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rijc99

macrumors 6502a
Apr 27, 2015
854
645
I've noticed the Touch ID being noticeably faster than the one on my iPhone 6. However, when I retrain my prints on the 6 it's crazy fast for a few days as well. After a while it seems to "forget" many parts of the prints, and the accuracy drops from ~95% to what feels like 50-60%. But it's been 1.5 years since they made those sensors, so even though it's still the first generation in the SE I wouldn't be surprised the ones being produced now are in some way better. So I'll wait and see, but for now opening up the SE is pretty fast.

Perhaps it is faster due to the fact the processor and ram are bumped up from the 5S and 6. The front end touch id sensor may be a first gen unit but the back end is much better. Similar to how the front camera takes better pictures due to the upgraded internals despite being the same sensor.
 
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CYKBC

macrumors 6502
Oct 15, 2014
349
173
5: feels slab sided. No edge to edge glass. Lcd display sits noticeably further back than the new 6 screens. dated.
 

XRC771

macrumors member
Original poster
Apr 6, 2016
31
40
Apple created one of the few design classics of modern times with the 5 series phones. They look great, feel great and, with the SE, have amazing battery life.

I'm a watch guy. By that I mean I appreciate and collect great watches. What I love about that particular hobby is that once a brand is lucky enought to hit upon a classic, they refine it and modernise it over the years. The rolex submariner of 1954 has the same design DNA as the 2016 submariner.

The one thing that has throughly disappointed me with almost all the SE reviews is the constant highlighting of the "lack" of design. These reviews reminds me of the adage "he knows the price of everything, and the value of nothing".

The design of the 5 series should be rejoiced upon. It truly is one of the few classics of modern times and Apple should be looking to build upon it for the next 40 years.
I totally agree with you.
[doublepost=1460233412][/doublepost]
I totally agree with you.
Apple created one of the few design classics of modern times with the 5 series phones. They look great, feel great and, with the SE, have amazing battery life.

I'm a watch guy. By that I mean I appreciate and collect great watches. What I love about that particular hobby is that once a brand is lucky enought to hit upon a classic, they refine it and modernise it over the years. The rolex submariner of 1954 has the same design DNA as the 2016 submariner.

The one thing that has throughly disappointed me with almost all the SE reviews is the constant highlighting of the "lack" of design. These reviews reminds me of the adage "he knows the price of everything, and the value of nothing".

The design of the 5 series should be rejoiced upon. It truly is one of the few classics of modern times and Apple should be looking to build upon it for the next 40 years.
In fact someone thinks that every new release, every new item is better than the previous.

It's obvioulsy true for technology but not necessarily true for design.
 
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PaladinGuy

macrumors 68000
Sep 22, 2014
1,698
1,098
The watch comparison really resonates with me, as a fellow horology fan. That's why I've always really admired the designs of companies like Rolex (though not their ridiculous prices). There's no need to greatly change an object's design just for the sake of change.
 

aces99

macrumors 6502
Apr 18, 2014
441
222
Canada
It has Touch ID. It just doesn't have version 2, which is faster.

Now it's even more perfect for you. ;)

I meant 3D Touch. I have never tried 3D Touch so not sure if it is a big deal that it is missing from the SE or not. But from what I have read it's not. I know the SE doesn't have the 2nd gen Touch ID and am kinda glad it doesn't. From what I have read a lot of people find it to fast and they don't get to the lock screen without unlocking the phone.
 
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Ugi

macrumors regular
Mar 15, 2016
124
51
"Omg my Touch ID is so fast I hate it, Apple upgraded it and made everything worse. #Apple #suck#follow#me#l4l"
First world Problems.
This Sounds like premature girls crying..
 

johngordon

macrumors 68000
Apr 19, 2004
1,734
961
Actually its more (spec wise) than you posted...And I only paid $ 149.00 more for mine on a promotion (6s) not $250

http://www.apple.com/iphone/compare/

.7 inch larger screen
Barometer
Better rear facing camera
3D Touch screen
Retina HD screen over a Retina screen
Dual-domain pixels for wide viewing angles
1400:1 contrast ratio
2nd Generation Touch ID
Display Zoom

Sure, but the larger screen isn't necessarily better than a smaller screen. Is a 20" phone better than a 6" phone? That one is purely subjective.

And the other improvements to the screen, which I obviously can't dispute, are only very marginal. Having gotten to the point where the screens are as good and clear as they are, any further improvements will be barely noticeable, and even then only really in side by side comparisons. I don't know about anyone else, but a better wide angle viewing distance is pretty irrelevant, as I pretty much only ever look at my phone straight on.

My point stands - if someone prefers the size and/or design of the 5S, then the spec improvements really aren't worth that $250.

And that's really why I think the SE will prove to be a big success, compared to the 5C (and even that wasn't as big a flop as it is often regarded - it just didn't break records.)
[doublepost=1460278403][/doublepost]
Apple created one of the few design classics of modern times with the 5 series phones. They look great, feel great and, with the SE, have amazing battery life.

I'm a watch guy. By that I mean I appreciate and collect great watches. What I love about that particular hobby is that once a brand is lucky enought to hit upon a classic, they refine it and modernise it over the years. The rolex submariner of 1954 has the same design DNA as the 2016 submariner.

The one thing that has throughly disappointed me with almost all the SE reviews is the constant highlighting of the "lack" of design. These reviews reminds me of the adage "he knows the price of everything, and the value of nothing".

The design of the 5 series should be rejoiced upon. It truly is one of the few classics of modern times and Apple should be looking to build upon it for the next 40 years.

Absolutely - I don't quite get this idea that something automatically looks dated just because its been around for a while.

Good design is good design is good design - and the 5/5S/SE is a great design. Think I prefer the matte edges too - although the fact that the few little scratches from 2.5 years use are gone too might help!
 

jeremydc

macrumors 6502
Oct 9, 2013
443
309
I really wanted to like the phone but knowing some parts are a generation behind seems a bit like a scam.
 

johngordon

macrumors 68000
Apr 19, 2004
1,734
961
How can it be a scam when the spec of the phone, and its place in the market is completely open, transparent and in the public domain?

It is what it is - an entry level iPhone, at a very competitive (for an iPhone) price point.

That there are so few trade offs between it and the 6S is actually very impressive - to spin those differences into it somehow being a scam is absurd.

You were joking, right?
 

maflynn

macrumors Haswell
May 3, 2009
73,682
43,740
I really wanted to like the phone but knowing some parts are a generation behind seems a bit like a scam.
Please expound upon the idea that the SE is a scam. As noted, you have all the information at hand to make an educated decision, Apple isn't trying to hide anything of fool you into buying a product.

While the SE is not a complete iPhone 6s in a 4" form factor, it has many high end features, at a lower price which makes it a compelling purchase. I think the TouchID, front camera and display are from the 5s era, and the rest of the components are from the 6s.
 

johngordon

macrumors 68000
Apr 19, 2004
1,734
961
A common hypothesis on the internet is that anyone who knew any better, who knew what they were missing, would always get an Android phone rather than an iPhone.

Therefore it follows that Apple are somehow tricking or conning people into buying iPhones.

It's never really clear how they do this, and it can never just be that people might, you know, just prefer iPhones.

It's so ludicrous, I'm amazed anyone would believe that, and yet it seems many do.
 

BMcCoy

macrumors 68000
Jun 24, 2010
1,718
3,421
I've had my SE for a few days now, and really like it.
It feels like a super-charged version of the 5s I had previously - which is pretty much exactly what I would have wanted.

I've never liked the 6-series design, from the antenna lines to the camera protrusion to the curved slippery sides.
The 5-series design is far superior, in my opinion.
And with the 7 likely to be even thinner, with the loss of the headphone socket, I think I'll be sticking with my SE for some time.

So I'm a happy bunny.

But what's great is those who DO like the 6/+-series are likely to see an evolution of this design being released this autumn, so will also have a new model to upgrade to, if they wish.
Choice..
 

ABC5S

Suspended
Sep 10, 2013
3,395
1,646
Florida
Sure, but the larger screen isn't necessarily better than a smaller screen. Is a 20" phone better than a 6" phone? That one is purely subjective.

And the other improvements to the screen, which I obviously can't dispute, are only very marginal. Having gotten to the point where the screens are as good and clear as they are, any further improvements will be barely noticeable, and even then only really in side by side comparisons.

My point stands - if someone prefers the size and/or design of the 5S, then the spec improvements really aren't worth that $250.

As I have mentioned twice now, I didn't pay $250 more for the 6s. I paid $150 more on a promotion, so yes, it was worth it over the SE. Others can do the same with Verizon.
 
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johngordon

macrumors 68000
Apr 19, 2004
1,734
961
As I have mentioned twice now, I didn't pay $250 more for the 6s. I paid $150 more on a promotion, so yes, it was worth it over the SE. Others can do the same with Verizon.

Yes, I know, but I was talking generally, rather than about promotional prices which tend to be temporary, otherwise they wouldn't be promotional.

And I don't think the Verizon promotions are available here in the UK.

I mean, I could argue that the 6S was free because it was a present, but it wouldn't be a very meaningful comparison.
 
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zonazolazia

macrumors member
Jan 10, 2016
74
23
I had 6S, bought S7, didn't like it, went back using old 5S. Was planning on buying another 6S but like the size of 5S and could use the extra battery longevity so bought SE.

I was expecting similar touch id experience with 5S, but instead its closer to 6S. Overall, I really liked my SE. But I think iPhone 6S is the best iPhone at the moment. I really miss 3D touch on trackpad and app switcher.
 

MrGuder

macrumors 68040
Nov 30, 2012
3,049
2,024
I really wanted to like the phone but knowing some parts are a generation behind seems a bit like a scam.
You just lost all credibility but of course you knew that oh and yes your a newbie research before posting.
 

AppleRobert

macrumors 603
Nov 12, 2012
5,729
1,133
Please expound upon the idea that the SE is a scam. As noted, you have all the information at hand to make an educated decision, Apple isn't trying to hide anything of fool you into buying a product.

While the SE is not a complete iPhone 6s in a 4" form factor, it has many high end features, at a lower price which makes it a compelling purchase. I think the TouchID, front camera and display are from the 5s era, and the rest of the components are from the 6s.

I cannot find the article I saw that while analysts after lackluster opening 4 days of sale including a weekend were negative about the SE they are changing their opinion now that sales have increased dramtically since.

Seems the 64gb variant especially is not easy to get quickly as wait times for it are growing more and more.

Guess Apple has really scammed us. :)
 
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aohus

macrumors 68000
Apr 4, 2010
1,903
536
sky
Been using the SE since launch day and I love this phone.

  • Easier to type on the phone now
  • Faster phone than the 6 and + with the A9 SoC
  • Easier to jog and switch tracks
  • Easier to manipulate phone while driving
  • Sexier body than the 6 variants. Has a classic look and feel that is becoming more rare as phones today are much bigger. When you pull it out, it has the stigma of, idc about phones as much. imo this is a thing now
  • More pocketable
  • Better performance in games due to the lower resolution
  • Excellent battery life that rivals the +
  • Coming from a +, you will get used to the smaller screen size. Does take a day or two to acclimate yourself though
  • Added feature of being able to use live photos
  • Easier to take photos with smaller footprint of phone
  • Someone mentioned this earlier, but this phone is akin to a sleeper car. might not physically look imposing, but its internals is powerful
  • SE will come down as an OG classic phone. potentially the last phone with classic 3.5mm port included. Years from now this can be a great backup phone.
  • Much easier to grip the phone than current flagship
  • Cannot tell ppi difference between the SE and 6.
  • Phone is cheaper, and will dominate the mid-tier smartphone market. SE is not considered mid-tier imo. its a high end phone.
Benchmarks courtesy of Arstechnica
iPhone-SE2.001.png

iPhone-SE2.002.png
 
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LovingTeddy

Suspended
Oct 12, 2015
1,848
2,154
Canada
This post is a celebration to an unprecedented and terrific iPhone upgrade.
Upgrade from whatever iPhone; in fact I used every iPhone out there for a while from 2007, from the debut iPhone to the iPhone 6s.

This one is simply an awesome release and it has the most valuable "feature" that an electronic device can have: a truly long battery life. Not a long life because of a great size that allows it (like the iPhone 6s+) but because of a sublime cocktail of components of the right size, of proven usefulness.

Just for reference I attached a screenshot of the battery usage during the first discharge of my new iPhone. I'm astonished.

Someone see it as an old design refurbished, I see it as a pinnacle in the Apple industrial design and in product design alone. Defining it old design to me is like defining old design the Tour Eiffel.

I find this model a celebration of a great design and a tasteful mix of what truly counts in a pocketable smartphone.


What is the actual screen on time? I doubt surpass 4 hours mark. iOS battery usages status is misleading, because it couts background activities when the screen is off. If you think this usage is great, see thisb

Screenshot_2015-12-27-23-39-25_zpsdzu0ppja.png



470de8f_zpshhdfguzr.png

1 day 15 hours

e3ff2a1_zpsdkaplbpg.png


13 Hours screen on time
 

LovingTeddy

Suspended
Oct 12, 2015
1,848
2,154
Canada
Been using the SE since launch day and I love this phone.

  • Easier to type on the phone now
  • Faster phone than the 6 and + with the A9 SoC
  • Easier to jog and switch tracks
  • Easier to manipulate phone while driving
  • Sexier body than the 6 variants. Has a classic look and feel that is becoming more rare as phones today are much bigger. When you pull it out, it has the stigma of, idc about phones as much. imo this is a thing now
  • More pocketable
  • Better performance in games due to the lower resolution
  • Excellent battery life that rivals the +
  • Coming from a +, you will get used to the smaller screen size. Does take a day or two to acclimate yourself though
  • Added feature of being able to use live photos
  • Easier to take photos with smaller footprint of phone
  • Someone mentioned this earlier, but this phone is akin to a sleeper car. might not physically look imposing, but its internals is powerful
  • SE will come down as an OG classic phone. potentially the last phone with classic 3.5mm port included. Years from now this can be a great backup phone.
  • Much easier to grip the phone than current flagship
  • Cannot tell ppi difference between the SE and 6.
  • Phone is cheaper, and will dominate the mid-tier smartphone market. SE is not considered mid-tier imo. its a high end phone.
Benchmarks courtesy of Arstechnica
iPhone-SE2.001.png

iPhone-SE2.002.png


1. Easier to type on bigger phones. More screen realeast and bigger keyboard.

2. Becuase iPhone SE has lower resolution sceeen, it is bit faster than iPhone 6S, just like iPod Touch is bit faster than iPhone 6.

3. Agree

4. Depends. The round corner of iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s design is better in temrs of handling and it isnthr design should be for bigger phones.

5. I don't find my 5.7 inch Nexus 6P not pocketable.

6. Depends on what types games. In case of FPS, RPG, Tower defense game, bigger screen provides better gaming experience, becuase you can see more content. If you just play games like Asphalt, angry birds then yes.

7. Kind agree. Although iPhone does not provide best battery life.

8. I have iPod Touch 6G, I will never get use o the smallish screen. Not for web browsing, watching videos and gaming.

9. I careless about live photo. .

10. Not really. I never find taking photo on bigger phone hard. Plus bigger phones may have OIS.

12. SE has exactly same PPI as bigger iPhones. Though sub 720P screen is nothing to be proud of. It is not bad screen, it is not the best screen. Similar priced Android phone provide better screen than SE.

13. I doubt SE will dominate mid-tire smart phone. For the price, it is still expensive. Maybe not in USA, but 570CAD is not cheap. Nexus 5X is cheaper than that, at least in Canada. And iPhone will never dominate any market, not even in premium smartphone market. SE is undoubtedly entry level iPhone and mid-tire smartphone
 
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aohus

macrumors 68000
Apr 4, 2010
1,903
536
sky
1. Easier to type on bigger phones. More screen realeast and bigger keyboard.

2. Becuase iPhone SE has lower resolution sceeen, it is bit faster than iPhone 6S, just like iPod Touch is bit faster than iPhone 6.

3. Agree

4. Depends. The round corner of iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s design is better in temrs of handling and it isnthr design should be for bigger phones.

5. I don't find my 5.7 inch Nexus 6P not pocketable.

6. Depends on what types games. In case of FPS, RPG, Tower defense game, bigger screen provides better gaming experience, becuase you can see more content. If you just play games like Asphalt, angry birds then yes.

7. Kind agree. Although iPhone does not provide best battery life.

8. I have iPod Touch 6G, I will never get use o the smallish screen. Not for web browsing, watching videos and gaming.

9. I careless about live photo. .

10. Not really. I never find taking photo on bigger phone hard. Plus bigger phones may have OIS.

12. SE has exactly same PPI as bigger iPhones. Though sub 720P screen is nothing to be proud of. It is not bad screen, it is not the best screen. Similar priced Android phone provide better screen than SE.

13. I doubt SE will dominate mid-tire smart phone. For the price, it is still expensive. Maybe not in USA, but 570CAD is not cheap. Nexus 5X is cheaper than that, at least in Canada. And iPhone will never dominate any market, not even in premium smartphone market. SE is undoubtedly entry level iPhone and mid-tire smartphone

1. For swype or swiftkey? A smaller keyboard makes it much easier.

2. That's not the only reason. It's due to the fact that it's running an A9 SoC compared to the A8. It's not just enhancements on the GPU side.

4. You're the first to say that the 6 series iPhones is easier to hold. In terms of grip, the 5S/SE is much better.

5. Interesting I actually used the Nexus 6P for 14 days before I returned it. The battery life was horrible and it was definitely less pocketable than the SE. Try kneeling with the 6P in your pocket. Especially with skinny jeans.

6. Your analysis is subjective. I was referring to performance. And the performance is better on the SE due to the lower resolution. I already mentioned this. Not referring to types of games. Referring to raw performance.

7. iPhone does provide one of the best battery life compared to Android phones. Sure there may be exceptions, but in terms of the vast majority of Android phones, the iPhone is better in terms of battery life.

8. I'm used to the smaller screen, but some can't get used to it. To each their own.

9. After having the Live Photo feature. I like it. You may not like it because you're all in with Android it seems.

10. I can take photos one handed on the SE. Bigger phones, much harder to do. Goes with the one-handed operation advantages.

11. Doesn't matter if it's '720p' official or not. If the PPI is the same you won't be able to discern the difference in terms of PQ.

12. Sure, it won't dominate in terms of number of sales, but in terms of performance/battery life and selection of the quality of apps on iOS, it's a great selection.
 

T5BRICK

macrumors G3
Aug 3, 2006
8,314
2,391
Oregon
If you prefer a phone with a small screen, the iPhone SE is a great choice. If you prefer a larger screen, there are many other good choices.

I have no issues with the size of my 6+ and I'll be buying the next "+" variant that is released later this year.
 

LovingTeddy

Suspended
Oct 12, 2015
1,848
2,154
Canada
1. For swype or swiftkey? A smaller keyboard makes it much easier.

2. That's not the only reason. It's due to the fact that it's running an A9 SoC compared to the A8. It's not just enhancements on the GPU side.

4. You're the first to say that the 6 series iPhones is easier to hold. In terms of grip, the 5S/SE is much better.

5. Interesting I actually used the Nexus 6P for 14 days before I returned it. The battery life was horrible and it was definitely less pocketable than the SE. Try kneeling with the 6P in your pocket. Especially with skinny jeans.

6. Your analysis is subjective. I was referring to performance. And the performance is better on the SE due to the lower resolution. I already mentioned this. Not referring to types of games. Referring to raw performance.

7. iPhone does provide one of the best battery life compared to Android phones. Sure there may be exceptions, but in terms of the vast majority of Android phones, the iPhone is better in terms of battery life.

8. I'm used to the smaller screen, but some can't get used to it. To each their own.

9. After having the Live Photo feature. I like it. You may not like it because you're all in with Android it seems.

10. I can take photos one handed on the SE. Bigger phones, much harder to do. Goes with the one-handed operation advantages.

11. Doesn't matter if it's '720p' official or not. If the PPI is the same you won't be able to discern the difference in terms of PQ.

12. Sure, it won't dominate in terms of number of sales, but in terms of performance/battery life and selection of the quality of apps on iOS, it's a great selection.

1. I am using Google Keyboard. I am using Nexus 6P and bunch of other phablet. Never had issue with gesture typing using one hand.

2. Not really gonna aruge with rest of stuff. Nexus 6P battery life isn't the best. Remember, it uses higher end SOC and QHD display. My Nexus 6P easily last me for a day with lots of WeChat, WhatsApp, Youtube usage during the day (1 hours lunch time streamming Youtube and half hour break time). Battery still around 15%.

3. Regarding to live photo and 3D Touch, i rarely use it with my iPhone 6S. 3D touch is all guessing game, some app support some app does not. And really, 3D Touch does not save time anyway. Live Photo is just gemmick. I don't see the value behind it.

4. Regarding to 720P or higher. When you watch high definition video or high resolution picture, sub 720P just does not show all the details. QHD screen provide much more details than sub 720P SE screen. Take a look at MKBHD's video regarding to QHD screen.

5. I do agree that iOS provide great user experiences in terms of general performance. Though, Android now days runs just as good if not better. I am typing this with $150 Meizu M2 Note, it runs really fast. In terms of battery life, iPhone certainly provides good battery life, it is certainly not the best. Espepecially, when i can top up 7 hours of use with 10 minutes of charge with Nexus 6P.

6. One thing i wanted to point out is that iOS proivdes almost no one hand use optimization. Wherr on Android there are few ways to use large phone one hand. For example, Meizu's flyme UI allows me to swip from bottom to invoke mutlitasking card view, the smart touch function allows me to swipe down from any where get notifcation sheet. The flooding circle allows me swip up get back to home screen, swipe left and right to swich between apps. Tap once go back tap twich go forward. Lots of Android phones allows you to shrink entire UI to 4 inch size, so you can use it one hand. The UI itself stay at that size, does not go back until you set it back to full screen. The only thing iPhone SE provide is small size. It is maybe easier to pocket, but not so much. With lots of 5 inch Android phone sized similar with iPhone 6S, those phablet can easily be pocketed. One hand usage can be done by software optimization.

My take is phablet provide much better experiences than small form factors. Short comings can be fixed by using software optimization. I personally would not go back, i even think my iPhone 6S is too small.
 
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