Written October 2025
Best value for the money: iPhone SE 2nd generation (2020)
Key Specs:
- A13 Bionic processor & 3 GB RAM
- 4.7″ 1334×750 60Hz LCD display, 326 ppi, peak brightness ~625 nits, Touch ID home-button design, 148g weight
- 12MP Wide rear camera + 7MP front selfie camera
- 1821 mAh battery (fast-charge capable up to 18W, 7.5W wireless Qi charging)
- Still barely receives the latest iOS
- IP67 dust and water resistance
The iPhone SE 2 is essentially a phone with the build of an iPhone 8 and the internals of an iPhone 11, along with a camera upgrade from the former. This phone’s value lies in its software support and powerful chip for the price. Its camera is also competent for everyday shots, being the same sensor from the iPhone 8 with processing improvements from the A13 Bionic chip and the addition of Portrait mode with depth control. Its performance is usable, but not anything special, which is about what you should be expecting for the price. As there is not much else to say (as the display, build, battery, and more is largely uniform across the home button-bearing iPhones), I’ll just end by saying that this is probably the best iPhone you can get for $100 or under right now.
| Cons: | -Battery life is not good -Large bezels |
What NOT to buy at the $100 price point:
- iPhone 8 Plus
- Why: Only got software support until iOS 16, slow performance, old
- iPhone X
- Why: Only got software support until iOS 16, hard to find in good condition for under $100