The iPhone SE, released in March 2016, was designed as a compact, budget-friendly device that retained the smaller form factor of the iPhone 5S while incorporating upgraded internals from the iPhone 6S. This strategy allowed Apple to offer a high-performance device at a more accessible price point, making it popular among users who preferred smaller smartphones.
Specifications
- Display: 4.0-inch Retina Display, 640 x 1136 pixels (326 ppi)
- Dimensions: 123.8 x 58.6 x 7.6 mm (4.87 x 2.31 x 0.30 inches)
- Weight: 113 grams (3.99 ounces)
- Storage Options: 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB (no external storage)
- Processor: Dual-core Apple A9, 1.84 GHz
- RAM: 2 GB
- Operating System: iOS 9.3 (upgradable to iOS 15.7)
- Camera: 12 MP rear camera with True Tone flash, 4K video recording, 1.2 MP front camera
- Battery: 1624 mAh, non-removable, up to 14 hours talk time on 3G, 240 hours standby
- Connectivity: 4G LTE, 3G (HSDPA), Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n/ac), Bluetooth 4.2, GPS
- Sensors: Accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, compass, fingerprint sensor (Touch ID)
Design
The iPhone SE reused the familiar design of the iPhone 5S, featuring an aluminum body with chamfered edges and a glass front. It was available in Space Gray, Silver, Gold, and Rose Gold. The compact size made it ideal for users who preferred smaller phones or found larger models difficult to handle.
Performance with A9 Chip
The iPhone SE was powered by the same Apple A9 chip found in the iPhone 6S, along with 2 GB of RAM, providing flagship-level performance in a compact body. This made the iPhone SE up to twice as fast as the iPhone 5S in terms of CPU and GPU performance, enabling smooth multitasking, gaming, and app usage.
Camera Capabilities
The iPhone SE’s 12 MP rear camera with True Tone flash matched that of the iPhone 6S. It supported 4K video recording at 30 fps and introduced Live Photos, capturing moments before and after a photo was taken to create short, animated clips. The rear camera improvements allowed the SE to compete with the latest models in terms of photo quality.
The front-facing 1.2 MP FaceTime camera offered 720p HD video recording, which, while not a major upgrade, was still suitable for video calls and selfies.
Battery Life
The iPhone SE featured a 1624 mAh battery, which offered:
- Up to 14 hours of talk time on 3G
- Up to 10 days of standby time
- 13 hours of internet use on LTE or Wi-Fi
- 13 hours of video playback
- 50 hours of audio playback
Despite the compact size, the battery life was comparable to the larger iPhone 6S, thanks to efficient hardware and software optimizations.
Operating System and Software Features
The iPhone SE shipped with iOS 9.3, which included features like:
- Night Shift: Adjusting the display’s color temperature based on the time of day.
- Notes improvements: Password protection and sketching capabilities.
- Enhanced security: With updated Touch ID functionality.
The SE was upgradable to iOS 15.7, giving users continued access to new features and security updates well beyond its launch.
Connectivity and Touch ID
The iPhone SE supported 4G LTE for fast mobile internet, and included Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.2, and NFC for Apple Pay transactions. It also featured the first-generation Touch ID for secure authentication and app purchases.
Reception and Legacy
The iPhone SE was well-received for its compact design, powerful internals, and affordable price. It filled a gap in the market for users who wanted a smaller iPhone without compromising on performance. Critics praised its camera capabilities, processing power, and battery life, which were all on par with the more expensive iPhone 6S.
Conclusion
The iPhone SE (1st Generation) offered a perfect blend of the iPhone 5S’s compact design and the iPhone 6S’s powerful hardware. It became a popular choice for users who preferred smaller devices without sacrificing performance, camera quality, or battery life. With its enduring popularity, the iPhone SE proved that there was still a demand for compact, high-performance smartphones.