iPhone 7 Vs iPhone SE (2016)

iPhone 7
iPhone 7
Starting at

Refurbished price:£63.00

Versus £179.00 new

See options
iPhone SE (2016)
iPhone SE (2016)
Starting at

Refurbished price:£33.00

Versus £149.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone 7, released in September 2016, and the iPhone SE (2016), launched in March 2016, are both smartphones from Apple that offer distinct user experiences. While they share the same operating system foundation, the iPhone 7 introduced a larger display, an updated design, and enhanced camera capabilities, whereas the iPhone SE (2016) maintained a compact form factor.

Scores

Durability

Both devices have reached the end of their major operating system update cycle, with iOS 15 being the last supported version for both models. This means that while they continue to function, they will not receive new feature updates from Apple. However, security updates for iOS 15 may still be provided for a period.

  • Release Timeline: The iPhone SE (2016) was released slightly earlier in March 2016, followed by the iPhone 7 in September 2016.
  • Software Longevity: Both devices concluded their major OS support with iOS 15, meaning they no longer receive new iOS versions.
  • Practical Lifespan: Users can expect continued functionality for everyday tasks, though compatibility with newer applications may diminish over time as app developers increasingly target more recent iOS versions.

Year of Release

2016

2016

Compatible with latest Update

No

No

OS

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The internal components of these two iPhones offer different levels of processing power, impacting how smoothly they handle various tasks and applications.

  • Processor Capabilities: The iPhone 7 features a newer processor, which provides a noticeable improvement in speed and efficiency compared to the iPhone SE (2016). This translates to faster app loading and smoother navigation.
  • Multitasking: Both devices are equipped with 2GB of RAM, allowing for a reasonable number of applications to run simultaneously. However, the iPhone 7's more capable processor handles transitions between apps with greater fluidity.
  • Storage Options: The iPhone 7 was available with larger maximum storage capacities, offering more space for apps, photos, and videos compared to the iPhone SE (2016)'s configurations.

Memory (GB)

2 GB

2 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary point of interaction, and these two models present different visual experiences due to their size and technology.

  • Display Technology: Both phones feature Retina IPS LCD displays, known for their color accuracy and wide viewing angles.
  • Resolution and Clarity: The iPhone 7 has a 4.7-inch display with a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels, offering a larger viewing area than the iPhone SE (2016)'s 4.0-inch display with 1136 x 640 pixels. Both maintain a similar pixel density, resulting in sharp text and images.
  • Brightness Levels: The iPhone 7's display offers higher peak brightness, which can improve visibility when using the device outdoors or in brightly lit environments.

Resolution

750 x 1334

640 x 1136

Screen type

Retina IPS LCD

IPS LCD

Audiovisual

Camera performance is a significant factor for many users, and both devices offer capable systems for their respective generations, with the iPhone 7 introducing several enhancements.

  • Rear Camera System: Both phones feature a 12-megapixel main camera capable of recording 4K video. The iPhone 7's camera includes optical image stabilization (OIS), which helps reduce blur in photos and videos, particularly in lower light conditions.
  • Front Camera: The iPhone 7 significantly upgrades the front-facing camera to 7 megapixels, capable of 1080p video recording, offering clearer selfies and video calls compared to the iPhone SE (2016)'s 1.2-megapixel front camera.
  • Audio Experience: The iPhone 7 includes stereo speakers, providing a more immersive audio experience for media consumption than the single speaker on the iPhone SE (2016).

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

7 megapixels

1.2 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements differentiate these two smartphones, influencing daily usability and connectivity.

  • Connectivity: Both devices support 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11ac, and Bluetooth 4.2 for wireless communication.
  • Physical Connections: A notable difference is the absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack on the iPhone 7, requiring the use of Lightning-connected headphones or an adapter, whereas the iPhone SE (2016) retains the traditional headphone jack. Both utilize a Lightning port for charging and data transfer.
  • Design and Handling: The iPhone SE (2016) is considerably smaller and lighter, making it easier for one-handed use and pocketability. The iPhone 7 offers a larger screen in a slightly heavier and larger body. The iPhone 7 also introduced IP67 water and dust resistance, a feature not present on the iPhone SE (2016).

Weight

138 g

113 g

Width

6,71 cm

5,86 cm

Height

13,83 cm

12,38 cm

Depth

0,71 cm

0,76 cm

Screen size (in)

4.7

4

Mobile network

4G

4G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

Lightning + Jack 3.5mm

User feedback often highlights the iPhone SE (2016) as a preferred choice for those who value a highly compact smartphone with a familiar design and the convenience of a headphone jack. Its smaller size makes it easy to handle and carry. Conversely, the iPhone 7 is frequently praised for its larger, brighter display, improved camera with optical image stabilization, and water resistance, which were significant advancements at its release.

Some common criticisms of the iPhone SE (2016) often revolve around its smaller screen size for media consumption and its less advanced front camera. For the iPhone 7, the removal of the headphone jack was a frequent point of discussion among users. Both devices, having reached the end of major software updates, may face limitations with newer applications over time.

Users prioritizing a compact form factor and the presence of a traditional headphone jack may find the iPhone SE (2016) well-suited to their needs. Those who prefer a larger display, enhanced camera capabilities, and some degree of water resistance will likely lean towards the iPhone 7. Both models remain viable options for basic smartphone functions and can be found as quality-assured refurbished alternatives, offering an eco-friendly choice for consumers.

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