Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- The iPhone SE 3rd gen remains a value-packed, compact option for budget-conscious buyers in 2025.
- Sell your SE soon if you want to maximize resale value—the launch of new iPhones in the fall will lower prices by 10–15%.
- The 4.7-inch SE is still best-in-class for those who want a smaller phone or a reliable first smartphone.
- iOS support through 2027–2028 gives the SE more life left than most Androids in its price class.
- Compare offers on multiple buyback sites to earn up to $55 more for your old SE.
The iPhone SE’s Unique Position in 2025
Think of the iPhone SE as the Swiss Army knife of smartphones. It’s not flashy, but it gets the job done. In a sea of ever-larger, pricier phones, the SE stands alone.
Its A15 Bionic chip—once flagship tech in the iPhone 13—now anchors a classic, pocketable design. This unique blend means that as fall 2025 approaches, the SE is at a rare crossroads: old enough to be affordable, new enough to be relevant for years.
Who Should Buy an iPhone SE 3rd Gen Right Now?
Budget-Conscious Families and Students
For families and students, value comes first. In 2025, the used iPhone SE is a favorite for those ready to save. Prices typically hover around $150–$200, much lower than current flagship models. Parents looking for starter phones for their kids, or college students seeking reliability, find the SE almost irresistible at this price point.
Compact Phone Lovers
If you crave a one-handed, truly compact design, the iPhone SE is your last refuge in Apple’s lineup. Its 4.7-inch screen makes it the smallest modern iPhone left. For portability, ease of use, and pocketability, nothing else compares in this price class.
First-Time Smartphone Users and Seniors
The home button is more than nostalgia—it’s accessibility. The SE’s familiar interface gives seniors and smartphone newcomers a gentle learning curve. Features like large text and robust accessibility tools make it a reader-friendly option for all ages.
iOS Newcomers Who Want Longevity
Support matters in the long run. Apple consistently delivers 6–7 years of iOS updates. That means the SE 3rd gen—launched in 2022—should run new software through 2027–2028, ensuring a secure and smooth experience for years. Androids in this range rarely compare.
Current iPhone SE Resale Values: The Numbers That Matter
Thinking of selling? Here’s what you can expect in August 2025:
iPhone SE 3rd Gen (2022):
64GB – about $160 (good condition)
128GB – up to $175 (excellent)
Fair condition – $120 and up
iPhone SE 2nd Gen (2020):
Different storage models: $120–$140
iPhone SE 1st Gen (2016):
$10–$22 (mostly bought for parts/ultra-budget users)
These figures come from real offers across top buyback sites, where the SE still generally outperforms similarly aged Android phones for value retention. Source.
Who Should Sell Their iPhone SE Right Now?
Users Ready to Upgrade
The perfect moment to sell is before the next iPhone event. Trade-in values always dip when new models are announced. If you’ve been holding your SE while waiting for something better, now’s your pocket-lining window. Read more in Who Buys iPhones? The Definitive Guide to Selling Your Used iPhone.
People Who Need More Screen Real Estate
If you spend hours on video, gaming, or reading, the SE’s compact screen becomes a real limitation. Moving up to a newer, larger device can improve your experience—and your old SE can help finance the swap.
Those Who Want Better Cameras
Though the SE’s camera is dependable, it’s outclassed by every recent iPhone and many competitors. Photographers—or anyone seeking sharper photos and video—will benefit from an upgrade.
Timing Your Sale: When to Cash Out
Timing is everything:
Best:
Now through early September (just before the iPhone 17 event)
Back-to-school season (demand rises)
Ahead of holiday shopping sprees (late fall)
Worst:
Just after a new iPhone launches
Mid-summer (demand dips)
Early in the new year (post-holiday lull)
Phones sold in August–September almost always fetch the highest offers. Data consistently shows a 5–10% premium for early sellers.
Where to Get the Best Price for Your iPhone SE
Online Buyback Platforms (Recommended)
Top buyback platforms specialize in fast, secure selling:
- BankMyCell (finds best offers from dozens of buyers)
- BuyBackWorld (competitive rates and easy process)
- GadgetGone, Gazelle (quick payments, reliable service)
They’ll handle shipping, inspection, and pay out within days. For current offers, check BankMyCell’s iPhone SE listings.
Direct Sales (Higher Risk, Higher Reward)
Putting your phone on eBay or Facebook Marketplace can yield 10–20% more, but it requires quality photos, honest descriptions, and a willingness to handle messages and shipping. Watch out for scams and factor in your time commitment. A detailed walkthrough at How to Sell Your Phone on Facebook Marketplace covers the process.
Trade-In Programs (Convenient but Lower Value)
Retailers and carriers—like Apple and Best Buy—offer immediate credit, but usually pay 15–25% less. Fast, but you’ll likely leave money on the table.
“They offer $1000 credit to trade in your iPhone 13…. You ship the phone in and guess what?! Your perfectly condition phone somehow is only worth $230.” — Sarah (X)
I’m done with @ATT
I’ve been screwed over the last two times I’ve traded in my phone and this time I’ve had enough.
They offer $1000 credit to trade in your iPhone 13…. You ship the phone in and guess what?! Your perfectly condition phone somehow is only worth $230
— Sarah (@S_Law2005) August 14, 2025
Always compare offers and read the fine print before choosing a retailer trade-in. More guidance: Who Buys iPhones? The Definitive Guide to Selling Your Used iPhone.
Maximizing Your iPhone SE’s Value
Clean, complete, and documented phones sell for more. Remove cases and accessories, clean every surface, and gather the original box and charger—this can add $10–$20 easily. Don’t forget to photograph your phone in good lighting for private sales.
Check battery health in Settings—devices over 85% fetch premium prices. If your device is unlocked, that’s another $20–$40 bonus potential. (Contact your carrier to unlock if eligible.) Keep any receipts or repair paperwork to prove your phone’s history if asked.
iPhone SE vs. iPhone 17: Making the Upgrade Decision
The price gap is dramatic: a new iPhone 17 will likely start at $799, nearly four times the cost of a used SE 3rd gen. But the real decision is about your needs and priorities.
Stick with your SE if you value reliable software updates, want a phone that still performs smoothly, and enjoy the smaller size. Upgrade for camera quality, larger screen, or simply to own the very latest gear.
The Environmental Angle: Why Used iPhones Matter
Each used iPhone sold saves roughly 70kg of CO2 emissions by avoiding new device production. Buyback platforms responsibly recycle end-of-life phones, helping keep electronics out of landfills and reusing valuable materials. Eco-friendly choices also help your wallet.
Regional Market Variations Across the US
Demand for the iPhone SE fluctuates geographically. Urban buyers, students in college towns, and those in rural communities all display unique patterns—sometimes driving up values by $20–$30 depending on region and season. Local demand spikes during back-to-school and holiday seasons, so research your area for the best deal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t factory reset too soon: wait until your buyer or platform has confirmed the device works, and only then erase all content and settings. Avoid overpricing—buyers care about fair market value, not original cost. And never gloss over small damage; disclose anything up front to avoid disputes and returns.
Looking Ahead: iPhone SE Market Predictions
Apple’s commitment to a budget iPhone is likely to continue, keeping the SE lineup alive for a while. However, expect steady depreciation as each year passes. Smart sellers will act before sharp fall drops hit—those waiting till 2026 will likely see values dip to $100–$120 for a 3rd gen SE.
iOS 19 and the iPhone SE: What to Expect
iOS 19 lands this fall, bringing fresh features and security fixes to compatible devices—including the SE 3rd gen. Some advanced options remain exclusive to newer hardware, but regular updates mean your SE stays secure and usable. This ongoing support is central to the SE’s strong resale appeal. Read more here.
Making Your Decision: A Framework
Still unsure? Here’s a quick decision checklist:
Keep it if: it still meets your daily needs, you love the small size, and cost-cutting is a priority.
Sell it if: you’re itching to upgrade, need the money, or are frustrated by the compact screen or older camera.
Buy one if: you want an affordable, reliable iPhone that will stay updated for years, and you’re enticed by compact design.
The Bottom Line: Smart Moves for August 2025
Whether you’re buying or selling, timing and research matter. With iPhone SE values at their annual high, and new iPhones about to disrupt the market, you have a clear window to buy affordably or cash out for more. A well-cared-for SE 3rd gen still fetches $150–$175, while buyers get multi-year iOS value for less than a quarter of the price of a flagship.
Compare platforms, price honestly, and choose the moment that aligns best with your needs. In a world constantly chasing the next new thing, sometimes the right choice is the device that just works—and for millions, that’s still the iPhone SE.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the iPhone SE 3rd gen still get iOS updates in 2025–2026?
Yes—Apple supports SE 3rd gen through at least 2027–2028, so you’ll get updates and security patches for several years after your purchase or sale.
Is now really the best time to sell my iPhone SE before new iPhones launch?
Absolutely. Prices consistently drop 10–15% after Apple announces new models each fall. Selling before September almost always secures a better payout.
How do I get the highest price for my used SE?
Compare offers across multiple buyback sites, clean your device well, include original accessories if you have them, and make sure your device is unlocked and in good working order.
Are trade-in programs at Apple and carriers worth it?
They’re convenient but generally offer $20–$40 less than online buyback sites. They’re best if you prioritize speed and simplicity over maximizing your payout.
Should I factory reset my phone before getting quotes or after?
Wait until you have a confirmed sale—buyers need to test the phone first. Reset only when you’re ready to ship or meet in person.