iPhone SE connection issues with AirPods Pro

I know AirPods Pro should be compatible with iPhone SE. However, I am having 3 issues.

1... they don't connect easily and certainly don't connect well with automatic ear detection. I have to force connect them repeatedly to get them to connect.

2... noise cancellation doesn't work. I can switch them to OFF or Transparency, but when I try to change them to noise cancellation, I get a prompt that both of the AirPods need to be in my ears (which they are). Like the phone can't detect that they're both in (despite being able to hear audio through both).

3... similar to #2, when I try to do the fit-test, I get a similar prompt that both AirPods must be in my ears (which they are).

I have tried 2 brand new sets of AirPods Pro with my iPhone SE with the exact same results. Both pairs work correctly with an iPhone 11 Pro. So, I'm confident it's a problem with the AirPods Pro communicating with my iPhone SE.... or possibly an issue with only my iPhone SE (don't have another iPhone SE to try). Lastly, I'll say that AirPods original and AirPods 2 both work with my iPhone SE just fine.

Thanks All