I’ve been using the iPhone SE (3rd generation) released on March 18th for several days.
I will use the iPhone SE for the first time in two years since the iPhone SE (2nd generation) came out. When I actually use it, I think that “small is justice”.
Personally, I used to use the iPhone 12 mini during the iPhone 12 series. I loved that compactness, its presence that doesn’t get in the way when I put it in my pocket, it doesn’t feel heavy when I carry it around, and I can easily make payments at convenience stores and vending machines. In the era of the iPhone 13 series, the iPhone 13 Pro was the main model because I wanted to use up the camera, but I carry the iPhone 13 mini as a sub machine.
The iPhone SE (3rd generation) appeared in front of the author who loves such a small thing.
Moreover, it also supports 5G, which is my favorite. Furthermore, if you have the latest A15 Bionic, which is also used in the iPhone 13 series, you may be confused with the iPhone 13 mini.
When you actually pick up the iPhone SE (3rd generation), it fits comfortably in the palm of your hand. What makes it different from the iPhone 13 mini is the side processing. The iPhone SE (3rd generation) is rounded, so it’s easy to hold and fits comfortably in your hand.
▲The third generation iPhone SE
On the other hand, the iPhone 13 mini has a square side, which makes it easy to pick up, but it hurts a little when it hits the corner. The iPhone 13 mini is easy to hold in terms of size, but it can be said that the iPhone SE (3rd generation) wins in that it doesn’t bother you even if you hold it for a long time.
The iPhone SE (3rd generation) is cheaper and more affordable than the iPhone 13 series. You will want to combine it with low-priced plans such as medium-capacity plans of sub-brands such as Ymobile and UQ mobile, online-only plans such as ahamo, LINEMO, and povo, and small-capacity plans for cheap smartphones.
On the other hand, the iPhone SE (3rd generation) is compatible with 5G. In the 5G area, if it does not fall to 4G, it will be connected to the Internet crisply and data will be consumed bang bang. If possible, iPhone SE (3rd generation) is recommended to watch videos with an unlimited use plan of each carrier.
When I watched YouTube on iPhone SE (3rd generation) and iPhone 13 mini, I noticed that when I saw the 16: 9 video, the 4.7-inch iPhone SE (3rd generation) was better than the 6.1-inch iPhone 13. You can watch videos on a screen larger than the mini.
The iPhone 13 mini is a larger display, but it has a notch and is vertically long, which creates wasted space when playing videos.
In that respect, the iPhone SE (3rd generation) can play videos to fill the display, so it can display videos in a surprisingly large size.
In terms of “watching videos,” the iPhone SE (3rd generation) is second to none with the iPhone 13 mini.
Comparing the iPhone SE (3rd generation) and the iPhone 13 mini with a benchmark app, the iPhone 13 mini seems to have a slightly better number. The chips are the same on the A15 Bionic, but the difference in memory may be reflected in the numbers. However, I actually tried using it, but I mightn’t really feel the difference.
Also, with regard to the iPhone SE (3rd generation), most users will mainly use it for phone calls, emails, LINE, video playback, casual games, and SNS. With this kind of usage, I feel that the potential of the A15 Bionic is surplus.
I was wondering if the iPhone SE (3rd generation) needed the A15 Bionic in the first place, but it has the advantage that the iPhone SE (3rd generation) can be used for as long as possible with the latest A15 Bionic. Probably.
iOS also supports relatively older models. It’s surprising that iOS 15 is compatible with the iPhone 6s, which was released six years ago.
The iPhone SE (3rd generation) is also equipped with the A15 Bionic, so it may be possible to use it until 2028, six years later. What a bargain with an iPhone that starts at a list price of 57,800 yen and can be used for the next 6 years.
Compared to the iPhone SE (3rd generation) and the iPhone 13 mini, the difference in the number of cameras is large. There is one iPhone SE (3rd generation) and two iPhone 13 minis. Telephoto can be managed with digital zoom, but once you know the ease of use of wide-angle lenses, you can’t go back later. In that respect, I’m worried that the iPhone SE (3rd generation) does not have a wide-angle camera.
▲ The back alley at night taken with the predecessor 2nd generation iPhone SE
▲ Shoot the same place with iPhone 13 mini
▲ Taken with the newly introduced 3rd generation iPhone SE
▲ Pasta taken with the 2nd generation iPhone SE
▲ Shoot the same pasta with iPhone 13 mini
▲ Taken with the 3rd generation iPhone SE
▲ Portrait photo taken with 3rd generation iPhone SE
Another feature of the iPhone SE (3rd generation) is that it can be unlocked with Touch ID (fingerprint authentication), which is perfect for the Corona era. Some people may think, “You can buy the iPhone SE (3rd generation) with this alone”, but from iOS 15.4 scheduled to be delivered this week, you can unlock it with Face ID (face recognition) even if you are wearing a mask. Become. I actually tried it on the iPhone 13 mini, and although it required a single swipe from the bottom to the top of the screen following recognizing the face, it was much easier than entering a passcode.
I’m swayed by fingerprint authentication because I need a mask for a while to prevent corona and pollen, but I’m starting to feel that Face ID is fine.
However, the cost performance of the iPhone SE (3rd generation) that appeared at this timing is not hampered, and it is an iPhone that can be recommended to many people.
If someone who isn’t very interested in the features asks, “I’m having trouble with my iPhone, what should I buy?”, I would recommend the iPhone SE (3rd generation) without hesitation. ..
