What are the "pros and cons" of the original iPhone SE? Is it the right iPhone for me?

Please note that the original iPhone SE has been discontinued. However, this Q&A has been updated with the latest on iOS support and more. It is quite useful for anyone considering one of these models on the used market.

Only you can decide if one of the original iPhone SE models -- the iPhone SE (United States/A1662), iPhone SE (Global/Sprint/A1723), or iPhone SE (China Mobile/A1724) -- is the best iPhone for you, but the below objective pros and cons can help.

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPhone SE Colors -- Gold, Silver, Rose Gold, & Space Gray)

EveryiPhone.com also provides a detailed comparison of the three iPhone SE models and a detailed comparison of the iPhone SE to the larger iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus that can be helpful for those interested in a more in-depth evaluation.

However, for those who prefer a quick summary rather than exhaustive details, the following can be all you need:

Pros:

• The fastest small iPhone ever made.
• Thin, sleek, and lightweight design with flat, easy-to-grip sides, and a relatively durable aluminum back panel.
• Easy to hold for those with smaller hands and easy to put in a pocket.
• Attractive, ultra high-resolution 4-Inch "Retina Display" (1136x640, 326 ppi).
• Extensive 4G/LTE support.
• Quality rear camera with 4K video support.
• Just as fast as the larger and more expensive iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus models and faster than older models like the iPhone 5 and iPhone 5s.
• Excellent battery life, even better than more expensive models in some tasks.
• Support for a vast library of third-party apps and webapps.
• The cheapest new iPhone ever sold without a contract.
• Compatible with iOS 15, although minor features are not supported (and it does not support iOS 16 or later versions of the iOS, including the current version).

Cons:

• Less durable than the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus models which use ion-strengthened glass and 7000 series aluminum cases (as well as later iPhone models, some of which are stronger still).
• Smaller size may be more difficult for those with larger hands to use than larger models.
• Smaller display shows less information at one time than models with larger displays.
• Originally no 128 GB capacity option (128 GB option added March 21, 2017).
• No LTE-Advanced support (LTE band 30, WCS).
• Front-facing 1.2 megapixel "FaceTime" camera is low quality compared to other recent iPhone models.
• No 3D Touch support.
• No barometer (which mostly is used for more accurating tracking stair climbing in health-related apps).
• Slower "Touch ID" sensor than iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus.
• More expensive than the iPod touch line.
• No support for the current version of the iOS.

So, should I buy an iPhone SE?

If you want the fastest compact iPhone ever made, the iPhone SE is the smallest, although the newer iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 13 mini are still quite compact by today's standards and much faster. They're still larger than the iPhone SE, though.

Compared to iPhone models of its day, the iPhone SE is a particularly good value as it is just as fast as the generally more expensive iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus models and has a similar feature set, it is just in a smaller package.

However, if you want (1) a larger display, (2) the option of 128 GB of storage, (3) a more durable housing, (4) 3D Touch support, (5) LTE-Advanced support, (6) a better front-facing camera, (7) faster Touch ID for quicker logins, or (8) a barometer, you may find that the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus models (or newer iPhone models) are well worth consideration for some of these reasons, as well. For fans of small iPhone devices, the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 13 mini are very much worth considering as more modern small options, too.

iPhone Purchase & Sale Options

There are many places to buy a used iPhone SE. However, buying your iPhone from a good company with an excellent reputation -- and quality after sales support -- will provide the ideal experience and save you money and time, too.

In the US, site sponsors Other World Computing and JemJem sell used and refurbished iPhone models with free shipping. On the other hand, if you need to sell an iPhone, A+ BBB-rated Cash for Your Mac and GoRoostr will buy your older iPhone with an instant quote and prompt payment.

In Australia, site sponsor Mac City likewise has a variety of used iPhone models sold at low prices and available with a free warranty and fast shipping across Australia.