For most buyers, the iPhone 12 is the better purchase. Its 6.1-inch OLED display, dual cameras, Night mode, Face ID, MagSafe and stronger water-resistance rating make it a more complete phone. Choose the iPhone SE (3rd generation, 2022) instead when a genuinely small handset, Touch ID, a Home button or a substantially lower price matters more than screen, camera and battery advantages.
Neither model is sold new by Apple as of August 16, 2026. Treat this as a used or refurbished buying decision, where battery health, storage, parts history, carrier status and return protection can matter more than the original specification sheet.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Apple iPhone 12, 64GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed) | $188.94 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Apple iPhone 12, 128GB, Blue - Unlocked (Renewed) | $217.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Apple iPhone 12, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed) | $215.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Apple iPhone 12 Mini, 64GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed) | $166.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Apple iPhone 12 Mini, 64GB, Blue - Unlocked (Renewed) | $165.28 | Buy on Amazon |
First, identify the exact iPhone SE
“iPhone SE” can mean the 2016 first-generation model, the 2020 second-generation model or the 2022 third-generation model. This guide compares the iPhone SE (3rd generation) with the iPhone 12. The SE 3 has an A15 Bionic chip and 5G; the SE 2 has an A13 Bionic chip and no 5G. Confirm the model before comparing listings. Apple’s technical specifications are available in its iPhone SE (3rd generation) support document.
The SE 3 was introduced in 2022 and the iPhone 12 in 2020. Both are discontinued, but Apple lists both as compatible with iOS 26.5. Apple does not guarantee a fixed number of future major iOS releases, so the SE 3’s newer launch date is a reasonable lifecycle advantage, not a promised support end date. Check Apple’s iOS 26 compatibility list and security-release information.
#1 Best Overall
- Fully unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US-Cellular, Cricket, Metro, etc.).
- Inspected and guaranteed to have minimal cosmetic damage, which is not noticeable when the device is held at arm's length.
- Successfully passed a full diagnostic test which ensures like-new functionality and removal of any prior-user personal information.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a charging cable that may be generic.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Neither phone supports Apple Intelligence. General iOS compatibility should not be confused with access to every iOS feature; Apple says availability varies by model, language and region in its iOS 26 feature documentation.
At-a-glance comparison
| Feature | iPhone SE (3rd generation) | iPhone 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Introduced | 2022 | 2020 |
| Original U.S. starting price | $429 | $799 |
| Current status | Discontinued; used/refurbished only | Discontinued; used/refurbished only |
| Processor | A15 Bionic | A14 Bionic |
| Display | 4.7-inch LCD, 1334 × 750, 326 ppi | 6.1-inch OLED, 2532 × 1170, 460 ppi |
| Biometrics | Touch ID and Home button | Face ID and gesture navigation |
| Rear cameras | One 12MP wide camera | 12MP wide plus 12MP ultrawide |
| Front camera | 7MP | 12MP TrueDepth |
| Night mode | No | Yes |
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| MagSafe | No; Qi wireless charging | Yes |
| Water resistance | IP67, up to 1 meter for 30 minutes | IP68, up to 6 meters for 30 minutes |
| Storage | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| Connector | Lightning | Lightning |
| Weight | 144 grams | 162 grams |
| Apple-rated video playback | Up to 15 hours | Up to 17 hours |
Specifications are from Apple’s iPhone comparison page and the SE 3 technical specifications. IP ratings are laboratory ratings, not a guarantee for an older phone whose seals may have weakened.
Design: genuinely small versus modern and edge-to-edge
iPhone SE 3
The SE 3 reuses the iPhone 8-style body, with thick bezels, a physical Home button and Touch ID. At 144 grams it is shorter, narrower and lighter than the iPhone 12, making one-handed use and pocket carry easy. It is the true compact choice, not merely a smaller version of a large phone.
iPhone 12
The iPhone 12 has the flat-edge design used across its generation, a nearly bezel-free front and Face ID. It is larger but still relatively light for a 6.1-inch phone. There is no Home button, so navigation uses gestures.
Rank #2
- Fully unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US-Cellular, Cricket, Metro, etc.).
- Inspected and guaranteed to have minimal cosmetic damage, which is not noticeable when the device is held at arm's length.
- Successfully passed a full diagnostic test which ensures like-new functionality and removal of any prior-user personal information.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a charging cable that may be generic.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Display: the iPhone 12 wins decisively
The SE 3’s 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD is adequate for messaging and basic apps, but its 1334 × 750 resolution and 326-pixel-per-inch density leave less room for maps, reading, video and enlarged text. Apple rates typical maximum brightness at 625 nits.
The iPhone 12’s 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED has 2532 × 1170 resolution and 460 pixels per inch, with deeper blacks, higher contrast and HDR support. It is substantially more comfortable for video, photos, games, navigation and accessibility text enlargement. It is a standard 60Hz display, not a high-refresh-rate panel.
Performance and software support
The SE 3 uses the newer A15 Bionic; the iPhone 12 uses A14 Bionic. Both remain fast enough in 2026 for ordinary apps, streaming, photography, navigation and games. The SE 3 has a theoretical performance advantage and may have more useful remaining life because it launched later, but the chip difference does not overcome the iPhone 12’s display, camera and battery advantages for most buyers.
Both currently support iOS 26.5. Apple has not published a guaranteed date for ending major-version support, so avoid listings or advice promising support through a specific year.
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Rank #3
- Fully unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US-Cellular, Cricket, Metro, etc.).
- Inspected and guaranteed to have minimal cosmetic damage, which is not noticeable when the device is held at arm's length.
- Successfully passed a full diagnostic test which ensures like-new functionality and removal of any prior-user personal information.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a charging cable that may be generic.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Cameras: choose the iPhone 12 for versatility
SE 3 camera
- One 12MP wide rear camera.
- A15-powered computational photography and portrait mode for people.
- 4K video recording.
- No ultrawide lens and no dedicated Night mode.
iPhone 12 camera
- 12MP wide and 12MP ultrawide rear cameras.
- Night mode on the rear wide camera and the front camera.
- 12MP TrueDepth front camera.
- Dolby Vision HDR video recording.
The SE 3 can take good daylight photos, but the iPhone 12 is much more capable for dark scenes, interiors, landscapes, architecture, group shots and selfies.
Battery, charging and connectivity
Apple estimates up to 15 hours of video playback for the SE 3 and up to 17 hours for the iPhone 12. Those are original laboratory-style estimates; real use varies with signal strength, brightness, gaming, camera use and background activity. In 2026, the individual phone’s battery health is more important than the two-hour specification difference. A well-maintained SE 3 can outlast an iPhone 12 with a heavily worn battery.
Both phones support 5G, Wi‑Fi 6, Lightning charging, wireless charging and dual-SIM use through a physical SIM and eSIM, subject to regional and carrier limitations. The iPhone 12 adds native MagSafe charging and accessories. The SE 3 supports Qi wireless charging; a magnetic case or adapter does not turn it into a native MagSafe phone.
Touch ID or Face ID?
Why choose Touch ID
- You prefer fingerprint unlocking and a physical Home button.
- You often unlock while wearing a mask or without looking directly at the phone.
- You want familiar iPhone 6/7/8-style controls.
Touch ID can be unreliable with wet fingers, and a damaged sensor may not be recoverable through an ordinary third-party repair.
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Rank #4
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Why choose Face ID
- You prefer hands-free authentication, Apple Pay and gesture navigation.
- You want a modern, bezel-free front.
Face ID performance can vary with masks, sunglasses, viewing angle and lighting. An iPhone 12 listing with unavailable Face ID should be treated as having a major defect, not a minor software issue.
Storage: 128GB is the practical target
- 64GB: Suitable only for light users, secondary phones, children or people who actively manage cloud photos and downloads.
- 128GB: The sensible minimum for most primary phones.
- 256GB: Better for extensive photos, 4K video, games, offline media or long ownership.
Storage cannot be expanded. A low-priced 64GB iPhone 12 can be a false bargain if it costs nearly as much as a 128GB SE 3 or 128GB iPhone 12.
How to compare used and refurbished prices
Do not compare the original $429 and $799 retail prices with today’s listings. Compare phones with the same storage and account for:
- Battery-health guarantee and likely replacement cost.
- Unlocked or carrier-locked status.
- Cosmetic grade and screen condition.
- Parts and service history.
- Return window, warranty and seller reputation.
- Activation Lock status.
- Carrier-band compatibility, especially for imported models.
Marketplace prices change by storage, condition, battery and promotion. A Back Market comparison page showed a listed refurbished SE 2022 entry at approximately $169.15 when crawled, but that is a time-sensitive signal, not a universal current price: Back Market’s iPhone 12 versus SE comparison. Apple-certified refurbished stock and seller-refurbished marketplace inventory are not equivalent; check exactly what the seller guarantees.
Best Value
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the on screen prompts to activate service.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Used-phone inspection checklist
Before buying
- Confirm the exact model: SE 3, not SE 2; iPhone 12, not iPhone 12 mini.
- Confirm storage and whether the phone is unlocked.
- Check supported cellular bands if importing from another country.
- Read the battery-health guarantee, return period and warranty.
- Ask whether Face ID or Touch ID works and whether parts were replaced.
- Avoid any phone that remains Activation Locked.
After delivery
- Open Settings → General → About and verify Model Name, Model Number, Capacity, available storage, iOS version, Carrier Lock and Parts and Service History.
- Open Settings → Battery → Battery Health & Charging and check maximum capacity and any service warning.
- Test Face ID or Touch ID, every camera and lens, flash, speakers, microphones, charging, wireless charging, Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, GPS and cellular calls.
- Test 5G, SIM/eSIM activation, the proximity sensor during a call, True Tone and haptic feedback.
Apple explains Parts and Service History, including battery information, in its support guide.
Red flags
- “Like new” appearance with 78% battery health.
- Unknown display or battery parts that may affect warnings, calibration, True Tone or resale value.
- A carrier-locked listing when you intend to change networks.
- No return policy unless the discount compensates for the risk.
- Imported hardware with uncertain SIM configuration, eSIM support or warranty eligibility.
- Claims that an older phone is waterproof rather than water-resistant.
Which should each type of buyer choose?
| Buyer priority | Better choice | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Best overall phone | iPhone 12 | OLED display, better cameras, Face ID, MagSafe and stronger battery estimate. |
| Smallest practical iPhone | iPhone SE 3 | Compact 144-gram body and one-handed Home-button design. |
| Touch ID | iPhone SE 3 | Physical Home button and fingerprint authentication. |
| Camera and low light | iPhone 12 | Ultrawide camera, Night mode and better front camera. |
| Storage bargain | Either | Choose the 128GB-or-larger unit with better battery and service history at the lower condition-adjusted cost. |
| Long-term value | Usually a newer model | A modest premium for a newer phone can be cheaper than buying an old phone and replacing its battery. |
Alternatives worth pricing
iPhone 13
If an iPhone 13 costs only modestly more than a comparable iPhone 12, its newer chip, better battery life and longer expected usefulness often make it the stronger used purchase.
iPhone 13 mini
The 13 mini is the closest modern alternative for buyers who want a genuinely compact phone with an OLED display, Face ID, dual cameras and MagSafe. Its battery life is not class-leading.
Refurbished iPhone 16e
Apple’s refurbished store currently surfaces iPhone 16e listings, although inventory and prices fluctuate: Apple refurbished iPhone 16e. It offers newer hardware, USB-C and a longer expected support horizon, but it is not the choice for someone who specifically wants the smallest body, Touch ID or the lowest absolute price.
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If you otherwise like your SE 3 or iPhone 12, compare the total with genuine Apple battery service through Apple’s iPhone repair page. Check the current estimate for your model and region rather than relying on a fixed price.
The Bottom Line
Buy the iPhone 12 when prices and condition are close. Its screen, cameras, battery potential and MagSafe make it the better everyday phone. Buy the iPhone SE (3rd generation) only when its compact size, Touch ID, Home button or meaningful 128GB-or-more price advantage is the deciding factor. For either model, reject a poor battery, locked device or weak return policy—even if the listing looks cheap.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
