We've collected all the differences here.
Apple sold 30 million 4-inch smartphones last year. Statistics prove that many users simply do not want devices with large displays. The reasons are varied - there is no need for a large screen, due to anatomical features (girls are uncomfortable using “shovels”), due to the high prices for such devices.
The iPhone SE, introduced in March, is a real holiday for this category of users. Apple continues to think about its customers first. For those who think that the new product is still the same iPhone 5s, here is a list of differences between the company’s two smartphones. They are different, and here's why.
Let’s make a reservation right away that we will tell you not only about the obvious differences, but also about those that you won’t immediately notice.
CPU
iPhone SE runs on the latest proprietary A9 chip, which is installed, among other things, in the company's flagship iPhone 6S. In the GeekBench 3 test, the new product scored 4421 points (multi-core score). By comparison, the iPhone 5S, which has an A7 processor, boasts a modest 2,555 points.
What's the use? The speed and bright future of the iPhone SE user for the next couple of years. The system will not slow down, rest assured.
Display
All iPhones under review have IPS displays with LED backlighting, multi-touch and oleophobic coating. But the glass turned out to be different: the SE and 5s have Corning Gorilla Glass, and the iPhone 6s has ion-strengthened glass.
The diagonals also differ: SE and 5s received a resolution of 640 x 1136 pixels at 326 ppi and four inches diagonally, and 6s - 750 x 1334 pixels at the same 326 ppi and 4.7 inches diagonally.
Matte edges of the case
After using the company's sleek, large smartphones, out of habit, the angular body of the SE can cause some discomfort and it seems that there is no difference at all with the iPhone 5S.
But Apple's press release notes that the iPhone SE has improved rounded matte edges.
What's the use? We hope that it will be more difficult to make a dent or simply scratch the edge on the new product than on the iPhone 5S.
LTE (4G)
iPhone SE offers 50% faster Internet access (if technically possible) - up to 150 Mbps versus 100 Mbps for iPhone 5s. Unfortunately, these capabilities of the iPhone SE cannot be called an advantage in Russian realities.
By the way, it’s worth paying attention: according to official data, the SE is offered in two models, the first of which, A1662, does not support the 7th LTE band, popular in Russia. The version with number A1723 does not have such problems.
Twice the RAM
Apple never mentions the amount of RAM in its presentations. But you and I already know that the new product has the “flagship” 2 gigabytes of RAM installed. Let me remind you that the iPhone 5s has 1 gigabyte less. Agree, this is not enough for a modern device.
What's the use? Speed of work. Now you can easily open a dozen pages in Safari, minimize the browser and not worry that the pages will be reloaded repeatedly, wasting traffic and your time spent waiting.
Comparison of iPhone 5s and SE. Which to choose
The range of iOS devices includes the iPhone SE, a compact smartphone with impressive specifications and a great camera.
Externally, the iPhone SE is very similar to the 2013 model, iPhone 5s. However, internally they have significant differences.
External differences
iPhone SE comes in four color options: Space Gray, Silver, Gold and Rose Gold. There is no iPhone 5s in rose gold.
iPhone SE has improved matte edges. Therefore, even with careless use, iPhone SE is less susceptible to minor scratches.
The iPhone SE features a brushed metal Apple logo and an “SE” branding on the bottom back of the phone.
Internal differences
Battery
Thanks to the updated hardware and larger battery (1624 mAh versus 1560 mAh for the iPhone 5s), the battery life of the iPhone SE allows you to use the smartphone 2-3 hours longer than the 5s.
iPhone SE can withstand 13 hours of active use on 4G LTE networks, Wi-Fi or watching videos and up to 50 hours of non-stop music playback. For comparison, the iPhone 5s could last up to 10 hours of talk time, 10 hours of video playback, or 40 hours of music playback.
RAM
The iPhone SE has 2 GB of RAM, while the iPhone 5s has 1 GB less.
Therefore, the performance of the iPhone SE is much higher - now you can open a dozen pages in Safari, minimize the browser, launch a resource-intensive game or other application, then open the browser again and not worry about pages reloading repeatedly, wasting bandwidth and time.
CPU
Inside the iPhone SE is installed the latest proprietary A9 chip, similar to that in the iPhone 6s.
The SE scores 4,421 points in performance tests. For comparison, the iPhone 5s, which has an A7 processor, scores 2555 points.
The A9 processor guarantees the high speed of the iPhone SE. Even when running resource-intensive applications and games, the system will not slow down.
M9 coprocessor
In addition to the main A9 processor, the iPhone SE has an M9 coprocessor, which directly interacts with the compass, gyroscope and accelerometer.
Therefore, the smartphone more accurately collects and analyzes statistics on physical activity, and also allows you to use the “Hey Siri” function, even if the iPhone SE is not connected to the network.
iPhone SE also supports the Raise to Wake feature in iOS 10, when in order to see notifications on the locked screen, you just need to lift the smartphone off the table.
Camera
The iPhone SE has one of the best cameras in smartphones, with a resolution of 12 megapixels.
When taking photographs with the front camera, the new Retina Flash feature for selfies is activated: the screen brightness increases several times compared to normal. At the beginning of the process, the screen lights up in cool white, after which it changes its hue to warm amber.
The result is a photograph with realistic color reproduction and natural skin tone.
The video recording function also pleasantly surprises with its quality: unlike the iPhone 5s, where the video recording resolution is 1920x1080 pixels and slow-motion shooting is possible at 120 fps, the iPhone SE records video with a resolution of 4K (3840x2160 pixels) at a frequency of 30 fps and slow motion at 240 fps.
While the iPhone 5s took good pictures with its 8 megapixel camera, the iPhone SE takes pictures just fine.
Live Photos
Like iPhone 6s and later, iPhone SE supports Live Photos when taking photos.
If you press your finger on a photo taken on the iPhone SE, the picture will literally “come to life.” You will see a few seconds before the snapshot is taken and a few seconds after.
This feature in iPhone SE enhances your photography experience and lets you relive unforgettable moments of nostalgia as your photos come to life under your fingers. iPhone 5s does not have this feature.
Conclusion
iPhone SE will appeal to those who want a modern smartphone, but in a compact body.
And although the iPhone SE and iPhone 5s are similar in appearance, the SE model has many undeniable advantages that will give you the joy of using Apple products.
Read more: How to set up Apple Music correctly
Advanced 12 megapixel camera
Let me just say, this is the best camera that has ever been installed in Apple smartphones, and therefore one of the best cameras in smartphones in general. I will highlight Focus Pixel technology for fast focusing and improved face detection, which will allow you to get detailed photos in any situation.
What's the use? The iPhone 5s took good pictures (it has an 8-megapixel camera), the iPhone SE takes excellent pictures.
Sound
Unlike modern smartphones, all compared models have a 3.5 mm wired headphone jack, a protected AAC codec (from 8 to 320 Kbps) for files from iTunes, VBR, HE-AAC, MP3, Audible Enhanced Audio, AAX and AAX+ (formats 2, 3, 4), Apple Lossless, AIFF and WAV.
Additionally, the SE and 5s models have support for Dolby Digital Plus (E‑AC‑3) and Dolby Digital (AC‑3).
Cool 4K Video and 240 frames per second Slo-Mo
Let me remind you that in the iPhone 5s the video resolution is 1920 x 1080 pixels, and slow motion is possible at 120 fps. The new product records video in cool 4K (3840x2160 pixels) at a frequency of 30 frames/s and slow-mo at 240 frames/s.
What's the use? For ordinary users, I think, none. For video enthusiasts, it may be useful to obtain the filmed video in an advanced format.
Screen Interface
As usual, all applications are located on the desktop, you can group them into folders. There is the familiar docking station that can accept up to four shortcuts. System icons, color scheme and transparency - everything looks the same as in iOS 8. Photos of the iPhone 5 SE, reviews of which are discussed in this article, allow you to verify the above.
The lock screen hasn't changed either - it has a camera shortcut and shows all your notifications.
The Control Center, which extends from the bottom of the screen, retains the same layout of switches, shortcuts, and media controls. The Notification Center launches from the top and has the same tabs as before - Today and Notifications. There are no new widgets or notification options in this version.
Live Photos
Just like the company's flagship, the iPhone SE supports Live Photos.
Due to the lack of 3D Touch, photos “come to life” with a long press on the photo. In this case, you can not only view, but also take such photographs.
What's the use? Animated photos can be a pleasant bonus for all those who love nostalgia.
Apple iOS 9.3
The iPhone 5 SE, which has had mixed reviews, runs on pre-installed iOS 9.3, although a firmware update to 9.3.1 is already available. The new phone doesn't have 3D Touch hardware, so some core features are missing from the OS. However, this functionality is still nothing more than a gimmick, without any real value to the user. Reviews about the characteristics of the iPhone 5 SE do not indicate this circumstance as a drawback.
Apple's iOS 9.3 introduced a new night view mode and an expanded notes app, while iOS 9 only introduced a new news app and support for public transit timetables using maps. Mail and messages have received an update, and a new system font has appeared. The Siri assistant has become more expandable, and the Spotlight Search service has expanded its range.
Voice assistant
Siri has also been improved. In addition to all the cool stuff a smart assistant could do, it can now view your photos and videos based on dates, locations, and album names. It supports custom reminders from requests you've made in Safari, Mail, Notes and Messages, and has also gained support for navigating public transport.
iOS 9 offers new active assistance available system-wide, which is more or less dependent on Apple's Google Now. DND mode has been available on iOS for a long time, but now there is a new feature provided by iOS 9.3 called Night Shift. It changes the display temperature at night to reduce eye strain. Reviews of the iPhone 5 SE note this as a positive feature of the device.
New task manager
Search in Spotlight was improved back in iOS 9. You can bring it up by scrolling down from anywhere on the desktop or go to the far left window. According to reviews of the iPhone 5 SE 32 GB, this service has been updated even further, and can now perform simple calculations and conversions. It also supports sports score search and weather forecast information. Finally, you get shortcuts to make a call or send a message to any of the contact results in Spotlight search.
