Apple took an unusual move when they updated their iPhone line-up mid-cycle with their announcement of the 4-inch iPhone SE. The iPhone SE is an affordable and compact alternative to the iPhone 6s that is a direct replacement of the iPhone 5s that comes with three times faster performance. It is a smaller, low-cost iPhone that may entice customers that would have considered the iPhone a bit 'old' to buy. Considering its an iPhone, the iPhone SE isn't exactly a budget phone. On the other hand, the Samsung's Galaxy S7, one of the latest 2016 flagships, isn't either. Because Samsung hasn't released a 'mini' version of its Galaxy flagship line since the launch of the Galaxy S5 Mini, so a comparison of Apple's smaller device with their much larger Galaxy S7 smartphone is only warranted.
Design and build quality Comparison
Seemingly, the Galaxy S7 looks very much similar to its Galaxy S6 predecessor, but the latest addition to the Galaxy range has a lot to offer in terms of internal specs such its power and speed.Samsung's Galaxy S7 has premium design, thanks to its stylish metallic finish complemented by an aluminium frame. This is topped by an IP68 certification protection which safeguards the smartphone against water and dust damage. The sleek device offers a comfortable single-handed and two-handed hold with a state-of-the-art feel.As for the iPhone SE (Special Edition), its a bit tricky to distinguish it from the former iPhone 5 and 5s. Though the iPhone SE resembles the previous iPhones, that is not necessarily a negative when it comes to its looks. Additionally, when you look closely, there are actually a few subtle improvements when you compare the Apple handsets.
First of, the newly introduced iPhone SE is offered in a gold color option, something that's not available with the iPhone models before it.In terms of looks, its smaller form factor manages to stand out in a new dawn of chunky smartphones, also giving it a sophisticated look.
Touch ID technology is integrated within the physical home button at the front panel of the iPhone SE, which means faster unlocking of your device and can also be used to authorize Apple Pay payments.
Display Comparison
Samsung Galaxy S7 sports a 5.1-inch QHD display, backed by a resolution of 2,560 x 1,440 pixels that delivers genuinely crisp and vibrant viewing. With one of the brightest Android screens, the Galaxy S7's display offers an excellent color quality and depth.
Meanwhile, the iPhone SE is the latest 4-inch device to be introduced to the smartphone market since Apple launched its own iPhone 5c and 5s smartphones, back in 2013. Unfortunately, Apple's smaller sized iPhone SE lacks the 3D Touch technology but is still a welcomed alternative to its recent counterparts.
Apple also added that the device's smaller Retina display will ensure costs remain lowered for customers.
Processor and storage Comparison
Galaxy S7 is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 820 or Exynos 8890 processor which delivers a lightning-fast experience for users.Samsung Galaxy S7 switches between resource-intensive apps and games without any noticeable delays and multitasking is a seamless activity. Samsung promises that the Galaxy S7 comes with a CPU that is 30 percent more powerful, as well as 64 percent more powerful GPU in comparison to the Galaxy S6. The latest Galaxy model comes in two models, one having an internal storage of 32 GB while the other option has a 64 GB, both boasting 4 GB of RAM along with a microSD slot for memory expansion.
Whereas iPhone SE won't offer the same features as Apple's recent iPhone generation, it is still a good enough upgrade to much older Apple handsets.
In contrast to the iPhone 5s, the iPhone SE provides three times faster performance thus expect multitasking with ease.
Apple's iPhone SE is equipped with the same 64-bit A9 chipset found under the iPhone 6s hood, and thanks to iOS 9.3 which brings speed enhancements, stutters will be kept at bay.
Camera Comparison
Samsung Galaxy S7 boasts a main camera with 12 MP equipped with a dual pixel technology and OIS. Its camera is one of the best in the Android world, with snappy focus speeds and an effective quick launch feature.
At the front the S7 features a 5 MP selfie camera with wide angle capabilities along with an f/1.7 lens. As far as we know, the front-shooter captures great pictures even in low-lit areas.
iPhone SE embodies a 12 MP iSight rear camera that includes a true tone flash, up to 63 MP panorama support and focus pixels.Because Apple is known for the quality of the smartphone cameras. It is highly likely that the iPhone SE will excel in this department as well. In addition, the device offers the same camera as the iPhone 6s and therefore shooting in 4K should be a piece of cake.Furthermore, iPhone SE allows 1080p filming up to 60 fps and even slow-mo up to 240fps.
Software Comparison
Android 6.0.1 powers the Galaxy S7 flagship along with TouchWiz UI. There are minimal pre-installed apps and regular software updates are expected to roll-out to the device.
Whilst iPhone SE is running on the newly launched iOS 9.3, which adds several changes and improvements to a few of the commonly used apps such as News, Health and Notes. Also worth mentioning, the newly introduced Night Shift feature makes adjustments to the screen colors for the protection of user's eyes, by employing the device's clock and location settings.
Additional changes include fresh 3D Touch shortcuts such as for Weather, Health and Settings, as well as password protection capabilities for single notes on the handset.
Battery Comparison
The Galaxy S7's battery capacity has been upgraded to 3,000mAh an improvements from the Galaxy S6' 2,550 mAh battery. The battery keeps the Samsung Galaxy S7 powered up for longer also thanks to the device's Always On display feature, which saves on battery life by ensuring only useful information is displayed to users and powers on fewer pixels to do so. The Galaxy S7 promises a full day of use on a single charge, with speedy charging delivering almost 100% of charge in just under 90 minutes.
Apple's iPhone SE is said to offer a significant improvement in terms of battery life in comparison to the iPhone 5s.With a single charge on the iPhone 5s allowing around 40 hours of audio playback, the iPhone SE pushes it up to 50 hours. As for Wi-Fi browsing, the iPhone SE will last you up to 3 hours longer, in contrast to the iPhone 5s.
Conclusion
Apple's iPhone SE seems like a worthy upgrade alternative for those looking for an iPhone 5 or 5s replacement. Moreover, the 4-inch smaller form factor is a welcome change away from the current releases sporting much larger displays.
But the question is, is the recent iPhone a worthy contender against Samsung's Galaxy S7? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
