So, in short, the iPhone SE is the iPhone 6s in the iPhone 5s body. There are only two visible differences between the iPhone SE and the iPhone 5s. First, it says "iPhone SE" on the back instead of just "iPhone".

Left to right: iPhone SE, iPhone 5s

The second difference is that the bevels of the metal edging are not glossy, but matte. It is difficult to notice this, even with a direct comparison, nevertheless, it is a fact.

There are no other external differences - including with regard to the location of the camera and flash (recall, these elements were slightly different on the iPhone 5), speakers and in general all sizes.

And this is very good news. If you still have accessories for iPhone 5s - they are 100% suitable for iPhone SE. In our editorial office, for example, there was a special plastic case with a mount for external lenses - we had to throw it into a distant box with the release of the iPhone 6, but now we found it and installed it on the iPhone SE without any problems.

Note also that the iPhone SE is now available in rose gold, which only appeared in the iPhone lineup starting with the iPhone 6s/6s Plus.

From left to right: iPhone 5s, iPhone SE and iPhone 6s

As for our personal impressions, after a dozen minutes of working with the iPhone SE, the return to the dimensions of the iPhone 6s feels like an inconvenience. At the same time, the relatively small screen of the iPhone SE compared to the iPhone 6s does not cause such inconvenience (if we switched to it from the iPhone 6s Plus - of course, the difference would be huge)

iPhone SE in hand

iPhone 6s in hand

However, it should be noted that Apple could increase the screen of the iPhone SE without changing the dimensions of the device itself. The frames are quite thick - there is room to increase. A screen with a diagonal of 4.3-4.5 inches would fit perfectly.

Filling and performance

Inside the iPhone SE is a full-fledged iPhone 6s. Nearly. The differences are minimal - there is no 3D Touch (many, however, have already forgotten that 6s has it at all) and the screen resolution is lower - it corresponds to the iPhone 5/5s: 640x1136 pixels instead of 750x1334 pixels. Thus, the total number of pixels on the iPhone 6/6s screen is 1.4 times that of the iPhone 5/5s/SE.

At the same time, the hardware in the iPhone SE is exactly the same as in the iPhone 6s - a dual-core Apple A9 APL0898 processor with a nominal clock frequency of 1850 MHz, a PowerVR GT7600 video accelerator, and 2 GB of RAM.

Source: ZOOM.CNews

However, the benchmark results show that the iPhone SE is still a tiny fraction of the performance of the iPhone 6s, despite having a processor with fewer "worries" due to the reduced screen resolution.

Source: ZOOM.CNews

Such a difference may be due to the artificial limitation of the processor frequency. The iPhone 6s has a 1715 mAh battery, while the iPhone SE (according to iFixit) has a 1624 mAh battery, which is less. To ensure autonomy similar to the iPhone 6s (and the manufacturer claims that the autonomy of the SE is even higher), the difference in screen resolution and brightness may not be enough.

In any case, the artificial decrease in the frequency of the processor explains the heterogeneity of the results obtained on the iPhone SE in benchmarks. As a rule, we make several runs of the benchmark (up to 5 times) and choose the best results (it is possible to slow down the benchmark with third-party processes, but it is unlikely to speed it up). In the case of the iPhone SE, there was a big difference between the minimum and maximum results, which hints at the control of the processor frequency.

By the way, pay attention to the line "internal memory" in the table of specifications. The iPhone SE will only be available in 16GB or 64GB versions. There are only two options, there will be no others. Although, in a good way, it was possible to leave only one option - 64 GB. Indeed, 16 GB is very little these days, even if you don't watch movies or play games. Music is enough to fill half of this volume, and the second half will be useful for system needs, especially when a new iOS firmware is released.

Another hardware difference between the iPhone SE and the iPhone 6s is the front camera. If the rear cameras of these smartphones are identical (but in SE it does not protrude above the body because the body itself is thicker), then the SE inherited the front camera from 5s. This, however, does not mean that the quality of the selfie has become significantly lower, but we will cover this issue in more detail in the review.

What's left of the iPhone 6s

So, we figured out the stuffing: the processor, RAM and rear camera in the iPhone SE are identical to the iPhone 6s. There are also few differences in terms of software. No 3D Touch, but it's mostly a hardware feature - needs screen support. However, Live Photos were left here - i.e. You can also take animated photos on iPhone SE and view them.

But the facilitation of using with one hand (double tap on the "Home" button) was removed - this is not necessary here, because. You can easily reach the top row of icons with your thumb.

The iPhone SE comes with iOS 9.3 by default, and on the first day we got it for testing, the phone requested an update to iOS 9.3.1. The update fixes some bugs in version 9.3.

It should be noted that the system works on the iPhone SE with lightning speed, we did not notice any performance problems. That is, for those who began to notice lags on the iPhone 5s, it will be very convenient to upgrade to the iPhone SE.

General impression

With minor sacrifices like 3D Touch and a 5-megapixel selfie camera, Apple managed to squeeze the power of the iPhone 6s into the body of the iPhone 5s. Yes, the larger the screen, the easier it is to consume modern content. But for a large screen, there is an iPad, and you want to handle the phone with one hand and so that it does not interfere in your pocket. All the same, the phone will not fully replace the tablet, and the tablet will not replace the phone.

Well, for the upcoming review, we will test both autonomy and both cameras, and, in general, the operation and stability of the device. At the same time, we will reflect on how the Apple smartphone line will develop further, and whether we will see another SE in a year. It seems to us that it would be logical to remove the line of 4.7-inch iPhones and leave 4 inches and 5.5. The first option is for those who care about ergonomics (and who uses the iPad for content that requires a large screen) and the second option is for those who perceive a smartphone as a universal device that replaces, among other things, a tablet.

So, in short, the iPhone SE is the iPhone 6s in the iPhone 5s body. There are only two visible differences between the iPhone SE and the iPhone 5s. First, it says "iPhone SE" on the back instead of just "iPhone".

Left to right: iPhone SE, iPhone 5s

The second difference is that the bevels of the metal edging are not glossy, but matte. It is difficult to notice this, even with a direct comparison, nevertheless, it is a fact.

There are no other external differences - including with regard to the location of the camera and flash (recall, these elements were slightly different on the iPhone 5), speakers and in general all sizes.

And this is very good news. If you still have accessories for iPhone 5s - they are 100% suitable for iPhone SE. In our editorial office, for example, there was a special plastic case with a mount for external lenses - we had to throw it into a distant box with the release of the iPhone 6, but now we found it and installed it on the iPhone SE without any problems.

Note also that the iPhone SE is now available in rose gold, which only appeared in the iPhone lineup starting with the iPhone 6s/6s Plus.

From left to right: iPhone 5s, iPhone SE and iPhone 6s

As for our personal impressions, after a dozen minutes of working with the iPhone SE, the return to the dimensions of the iPhone 6s feels like an inconvenience. At the same time, the relatively small screen of the iPhone SE compared to the iPhone 6s does not cause such inconvenience (if we switched to it from the iPhone 6s Plus - of course, the difference would be huge)

iPhone SE in hand

iPhone 6s in hand

However, it should be noted that Apple could increase the screen of the iPhone SE without changing the dimensions of the device itself. The frames are quite thick - there is room to increase. A screen with a diagonal of 4.3-4.5 inches would fit perfectly.

Filling and performance

Inside the iPhone SE is a full-fledged iPhone 6s. Nearly. The differences are minimal - there is no 3D Touch (many, however, have already forgotten that 6s has it at all) and the screen resolution is lower - it corresponds to the iPhone 5/5s: 640x1136 pixels instead of 750x1334 pixels. Thus, the total number of pixels on the iPhone 6/6s screen is 1.4 times that of the iPhone 5/5s/SE.

At the same time, the hardware in the iPhone SE is exactly the same as in the iPhone 6s - a dual-core Apple A9 APL0898 processor with a nominal clock frequency of 1850 MHz, a PowerVR GT7600 video accelerator, and 2 GB of RAM.

Source: ZOOM.CNews

However, the benchmark results show that the iPhone SE is still a tiny fraction of the performance of the iPhone 6s, despite having a processor with fewer "worries" due to the reduced screen resolution.

Source: ZOOM.CNews

Such a difference may be due to the artificial limitation of the processor frequency. The iPhone 6s has a 1715 mAh battery, while the iPhone SE (according to iFixit) has a 1624 mAh battery, which is less. To ensure autonomy similar to the iPhone 6s (and the manufacturer claims that the autonomy of the SE is even higher), the difference in screen resolution and brightness may not be enough.

In any case, the artificial decrease in the frequency of the processor explains the heterogeneity of the results obtained on the iPhone SE in benchmarks. As a rule, we make several runs of the benchmark (up to 5 times) and choose the best results (it is possible to slow down the benchmark with third-party processes, but it is unlikely to speed it up). In the case of the iPhone SE, there was a big difference between the minimum and maximum results, which hints at the control of the processor frequency.

By the way, pay attention to the line "internal memory" in the table of specifications. The iPhone SE will only be available in 16GB or 64GB versions. There are only two options, there will be no others. Although, in a good way, it was possible to leave only one option - 64 GB. Indeed, 16 GB is very little these days, even if you don't watch movies or play games. Music is enough to fill half of this volume, and the second half will be useful for system needs, especially when a new iOS firmware is released.

Another hardware difference between the iPhone SE and the iPhone 6s is the front camera. If the rear cameras of these smartphones are identical (but in SE it does not protrude above the body because the body itself is thicker), then the SE inherited the front camera from 5s. This, however, does not mean that the quality of the selfie has become significantly lower, but we will cover this issue in more detail in the review.

What's left of the iPhone 6s

So, we figured out the stuffing: the processor, RAM and rear camera in the iPhone SE are identical to the iPhone 6s. There are also few differences in terms of software. No 3D Touch, but it's mostly a hardware feature - needs screen support. However, Live Photos were left here - i.e. You can also take animated photos on iPhone SE and view them.

But the facilitation of using with one hand (double tap on the "Home" button) was removed - this is not necessary here, because. You can easily reach the top row of icons with your thumb.

The iPhone SE comes with iOS 9.3 by default, and on the first day we got it for testing, the phone requested an update to iOS 9.3.1. The update fixes some bugs in version 9.3.

It should be noted that the system works on the iPhone SE with lightning speed, we did not notice any performance problems. That is, for those who began to notice lags on the iPhone 5s, it will be very convenient to upgrade to the iPhone SE.

General impression

With minor sacrifices like 3D Touch and a 5-megapixel selfie camera, Apple managed to squeeze the power of the iPhone 6s into the body of the iPhone 5s. Yes, the larger the screen, the easier it is to consume modern content. But for a large screen, there is an iPad, and you want to handle the phone with one hand and so that it does not interfere in your pocket. All the same, the phone will not fully replace the tablet, and the tablet will not replace the phone.

Well, for the upcoming review, we will test both autonomy and both cameras, and, in general, the operation and stability of the device. At the same time, we will reflect on how the Apple smartphone line will develop further, and whether we will see another SE in a year. It seems to us that it would be logical to remove the line of 4.7-inch iPhones and leave 4 inches and 5.5. The first option is for those who care about ergonomics (and who uses the iPad for content that requires a large screen) and the second option is for those who perceive a smartphone as a universal device that replaces, among other things, a tablet.

PRESS RELEASE 21 Mar 2016

Apple Introduces iPhone SE - The Most Powerful 4-Inch Phone

A9 processor, advanced 12MP iSight camera and Apple Pay

CUPERTINO, CA - March 21, 2016 - Apple today introduced the iPhone SE, the most powerful 4-inch phone yet. The user-favorite compact aluminum design is now enhanced with matte rounded edges and the same colored stainless steel Apple logo. And now it's available in four gorgeous colors, including rose gold. iPhone SE delivers superior specs: a blazing-fast 64-bit A9 processor similar to iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus, an even longer battery life, faster wireless, a 12-megapixel iSight camera with Live Photos and 4K video support, and a sensor Touch ID with Apple Pay support.

“The iPhone SE is an amazing new idea, taking an iconic design we love and completely redesigning the inside. The result is the world's most beautiful and powerful 4-inch phone, said Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of global marketing. - iPhone SE features a stunning 4" Retina display, advanced 64-bit A9 processor with M9 motion co-processor, even longer battery life, 12MP iSight camera with True Tone flash, Live Photos, 4K video support, faster technologies LTE and Wi-Fi and Touch ID with Apple Pay support. If you're looking for a small phone, you'll love the iPhone SE."

The most powerful phone with a 4-inch display
iPhone SE inherits the much-loved iPhone design, but in a completely redesigned form: customers can now enjoy a powerful, full-featured iPhone, whichever model they choose. The 64-bit A9 processor, first introduced in the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus, gives iPhone SE users twice the processing power and three times the graphics performance of the iPhone 5s. This made the battery last even longer. Apple's next-generation M9 motion co-processor is built right into the A9 chip. This allows you to run more features at the same time on lower power consumption, such as using "Hey Siri" without taking your iPhone out, while tracking workout metrics like steps and distance travelled. iPhone SE users can access and share content even faster with up to three times faster Wi-Fi and up to 50% faster LTE than iPhone 5s.* Plus, iPhone SE supports more LTE bands for wider worldwide roaming and calls over LTE and Wi-Fi for high-quality broadband communication.

Simple and easy to use interface, great features and security built into the core of the system, all this is iOS 9, which is at the heart of iPhone SE. It has built-in powerful apps like Messages, FaceTime, Photos, Music and Maps. In addition, iOS 9 enhances the intelligence of iPhone SE with features such as advanced assistance, powerful search, and improved Siri functionality. And the new Night Shift mode uses the iPhone SE's clock and location to automatically change display colors to warmer colors after dark, making it easier for users to fall asleep after using the device.

All of these innovations come together in a lightweight and compact phone that fits comfortably in your hand. Crafted from brushed aluminum with a smooth finish, it features sleek rounded edges, a new stainless steel Apple logo embedding in the same color, and a stunning 4-inch Retina display.

The most popular camera in the world
iPhone SE has an advanced 12-megapixel iSight camera. Focus Pixel technology for fast focusing, Apple's image signal processor, advanced noise reduction, 3rd generation local tone mapping, and improved face detection deliver sharper, more detailed photos that rival iPhone 6s. With Live Photos on iPhone SE, you can capture moments in motion and bring unforgettable moments back to life with sound. Live Photos are stunning 12-megapixel photos that, with a simple touch, reveal moments before and after the shot. Now the memories do not fade, but remain alive.

Other camera enhancements include:

• Ability to shoot HD-video with support for 4K and a resolution of 3840x2160 pixels. After recording a 4K video, you can edit it on your Mac, PC, or iPad, and with the latest version of iMovie on iPhone, you can even edit two 4K video streams at the same time right on iPhone SE.
• Momentarily turning on the display and making it 3x true tone with Retina Flash technology, you can capture vivid selfies in low light with the FaceTime HD camera.
• Features introduced on the iPhone 6s, including 63-megapixel panorama photos, video capture up to 60 fps at 1080p and up to 240 fps in slow motion, interval shooting with video stabilization, and cinematic video stabilization.

Prices and Availability

• The iPhone SE will be available in a metallic finish in space grey, silver, gold and rose gold. Models with memory 16 GB and 64 GB at a price of 37,990 rubles. will be sold on the site.
• Customers in Australia, UK, Germany, Hong Kong, Canada, China, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, US, France, Japan, and the US Virgin Islands will be able to order iPhone SE starting Thursday, March 24, with shipping starting Thursday, 31 Martha.
• In early April, iPhone SE will go on sale in the following countries: Austria, Albania, Andorra, Bahrain, Belgium, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary, Guernsey, Greece, Denmark, Jersey, India, Ireland, Iceland, Spain, Italy, Kosovo, Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Maldives, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, UAE, Isle of Man, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Taiwan, Turkey, Finland, Croatia, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Sweden and Estonia.
• Apple-designed accessories, including leather cases in black and navy, will go on sale starting at Rs. on the site, and Lightning docking stations in a metal case of the corresponding colors are already on sale on the site at a price of 4090 rubles.

* Data plan required. LTE networks are not available in all regions or with all carriers. The speed depends on local conditions and the operator. For details on LTE support, contact your carrier and visit the page.

Apple revolutionized the world of personal devices with the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984. Today, Apple is a global leader in innovation with iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple Watches, and Apple TVs. Apple's four software platforms—iOS, OS X, watchOS, and tvOS—ensure that all Apple devices work seamlessly together and provide users with unique experiences, including the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay, and iCloud. Apple's 100,000 employees are dedicated to making the best products on earth and helping to make the world a better place than it was before us.

© 2016 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone, iSight, Live Photos, Touch ID, Apple Pay, FaceTime, Siri, Night Shift, Retina, Mac, iPad, iMovie, True Tone, Lightning, App Store, and Apple Store are trademarks of Apple. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Finally, Apple released a new smaller model of the iPhone, and it turned out, it seems, not as compromise as the iPhone 5c. iPhone SE prices start at Rs. (and compared to other iPhones, it's inexpensive), the phone feels like a 5s, and has almost the same hardware as a 6s. It seems to be simple. However, when it comes to choosing and purchasing a phone, you need to take into account a bunch of parameters, characteristics and features in order to understand whether this or that model actually meets your expectations. Let's see what the iPhone SE is.

1. Most Powerful 4" Smartphone

Over the past couple of years, we, perhaps, have not seen really interesting compact smartphones. Sony released a few models, but they weren't good enough - they were always compromises.

SE does not look like a compromise solution. He inherited almost all of his components from the current flagship, the iPhone 6s: A9 processor, 2 GB RAM, Apple Pay, amazing 12MP camera, 4K video, live photos and more. The performance of the iPhone SE hardware should not be in doubt.

For the first time in two years, a four-inch phone doesn't leave the impression that something is missing. After all, SE is a Special Edition!

2. This is the beloved iPhone 5s

Compared to the curved and flowing shapes of the iPhone 6 and 6s, the design of the iPhone 5s was sharper, boxier and more angular. And even after two and a half years, it does not seem outdated. Fans of this model would even call it classic. In addition, this phone can be safely put in your pocket or held with one hand!

SE looks almost like 5s. The only difference is that the edge of the phone is matte instead of shiny. In addition, the Apple logo on the back is made to match the color of the phone. Oh, and there's also a color scheme available. rose gold.

3. Small differences

Everyone tends to compare the iPhone SE with 6s rather than 5s, because of the similar package. But this is not exactly a 6s in a smaller body, there are some minor differences.

For example, SE has a sensor Touch ID first generation, just like the iPhone 5s. The difference seems to be small, but only until you try the iPhone 6s. Touch ID 2 is just insanely fast, too fast. After the release of the 6s, people complained that they could not unlock the phone by pressing the home button: the phone detected their fingers before they could press it.

SE does not have 3D touch. It’s a pity, of course, but you shouldn’t grieve too much about it. I think most of us can live without 3D Touch.

What is really regrettable is that the front camera has a resolution of only 1.2 megapixels, while on 6s - all 5 MP. The difference is, of course, significant. You can take very high-quality pictures on the 6s front camera, but hardly on the SE front camera. On the other hand, there is technology Retina Flash, which is nice.

In addition, there are many more pleasant things in SE.

4. All modern goodies

People appreciated the inside of the 6s not because of its performance, but because it implemented features that greatly improved the experience with the iPhone. Firstly, Apple Pay. Second, the “eternal” function "Hey Siri" Finally, co-processor M9 keeps track of a bunch of different information in the background: how many steps you took, how many flights of stairs you climbed, and so on. All this is in the iPhone SE.

5. Works longer than 5s

Good news for those looking to upgrade from 5s or earlier: The SE's battery lasts a long time. On paper, the iPhone SE has a 50% increase in battery life compared to the 5s.

The following table contains runtime data for the latest iPhone models.

A Wall Street Journal stress test shows that things are actually still better:

“In a lab stress test, consistently browsing websites at a constant screen brightness level, the SE lasted 10 hours, a result that outperformed the iPhone 6s and 5s by more than two hours and the Galaxy S7 by about three hours.”

To find out the battery life in reality, you need about two weeks. However, the first reviews show such excellent results. It seems that with a moderate load, the phone should work quietly all day.

6. Memory capacity

SE starts from 37,900 rubles for a 16 GB model. The amount of memory is not the most impressive, but for the money it is quite reasonable. If you need more, a model with 64 GB of memory costs ten thousand rubles more.

7. Top smartphone for reasonable money

Maybe this phone is not for you. It's hard to imagine any fan of flagship models and phablets who will switch from an iPhone 6s or 6s Plus to a 4-inch smartphone. It's just not right. The keyboard will be terribly uncomfortable for him, he will have to scroll much more often, he will need to view different media content in a completely different way.

But the price of 38 thousand, which in a couple of months will also fall to 30 thousand, makes this phone affordable for a large number of people. With such a pricing policy, Apple is expanding the market for top-end smartphones and lowering its price bar a little lower.

This was done mainly for markets such as China and India. This is where Apple plans to use this model to expand its presence and lure people from Android to iPhone.

8. Reviews from critics

Lauren Goode of The Verge writes, "For people who want a small or inexpensive iPhone, the iPhone SE will fit."

Nicole Nguyen, a columnist for BuzzFeed, puts it similarly: "This is a great fast smartphone for those who think bigger isn't necessarily cool."

That's what. If you want a compact smartphone, take the SE. If you want an inexpensive iPhone, get the SE. He is the best for what he is meant to be.

If that's not enough, just buy an iPhone 6s or 6s Plus.

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For the first time in the history of its existence, Apple ordered the production of processors used in the iPhone immediately. As you know, the contract for the supply of A9 chipsets was signed with Samsung and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC).

The processors from these manufacturers are practically the same in terms of graphics and processing power, however, the results of the latest benchmarks show that the A9 is from TSMC. After it became known that two different companies are engaged in the production of processors, iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus users wanted to know which chip is in their devices. We bring to your attention a few simple steps that will help you find out the processor manufacturer in each individual smartphone.

First of all, you need to know the device ID. Luckily, there are some useful utilities in the App Store that can help you analyze your hardware and provide you with a list of its components. One of them is the free application Battery Memory System Status Monitor, which allows you to determine the performance of the processor, memory and battery.

How to find out the manufacturer of the A9 processor in iPhone 6s

Step 1: Run the Battery Memory System Status Monitor utility.

Step 2: Click on the System button located at the top of the screen.

Step 3: Check your device ID. To do this, go to the Device section and look at the Model subsection:

• N71mAP - iPhone 6s with A9 processor manufactured by TSMC;
• N66mAP - iPhone 6s with A9 processor manufactured by TSMC;
• N71AP - iPhone 6s with A9 processor manufactured by Samsung;
• N66AP - iPhone 6s with A9 processor manufactured by Samsung.

other methods

In addition to the Battery Memory System Status Monitor, you can also use the application Lirum Device Info, the cost of which in the App Store is 169 rubles. The utility provides even more data on the performance of the hardware and software of the device. Unfortunately, the app currently cannot work with iPhone 6s, 6s Plus and iPad Air 2 due to some issues. However, the developers assure that they will fix all the problems and add a number of new features.

A very good System Status utility from Technet, which can be downloaded for 169 rubles. With its help, you can find out the device ID, performance, etc.

Users who aren't looking for the easy way out can check out the open source code from David Stockley, which will directly list the chipset manufacturer. True, for this you will need to register your Apple ID as a developer.