iPhone buying guide 2022 for choosing between SE, 13 and 14
Quick answer for 2022 iPhone buyers
This iPhone buying guide 2022 is for buyers comparing the iPhone models that mattered in 2022, as well as anyone checking those same models on the used or refurbished market today. The practical shortlist was fairly clear: choose iPhone SE (3rd generation) for the lowest-cost new iPhone with A15 performance and Touch ID; choose iPhone 13 for the best all-round value; choose iPhone 14 or iPhone 14 Plus for newer safety features and a large non-Pro option; and choose iPhone 14 Pro or Pro Max for the strongest camera and display upgrades. Do not treat 2022 launch prices as current market prices. For used devices, condition, battery health, carrier compatibility, lock status and return policy can matter more than a small processor difference.
The model facts below are based on Apple’s 2022 product announcements, Apple Support technical specifications and Apple’s guidance for preowned iPhones. Market prices, carrier offers and stock availability vary by date and region, so use the recommendations as a decision framework rather than a fixed price list.
The 2022 iPhone lineup in context
Apple’s 2022 iPhone cycle had two separate launches. On March 8, 2022, Apple announced the third-generation iPhone SE, keeping the familiar 4.7-inch Home button design while adding the A15 Bionic chip and 5G. On September 7, 2022, Apple announced the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. The standard iPhone 14 kept the 6.1-inch size, while the iPhone 14 Plus introduced a 6.7-inch non-Pro option. The Pro models added the A16 Bionic chip, Dynamic Island, Always-On display and a 48MP Main camera.
That timing matters because many late-2022 buyers were not choosing only among brand-new 14-series phones. iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max remained relevant through carriers, retailers and refurbished channels. The iPhone 13 line already offered 5G, OLED displays on the Face ID models, strong battery life on the larger versions, MagSafe and the A15 chip. For many buyers, the question was not simply whether the iPhone 14 was newer, but whether its specific changes justified the extra cost.
For more practical product comparison articles, visit our buying guides section.
Model-by-model buying advice
| Model group | Who it suited in 2022 | Main strengths | Main limits to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone SE (3rd generation) | Budget buyers, Touch ID users, compact-phone fans | A15 Bionic, 5G, familiar Home button, low entry cost | Small LCD, single rear camera, no Face ID, no MagSafe, modest battery compared with larger models |
| iPhone 13 and 13 mini | Most everyday users seeking value | OLED display, A15, dual cameras, MagSafe, 5G, strong balance of size and performance | No telephoto camera, no 120Hz ProMotion, mini version has a smaller battery |
| iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max | Buyers finding good refurbished or carrier deals | ProMotion display, telephoto camera, premium build, very capable photo and video system | Heavier body, used-device condition matters, battery wear can offset the deal |
| iPhone 14 and 14 Plus | Buyers wanting a newer non-Pro iPhone, safety features or a large screen without Pro pricing | Crash Detection, Emergency SOS via satellite where supported, improved camera processing, Plus size option | Performance jump over iPhone 13 was limited because both used A15-family chips; U.S. models were eSIM-only |
| iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max | Photo, video and display-focused buyers | A16 Bionic, Dynamic Island, Always-On display, 48MP Main camera, Pro camera system | Highest cost, heavier body, used/refurbished units need careful battery and repair checks |
If the decision is close, start with screen size and budget before comparing camera features. Some buyers overpay for Pro hardware they rarely use. Others regret saving money if they shoot a lot of video, crop photos heavily or care about a smoother high-refresh display.
Which iPhone made the most sense by buyer type
For the lowest-cost new iPhone
The iPhone SE (3rd generation) was the straightforward budget pick in 2022. Its value came from modern internal performance in a proven design. It made sense for people who wanted Touch ID, a smaller phone and a lower purchase price. The tradeoff was just as clear: the display and camera system felt older than the Face ID models, and the smaller body left less room for battery capacity.
For most everyday buyers
The iPhone 13 was arguably the safest mainstream recommendation. It offered a modern design, a 6.1-inch OLED display, good battery life, a capable dual-camera system and MagSafe accessory support. In 2022, it was not the newest iPhone, but it avoided the biggest compromises of the SE and cost less than Pro models. For calls, messaging, photos, navigation, banking apps, social media and casual video, it was more than enough.
For small-phone fans
The iPhone 13 mini deserved attention because it combined flagship-class performance with a genuinely compact 5.4-inch body. The limitation was battery tolerance. If you wanted the smallest modern iPhone and were comfortable charging more often, it was attractive. If you used maps, video, hotspot or games heavily, the regular iPhone 13 was the more comfortable recommendation.
For a large screen without Pro pricing
The iPhone 14 Plus filled a gap in 2022 by offering a 6.7-inch display without pushing buyers into the Pro Max price tier. It was useful for reading, video, maps, spreadsheets, larger text settings and longer battery expectations. The main question was price: if the discount on an iPhone 13 or 13 Pro Max was strong, the 14 Plus had to be judged against those alternatives rather than in isolation.
For photography, video and long-term enthusiast use
The iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max were the meaningful upgrades for buyers who cared about cameras and display technology. The 48MP Main camera, A16 Bionic, Dynamic Island and Always-On display separated them from the standard iPhone 14. They were not necessary for everyone, but they made sense for users who captured a lot of photos and video, wanted a telephoto lens, or expected to keep the phone for several years.
iPhone 14 vs iPhone 13 was the key 2022 decision
For many buyers, the real comparison was iPhone 14 versus iPhone 13. The iPhone 14 added useful features, including Crash Detection, Emergency SOS via satellite in supported regions, camera processing improvements and the new Plus size. However, the standard iPhone 14 did not bring the kind of visual redesign or processor jump that some buyers expected from a new generation.
That made the iPhone 13 a strong value option when discounted. If your priorities were a bright OLED display, reliable performance, 5G, MagSafe and everyday photography, the iPhone 13 covered the essentials. If you specifically wanted the newer safety features, a larger non-Pro display, or the longest possible runway within the 2022 non-Pro lineup, the iPhone 14 or 14 Plus was easier to justify.
The Pro comparison was different. A good iPhone 13 Pro deal could compete well against the standard iPhone 14 because it offered ProMotion, a telephoto lens and a more premium camera system. The iPhone 14 Pro line, however, delivered the clearest technical upgrades of the year, especially for buyers who valued the 48MP Main camera and Always-On display. See also: BOX DESIGN.
Used and refurbished checks that matter more than specs
By 2022, iPhones had reached a point where a clean, well-kept older model could be a better purchase than a newer device with an unclear history. Before buying any used or refurbished iPhone, check the basics carefully.
- Activation Lock: Do not buy a phone that is still linked to a previous owner’s Apple ID. It should be erased and ready for setup.
- Battery health: A low maximum capacity can turn a good price into a false saving. If the battery is near replacement territory, include service cost in the total purchase decision.
- Carrier lock and eSIM: Confirm that the model works with your carrier. This is especially important for U.S. iPhone 14 models, which used eSIM rather than a physical SIM tray.
- Parts and repair history: Check for display, camera, battery or Face ID warnings in settings where available. A repair is not automatically bad, but unknown or poor-quality parts change the value.
- Return window: Prefer sellers that allow enough time to test cameras, microphones, speakers, Face ID or Touch ID, charging, wireless charging and cellular service.
- Storage: Avoid buying too little storage just to save money. Photos, video, messaging attachments and offline media can fill 64GB quickly, especially on camera-focused models.
Apple Certified Refurbished devices have a different value proposition from generic used phones because Apple states that refurbished iOS devices include a new battery and outer shell. Independent refurbishers may use their own grading systems, so read the battery standard, warranty length and return policy rather than assuming the word refurbished means the same thing everywhere.
Packaging, box condition and shipping details
Packaging is not only cosmetic when buying a high-value phone online. A sealed or original box can help with resale presentation, but it should not replace technical checks. Apple’s 2022 iPhone 14 packaging moved further toward fiber-based materials and removed the outer plastic wrap, so the absence of shrink wrap alone is not proof that a box has been opened or tampered with. Buyers should look for consistent labeling, matching model details, seller documentation and a return policy instead of relying on plastic wrapping as the main trust signal.
For shipped phones, protective packaging matters. A phone should not move freely inside a mailer. Ideally, the seller should use the original box or a rigid inner carton, padding that protects the corners, and an outer shipping box that can absorb impact. Keep photos of the package before opening if the item is expensive, because they may help if you need to report shipping damage.
A simple decision framework
Choose iPhone SE (3rd generation) if price, Touch ID and compact size matter more than camera versatility. Choose iPhone 13 if you want the broadest balance of value, display quality, battery life and modern features. Choose iPhone 13 Pro if you find a clean refurbished unit and want ProMotion or a telephoto camera without paying for the 14 Pro. Choose iPhone 14 if safety features and a newer non-Pro model matter. Choose iPhone 14 Plus if you want a large display without Pro Max pricing. Choose iPhone 14 Pro or Pro Max if the camera system, display upgrades and A16 chip are worth the premium.
The wrong way to shop is to rank every model by release date only. A newer phone with too little storage, poor battery health or a carrier limitation can be worse than an older phone in excellent condition. The better approach is to decide your must-haves first, then compare total cost, condition and support expectations.
Frequently asked questions
Is iPhone 13 or iPhone 14 the better value in a 2022 buying guide?
For many everyday buyers, iPhone 13 was the stronger value when discounted. iPhone 14 made more sense if you wanted Crash Detection, satellite emergency features where supported, the Plus size, or a newer device with longer remaining ownership appeal.
Was the iPhone SE 2022 a good buy?
Yes, for the right buyer. It was a good buy for people who wanted the lowest-cost new iPhone, Touch ID and A15 performance. It was less ideal for heavy media use, photography, gaming or buyers who wanted a larger modern display.
Should I buy an iPhone 13 Pro instead of a standard iPhone 14?
It can be a smart choice if the iPhone 13 Pro is in excellent condition and priced well. The ProMotion display and telephoto camera can matter more than the standard iPhone 14’s newer name. Battery health and repair history should decide the final value.
What is the biggest used iPhone risk?
Activation Lock is one of the biggest risks because a locked iPhone may be unusable by the buyer. Battery wear, carrier locks, poor repairs and no return policy are also major warning signs.
Does the iPhone 14 box need plastic wrap to be considered unopened?
No. Apple’s 2022 iPhone 14 packaging removed the outer plastic wrap as part of a broader packaging shift. Buyers should verify model details, seller reputation, return terms and device condition instead of relying on plastic wrap alone.
