New iPhone SE - photos, videos, price, characteristics! Detailed review and testing of Apple iPhone SE
The iPhone SE smartphone, despite the fact that it was known about it long before its release, surprised many and raised many questions. Does anyone else buy 4-inch iPhones? Is Apple playing with fire by introducing this design? It can be argued that the answer to both questions is yes, but after getting to know the phone it becomes clear that this does not matter. Regardless of the reasons that forced the company to create this device, the iPhone SE (photo posted later in the article) is equally an excellent smartphone for both those new to iOS and users with small hands.
Summary
Just because the new iPhone SE looks like an old-fashioned device doesn't mean it functions like one. Apple has managed to squeeze flagship-level performance and the best battery life an iPhone has demonstrated in years into a familiar and relatively inexpensive form. The device lacks some of the 6s's niceties, and its screen may be too small for some, but the SE is the best compact smartphone the company has ever made.
iPhone SE phone: what is it?
To answer quickly, this is an iPhone 6s in a 5s body. In principle, we can stop there. Although this statement is greatly simplified, it is true. Almost all the things that make the 6s what it is are here, only now they're compressed into a body the size of which seemed never to be seen again. Apple could have taken the economically conscious route and offered a smaller sixth iPhone, in which case we can only be glad that this did not happen. The phone's performance will be discussed below, but the A9 chipset with M9 motion tracking processor used in the SE is a dead ringer for the company's flagship models, from its clock speed to the 2GB of RAM it's paired with. In short, the SE doesn't feel like a second-rate device.
This extends to its design. The iPhone SE 64 GB is just as light and well-built as the 5S two years ago, with minor differences. In fact, other than the introduction of a rose gold color to the iPhone SE, which the 5s didn't, there are only two changes: the SE logo on the back and matte bevels around the flat edges of the phone. If anyone liked the old-school design of the iPhone 5s, then this will feel right at home. And if not, then he was not going to purchase this smartphone in any case.
There's a third camp: buyers who loved the 5s design and then discovered the big screen generation. And for them to return to a small phone after two years spent with the sixth family would be strange. They wonder how they could use small screens for so long? Even after a week, customers can't type text messages on the cramped on-screen keyboard like they used to. There's also a feeling of frustration at how little text can fit on a smaller display.
Less is more
However, size has its advantages. According to owners, after months of using large smartphones (iPhone 6s Plus, Galaxy Note 5 and Nexus 6p, etc.), the right hand is in a rather tense state. It gets tired and painful quickly, especially when trying to reach the bottom edge of the phone with your pinky or when stretching your thumb across the screen to tap something in the corner. Using SE for a week is like a mini-vacation for your arm. The small display isn't for everyone, but there's no denying that the SE is a very handy little device.
The iPhone SE 64GB Space Gray we tested has 64GB of internal memory. Almost 64, as iOS 9.3 takes up some space, leaving 55.7 GB available. It's no surprise that the entry-level model comes with 16GB of memory, but hopefully this is the last time the company leaves so little space for user data and programs. This is just one of the compromises you have to make when moving to this form factor at this price. For example, none of the modifications, including the iPhone SE 64GB Gray, have 3D Touch. on the home screen buttons belong to the first generation, which is not as fast as in 6s. And the front camera is a 1.2 megapixel step back from the fifth model.
In addition to the already mentioned gray and rose-gold body colors, the Apple iPhone SE Gold is produced in gold and Silver in a silver shade.
Picture and sound
We can confidently say about the iPhone SE screen that it is fully consistent with the 5s display. It still runs at 1136 x 640 resolution, which also means the same 326 ppi pixel density (same as the 6s). If you look not at the numbers, but at the screen itself, you can see that it is as bright and rich as in the old days. However, 6s buyers will need some time to get used to the display. The screen is slightly darker than the 6s or 6s Plus, and the color temperature is slightly warmer. If anything, the biggest difference here is the loss of 3D Touch, which some will feel more keenly than others. But some buyers who were enthusiastic about 3D Touch gestures when the 6s launched are now rarely using them. Therefore, experienced iPhone owners may not worry about the lack of this function, and newbies won’t even notice its absence.
Meanwhile, the single speaker located at the bottom of the SE is much louder than you might expect, especially in the highs and mids. You'll still need a pair of headphones for any long-term listening, but the speaker packs enough power to cover YouTube videos and add charm to your favorite soundtrack.
Software
The Apple iPhone 5 SE ships with iOS 9.3, which doesn't add many major features. If anything, the most notable addition is Night Shift, a feature that can automatically lower the screen's color temperature to ease nighttime eye strain. This is not an entirely new idea. Apps like f.lux have been able to do this on the desktop for years. Compared to plain white, warm colors really make evening reading easier. Instead of setting a specific schedule for night mode, you can manually adjust the screen's warmth. In theory, the color change should help ease the sleep cycle, but the result is an annoying orange display for the user. According to customer reviews, this does not help them fall asleep faster, but there is hope that there will be those who will find this function useful.
In addition, it is now possible to lock certain entries in the Notes application. Opening them requires a password or placing your finger on the touch fingerprint sensor. And Verizon subscribers are finally able to make Wi-Fi calls to their friends (something others have been able to do for a while). The Health app now takes nutrition data into account. This program is especially nice to have on the SE: the smaller size of the device allows the phone to be a more pleasant training companion.
And the News application has become a little better at determining which topics users give greater preference to. While it still overestimates Donald Trump's relevance, it is likely a symptom of a larger problem. With iOS 9.3, 3D Touch has become more diverse, but it is obvious that not a single gesture functions here. That is life.
Oddly enough, some phone owners experience strange behavior from Siri after enabling the voice activation setting. When listening to an audiobook on the Audible app, passages with phrases that didn't sound like "Hey Siri" brought the virtual assistant to life, puzzled by a puzzle of random bits of dialogue. The same book on 6s did not cause a similar effect.
Camera
The iPhone 6s camera is excellent. And since it is exactly the same in SE, there is no doubt about its quality. In fact, it's even a little better for the following reason: the Apple iPhone 5 SE is slightly thicker and lacks the awkward bulge found on the sixth generation. So much for the argument for thicker phones.
In any case, we can talk for a long time about how the company’s deeply layered defense does not allow us to shed light on the neighboring photodiodes covered in darkness, but this is not necessary. All you really need to know is that the phone is capable of taking amazingly detailed, beautiful color photos. The photos on the SE and 6s Plus are almost identical. However, the latter is the leader when it comes to photography in low light conditions, as it has optical image stabilization.
In low light, the smartphone copes well, maintaining a minimum noise level, although buyers prefer the Galaxy S7's camera. The SE is also capable of shooting video that looks smooth and evenly exposed, even when tracking moving objects. This capability is certainly nice to have, but with 16GB of storage - and many would agree - users probably won't want to shoot such high quality video.
There are two other things worth mentioning. First, iPhone SE supports taking Live Photos, moving images that add a little feeling and context to your photos. Since there is no 3D Touch, a long press on the Live Photo button will launch the program. Secondly, selfies are not as good as on the 6s. Apple hasn't bothered to improve the 1.2-megapixel front-facing camera at the top of the device, although the 5-megapixel sensor in the 6s doesn't take up much more space. The result is noisier photos. While they're great for Instagram, they lack the vibrancy that higher-resolution sensors are capable of. At least the SE has a Retina flash, which uses the phone's screen to provide extra brightness.
Performance
The SE is more powerful than its old-fashioned looks might suggest. The combination of Apple's state-of-the-art A9 chipset with 2GB of RAM is enough to keep the device running effortlessly, from swiping through home screens and switching between apps to running graphically intensive games. The last time the company released a budget 4-inch phone (it was the inferior iPhone 5c), it seemed outdated from the start. But the ability to squeeze the hardware of your flagship phone into a small $399 iPhone is impressive. For the first time in many years, it's possible to own a 4-inch model without sacrificing performance for size.
Below are the results of testing the phone. Its performance more or less matches that of Apple's most expensive models.
Table of test results for iPhone SE vs 6, 6s, 6s+.
Battery life
When Apple refused to release battery capacity data for the SE, some users became agitated. But there was no need to worry. You can rest assured that the phone can last all day and then some more. After charging at nine in the morning after 11 hours of work, there is still 30-40% charge left. According to the owners, the device can remain without recharging for more than 24 hours, which they are very happy about.
A video test of continuous high-definition video playback with Wi-Fi on and screen brightness set to 50 percent showed the iPhone SE lasted 13 hours and 40 minutes. The differences with the 50% increase in battery life declared by the manufacturer are obvious, but this model still has the best indicator of all iPhones. It's amazing that so much power is contained in such a tiny package.
Price and quality
What makes the iPhone SE different from other top models is the combination of cost and power - the 16GB model is the cheapest new phone Apple has ever released. Therefore, it occupies a special place in the company's line of mobile devices. There are no reasons left to buy the 5s, so the question is whether potential smartphone owners should buy the SE or 6s. We could include the iPhone 6 here, but the 6s costs only $100 more. As mentioned, the 6s shares the power of the SE but has a larger 4.7-inch screen. This is quite convenient, but battery life is reduced.
If someone has a desire to spend about $400 on a smartphone and is not tied to Apple, then they can consider the option from LG and Google Nexus 5X. It also delivers good performance at a reasonable price, but its plastic body doesn't compare well to the iPhone SE's premium looks. What kind of phone this is becomes clear when you get acquainted with the enormous power of the Snapdragon 808 chipset, which will run Google Android N, which supports multi-screen multitasking.
Conclusion
The biggest drawback of the iPhone SE is its size, and that's obvious. But if it weren't for the fact that it's easy to operate with one hand, it would be impossible to understand why Apple went ahead with its production. The smaller size certainly feels great in your hand and pocket while out and about. The power that the phone has is impressive. Considering the performance of the processor that Apple managed to fit into the smaller phone, it's surprising that it doesn't overheat or degrade battery life. Although not the best in the industry, it is an iPhone with good battery life that many will like. The SE doesn't hold its charge as well as other iPhones when watching media, but it's a step up from the 5S. The camera is powerful and clear, and many will be surprised by the difference in image quality.
The phone design is outdated. There's no other explanation for why Apple didn't create a smaller version of the iPhone 6s other than cost savings. Users also do not like the outdated screen technology. Aside from minor changes, this is an old 2012 iPhone 5 display from almost four years ago. And the image on the phone plays an important role. The phone owner should not compare the screen with for example. He will be very upset.
What's safe to say about the iPhone SE is that it's a smartphone that doesn't suit people who have welcomed the advent of larger screens, even if it creates strange bulges in their pockets. When you look at the SE as a new Apple product, everything makes sense. The phone is relatively cheap, which will be tempting for people who want to finally get rid of their old flip phone. Its small size will suit those who stopped upgrading their iPhones when they got too big. But most importantly, it is powerful. Apple fans should wait until the seventh model goes on sale in September, as this device was not intended for them. If you want a top-notch smartphone that won't empty your pockets or hurt your hand, then the iPhone SE deserves a place on the list of contenders.
The release of the iPhone SE in 2016 caused controversy. On the one hand, the new product turned out to be a high-tech gadget - like everything that Apple produces. On the other hand, the appearance of the device is unremarkable. The design is almost completely identical to the devices produced in 2012.
By the way, it was the last factor that caused many users to refuse to purchase the SE model. But this time users were mistaken, because due to the small display, this iPhone has high performance indicators. And it even competes on equal terms with the popular iPhone 6S model.
In this article we will touch a little on the technical characteristics of the iPhone SE. But let’s pay special attention to one of the most important elements of the gadget – the camera. In particular, let's compare the quality of photographs taken by this version of the device with its main competitor from Apple - the iPhone 6S.
The iPhone SE's performance is not bad, but it can't be called impressive when you compare this device with other models. Key indicators include:
- Processor A9 (64 bit, 2 cores).
- The presence of a motion coprocessor.
- Memory 16/64 GB.
- Lack of a memory card (like all Apple devices).
- "Operating system" version 9.3.
- iPhone SE main camera is 12 MP and selfie camera is 1.2 MP.
- Wi-Fi support.
- Bluetooth.
- Implemented Touch ID technology.
- Battery capacity - 1624 mAh.
- Dimensions – 12x5.8x0.7 cm
- Weight about 113 grams.
Almost all the technical indicators of the iPhone 6s and iPhone SE are the same. It’s only a pity that the latest model of the gadget does not have an option with 128 GB memory. Considering the excellent capabilities for shooting videos, this can be considered a disadvantage.
The dimensions of the SE model make this device similar to another device - the iPhone 5S. But in all other characteristics, it, of course, surpasses the “five”. For example, it is worth mentioning only about the battery capacity, which has increased significantly. And this is with the same body dimensions.
If you compare the iPhone SE with competitors running on Android, everything is more complicated here. As numerous tests show, in terms of quantitative parameters, iOS gadgets are almost always left behind. But practice shows that in reality this may not manifest itself in any way. And Apple smartphones often show their best side.
Let's compare the cameras of iPhone SE and iPhone 6S
Let’s conduct a comparative assessment of the cameras of 2 good devices in order to evaluate the iPhone SE as objectively as possible. First of all, you should look at the technical parameters of the cameras of these versions of Apple gadgets. And they show that almost all parameters are the same:
- Resolution – 12 MP.
- Aperture - f/2.2.
- The presence of the Live Photos function on both models.
- Lens with 5 lenses for both gadgets.
- Both there and there – the presence of a True Tone flash.
You can give many more technical indicators of the gadget models under consideration, and they will all coincide. But the cameras of the devices are equal only on paper. A comparison of photographs taken by both models shows completely different results. Next, let's see how shots taken under different conditions differ - in the dark, when shooting landscapes, macro, etc.
iPhone SE and iPhone 6S: landscape photos
So, let's see what a real comparison of photographs taken on different devices will show. To do this, take a close look at these 2 photographs:
Probably many will agree that the photos are practically no different. Perhaps only a very meticulous eye will notice any differences. But even in this case they will be insignificant.
Based on a comparison of these frames (as well as many others taken by users), we can say that the main cameras of the devices are identical. And if the photographs presented above were not signed, it is unlikely that anyone would be able to determine which device to take each of them with.
iPhone 5SE and iPhone 6S: night shooting
When filming in the evening, both gadgets focused perfectly and set the black and white balance perfectly. Take a look at the photo:
As you can see, here, unlike the previous frames, you can see a slight difference. The photo taken with the iPhone 6S is a little better. But the point here is not even in the characteristics of the camera, but in other elements of the device. And, above all, these are more advanced software components. But in general, we can say that the pictures are very similar in quality.
iPhone SE and iPhone 6S: shooting in macro format
In macro mode, as numerous tests have shown, the iPhone SE is the leader. But the other device also showed its good side. The fact is that two different gadgets cannot focus on one point, even with absolutely the same “stuffing”. So the quality of the frame largely depends on the random moment.
iPhone SE and iPhone 6S: comparison of selfie cameras
Many people are concerned about the question of how many megapixels the SE model has for selfies. According to this indicator, the undisputed leader is the iPhone Six, since it has a camera with a resolution of five MP. And the SE has a similar parameter of only 1.2 MP.
In all other characteristics, both cameras exactly replicate each other. The only exception is that the SE has an f/2.4 aperture, while the 6S has a 2.2 aperture.
After getting acquainted with the technical parameters of the analyzed gadgets, it became clear that the SE module is weaker. Let's see what the front camera shows when tested on both devices.
iPhone SE and iPhone 6S: selfie
Even before the camera tests of both gadgets began, the initiators of these studies knew that the iPhone 6S would win. The thing is that the SE has a camera from the iPhone 5S with a very modest resolution, which is rarely found in modern mobile devices. And if you compare pictures taken with selfie cameras through both gadgets, you will need to significantly reduce the frame in SE. Otherwise, you won’t even need to make a comparison - because the quality of the SE photo will seem too poor.
When visually comparing the selfie results of both cameras, according to many users, the failure of the SE becomes obvious. This device focuses attention on the face. There are a lot of blurry elements in the photo. The details are not visible at all. In the iPhone 6S, on the contrary, the footage comes out wonderful.
iPhone SE and iPhone 6S: video comparison
On both devices you can shoot video in 4K. The frame rate is also the same - 30 frames per second. Both have True Tone flash. The HD video recording parameters of both gadgets are also exactly the same.
We present to your attention a detailed review of the iPhone SE (Special Edition) - the first smartphone from Apple, which belongs to the line of budget devices.
The model was first presented to the public in March 2016.
Apple developers decided not to follow the generally accepted trend of constantly increasing the screen or improving characteristics, which is why the iPhone SE is also called a mixture of and.
This model is created for those who prefer to use a compact smartphone and do not see the point of spending a lot of money on purchasing a device. At the same time, the SE model has good functionality, and its design repeats the iconic look of the iPhone 5s, which has become the most successful among all Apple phone models.
The table shows the main technical characteristics of the iPhone SE and a comparison of the gadget with the parameters of the iPhone 6s, 7s, 8s.
As you can see, the gadget is really a kind of combination of several versions of iPhones.
The smartphone has a powerful processor, a good battery, and a 12 MP main camera. The front camera is inferior in quality to newer iPhone models, since 1.2 MP is a quality taken from the 5th generation iPhones.
| iPhone SE | iPhone 6s | iPhone 7 | iPhone 8s | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display: | 4” | 4.7” | 4.7” | 4.7” |
| Main camera: | 12 MP | 12 MP | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Front-camera: | 1.2 MP FaceTime camera | 5 MP | 5 MP | 7 MP |
| Touch ID: | + | + | + | + |
| CPU: | A9 (64 bit) | A9 (64 bit) | A10 Fusion (64 bit) | A11 Bionic (64 bit) |
| Screen resolution: | 1136×640 px | 1334×750 px | 1334×750 px | 1334×750 px |
| Water and dust protection: | - | - | + | + |
| NFC chip: | Eat | Eat | Eat | Eat |
| Battery capacity: | 1624 mAh | 1715 mAh | 1960 mAh | 1821 mAh |
Unpacking and packaging
Despite the fact that the iPhone SE is very similar to the 5th generation iPhone, the packaging and equipment is still close to the 6s.
The smartphone box is decorated in soft colors. At the top there is an image of the phone, and on the side faces the company logo and device model are indicated.
- Lightning cord;
- Charging plug;
- Branded headset EarPods;
- SIM card clip;
- Inserts with a detailed description of the functionality and instructions for setting up the phone for the first time.
Overall, everything looks very neat and high quality, which matches the Apple style.
Assembly and design
The appearance of the iPhone SE corresponds to the concept of a classic iPhone - a 4-inch display and a fairly massive body.
This is the kind of smartphone, according to Steve Jobs, that is the ideal mobile device.
Also, the appearance, build quality and all the smallest details of the case are fully consistent with the iPhone 5S.
Today everyone is accustomed to the thinnest smartphones with large screens. Apple also prefers to adhere to the general trend in the development of mobile devices, so all new generations have standard models with a large screen.
The decision to release the iPhone SE is explained by the fact that Apple took into account the wishes of users who prefer to work with standard smartphones with good hardware and low cost.
Of course, for those who are used to using thin smartphones, the iPhone SE may at first seem too rough.
But after a while you can quickly get used to this shape, and you will realize that the phone fits very comfortably in your hand, and the display size is sufficient for everyday use.
IPhone SE is one of the most popular device models from Apple in 2016, 2017 and 2018.
This suggests that users still prefer compactness and classics.
Also, the iPhone SE has Several design differences from the classic iPhone 5S:
- More flowers. Now the smartphone is available not only in grey, gold and silver, but also in Rose Gold;
- Company logo. The now famous apple is made of glossy metal. The logo is inserted into the body as a completely independent component, so it gives the impression of a more accurate application. Let us remember that in previous generations of iPhones the apple was pressed into the material of the back cover;
- In addition to the standard inscription, the SE model identifier is also engraved on the device’s body, which makes it possible not to confuse the gadget with the 5S.
The front part of the smartphone is also made in the best Apple traditions.
The scanner is located in the lower area.
Note that the fifth version of the smartphone uses an older version of the scanner.
For unknown reasons, Apple developers have not reported which version of Touch ID is installed in the iPhone SE.
By simply testing both the 6 Plus (they use new versions of the scanner) and the iPhone SE, you can determine the quality of the function.
If you take all three smartphones and press the Touch ID key at the same time, the result will be controversial. It's immediately clear that the scanner is a little slower on the iPhone SE. It is highly likely that the SE has the same fingerprint scanner as the fifth generation device.
Overall, the appearance of the iPhone SE is a good example of a classic smartphone.
The quality of all parts is at the highest level. Although Apple managed to use not the latest hardware components, they work well and do not raise doubts among the user.
The presence of new body colors attracts attention to the device.
Screen
The screen of the iPhone SE is quite standard for an Apple smartphone:
- Diagonal – 4 inches;
- Resolution 1136x640 (IPS matrix);
- No 3D Touch support.
As you can see, the characteristics are quite modest.
Today, even most budget smartphones have a larger display diagonal and a resolution of at least 720p.
As for the screen material, it consists of a solid glass plate, which is firmly connected to the body.
The build quality is excellent - there are no creaks or crackles of the gadget at the junction of the display module and the back cover.
Also, the screen supports technology, so the number of scratches will be minimal.
In backlit mode, the smartphone has good viewing angles, and the display itself does not glare in the sun.
Performance
By tradition, we will test the performance of the smartphone using the well-known utility.
It shows the real operating parameters of the device and its performance in various modes.
The test result was pleasantly surprising. It turns out that the iPhone SE performs better than the 6s model.
Most likely, this figure was achieved thanks to a simpler OS and a powerful A9 processor.
The AnTu Tu Benchmark program itself identifies the phone in the model database as iPhone 5SE, codenamed iPhone 8.4
Memory
Immediately after the start of sales, the iPhone SE could be purchased in one of two configurations: for 16 GB or 64 GB.
Today Apple has revised its policy for working with built-in memory on all gadgets. The solution was to increase the existing storage capacities, so now new copies of the iPhone SE can only be bought in 32 GB and 128 GB.
Average cost of iPhone SE in Russia (as of 2018):
- iPhone SE 128 GB – 26 thousand rubles;
- iPhone SE 64 GB – 24 thousand rubles.
Also, in the Russian Federation you can still purchase 16 GB and 32 GB models. Their price is 19,000 and 23,000 rubles, respectively.
Battery
iPhone SE works with a battery with a capacity of 1624 mAh.
Quite a small figure when compared with modern smartphones with 4000 mAh or more.
Apple, as always, managed to make a device with a modest battery that holds a charge for quite a long time.
This is achieved through perfect compatibility of hardware components and functionality of the native operating system.
According to the manufacturer, the battery allows the smartphone to:
Please note that the above parameters do not mean that you will be able to use your gadget for that long. We regularly use our phone for more than just making calls or keeping it locked, so battery life depends on what you do on your iPhone SE.
Below is a short table that will help you understand how long the phone will last for you personally.
Select the activities you do most often and find out your average battery life:
The information indicated in the table is taken from the materials of the official presentation of the smartphone at the Apple conference. The actual parameters correspond to those stated by Apple.
By comparison, the iPhone 5s has a 1,560 mAh battery, so a Special Edition phone will definitely outlast its predecessor. In standard operating mode (listening to music, using the Internet, making several calls per day), the gadget will easily work all day without the need for recharging. Small size allows you to consume fewer resources.
Camera
The iPhone SE has a good camera. The declared 12 MP is quite enough for shooting high-quality videos in Full HD.
Also, you will be provided with excellent pictures, regardless of the lighting and weather outside.
For Apple, 12 MP is an excellent indicator.
If other phones with the same main camera performance cannot always produce high-quality images, this is not a problem.
The company's engineers are excellent at combining hardware and software components, so the camera in the iPhone SE largely depends on the iOS firmware.
The standard camera program supports all the necessary functions– flash control, adjusting sharpness, color range, coldness or warmth of shades.
Examples of photos from the iPhone SE camera:
As you can see, the detail of objects is good, there is no blur or out of focus areas.
Even if you photograph objects on the go, the gadget produces the final photo without blurring the elements.
Lighting and white balance settings can be easily set in the Camera program window with just a few clicks.
We also note that the camera itself starts up very quickly, which allows you not to lose sight of an important moment and capture it in the form of a photo. Fast work is possible thanks to a high-quality processor and a fairly simple copy that “does not weigh you down.”
Any announcement from Apple causes a storm of discussion, from very positive to sharply negative. And the release of the iPhone SE completely caused a resonance on the Internet: someone predicted huge sales for it and rejoiced at the appearance of an updated compact smartphone, while others, on the contrary, were perplexed as to how they dared to release such an old model with a new filling and who could it even be for? needed? The truth traditionally lies between two extremes, and now we move directly to the review itself.
Characteristics
| Specifications | |
| Class | Average |
| Form factor | Monoblock |
| Housing materials | Aluminum |
| operating system | iOS 9.x |
| Net | 2G/3G/LTE (800/1800/2600), nanoSIM |
| Platform | Apple A9 |
| CPU | Dual core, 1.84 GHz |
| Video accelerator | PowerVR GT7600 |
| Inner memory | 16/64 GB |
| RAM | 2 GB |
| Memory card slot | No |
| WiFi | Yes, a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Bluetooth | Yes, 4.2 LE, A2DP |
| NFC | Yes, only for Apple Pay |
| Screen diagonal | 4 inches |
| Screen resolution | 1136x640 pixels |
| Matrix type | IPS |
| Protective covering | Glass |
| Oleophobic coating | Eat |
| Main camera | 12 MP, f/2.2, phase detection autofocus, dual LED flash, 4k video recording, slow-mo |
| Front-camera | 1.2 MP, f/2.4 |
| Navigation | GPS, A-GPS, Glonass |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, light sensor, proximity sensor |
| Battery | Non-removable, Li-Pol, 1624 mAh |
| Dimensions | 123.8 x 58.5 x 7.6 mm |
| Weight | 113 grams |
| Price | From 38,000 rubles |
Equipment
- Smartphone
- Charger
- PC cable (also part of the charger)
- Wired headset
- Clip
- Documentation
The smartphone comes in a traditional Apple compact box, the equipment is standard, only the headset has changed over the years. Separately, I would like to note that unpacking Apple equipment is always an aesthetic pleasure: everything is neatly folded, there are no stupid blisters, each part of the kit is easily removed and is immediately ready for use.
Appearance, materials, control elements, assembly
The design of the iPhone SE has remained virtually unchanged compared to the 5s, except for the addition of an additional pink color. This is exactly what I had on the test. No matter what anyone says, Apple has no problems with the design of its smartphones, so all of their devices starting with the iPhone 4 look really cool.
Pleasantly cooling aluminum, glass inserts on the sides, glass on the front side, neat power and volume buttons. The 5 had an excellent design, and I don’t think it’s a downside to keep it for the SE version. Remember how many years Apple has been using the good appearance of its MacBooks.
Let's briefly go through the control elements, fortunately they have not changed compared to the original five.
Front side. The upper part is the earpiece mesh, front camera, light and proximity sensors
Below the screen is a fingerprint scanner
Left end. Volume buttons and mute switch
Top end. Power button
Bottom end. Speaker, 3.5 mm headphone jack and Lightning connector
nanoSIM tray
Several important clarifications. It is not indicated anywhere exactly which generation of Touch ID is used in the iPhone SE, as far as I know, it works slower than in the 6s/6s Plus, but much faster than in my iPhone 6, this is such a paradox. The speaker has excellent sound quality and volume reserve; the smartphone can be used perfectly as a portable speaker. And the edges in the iPhone SE have become matte, they are more resistant to scratches; let me remind you that in the original “fives” this element was glossy. And a little fact about the assembly: I was the owner of an iPhone 5s, its power button was a little loose, unfortunately, the SE also inherited this problem.
Dimensions
The dimensions of the new iPhone SE are perhaps one of the most interesting parts to discuss. To be honest, I’m already unaccustomed to such compact smartphones; I don’t even remember when I tested something of similar size (probably it was the iPhone 5s). You can safely write about this smartphone that it is convenient to use with one hand, and it is also much lighter than most of the five-inch models we are used to.
Compared to iPhone 6
Screen
Let's start with the positives. The display has excellent viewing angles, brightness range and excellent behavior in the sun. I also really like how automatic brightness adjustment works, however, this is a virtue of all iPhones. Of course, there are better screens, but the capabilities of the iPhone SE display are enough for most users.
Among the shortcomings, I will note some yellowness of the screen. If you compare it directly with the iPhone 6, you can see that the SE is noticeably yellow, but if there is no example for comparison, then you will not even notice it.
Is it convenient to use a device with a 4-inch screen in 2016? On the one hand, Apple has done everything to improve the owner’s interaction with the display: icons are arranged as densely as possible, the scale of the application interface in comparison with Android is slightly reduced to accommodate more information, etc. And with SE you can easily type text with one hand.
But we still couldn’t avoid the shortcomings with its size; they are especially noticeable when reading articles through a browser (without a separate mode, sites can only be read in horizontal orientation) and when typing. One of the reasons I didn’t like the iPhone 5s was that the display width was too small; when typing with two hands (and I prefer it this way), your thumbs almost become intertwined in a tight knot.
operating system
The device runs iOS 9.3 and is regularly updated to the latest software versions. You can find a detailed review of iOS 9 at the link below.
I would like to note that recently iOS works worse on devices older than a year (take my iPhone 6, for example), but on the new iPhone SE there were no problems with speed and stability.
Performance
And although the iPhone SE looks like a complete copy of the 5s, inside it has the same chipset as the latest iPhone 6s, and the same 2 GB of RAM. And this, of course, has a significant impact on performance. In addition to the fact that the SE works much faster than the 5s in the interface, it copes much better with any, even the most productive games. However, when working with the latter, the SE gets pretty hot, so you won’t be able to play for a long time, however, the small display is not conducive to this.
Autonomous operation
One of my first iPhones was the same iPhone 5s, whose successor is the SE. There were exactly two things that irritated me about it: the small screen, which caused me to periodically miss the letters and write with typos, and the short battery life, which caused the smartphone to run out of charge by the middle of the day.
In the case of the SE, I was pleasantly surprised by its operating time; in my opinion, it lasts even longer than the iPhone 6, the difference is 10%. You can safely count on three hours of screen activity at maximum brightness with a mobile connection and synchronization enabled.
Camera
From the iPhone 6s, the smartphone inherited not only performance, but also the same camera, which, I can’t help but notice, does not protrude from the body! The quality of the images is comparable to the same 6s, this is a very good level, although inferior to the top-end Galaxy S7 or LG G4, but for most users the camera’s capabilities are enough for the eyes. iPhone cameras have another nice feature - their simplicity. You don't have to try hard to get a good shot, you just point the camera, hit "shoot" and you're done. But the front camera remains 1.2 MP, which for some will be a disadvantage. But it supports Retina Flash, when the screen acts as a flash. Below are examples of photos and videos taken on the iPhone SE and the same shots taken on a regular iPhone 6 for comparison.
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Wireless interfaces
The interfaces in the smartphone are a complete gentleman's set; all new Wi-Fi standards and most LTE bands are supported, so even when roaming you can use fast Internet.
Conclusion
There are no complaints about the quality of speech transmission, you and your interlocutor can hear each other perfectly, there is no interference if the network is stable.
At retail, the iPhone SE 16 GB costs 38,000 rubles, the 64 GB version will cost you 48,000 rubles. For this money you get an external copy of the iPhone 5s, but with the internals of the iPhone 6s. In fact, this is the very option that some users, including a number of our commentators, dream about. If you are also one of them, then I can safely recommend you to buy an iPhone SE.
I remember very well how inconvenient it was for me to use the iPhone 5s due to the small diagonal of the screen, however, I was surprised to find that I got used to the SE much faster. Honestly, I didn’t experience any particular discomfort when using this small smartphone. But after returning to the iPhone 6, I realized that I had no particular desire to use a device with a four-inch display in 2016, everything was too small, and I had never typed text with one hand.
And now a question for you, dear readers: would you buy an iPhone SE? And to be more honest, I’ll clarify: what if a similar device on Android came out, for example, a four-inch Galaxy S7 Mini with the filling of a full-fledged flagship, or a small compact Nexus/Xiaomi/Meizu?
Information about the make, model, and alternative names of the specific device, if available.
Design
Information about the dimensions and weight of the device, presented in different units of measurement. Materials used, colors offered, certificates.
| Width Width information - refers to the horizontal side of the device in its standard orientation during use. | 58.6 mm (millimeters) 5.86 cm (centimeters) 0.19 ft (feet) 2.31 in (inches) |
| Height Height information - refers to the vertical side of the device in its standard orientation during use. | 123.8 mm (millimeters) 12.38 cm (centimeters) 0.41 ft (feet) 4.87 in (inches) |
| Thickness Information about the thickness of the device in different units of measurement. | 7.6 mm (millimeters) 0.76 cm (centimeters) 0.02 ft (feet) 0.3 in (inches) |
| Weight Information about the weight of the device in different units of measurement. | 113 g (grams) 0.25 lbs 3.99 oz (ounces) |
| Volume The approximate volume of the device, calculated based on the dimensions provided by the manufacturer. Refers to devices with the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. | 55.14 cm³ (cubic centimeters) 3.35 in³ (cubic inches) |
| Colors Information about the colors in which this device is offered for sale. | Grey Silver Golden Pink gold |
| Materials for making the case Materials used to make the device body. | Aluminium alloy |
SIM card
The SIM card is used in mobile devices to store data that certifies the authenticity of mobile service subscribers.
Mobile networks
A mobile network is a radio system that allows multiple mobile devices to communicate with each other.
| GSM GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) is designed to replace the analogue mobile network (1G). For this reason, GSM is often called a 2G mobile network. It is improved by the addition of GPRS (General Packet Radio Services), and later EDGE (Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution) technologies. | GSM 850 MHz GSM 900 MHz GSM 1800 MHz GSM 1900 MHz |
| CDMA CDMA (Code-Division Multiple Access) is a channel access method used in communications in mobile networks. Compared to other 2G and 2.5G standards like GSM and TDMA, it provides higher data transfer speeds and the ability to connect more consumers at the same time. | CDMA 800 MHz CDMA 1700/2100 MHz CDMA 1900 MHz |
| CDMA2000 CDMA2000 is a group of 3G mobile network standards based on CDMA. Their advantages include a more powerful signal, fewer interruptions and network breaks, support for an analog signal, wide spectral coverage, etc. | 1xEV-DO Rev. A |
| TD-SCDMA TD-SCDMA (Time Division Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access) is a 3G mobile network standard. It is also called UTRA/UMTS-TDD LCR. It was developed as an alternative to the W-CDMA standard in China by the Chinese Academy of Telecommunications Technology, Datang Telecom and Siemens. TD-SCDMA combines TDMA and CDMA. | TD-SCDMA 1900 MHz (A1723) TD-SCDMA 2000 MHz (A1723) |
| UMTS UMTS is an abbreviation for Universal Mobile Telecommunications System. It is based on the GSM standard and belongs to 3G mobile networks. Developed by 3GPP and its biggest advantage is providing greater speed and spectral efficiency thanks to W-CDMA technology. | UMTS 850 MHz UMTS 900 MHz UMTS 1700/2100 MHz UMTS 1900 MHz UMTS 2100 MHz |
| LTE LTE (Long Term Evolution) is defined as a fourth generation (4G) technology. It is developed by 3GPP based on GSM/EDGE and UMTS/HSPA to increase the capacity and speed of wireless mobile networks. The subsequent technology development is called LTE Advanced. | LTE 700 MHz Class 17 LTE 800 MHz LTE 850 MHz LTE 900 MHz LTE 1800 MHz LTE 1900 MHz LTE 2100 MHz LTE 700 MHz Class 13 (A1662) LTE 2600 MHz (A1723) LTE-TDD 1900 MHz (B39) (A1723) LTE-TDD 2300 MHz (B40) (A1723) LTE-TDD 2500 MHz (B41) (A1723) LTE-TDD 2600 MHz (B38) (A1723) LTE AWS (B4) LTE 700 MHz (B12) LTE 800 MHz (B18) LTE 800 MHz (B19) LTE 800 MHz (B20) LTE 1900+ MHz (B25) LTE 800 MHz (B26) LTE 800 MHz SMR (B27) LTE 700 MHz APT (B28) (A1723) LTE 700 MHz de (B29) (A1662) LTE 2300 MHz (B30) |
Mobile communication technologies and data transfer speeds
Communication between devices on mobile networks is carried out using technologies that provide different data transfer rates.
Operating system
An operating system is a system software that manages and coordinates the operation of hardware components in a device.
SoC (System on Chip)
A system on a chip (SoC) includes all the most important hardware components of a mobile device on one chip.
| SoC (System on Chip) A system on a chip (SoC) integrates various hardware components, such as a processor, graphics processor, memory, peripherals, interfaces, etc., as well as the software necessary for their operation. | Apple A9 APL0898 |
| Technological process Information about the technological process by which the chip is manufactured. Nanometers measure half the distance between elements in the processor. | 14 nm (nanometers) |
| Processor (CPU) The primary function of a mobile device's processor (CPU) is to interpret and execute instructions contained in software applications. | Apple Twister |
| Processor size The size (in bits) of a processor is determined by the size (in bits) of the registers, address buses, and data buses. 64-bit processors have higher performance compared to 32-bit processors, which in turn are more powerful than 16-bit processors. | 64 bit |
| Instruction Set Architecture Instructions are commands with which the software sets/controls the operation of the processor. Information about the instruction set (ISA) that the processor can execute. | ARMv8-A |
| Level 1 cache (L1) Cache memory is used by the processor to reduce access time to more frequently used data and instructions. L1 (level 1) cache is small in size and works much faster than both system memory and other cache levels. If the processor does not find the requested data in L1, it continues to look for it in the L2 cache. On some processors, this search is performed simultaneously in L1 and L2. | 64 kB + 64 kB (kilobytes) |
| Level 2 cache (L2) L2 (level 2) cache is slower than L1 cache, but in return it has a higher capacity, allowing it to cache more data. It, like L1, is much faster than system memory (RAM). If the processor does not find the requested data in L2, it continues to look for it in the L3 cache (if available) or in RAM memory. | 3072 kB (kilobytes) 3 MB (megabytes) |
| Level 3 cache (L3) L3 (level 3) cache is slower than L2 cache, but in return it has a higher capacity, allowing it to cache more data. It, like L2, is much faster than system memory (RAM). | 8192 kB (kilobytes) 8 MB (megabytes) |
| Number of processor cores The processor core executes software instructions. There are processors with one, two or more cores. Having more cores increases performance by allowing multiple instructions to be executed in parallel. | 2 |
| CPU clock speed The clock speed of a processor describes its speed in terms of cycles per second. It is measured in megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz (GHz). | 1840 MHz (megahertz) |
| Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) The Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) handles calculations for various 2D/3D graphics applications. In mobile devices, it is most often used by games, consumer interfaces, video applications, etc. | PowerVR GT7600 |
| Number of GPU cores Like a CPU, a GPU is made up of several working parts called cores. They handle graphics calculations for various applications. | 6 |
| Amount of random access memory (RAM) Random access memory (RAM) is used by the operating system and all installed applications. Data stored in RAM is lost after the device is turned off or restarted. | 2 GB (gigabytes) |
| Type of random access memory (RAM) Information about the type of random access memory (RAM) used by the device. | LPDDR4 |
| M9 motion coprocessor |
Built-in memory
Each mobile device has built-in (non-removable) memory with a fixed capacity.
Screen
The screen of a mobile device is characterized by its technology, resolution, pixel density, diagonal length, color depth, etc.
| Type/technology One of the main characteristics of the screen is the technology by which it is made and on which the quality of the information image directly depends. | IPS |
| Diagonal For mobile devices, screen size is expressed by the length of its diagonal, measured in inches. | 4 in (inches) 101.6 mm (millimeters) 10.16 cm (centimeters) |
| Width Approximate screen width | 1.96 in (inches) 49.87 mm (millimeters) 4.99 cm (centimeters) |
| Height Approximate screen height | 3.48 in (inches) 88.52 mm (millimeters) 8.85 cm (centimeters) |
| Aspect Ratio The ratio of the dimensions of the long side of the screen to its short side | 1.775:1 |
| Permission Screen resolution shows the number of pixels vertically and horizontally on the screen. Higher resolution means clearer image detail. | 640 x 1136 pixels |
| Pixel Density Information about the number of pixels per centimeter or inch of the screen. Higher density allows information to be displayed on the screen with clearer detail. | 326 ppi (pixels per inch) 128ppcm (pixels per centimeter) |
| Color depth Screen color depth reflects the total number of bits used for color components in one pixel. Information about the maximum number of colors that the screen can display. | 24 bit 16777216 flowers |
| Screen area Approximate percentage of screen area occupied by the screen on the front of the device. | 61.05% (percent) |
| Other characteristics Information about other screen features and characteristics. | Capacitive Multi-touch Scratch resistance |
| Retina HD display 800:1 contrast ratio 500 cd/m² Full sRGB standard Oleophobic (lipophobic) coating LED-backlit |
Sensors
Different sensors perform different quantitative measurements and convert physical indicators into signals that a mobile device can recognize.
Main camera
The main camera of a mobile device is usually located on the back of the body and is used for taking photos and videos.
| Sensor model | Sony IMX315 Exmor RS |
| Sensor type | |
| Sensor size Information about the dimensions of the photosensor used in the device. Typically, cameras with larger sensors and lower pixel densities offer higher image quality despite the lower resolution. | 4.8 x 3.6 mm (millimeters) 0.24 in (inches) |
| Pixel size The smaller pixel size of the photosensor allows more pixels per unit area, thereby increasing resolution. On the other hand, a smaller pixel size can have a negative impact on image quality at high ISO levels. | 1.19 µm (micrometers) 0.00119 mm (millimeters) |
| Crop factor The crop factor is the ratio between the dimensions of the full-frame sensor (36 x 24 mm, equivalent to a frame of standard 35 mm film) and the dimensions of the device's photosensor. The indicated number represents the ratio of the diagonals of the full-frame sensor (43.3 mm) and the photosensor of a particular device. | 7.21 |
| Diaphragm | f/2.2 |
| Focal length Focal length is the distance in millimeters from the photosensor to the optical center of the lens. The equivalent focal length is also indicated, providing the same field of view with a full frame camera. | 4.02 mm (millimeters) 29 mm (millimeters) *(35 mm / full frame) |
| Flash type The most common types of flashes in mobile device cameras are LED and xenon flashes. LED flashes produce softer light and, unlike brighter xenon flashes, are also used for video shooting. | Double LED |
| Image Resolution One of the main characteristics of mobile device cameras is their resolution, which shows the number of horizontal and vertical pixels in the image. | 4032 x 3024 pixels 12.19 MP (megapixels) |
| Video resolution Information about the maximum supported resolution when shooting video with the device. | 3840 x 2160 pixels 8.29 MP (megapixels) |
Information about the maximum number of frames per second (fps) supported by the device when shooting video at the maximum resolution. Some of the main standard video shooting and playback speeds are 24p, 25p, 30p, 60p. | 30fps (frames per second) |
| Characteristics Information about other software and hardware features related to the main camera and improving its functionality. | Autofocus Continuous shooting Digital zoom Digital image stabilization Geographical tags Panoramic photography HDR shooting Touch Focus Face recognition Exposure compensation Self-timer |
| Sensor type - RGBW 5-element lens Hybrid IR filter Sapphire crystal glass lens cover 1080p @ 60 fps 720p @ 240 fps |
Additional camera
Additional cameras are usually mounted above the device screen and are used mainly for video conversations, gesture recognition, etc.
| Sensor model Information about the manufacturer and model of the photo sensor used in the device's camera. | OmniVision OV2E0BNN |
| Sensor type Digital cameras use photo sensors to take photographs. The sensor, as well as optics, are one of the main factors in the quality of the camera in a mobile device. | CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) |
| Diaphragm Aperture (f-number) is the size of the aperture opening that controls the amount of light reaching the photosensor. A lower f-number means the aperture opening is larger. | f/2.4 |
| Video resolution Information about the maximum supported resolution when shooting video with an additional camera. | 1280 x 720 pixels 0.92 MP (megapixels) |
| Video - frame rate/frames per second. Information about the maximum number of frames per second (fps) supported by the secondary camera when shooting video at the maximum resolution. | 30fps (frames per second) |
| 1.2 MP Retina flash HDR Face unlock Exposure compensation Self-timer |
Audio
Information about the type of speakers and audio technologies supported by the device.
Radio
The radio of the mobile device is a built-in FM receiver.
Location determination
Information about the navigation and location technologies supported by your device.
WiFi
Wi-Fi is a technology that provides wireless communication for transmitting data over close distances between various devices.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a standard for secure wireless data transfer between various devices of different types over short distances.
USB
USB (Universal Serial Bus) is an industry standard that allows different electronic devices to exchange data.
Headphone jack
This is an audio connector, also called an audio jack. The most widely used standard in mobile devices is the 3.5mm headphone jack.
Connecting devices
Information about other important connection technologies supported by your device.
Browser
A web browser is a software application for accessing and viewing information on the Internet.
Video file formats/codecs
Mobile devices support different video file formats and codecs, which respectively store and encode/decode digital video data.
Battery
Mobile device batteries differ from each other in their capacity and technology. They provide the electrical charge necessary for their functioning.
| Capacity A battery's capacity indicates the maximum charge it can hold, measured in milliamp-hours. | 1642 mAh (milliamp-hours) |
| Type The type of battery is determined by its structure and, more precisely, the chemicals used. There are different types of batteries, with lithium-ion and lithium-ion polymer batteries being the most commonly used batteries in mobile devices. | Li-polymer |
| 3G talk time 3G talk time is the period of time during which the battery charge is completely discharged during a continuous conversation on a 3G network. | 14 h (hours) 840 min (minutes) 0.6 days |
| 3G latency 3G standby time is the period of time during which the battery charge is completely discharged when the device is in stand-by mode and connected to a 3G network. | 240 h (hours) 14400 min (minutes) 10 days |
| Characteristics Information about some additional characteristics of the device's battery. | Fixed |
Specific Absorption Rate (SAR)
The SAR level refers to the amount of electromagnetic radiation absorbed by the human body while using a mobile device.
| Head SAR level (EU) The SAR level indicates the maximum amount of electromagnetic radiation that the human body is exposed to when holding a mobile device close to the ear in a conversation position. In Europe, the maximum permissible SAR value for mobile devices is limited to 2 W/kg per 10 grams of human tissue. This standard has been established by CENELEC in accordance with IEC standards, subject to the guidelines of ICNIRP 1998. | 0.97 W/kg (Watt per kilogram) |
| Body SAR level (EU) The SAR level indicates the maximum amount of electromagnetic radiation to which the human body is exposed when holding a mobile device at hip level. The maximum permissible SAR value for mobile devices in Europe is 2 W/kg per 10 grams of human tissue. This standard has been established by the CENELEC Committee in compliance with the ICNIRP 1998 guidelines and IEC standards. | 0.99 W/kg (Watt per kilogram) |
| Head SAR level (US) The SAR level indicates the maximum amount of electromagnetic radiation that the human body is exposed to when holding a mobile device near the ear. The maximum value used in the USA is 1.6 W/kg per 1 gram of human tissue. Mobile devices in the US are regulated by the CTIA, and the FCC conducts tests and sets their SAR values. | 1.17 W/kg (Watt per kilogram) |
| Body SAR level (US) The SAR level indicates the maximum amount of electromagnetic radiation to which the human body is exposed when holding a mobile device at hip level. The highest permissible SAR value in the USA is 1.6 W/kg per 1 gram of human tissue. This value is set by the FCC, and the CTIA monitors mobile devices' compliance with this standard. | 1.19 W/kg (Watt per kilogram) |
additional characteristics
Some devices have characteristics that do not fall into the above categories, but it is important to point them out.
| additional characteristics Information about other device characteristics. | A1662 - SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) EU: head - 0.970 W/kg; body - 0.990 W/kg A1662 - SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) US: head - 1.170 W/kg; body - 1.190 W/kg A1723 - SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) EU: head - 0.720 W/kg; body - 0.970 W/kg A1723 - SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) US: head - 1.170 W/kg; body - 1.170 W/kg A1724 - SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) EU: head - 0.720 W/kg; body - 0.970 W/kg A1724 - SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) US: head - 1.170 W/kg; body - 1.170 W/kg |
