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iPhone SE Review - Could this device be any more boring??

Linus Tech Tips@LinusTechTips943.9K viewsMay 8, 201610:16
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The Apple iPhone SE. Possibly the most boring thing they've done since.. the last iPod refresh? Sponsor link: dbrand.com Pricing & discussion: linustechtips.com Support us: linustechtips.com Join our community forum: bit.ly twitter.com @LinusTech Intro Screen Music Credit: Title: Laszlo - Supernova Video Link: youtube.com iTunes Download Link: itunes.apple.com Artist Link: soundcloud.com Outro Screen Music Credit: Approaching Nirvana - Sugar High youtube.com Sound effects provided by freesfx.co.uk

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The iPhone SE Review presents a candid look at Apple’s small form factor device and asks whether size alone justifies its continued appeal in a market chasing ever larger screens. The reviewer acknowledges the SE’s strong technical core, highlighting the A9 processor, 2GB of RAM, a 12 megapixel camera, and features like NFC for Apple Pay, all packed into a compact 4 inch display. Yet he is also upfront about the tradeoffs, such as the older touchscreen sensor, missing 3D Touch, limited storage options, and the price math when you consider onboard storage and lack of expansion. The discussion extends beyond the hardware to Apple’s strategic direction, arguing that the SE is more a tactical move to preserve an install base and appeal to cost-conscious buyers than a bold artistic statement. Through analysis of everyday use, battery life, and real-world performance, the review paints a picture of a device that is powerful for its size but arguably conservative in its design philosophy. The overall verdict suggests the SE serves a specific audience well while prompting broader questions about Apple’s product strategy and consumer expectations for innovation versus practicality.

Topics · technology · smartphones · product-review · consumer-electronics

Questions answered

What are the main hardware strengths of the iPhone SE according to the review?
The iPhone SE packs flagship-like specifications for a small form factor, including the A9 processor, 2GB of RAM, a 12 megapixel camera, NFC for Apple Pay, and a Retina display, all in a 4 inch device.
What are the key drawbacks highlighted for the iPhone SE?
Drawbacks include the absence of 3D Touch, limited onboard storage with no SD expansion, a slower first-generation Touch ID sensor, and some tradeoffs in camera controls and performance compared to newer models.
How does the reviewer characterize Apple’s strategy with the SE?
The reviewer sees the SE as a carefully engineered, cost-conscious response aimed at preserving existing customers and entering developing markets, rather than a bold leap in innovation.