-level night mode, and battery life is shorter than on large models due to the compact build. If you film, photograph or watch a lot of video, you will be happier with a larger model. For the essentials, the SE is more than enough.

What to look for when buying

When buying on a budget, battery condition counts double: check the stated remaining capacity, from 85 percent you are in the green zone. At remarket.ch the measured value is shown on every device, and every SE goes through the 80-point diagnosis with PhoneCheck. On top of that you get a 1-year warranty and 14-day returns, neither of which you get buying privately.

Verdict

In 2026 the iPhone SE (2022) is the price-performance king for anyone looking for a reliable, compact iPhone without every bell and whistle. It is not the best iPhone, but very likely the most sensible one. You will find available devices in the shop, and more ways to save under cheap phones.