By admin The first-generation iPhone was the game changer, while the iPhone SE made it even better
Beginning with the original iPhone (1st Generation) in 2007, Apple’s iPhones have influenced our thinking surrounding technology. Fast forward to 2016, and Apple introduced the iPhone SE (1st Generation), a device with a compact form factor and high performance at an affordable price.
This blog explains the differences between these two phones, in chronological worldly details so you can understand what they represent. We will be using a table format to show the differences, similar to what is found in the attached image.
By Definition: The Role Each iPhone Played
| iPhone (1st Generation) | iPhone SE (1st Generation) |
| Introduced the world to smartphones and multi-touch technology. | Combined high performance with affordability in a compact design. |
| Focused on creating a revolutionary device with basic smartphone capabilities. | Focused on delivering modern performance in a familiar small form factor. |
| Pioneered features like touchscreen and mobile internet browsing. | Built for users who wanted flagship features at a lower price. |
Key Takeaway:
The original iPhone was groundbreaking for its time, while the iPhone SE aimed to bring advanced features to a broader audience.
Design: Retro Charm vs Modern Simplicity
| iPhone (1st Generation) | iPhone SE (1st Generation) |
| Metal and plastic design with a bulky feel. | Sleek, lightweight aluminum unibody. |
| 3.5-inch display with thick bezels. | 4-inch Retina display with sharper visuals. |
| Weighed 135 grams with a thickness of 11.6mm. | Weighed 113 grams with a thinner profile at 7.6mm. |
| Featured a physical headphone jack. | Retained the headphone jack but added Touch ID. |
Key Takeaway:
The iPhone SE has a more modern design, with a slimmer and lighter build, while the original iPhone feels bulkier and dated.
Display: Sharpness and Clarity Over Time
| iPhone (1st Generation) | iPhone SE (1st Generation) |
| 3.5-inch LCD with 320×480 resolution. | 4-inch Retina LCD with 640×1136 resolution. |
| 165 pixels per inch (PPI). | 326 PPI (Retina quality). |
| Limited brightness and color accuracy. | Better brightness, contrast, and color reproduction. |
Key Takeaway:
The iPhone SE’s Retina display is significantly sharper and brighter, providing a superior visual experience.
Performance: Processing Power Evolution
| iPhone (1st Generation) | iPhone SE (1st Generation) |
| 412 MHz ARM11 processor. | A9 chip with dual-core 1.84 GHz. |
| 128 MB RAM. | 2 GB RAM. |
| Ran iOS 1.0 and stopped at iOS 3.1.3. | Launched with iOS 9, supported updates up to iOS 15. |
| Basic app functionality, slow multitasking. | Fast performance, capable of running modern apps. |
Key Takeaway:
The iPhone SE’s A9 processor and 2GB RAM deliver far superior performance, making it feel much faster and more capable than the original iPhone.
Camera: From Simple to Stunning
| iPhone (1st Generation) | iPhone SE (1st Generation) |
| Single 2 MP rear camera. | 12 MP rear camera with 4K video recording. |
| No front camera for selfies. | 1.2 MP front camera for selfies. |
| No advanced features or modes. | Features Live Photos, slow-motion, and burst mode. |
Key Takeaway:
The iPhone SE’s camera is leaps ahead, offering far better photo quality and modern features compared to the original iPhone’s basic capabilities.
Battery Life: Lasting Longer
| iPhone (1st Generation) | iPhone SE (1st Generation) |
| 1400 mAh battery with up to 8 hours of talk time on 2G. | 1624 mAh battery with up to 14 hours of talk time on 3G. |
| No fast charging. | Faster charging support (though not wireless). |
Key Takeaway:
The iPhone SE lasts longer on a single charge, with improved battery capacity and efficiency.
Connectivity: From 2G to 4G LTE
| iPhone (1st Generation) | iPhone SE (1st Generation) |
| Supported 2G networks. | Supported 4G LTE for faster internet speeds. |
| Bluetooth 2.0. | Bluetooth 4.2. |
| Limited Wi-Fi capabilities (802.11b/g). | Faster Wi-Fi with 802.11ac support. |
Key Takeaway:
The iPhone SE is far more connected, with support for faster networks and advanced wireless technology.
Price: Aiming for Different Audiences
| iPhone (1st Generation) | iPhone SE (1st Generation) |
| Launched at $499 (4GB) and $599 (8GB). | Launched at $399 for the base model. |
| Targeted early adopters and premium buyers. | Targeted budget-conscious users wanting flagship performance. |
Key Takeaway:
The iPhone SE was a more affordable option compared to the premium pricing of the original iPhone.
Legacy and Impact
| iPhone (1st Generation) | iPhone SE (1st Generation) |
| Revolutionized the smartphone industry. | Delivered powerful features in an affordable package. |
| Set the stage for future innovations. | Showed that compact phones could still pack a punch. |
Key Takeaway:
While the original iPhone will always be remembered for its innovation, the iPhone SE made advanced technology accessible to more people.
FAQs
What made the iPhone (1st Generation) special?
The original iPhone introduced the world to the concept of a smartphone, featuring a touchscreen interface and internet browsing capabilities.
Is the iPhone SE worth buying today?
While the iPhone SE (1st Generation) is outdated compared to newer models, it’s still a good budget option for basic use.
How much better is the iPhone SE camera compared to the original iPhone?
The iPhone SE’s 12 MP camera is miles ahead of the original iPhone’s 2 MP camera, offering sharper photos and modern features
Conclusion
The original iPhone and iPhone SE (1st Generation) are both iconic devices in their own right. From the original out of which ones until the iPhone SE that tried to build on the foundation by giving advanced capabilities at pocket-friendly much things.
The iPhone SE is the winner on performance, design, camera and connectivity. But the original iPhone will always be significant for history as the device that changed the world. So whether you’re a tech lover, or just love the nostalgia, these two phones show you how far technology has come