Apple iPhone SE vs iPhone 7 Specs, Price, iOS Review: Which new iPhone is better?

This year has been a whirlwind for Apple iPhones. In March 2016, Apple unveiled its latest “budget” phone in the form of the iPhone SE. Then in September, the iPhone 7 specs took the world by storm with its double camera lens and the no-headphone-jack feature. Now the question is: which new iPhone is better? (READ: iPhone SE review)

iPhone SE vs iPhone 7 Price in the Philippines: Value For Money

Apple claims the iPhone SE is the cheapest but strongest iPhone yet. With a starting price of P23,000, one could already own a 16GB model. In contrast, the iPhone 7 costs P38,000 for the 64GB model. The new iteration: its jet black solid color. Both models have Touch ID, but the response time for the iPhone 7 is slightly faster than the SE.

The iPhone SE didn’t go through significant design changes. The iPhone 7, however, has the strangest design modifications. For one, Apple has ditched the headphone jack in favor of a lightning-only port and Bluetooth headphones called AirPods. A lightning cable attached to the charger port is needed to make the Apple earpods work. It’s quite a hassle for many users. 

iPhone SE vs iPhone 7 Camera: Special features

Both the latest iPhones have a 12-megapixel rear camera sensor. The iPhone 7 camera, however, has a new image stabilization technology, flicker sensor and wider color capture for photos and live photos. The first major upgrade to the iPhone 7 is its rear camera, boasting of a dual-lens system that captures images with an extremely high quality of detail and depth. It’s perfect for low-light environments and professional imaging.

The iPhone SE can record 1080p videos while the iPhone 7 can astonishingly record 4k videos. The SE’s front camera has a 720p video recording capability, while the iPhone 7 can still manage to record it in the 4k video format. 

iPhone SE vs iPhone 7 Storage, Processor, Battery: What features do you need?

The iPhone SE features the A9 processor, which also powers the iPhone 6S. It can work up to 14 percent faster. The SE battery lasts 14 hours, like the iPhone 6S. It comes in 16 GB and 64 GB memory. 

The iPhone 7 features a newly-built A10 processor, 40 percent faster than the iPhone SE. It’s made to be more responsive to motion to support the advanced capabilities of the camera and other apps designed to run optimally on the iPhone 7. The iPhone 7 battery extends its power to two hours longer than the SE, so it’s not much of a change for a heavy app and data user. It comes in 32GB, 128GB and 256GB storage options.

iPhone SE vs. iPhone 7 Software: iOS 9 or iOS 10?

The iPhone SE runs comfortably on the latest iOS update and iOS 9. The iPhone 7 comes with iOS 10 out of the box. If you’ve had the iOS 9 (including the latest update which is the 9.3.5) for quite a while now, I suggest that you stick with it for the meantime.

I’ve tried updating to the iOS 10 on my iPhone, and so far, the results and features have been disappointing. I highly recommend sticking with the iOS 9. Graphics wise, it looks better than iOS 10. Performance wise, it could still put you through the normal tasks on an iPhone. Watch out for an iOS 10 review soon.

Apple iPhone SE vs. iPhone 7 Review: The Verdict

It’s no doubt that the iPhone 7 wins this Apple smartphones face-off  but there are still some bugs to be fixed. Reports say that the iPhone 7 has the worst battery life. However, it has the latest specs, the latest software, and the latest design that gives users that updated look and feel. With it, you’re sure to have the fastest device to cater to your heavy app usage.

The iPhone SE is on neutral ground. It’s a small phone that has the current hardware and features that anyone can ever need in a smartphone. But one setback that users could possibly have is its processing ability once apps and software functions reach its height of use. Either one would give users the iPhone experience that comes with the price: fast, trendy and productive.