iPhone SE (3rd gen) vs 12 4G

Phone 1

Phone 2

Winner

Apple iPhone SE (3rd gen)

Lifespan decides this one: the iPhone SE (3rd gen) is supported until Mar 2029 at $3.03 per month of safe use, while the 12 4G runs out in Jul 2028 ($7.16/month). On a which-lasts-longer question, that's not a tie — it's the whole answer.

Value Score: iPhone SE (3rd gen) 56 · 12 4G 63 — methodology

The lifespan decider

When specs are close, support length decides it — this is what each phone costs per month of safe use.

Apple iPhone SE (3rd gen) $100

Buy with care$3.03/mo

2022◆ Buy-by Mar 20272029

Realme 12 4G $175

Buy with care$7.16/mo

2024◆ Buy-by Jul 20262028

Category by category

Display

iPhone SE (3rd gen) 5012 4G 70

The 12 4G's screen is the better one — 6.67-inch amoled, fhd+, 120hz, up to 2000 nits peak.

Performance

iPhone SE (3rd gen) 7412 4G 36

The iPhone SE (3rd gen)'s Apple A15 Bionic is simply the faster chip.

Camera

iPhone SE (3rd gen) 4012 4G 55

The 12 4G has the stronger camera system — same lens count, higher-grade sensors.

Battery

iPhone SE (3rd gen) 2012 4G 80

5,000mAh vs 2,018mAh — the 12 4G lasts longer between charges.

Software longevity

iPhone SE (3rd gen) 3912 4G 29

The iPhone SE (3rd gen) is supported until Mar 2029 — 9 months longer than the 12 4G.

Value

iPhone SE (3rd gen) 5612 4G 63

Overall value goes to the 12 4G at $7.16 per month of safe use.

Full spec table

Spec	iPhone SE (3rd gen)	12 4G
Price (street)	$100	$175
Display	4.7-inch Retina HD LCD, 60Hz	6.67-inch AMOLED, FHD+, 120Hz, up to 2000 nits peak
Chipset	Apple A15 Bionic	Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 (6nm)
RAM	4GB	8GB
Storage	64GB/128GB/256GB	128GB/256GB
Battery	2,018 mAh	5,000 mAh
Charging	20W wired, Qi wireless 7.5W	67W wired SUPERVOOC
Rear cameras	12MP main	50MP main, 2MP depth
Dimensions	138.4 × 67.3 × 7.3 mm	163 × 75.5 × 7.9 mm
Weight	144 g	187 g
Water resistance	IP67	IP54
Supported until	Mar 2029	Jul 2028

iPhone SE (3rd gen) full verdict →12 4G full verdict →Longevity master board →

Scores and verdicts are computed from our verified database — see exactly how. Specs from manufacturer documentation; prices reflect major US retailers.