iPhone SE (1st Gen) Reviewing Apple's Powerful Small Phone
In 2016, Apple unveiled a device that challenged the growing trend of ever-larger smartphones, delivering immense power in a beloved, familiar form factor. This isn't just an "iPhone SE (1st Gen) Overview & Review"; it's a deep dive into what made this compact powerhouse an Editors' Choice, its enduring legacy, and whether it still holds any relevance in today's tech landscape. For many, the original iPhone SE wasn't merely a phone; it was a statement that performance didn't have to come at the cost of one-handed usability.
If you’re a fan of the classic iPhone aesthetic, prioritize a secure grip, or simply yearn for a phone that fits comfortably in any pocket, the first-generation iPhone SE made a compelling case. It packed top-tier components into a design many considered perfect, hitting a sweet spot that subsequent larger phones struggled to recapture for a niche but dedicated user base.
At a Glance: The Original iPhone SE (1st Gen)
- Release Date: March 2016
- Key Feature: iPhone 5s design + iPhone 6s internals
- Processor: Apple A9 chip (blazing fast for its time)
- Display: Crisp 4-inch Retina IPS LCD
- Camera: Excellent 12MP rear camera, 4K video recording
- Battery Life: Best-in-class iPhone battery at launch
- Design: Compact, one-handed usability, physical Home button with Touch ID
- Connectivity: Robust LTE, Wi-Fi, Apple Pay
- OS Support: Upgradable to iOS 15
- Modern Relevance: Limited for daily drivers, suitable for secondary use, kids, or nostalgia.
The Rise of the Compact King: Why the iPhone SE (1st Gen) Mattered
Picture this: it's 2016, and the smartphone market is trending towards bigger, bolder screens. Apple had already released the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, embracing larger displays. Yet, a significant segment of users felt left behind, clinging to their 4-inch iPhone 5s models, unwilling to compromise on compact dimensions. This is where the iPhone SE (1st Gen) entered the scene, a masterful move by Apple to cater to those who preferred discretion and ergonomic ease over expansive screen real estate.
The strategy was simple yet brilliant: take the cherished design of the iPhone 5s – its sharp edges, iconic physical home button, and perfectly pocketable size – and infuse it with the absolute best performance components available in Apple's then-current flagship, the iPhone 6s. The result was a device that was, at its core, an iPhone 6s in a 4-inch body. This wasn't a budget phone compromising on power; it was a compact powerhouse designed for a specific preference, immediately earning its stripes as an "Editors' Choice for smaller smartphones." It effectively offered more power for less money than the aging iPhone 6, making it an incredibly attractive option.
Under the Hood: Specifications That Stood Out
Don't let the SE's small stature fool you; its internal specifications were anything but modest for its time. This was a phone built to perform, designed to keep pace with its larger, more expensive siblings.
Display: Retina Perfection in Miniature
The iPhone SE sported a 4-inch Retina IPS LCD display, featuring a 1,136-by-640 resolution at 326 pixels per inch (PPI). While 4 inches might seem tiny by today's standards, this display was bright, vibrant, and delivered the crisp, true-to-life colors Apple users expected. It was perfectly adequate for browsing, messaging, and casual video consumption, all protected by scratch-resistant glass. The only real ergonomic challenge was the touch keyboard, which could feel quite cramped, especially when typing passwords or longer messages.
Processor: A9 Chip — Uncompromised Performance
The beating heart of the iPhone SE (1st Gen) was Apple's A9 chip, clocked at 1.9GHz with a 64-bit architecture, complemented by the M9 motion coprocessor. This was the same chip found in the larger, more expensive iPhone 6s, and its performance benchmarks were identical. What does that mean for you? It meant the SE was blazingly fast. It was 75% faster than the iPhone 5s it replaced, capable of handling demanding games, multitasking, and resource-intensive apps with ease.
This uncompromised power was a huge selling point, ensuring users of the smaller form factor weren't forced to settle for a slower experience. Paired with 2GB of RAM, the A9 chip made the iPhone SE feel snappy and responsive, a true flagship experience in a compact shell.
Storage Options: Room to Grow (or Start Small)
Apple offered the iPhone SE (1st Gen) in a range of storage configurations: 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB. While 16GB quickly proved too limiting for many users with larger app libraries and media collections, the higher tiers provided ample space. If you're considering one today, opting for 64GB or 128GB would be a wise choice to accommodate current app sizes and data.
Capturing Moments: Camera Performance Then and Now
For many, a smartphone's camera is its most critical feature, and the iPhone SE (1st Gen) delivered a strong performance here, especially for its price point and size.
Rear Camera: Flagship-Level Photography
The SE inherited the impressive 12-megapixel iSight camera from the iPhone 6s. This included a f/2.2 aperture, autofocus, HDR capabilities, and a True Tone flash. It could capture sharp, detailed photos with good color accuracy in well-lit conditions. Video recording was equally impressive, supporting 4K video at 30 frames per second (fps), 1080p HD at 60/30fps, and even slow-motion at 240fps (at 720p). The inclusion of Live Photos, shareable on platforms like Facebook, added a fun, dynamic element to still images.
However, it wasn't without its limitations. Compared to contemporary flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S7, its low-light performance wasn't its strongest suit. Images in dim environments could be grainier and lose detail. Still, for everyday photography, the SE's camera was a highly capable performer, often outclassing many Android competitors in its size and price bracket. For those looking to getting the most out of an older iPhone camera, understanding its strengths and weaknesses is key.
Front Camera: The "Selfie Flash" Solution
The front-facing FaceTime camera was a more modest 1.2-megapixel sensor. While sufficient for video calls, it wasn't designed for high-resolution selfies. Apple did include a clever "Selfie Flash" feature, which utilized the screen's brightness to illuminate your face in low light, offering a practical workaround for better-lit self-portraits without dedicated front-facing hardware.
Pocket Powerhouse: Design, Ergonomics, and the Iconic Look
The design of the iPhone SE (1st Gen) was perhaps its most defining characteristic, a nostalgic nod to Apple's past that resonated deeply with a vocal segment of users.
A Familiar, Loved Form Factor
The SE unapologetically adopted the aluminum body of the iPhone 5s, known for its premium feel and robust construction. This meant a brushed-metal back punctuated by glass panels at the top and bottom, and a distinct, satisfyingly tactile physical Home button equipped with Touch ID for secure unlocking and Apple Pay authentication. The only subtle differentiators from the 5s were the small "SE" logo on the back and matte beveled edges, a shift from the shinier chamfers of its predecessor.
The Ultimate One-Handed Experience
Measuring just 4.87 by 2.31 by 0.30 inches (123.8 x 58.6 x 7.6 mm) and weighing a mere 4.0 ounces (113 grams), the iPhone SE was exceptionally compact and lightweight. This size enabled effortless one-handed use – reaching any corner of the screen with your thumb was a non-issue, and it offered an incredibly secure grip. This was a phone that truly disappeared into a pocket, making it ideal for active users, those with smaller hands, or anyone who simply preferred a less obtrusive device. It also meant that any iPhone 5/5s cases were perfectly compatible, an added convenience for many existing users.
Colors and Appeal
The iPhone SE (1st Gen) was available in four classic Apple finishes: Rose Gold, dark gray, gold, and silver. These elegant options further contributed to its premium feel, ensuring it looked every bit as sophisticated as its more expensive counterparts.
Staying Connected: Performance & Network Capabilities
Beyond raw processing power, how well a phone handles calls and internet connectivity is paramount. The iPhone SE (1st Gen) delivered solid, reliable performance in these crucial areas.
Call Quality: Clear and Consistent
Call quality on the iPhone SE was similar to that of the iPhone 6, which was generally considered very good. It supported HD, Wi-Fi, and VoLTE calling, ensuring clear conversations across various network conditions. Whether you were making traditional calls or relying on Wi-Fi for connectivity, the SE held its own.
Networking (LTE): A Step Up for Many
For its time, the SE offered strong LTE performance. The Model A1662 (SIM-free, unlocked, AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon) supported a broad array of LTE bands (1/2/3/4/5/8/12/13/17/18/19/20/25/26/29), making it versatile across carriers. Notably, it outperformed the iPhone 5s and iPhone 6 on T-Mobile thanks to its support for Band 12, offering improved coverage and speeds in certain areas. On AT&T and Verizon, its performance was comparable to the iPhone 6. The Model A1723 was specifically sold for Sprint.
Wi-Fi Performance: Good, But Not Top-Tier
While the SE offered better Wi-Fi performance than the iPhone 5s, it didn't quite match the robust capabilities of the iPhone 6s, which included MIMO (Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output) technology for enhanced wireless speeds and reliability. For typical home and office use, however, its Wi-Fi connectivity was more than adequate.
Software Experience: iOS and Features
The iPhone SE (1st Gen) launched with iOS 9.3 and was upgradable to iOS 15, making it one of the longest-supported iPhone models in terms of major software updates. Running iOS brought with it a host of benefits and a few distinct characteristics.
The iOS Ecosystem: Updates and Simplicity
One of the undeniable advantages of any iPhone is the iOS operating system itself. Users benefit from frequent security and feature updates, ensuring their device remains protected and equipped with the latest software enhancements for as long as Apple supports it. The absence of carrier bloatware, a common issue on many Android devices, meant a clean, uncluttered user experience right out of the box.
While iOS is praised for its intuitive interface, it does have a more rigid layout compared to the customization options available on Android. Apple's ecosystem also gently (or not-so-gently) encourages the use of its own services, from iCloud for backups to Apple Music for streaming.
Key Features: From Siri to Apple Pay
Despite its compact size, the iPhone SE (1st Gen) was fully featured. It supported hands-free "Hey Siri," allowing users to activate Apple's virtual assistant with just their voice. Apple Pay, enabled by NFC and Touch ID, transformed the phone into a secure mobile wallet, a convenient feature that was quickly becoming mainstream. Touch ID itself provided fast and reliable biometric authentication.
The inclusion of Live Photos, first introduced with the iPhone 6s, allowed users to capture short animated moments leading up to and after a still photo, adding a dynamic layer to their memories. iCloud integration ensured seamless syncing of photos, contacts, and app data across Apple devices. Staying up-to-date with Apple's ecosystem, particularly concerning security and app compatibility, is crucial, and our iOS compatibility guide for older devices can offer further insights.
The Battery Life Advantage: Setting a New Standard
Perhaps one of the most surprising and celebrated aspects of the iPhone SE (1st Gen) at its release was its stellar battery life. Despite its small 1,642mAh battery capacity (which seems tiny by today's metrics), the combination of its efficient A9 chip, smaller screen, and optimized iOS resulted in truly impressive endurance.
Apple touted up to 6 hours of continuous LTE video streaming, up to 13 hours of internet use on Wi-Fi or video playback, and a remarkable up to 14 hours of talk time. These figures translated into real-world usage that often surpassed its larger contemporaries, including the iPhone 6s. Many reviewers and users declared it the "best iPhone battery life" at its release.
This exceptional endurance made the SE a particularly appealing choice for power users who valued longevity over a massive display. While battery degradation is a natural process for all electronics over time, the SE's initial performance set a high bar. To prolong the life of any older device, understanding tips for optimizing iPhone battery life is essential.
Who Was It For? Usability and Comparisons
The iPhone SE (1st Gen) wasn't just another phone; it carved out a specific niche and delivered exceptional value within it.
Target Audience: Upgrades and Compact Lovers
Primarily, the SE was recommended as a significant upgrade for users still holding onto older, slower iPhones like the 4s, 5, or 5c. It offered a massive leap in speed, camera quality, and wireless performance while maintaining the familiar form factor they loved. It was also, quite simply, the best choice for anyone who preferred a small, powerful smartphone, regardless of their upgrade cycle.
Outcompeting the Competition (in its Category)
At its launch, the iPhone SE stood largely unrivaled in the "powerful small smartphone" category. While most manufacturers were pushing larger devices, the SE offered flagship-level performance in a sub-5-inch package. It was faster and smaller than its closest (though still larger) Android competitors, such as the 4.7-inch Alcatel One Touch Idol 3 4.7 and the 5-inch HTC One A9. This made it a clear winner for anyone seeking top-tier performance without the physical bulk.
The iPhone SE (1st Gen) in 2025: Is it Still Worth It?
Fast forward to 2025, and the tech landscape has changed dramatically. The iPhone SE (1st Gen) is long discontinued, but does it still hold any value?
Modern Challenges: Hardware and Software Limitations
While the A9 chip was a powerhouse in 2016, it struggles with the demands of modern apps and operating systems. Newer iOS updates (up to iOS 15) can feel sluggish, and graphically intensive applications or complex websites will likely experience noticeable lag.
- App Compatibility: While many apps still run on iOS 15, newer apps may require a later iOS version, or simply perform poorly due to hardware limitations.
- Battery Degradation: Even with its initial excellent battery life, a used iPhone SE from 2016 will almost certainly have significant battery degradation. Expect much shorter usage times unless the battery has been professionally replaced.
- Screen Size: The 4-inch screen, once praised for its ergonomics, now feels incredibly cramped for media consumption, gaming, and the increasingly rich, interactive interfaces of modern apps.
Potential Uses Today: Niche but Viable
Despite these challenges, the iPhone SE (1st Gen) isn't entirely obsolete. It can serve specific, valuable purposes:
- Secondary Phone: A reliable backup device for calls, texts, and basic web browsing.
- First Smartphone for Children: Its durable build, compact size, and access to Apple's robust parental controls make it a decent entry-level smartphone. Its limited performance might even be a benefit, reducing distraction from high-end games.
- Nostalgia Device: For enthusiasts who miss the physical home button, headphone jack, and classic design.
- Dedicated Device: Great for specific tasks like a music player, a podcast device, or a simple camera for quick snaps.
For most users accustomed to modern smartphone performance and screen sizes, a newer iPhone model, or even a more recent best budget smartphones available today, would offer a significantly better overall experience due to updated hardware, longer software support, and larger, more immersive displays.
Making the Decision: Should You Buy an iPhone SE (1st Gen) Today?
If you're considering purchasing an iPhone SE (1st Gen) in 2025, it's crucial to align your expectations with the device's capabilities and current market value.
Who It's NOT For:
- Your Primary Device: Unless your smartphone needs are extremely basic, the SE (1st Gen) will likely disappoint as a daily driver due to performance limitations and battery life.
- Heavy App Users/Gamers: Forget graphically intense games or demanding productivity apps.
- Photography Enthusiasts: While its camera was good, modern smartphone cameras have far surpassed it in features, low-light performance, and computational photography.
- Users Seeking Long-Term Support: iOS 15 is its last stop, meaning no new OS features or future security patches from Apple.
Who It MIGHT Be For:
- The Ultra-Budget Conscious: If you need a smartphone and have an absolute minimal budget, and are okay with its limitations.
- A Simple Backup: A spare phone for emergencies.
- Parents: As a child's first phone, prioritizing basic communication, durability, and cost-effectiveness.
- Luddites (with style): Those who genuinely prefer minimal tech and a familiar, tactile experience.
Before making any purchase, especially of a used device, be sure to inquire about the battery health. A new battery can significantly improve the experience. Also, consider the cost of repairs should anything go wrong, as parts may become harder to find. When considering older devices, understanding options for selling or trading in your old iPhone can also put its value into perspective.
Final Thoughts: A Legacy of Power in a Small Package
The iPhone SE (1st Gen) holds a special place in Apple's history, a testament to the idea that powerful technology doesn't always need to be expansive. It was a well-executed response to a clear user demand, delivering top-tier performance in a beloved, compact form factor. At its launch, it was a phenomenal device, redefining expectations for smaller smartphones and proving that sometimes, less truly can be more.
While its time as a flagship has long passed, its legacy endures, reminding us of a period when physical buttons reigned supreme and one-handed use was effortless. For those seeking to Explore iPhone SE generations, the original SE provides a fascinating starting point, showcasing Apple's commitment to diverse user needs. The iPhone SE (1st Gen) wasn't just a phone; it was a compact rebellion, a powerful statement in a world increasingly going big.