What are all the differences between the iPhone SE (2nd Gen) models? How many are there around the world?

The iPhone SE 2 has been discontinued. However, this Q&A has been updated subsequently with current iOS support and other details and can be quite helpful for anyone buying or selling one of these devices on the used market.

If you assumed that the iPhone SE (2nd Gen) options differ only by color and capacity, you might be surprised that there actually are three different models that originally were sold in different places around the world. Each of these iPhone SE (2nd Gen) models were offered in three colors and three capacities (two capacities from September 14, 2021 to March 8, 2022, when it was discontinued).

To make differentiation easier, EveryiPhone.com more precisely refers to the three different iPhone SE 2 models as the iPhone SE 2 (4.7" 2020 United States/Canada), iPhone SE 2 (4.7" 2020 Global), and iPhone SE 2 (4.7" 2020 China).

Initially, it would have been unlikely to find more than one iPhone SE 2 in the same place, but as they fly around the world on the secondary market, it will be critical to understand the differences in network support and SIM compatibility, which are major. Understanding the similarities among the three iPhone SE (2nd Gen) models is worthwhile, too.

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPhone SE 2nd Gen)

External Similarities & Differences

All three iPhone SE (2nd Gen) models use the same external case design -- practically identical to the one used by the iPhone 8 -- primarily made from "low carbon" aluminum with a glass front and back. They are splash, water, and dust-resistant to the IP67 standard (maximum depth of 1 meter up to 30 minutes), but not fully waterproof.

The iPhone SE (2nd Gen) additionally has "wireless" -- or more precisely inductive -- charging capability, as well as stereo speakers, a Lightning port, a side-mounted Nano SIM access panel on the right side, and a solid state "clickless" Home button with integrated "Touch ID" fingerprint capability. The US/Canada (A2275) and Global (A2296) iPhone SE (2nd Gen) models support dual SIMs -- one physical Nano SIM and one digital eSIM -- but the model sold in mainland China (A2298) only supports a single Nano SIM.

The iPhone SE (2nd Gen) models all have two cameras. On the front is a 7 megapixel camera (f/2.2 aperture) with support for still photos and 1080p video. It has software support for Portrait mode and Portrait Lighting, but does not support Face ID. The rear camera is a single lens 12 megapixel wide angle camera (f/1.8 aperture) that supports optical image stabilization and takes still photos as well as 4K photos and video.

Additionally, the iPhone SE (2nd Gen) devices have the same 4.7" multitouch True Tone "Retina HD" display (1334x750, 326 ppi, 625 cd/m2 max brightness, 1400:1 contrast ratio). It supports haptic touch, but does not support 3D touch.

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPhone SE 2nd Gen Color Options)

All models have a black glass front and a glass back offered in three color options -- white, black, and (PRODUCT) RED.

Identification Differences

It can be a challenge to differentiate between the iPhone SE (2nd Gen) and earlier and later iPhone models, particularly because there are no specific external identifiers.

However, one relatively simple way to uniquely identify the iPhone SE 2 models is by the Model Number listed on the cardboard shipping box and within the iOS "Settings" app.

For the purpose of this Q&A, as diligently hand-documented by EveryiPhone.com, it is sufficient to note that the following model numbers refer to these devices:

iPhone Model	Model No
iPhone SE 2 (4.7" 2020 US/CA)	A2275
iPhone SE 2 (4.7" 2020 Global)	A2296
iPhone SE 2 (4.7" 2020 China)	A2298

EveryiPhone.com's Ultimate iLookup feature also can precisely identify these iPhone models by Order Number (referred to as "Model" within the iOS "Settings" app under General > About), and their Serial Numbers, as well.

Wireless Connectivity & Data Differences

All three iPhone SE (2nd Gen) models support FTD-LTE bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 29, 30, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, and 66 and TD‑LTE bands 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, and 48 as well as GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz), UMTS/HSPA+/DC‑HSDPA (850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz), 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 with 2x2 MIMO, and Bluetooth 5.0.

Other connectivity differs accordingly:

iPhone Model	Identifier	Differing Connectivity
iPhone SE 2 (4.7" 2020 US/CA)	A2275	LTE 14, 71 CDMA EV‑DO
iPhone SE 2 (4.7" 2020 Global)	A2296	LTE 11, 21, 28, 32 CDMA EV‑DO (Japan)
iPhone SE 2 (4.7" 2020 China)	A2298	LTE 14, 71 CDMA EV‑DO

To reiterate, the US/Canada (A2275) and Global (A2296) models support dual SIMs -- one physical Nano SIM and one software eSIM -- but the model sold in mainland China (A2298) only supports a single Nano SIM.

Internal & Battery Life Similarities

All three iPhone SE (2nd Gen) models use a 2.66 GHz "A13 Bionic chip" with a 64-bit architecture as well as a "third-generation Neural Engine," have 3 GB of RAM, and the option of 64, 128, or 256 GB of flash storage (256 GB option discontinued on September 14, 2021). They each have an NFC (Near Field Communication) chip with reader mode to allow digital payments in conjunction with "Apple Pay" software, too.

All iPhone SE (2nd Gen) models provide as much as 40 hours of audio playback, 13 hours of video playback, and 8 hours of streamed video playback.

iOS Support Similarities

All iPhone SE (2nd Gen) models originally shipped with iOS 13, and later shipped with iOS 14 or iOS 15. They are not compatible with earlier versions of the operating system.

The iPhone SE 2 models also support the current version of the iOS -- iOS 16 -- with the exception of the minor Accessibility Detection and improved Depth of Field features. They don't support Apple Music Sing (Karaoke), either.

iPhone SE 2 Comparison Chart

These differences -- identifiers, network support, SIM compatibility, and target countries -- along with pricing details are summarized below:

	US/Canada	Global	China
Model No:	A2275	A2296	A2298
FDD-LTE:	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 29, 30, 66, 71	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 66	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 29, 30, 66, 71
CDMA:	Yes	Japan Only	Yes
SIM 1:	Nano	Nano	Nano
SIM 2:	eSIM	eSIM	None
Region:	US/Canada	Global†	China
Orig. Price§:	US$399 US$449 US$549	£419 £469 £569	RMB 3,299 RMB 3,799 RMB 4,599
Final Price§:	US$399 US$449	£389 £439	RMB 3,299 RMB 3,799

† This model was sold just about everywhere in the world except for the United States, Canada, and mainland China.

§ These prices are all unlocked and contract free. A variety of carrier subsidized plans, trade-in deductions, and lease options also were available.

In the US, site sponsors Other World Computing and JemJem sell used and refurbished iPhone SE 2 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.

Please also see EveryiPhone.com's Ultimate iComparison feature to dynamically compare any iPhone model to any other iPod, iPhone, or iPad.