In a world where phone screens just keep on expanding the release of the compact iPhone SE seemed like a rarity even an oddity.

With the launch of this oddity though a question that pops into everyone’s mind “Is it worth it?”. Well after a month of using the iPhone SE, I have come to an affirmative answer. Let’s have a closer look at my thoughts in this iPhone SE review.

What’s so special about this iPhone SE

For people who love the speed and grace of the iPhone in a manageable size, the SE is a perfect option.

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Emergence

The phone is considered to be a new and improved version of the iPhone 5C. 5C flopped and was discontinued. Like the 5C, the 5SE is cheaper and is more compact. Moreover, it also has a similar chassis and comes in funkier colors like its predecessor. If the 5C was a flop, then the 5Se is surely its redemption.

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Interface

Another key plus point of the 5SE is the interface. The GUI of the phone is entirely compatible with its one-hand use design. The notification bar and the slider like all iPhones can be customized and used singlehandedly with convenience.

One key absence is the loss of the 3D touch feature which then again is not a very noticeable loss. The interface is almost the same as that of the iPhone 5 and the 5S which may bring for some but might introduce continuity for others. To the bottom of the phone is a single speaker that packs a punch larger then it’s size. While the sound is more than enough for regular app use, you would still require earbuds for watching videos.

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Downsides

Nothing in the world is complete and perfect particularly a cheaper iPhone. The SE has some fallbacks of its own. The biggest fallback is a dull screen. That is not to say that the screen has a lower definition it is just that the color spectrum on display is limited. In addition to that, the screen has a tendency of appearing darker from the edges sometimes.

The old design of the phone is also a turn-off. Even though the phone was released with the curvier 6S, it still retains the sharp edges and the old design of the iPhone 5.

The worst problem with the phone during my usage occurred with the front camera which even though is good but is nowhere near the complexity and density of the other iPhones.

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Price and release

Like I have (almost redundantly) mentioned above is that the lower price of the phone is one of its key features. The phone starts with $349 (64 GB version) and goes up to $449 (128 GB version).

The phone is currently in production and was released in March 2016.

Specs

• Weight: 113g
• Dimensions: 123.8 x 58.6 x 7.6mm
• OS: iOS 9.3.2
• Screen size: 4-inch
• Resolution: 640 x 1136
• CPU: Apple A9
• RAM: 2GB
• Storage: 32GB / 128GB
• Battery: 1624mAh
• Rear camera: 12MP
• Front camera: 1.2MP

What do we think?

Compared to the previous models the iPhone matches up to its name “Special Edition.”

The phone has a lot of unique features that are somewhat fundamentally different than the earlier versions. Take the price of the phone firstly. Then the size and also it’s color and design. The phone is built for a different audience. Primarily with a lower buying power and also those who want the speed of the iPhone in the palm of their (single) hand.

Though the phone could have taken on a newer design instead of the previous versions to improve the outlook.

Also, Apple has introduced the phone in 128 GB internal memory making the phone hefty capacity wise. The phone can be a viable second carry handset for users who own more than one device.

The iPhone 5 SE is a game-changer in the line up of Apple. I would recommend it to people who gave up on smartphones or iPhones mainly when they started growing in size.

For some people (me included) using a phone that stretches your finger muscles to the point of breakage is too much of a hassle. In addition to that handling, a larger phone also becomes a problem. Also, people who want to try an iPhone out with a smaller budget should consider the phone. That being said if you hooked to using bigger screens and want a more sensitive touch experience then iPhone 6 and above may be the phones for you.

There are other alternatives to the phone at the same price, for example, those of Samsung.

Come back for more details!