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Apple·Mid-range · Released Mar 2016

iPhone SE (1st gen)

The 2016 SE — iPhone 6s power in the beloved 4-inch body.

46/ 100 SpecEagle score
From
$399
Color · Space Gray
Display
4.0" LCD 60 Hz
Chipset
Apple A9
Memory
2 GB · 16 GB
Main cam
12 MP · f/2.2
Battery
1,624 mAh
Weight
113 g
Quick answer

The iPhone SE (1st gen) is a mid-range Apple smartphone released Mar 2016, with a launch price of $399. It pairs the Apple A9 with a 4.0" LCD 60 Hz display, a 12 MP · f/2.2 main camera and a 1,624 mAh battery. In SpecEagle's editorial review it scores 46/100 — The original small-and-cheap iPhone. Standout strengths: iphone 6s-class a9 power in a tiny 4-inch body. and 12 mp camera with 4k video at a $399 price. Main trade-off: tiny low-res 4-inch display.

AI Snapshot

The original small-and-cheap iPhone.

The first iPhone SE squeezed iPhone 6s internals into the classic 4-inch frame for $399. A cult favourite, it is now a vintage device.

Read the full review
Subscores · 0–100
Display44
Camera52
Performance44
Battery44
Build64
Value56
  • iPhone 6s-class A9 power in a tiny 4-inch body.
  • 12 MP camera with 4K video at a $399 price.
  • Genuinely pocketable; light at 113 g.
  • Long iOS support — reached iOS 15.

Full specifications

Type
Retina IPS LCD, 60 Hz
Size
4.0 inches
Resolution
1,136 × 640 px (326 ppi)
Protection
Ion-strengthened glass
Main
12 MP, f/2.2
Selfie
1.2 MP, f/2.4
Video
4K @ 30 fps
Features
Live Photos

Benchmarks

vs 2025 flagship class average
AnTuTu v10
Δ class avg -90.6%
This
152,000
Class avg
1,620,000
Geekbench 6 Single
Δ class avg -85.2%
This
430
Class avg
2,900
Geekbench 6 Multi
Δ class avg -89.6%
This
845
Class avg
8,100
3DMark Solar Bay
Δ class avg -95.2%
This
3.0 fps
Class avg
62.0 fps

How the iPhone SE (1st gen) compares

iPhone SE (1st gen)OnePlus 2iPhone 6 Plus
SpecEagle score464646
ChipsetApple A9Snapdragon 810Apple A8
Display4.0" LCD 60 Hz5.5" FHD LCD5.5" LCD 60 Hz
Main camera12 MP · f/2.213 MP · f/2.08 MP · f/2.2
Battery1,624 mAh3,300 mAh2,915 mAh
Launch price$399$329$749

Frequently asked questions

When was the iPhone SE (1st gen) released?

The iPhone SE (1st gen) was released in Mar 2016.

How much does the iPhone SE (1st gen) cost?

The iPhone SE (1st gen) launched at $399 (manufacturer suggested price at release; street and second-hand prices vary by region, storage tier and time since launch).

What is the iPhone SE (1st gen) screen size and type?

The iPhone SE (1st gen) has a 4.0" LCD 60 Hz display.

What chipset does the iPhone SE (1st gen) use?

The iPhone SE (1st gen) is powered by the Apple A9 chipset.

How much RAM and storage does the iPhone SE (1st gen) have?

The iPhone SE (1st gen) ships with 2 GB · 16 GB (RAM · base storage); higher configurations may be available.

What is the iPhone SE (1st gen) battery capacity?

The iPhone SE (1st gen) has a 1,624 mAh battery.

How fast does the iPhone SE (1st gen) charge?

The iPhone SE (1st gen) supports Up to ~10 W (Lightning) wired charging.

Does the iPhone SE (1st gen) have wireless charging?

The iPhone SE (1st gen) does not support wireless charging.

What is the iPhone SE (1st gen) main camera?

The iPhone SE (1st gen) has a 12 MP · f/2.2 main camera.

Does the iPhone SE (1st gen) have 5G?

The iPhone SE (1st gen) does not support 5G (4G LTE only).

Is the iPhone SE (1st gen) waterproof?

The iPhone SE (1st gen) has no official ingress-protection rating.

How much does the iPhone SE (1st gen) weigh?

The iPhone SE (1st gen) weighs 113 g.

What colours does the iPhone SE (1st gen) come in?

The iPhone SE (1st gen) is available in 4 colours: Space Gray, Silver, Gold, Rose Gold.

Is the iPhone SE (1st gen) worth buying?

The first iPhone SE squeezed iPhone 6s internals into the classic 4-inch frame for $399. A cult favourite, it is now a vintage device. SpecEagle gives the iPhone SE (1st gen) an editorial score of 46/100.

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