The best iPhone SE 2022 deals for December 2023

This week's best iPhone SE 2022 deals are perfect for Apple fans on a budget. Now this device has been out for a while, there are more than a few excellent promotions to consider from both big and prepaid carriers. For our readers looking to save some cash on this awesome new device, we've rounded up all of this week's best Apple iPhone SE 2022 deals into one handy list just down below.

Retailing for $429 puts the new iPhone SE 2022 just a tad more expensive than its 2020 predecessor - which retailed for $399. While that's a bummer for those who were hoping this palm-friendly device was going to get cheaper, there's a lot going on under the hood with this new entry that's looking to justify that extra cost.

Primarily, a huge processor upgrade to the latest Apple A15 Bionic chip means that this small but mighty device is now (almost unbelievably) matching the iPhone 13 flagship when it comes to outright power. Not only is it super speedy, but having the latest Apple silicone allows better battery life, the latest iOS 15, and enables the device to squeeze out a few improvements to its single 12MP camera.

For those looking for a robust palm-friendly design that harkens back to older smartphone designs, it's a fantastic choice. Even better still, this week's iPhone SE 2022 deals allow you to pick it up for way cheaper than the iPhone 13 and other more expensive Apple devices.

If you'd like to read more about this device, head on down to the bottom of the page for a full specs breakdown and mini-review. Also worth checking out is our main iPhone deals page, where we directly compare this device against its more expensive siblings.

Apple iPhone SE 2022 deals

Apple iPhone SE 2022: free with unlimited plan, plus $200 off iPad and Apple Watch at Verizon
One of the better iPhone SE 2022 deals out there right now, you can get the device for free at Verizon without the need for a pesky trade-in. All you need here is a line on an unlimited data plan and you'll also get an additional $200 saving on an iPad as a bonus promo and the option to bundle in an Apple Watch for $5 per month. This is a great deal but there is one major caveat, however. Right now at Verizon, several more premium Apple models are available for free under the same terms, including the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. Because of this, you may prefer to skip the iPhone SE and go for a more premium mode.

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Apple iPhone SE 2022: $5/mo with an unlimited data plan at AT&T
It may not seem like a huge deal when compared to other carriers but AT&T's current promotion on the iPhone SE 2022 is actually pretty great. This carrier doesn't often offer devices for cheap without a trade so getting it for just $5 per month over 36 months is actually one of the better choices right now for Apple fans on a budget. If you are trading in, however, we would recommend looking at the latest iPhone 15 series, which currently has up to $1,000 off with a trade.

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Apple iPhone SE 2022: 6 months of free service with a device at Mint Mobile
Mint Mobile is one of the best prepaid plans you can buy right now and it's a superb pairing with a cheaper device like the iPhone SE. Not only can you get plans for as little as $15 per month via Mint Mobile but the carrier is also offering a whole six months of service for free when new customers pick up an iPhone at the Mint store. While you'll be paying a fair bit upfront here, Mint's cheap cell phone plans mean you can save a significant amount of money in the long run if you stick with it. 

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Apple iPhone SE 2022: get up to $650 off with a trade-in at Apple
The best, cheapest, and only route available to those looking for an unlocked device is to go via Apple itself. While there aren't any discounts on the official store, Apple runs its own trade-in program that can be useful for getting a discount while offering a convenient way to get rid of your old device. Right now, the maximum saving is $600 but you won't get anywhere near that unless you're handing over a very highly valued device - you'll only get $80 for a second-generation iPhone SE for example.

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Apple iPhone SE 2022: $379.99 $149.99 with a plan at Straight Talk
StraightTalk has a really great upfront price for the iPhone SE 2022, which makes a good pairing with its range of prepaid plans. Versus the Best Buy option above, you'll be paying less upfront but you'll be locked into a carrier here - and potentially miss out on bring-your-own-device deals. This is a dirt cheap way to get a relatively new iPhone, however. Note that a great alternative to this deal is the iPhone SE 2022 at Total By Verizon for $149.99. The device is the same cost but the Total prepaid plans aren't quite as good value as those at StraightTalk in our opinion. Some may prefer to be on the Verizon network, however.

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iPhone SE 2022 deals: what you need to know

So, it's here - Apple's new budget iOS device - is it worth it? Well, first off, if you're looking for a resoundingly powerful device for under $500 then the answer is definitely yes. The Apple A15 Bionic chip in this device is not only the same powerful processor that's found in the more premium iPhone 13 device, but it'll easily outperform most rival mid-range devices from Samsung, Google, and the like.

With the latest tech under the hood, not only are you getting super zippy performance with this small device, but you'll unlock 5G capabilities, more algorithmic-based improvements for your camera, and, on the whole, much improved battery life all around. It's quite simply a fully featured, modern iPhone for a fraction of the price of the latest iPhone 13.

Having such a powerful chip under the hood comes with a compromise, however. By far the biggest drawback of the iPhone SE 2022 is that it features essentially the same basic design as the 2020 model - which itself was based on the iPhone 8. Aside from improvements to toughen up the screen, this means you're still getting those chunky bezels and smaller 4.7-inch display. Considering even mid-range devices from the competition offer bezel-less displays and generally much bigger displays, the iPhone SE 2022 does look dated in comparison.

If you're cool with this then it's all good - this will be a great device for your needs. Not only does the new chip massively extend the life-cycle of this device thanks to its support for 5G, but Apple has guaranteed software updates for many years to come. Out the box, the iPhone SE 2022 also comes with the latest iOS 15 operating system.