Today is the day when the iPhone SE arrives in the Indian market. Yes, it’s here! We have already reviewed the specs and functionality of the new iPhone. Now, it’s time to answer the question on everyone’s mind – “Is iPhone SE a better option than the older models?”
Well guys, let the competition begin.
The iPhone SE vs the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus
When we covered the launch of iPhone SE, we’d made it clear this model was not meant to be a budget phone. It’s a fully loaded, state-of-the-art smartphone, albeit with a smaller screen. Allow us to elaborate.
Let’s start with the Processor.
In terms of processing power, SE is definitely as good as the best in class, the 6s Plus.
Fitted with 2GB of RAM each, both iPhone 6s and SE have equal memory.
The same is true for the camera.
The 12‑megapixel iSight camera with 1.22µ pixels and ƒ/2.2 aperture is exactly the same on both the phones. And because they’re both powered by the same processor, there’s no difference whatsoever in the picture/video quality under normal circumstances.
The SE, however, lacks “optical image stabilization” available on the Plus models of iPhone 6 and 6s. So, if you have shaky hands, you are going to end up with blurry photos. But hey, that’s more on you than on the camera!
The front facing camera on the SE is a bit of a disappointment. While the 6s Plus boasts of a beautiful 5 MP selfie camera, the SE comes with a measly 1.2 MP one. All you selfie fans out there are sure to feel let down! On the bright side, the SE does have retina flash, so your selfies will be captured in all their brilliance.
Let’s talk about battery life.
While there’ve been lab tests where the SE has out-lasted its giant cousin, real life is a bit different. By Apple’s own estimation, the battery performance on SE will be a bit on the lower side.
However, we need to understand that these estimates are based on using the phones for the same task equally. Again in real life, that may not be the case.
Most people who want a 4-inch phone are not likely to spend hours gaming or watching movies on it. They’re going to use it to do a lot of calling. So overall, an SE user might face little or no crunch of juice in the battery pack.
And, of course, the price!
Yeah, that’s a big deal, isn’t it. And it’s in this category that the things get tricky. As per official prices, SE is the cheapest iPhone in India by a whopping 12k! …
… but the real world scenario is very different.
On Amazon, Apple iPhone 6 (Space Grey, 16GB) is available for Rs. 38,000. Similarly, you can buy the Apple iPhone 6s (Space Grey, 16GB) for Rs. 43,450. So, effectively iPhone SE is more expensive than iPhone S and just Rs. 4,500 cheaper than iPhone 6s.
Should you buy the iPhone SE?
We stand by what we said the last time – for the specs it offers, the SE is well priced. If you don’t mind the small screen form factor, you might consider it. If you prefer a phone with a small screen, the SE is definitely for you.
You have to understand that although it’s been launched after the 6 and 6s, it is not a direct upgrade to these handsets! The SE is meant for people who’ve been using 5 and 5s. It gives them the comfort of a familiar shape with (most of) the goodness of the 6s Plus!
It is also aimed at new entrants to the Apple ecosystem: people who’d want to try out the iPhone for the first time in their lives. They will buy the SE to get a feel of iPhone, get hooked to the ecosystem, and then buy the iPhone 7 the moment it comes out. At least, that’s what Apple hopes will happen.
So, here’s our final verdict:
The SE might not be better looking or better performing than the 6 or 6s, but it is most certainly a huge step up from the 5 and 5s. It’s a worthy purchase (especially if you prefer small screen sizes) and will become the most value for money option once the price falls in a couple of months.
Bonus!
Before we end the post, we want to share this iPhone SE, 6s, and 6s Plus stress test video.
Disclaimer: The following video has been rated “I” for Insane. It contains acts of extreme violence on the iPhones that may cause serious mental trauma to the insanely fanatic.
Viewer discretion advised.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWRnDVcfA3g&w=560&h=315]
