Monday, 4 July 2016

iPhone 5c review: Apple's most colourful iPhone | Two years on, is it still worth purchasing?

iPhone 5c review

This article is being updated
The iPhone 5c is a colourful, now-budget iPhone and 'unashamedly plastic,' according to Apple. But, as the iPhone 5c now becomes over two years old, should you buy it? We revisit our iPhone 5c review to determine whether it's worth buying.
Just after Apple launched the iPhone 5 in 2012, there were calls for the company to start thinking about offering a low cost version of the iPhone. Apple watchers and analyst suggested that Apple needed a cheaper iPhone if it was to continue to gain market share at a time when smartphone ownership was starting to reach saturation. Apple responded by saying that a cheaper iPhone would "never be the future of Apple products." 
And yet the idea that Apple would launch a cheaper iPhone took hold, so when Apple unveiled the iPhone 5c alongside the iPhone 5s many assumed that the 'C' stood for cheap. Perhaps because expectations were set so high (or should we say low) the inevitable disappointment when it emerged that the upfront price of the iPhone 5c was just £80 less than the equivalent iPhone 5s. Starting at £469 the iPhone 5c is not a cheap iPhone.
Apple then launched an 8GB iPhone 5c, reducing the starting price of the device to £429. Even so, the 8GB variant wasn't popular given its limited storage capacity and very slight discount over the 16GB variant. At launch the prices were the following: £429 for 8GB; £469 for 16GB; £549 for 32GB.
Since its launch in 2012, the price of the iPhone 5c has dropped considerably, with the iPhone 5c now available between £108.99 and £119.99 for 16- and 32GB storage capacities. However, with the iPhone 5c now discontinued, these prices reflect a seller refurbished price, which is not the same as a brand new phone. As it's hard to find the phone brand new, our updated article is based on you being able to buy the phone in 2016 for under £120.
Regarding the phone's success, we find it odd that so many Apple watchers branded the iPhone 5c a flop. It was far from it. In 2012, it managed to outsell Samsung's flagship smartphone on half of the top carriers in America, and also pushed every other Android, Windows and Blackberry phone out of the top three smartphones across each carrier.
Plus, Apple CEO Tim Cook defended the iPhone 5c on various occasions, claiming that the device has been a big winner when it comes to attracting Android users to the iPhone, and has actually shown the strongest growth rate of any of Apple's mid-range iPhones since its launch. Also see: Is the iPhone 5c really a flop?

iPhone 5c review: Design & build

The plastic back of the iPhone 5c is a huge departure from the steel, aluminium and glass materials that Apple has used since the iPhone 4. The iPhone 3GS had a plastic back, so it's almost like going backwards. But does the plastic case make the new iPhone 5c look like it belongs in a bargain basement?
On the contrary, we think that Apple has proven that plastic doesn't have to look cheap. The iPhone 5c bears all the trademarks of Apple's meticulous attention to detail. It is crafted from a single piece of plastic. You won’t find a single seam or joint in the unibody-style design. One benefit of the plastic construction is that the edges are smooth and curved, unlike those of the iPhones 5s and 4s, which by comparison feel a little less comfortable in the hand.
On the inside of the plastic case is a steel-enforced frame. Thanks to this metal skeleton the plastic coated iPhone 5c feels solid. Along with adding rigidity the steel frame and metal plate at the back can double up as an antenna, so there wasn't a repeat of antennagate, the reception issue that plagued the iPhone 4.
On the outside the plastic case gains a clear lacquer hard coating, which gives it a durable and glossy surface that is very difficult to scratch - our attempts merely left marks that could be easily wiped off.
The iPhone 5c case certainly picks up fewer marks than the iPhone 5. We've kept our iPhone 5 in a case from day one in order to protect it. We think you could get away with never putting your iPhone 5c in a case, indeed, you may prefer to show off your chosen colour. 
As for size and weight the iPhone 5c measures 124mm by 59.2mm, and is 8.97mm deep. It weighs 132 grams. This means it's slightly longer and thicker than both the iPhone 5s and the iPhone 5, and a little heavier. 
Here's our unboxing the iPhone 5c video 

iPhone 5c review: Colour options

Speaking of colours, it's pretty clear that when Apple settled on the name iPhone 5c the 'c' was intended indicate colour. This is the first time Apple has produced an iPhone in any colour other than black or white.
The iPhone 5c is available in pink, yellow, blue and green, as well as white. The colours are bright and vibrant and it looks like they came right off the catwalk – they contrast well with the next two seasons colours, according to the fashion industry. 
To emphasise its fashion credentials Apple's new iPhone 5s was used at a Burberry fashion shoot at London Fashion Week. We also know that Apple recently poached a designer from Yves St Laurent, and its new head of retail, Angela Ahrednts, was formerly the CEO of Burberry. With the iPhone 5c, Apple has designed a phone that will become a fashion item.
Choice of colour will be a personal decision for anyone buying an iPhone 5c. It's inevitable that pink will be popular with younger females, and we've seen lots of yellow and blue models out and about. The white model is for the more subdued, while the green seems to be a bit of a dud so far – we've not seen any out in the real world so far.
What is crucial is the fact that there is choice. People like to be able to emphasise their personality though the products they own and what better way to do this than through colour. 

iPhone 5c review: Camera


Now that we've discussed the iPhone 5c's appearance, it's time to talk about what's on the inside. The iPhone 5c is a feature-packed phone, though much of its hardware has been taken from the iPhone 5 and placed inside the new plastic body (see more on this below).
The FaceTime camera on the front of the device is better than the one found in the iPhone 5, offering up better visibility in low-light.
The camera on the back of the iPhone 5c features the same 8Mp sensor, 3264x2448, backside illuminated, hybrid IR filter, five-element lens, and f/2.4 aperture as the iPhone 5 did.
It is by no means a bad camera. If your current camera is an iPhone 4S or older you will notice a marked difference. The iPhone 5c (or iPhone 5) camera offers faster photo capture, better low-light performance and improved noise reduction compared to those previous models. HDR captures are also faster when compared to older iPhones.
The camera itself is identical to that in the iPhone 5, as you can see from this selection of shots taken with the two cameras. 


The video quality is also identical. 
If photography is your thing you may prefer the camera in the iPhone 5s, which is greatly improved with a new five-element Apple designed lens that features a larger f/2.2 aperture. The sensor in the iPhone 5s camera is also larger as are the pixels on this sensor.

iPhone 5c review: Display 


When the iPhone 5 launched the most obvious difference to the iPhone 4S was the size of the display, and like the iPhone 5, the iPhone 5c (and iPhone 5s) feature a 4in Retina display as opposed to the 3.5in display of the older models. Being 176 pixels taller means the display offers a 16:9 aspect ratio – which is the same as an HDTV.
Since its release, Apple released the iPhone 6, 6s, 6s Plus that all feature larger screens - making the iPhone screen bigger than ever before. These new iPhones feature a better pixel density and resolution, providing you with a better visual experience.
However, the 4in display is designed so that you can hold the iPhone in your hand and reach all parts of the screen comfortably. You can't do this with a bigger display unless you have bigger hands, so if one-handed use is important to you then the iPhone 5c's display will be the perfect size for most.
The iPhone 5c's display is pretty crisp, with a 326ppi display at a resolution of 1136x640 pixels. That's not as high resolution as some competing smartphones from rivals such as Samsung, LG and HTC, but you'll find it more than satisfactory for browsing the web, reading and playing games. See also: The best iPad & iPhone games.

iPhone 5c review: Performance

The iPhone 5c’s Geekbench score turned out to be slightly less than the iPhone 5, according to our tests. The iPhone 5 was about 10 percent faster than the new 5c in this test. The iPhone 5s Geekbench score is more than twice that of the iPhone 5c.
Geekbench 3 (single-core score)
                        iPhone 5s 1393.0
                        iPhone 5c 671.0
                        iPhone 5 723.0
                        iPhone 4S 217.0
                        iPhone 4 213.0
                        HTC One 591.0
                        Samsung Galaxy S4 667.0
Geekbench 3 (multi-core score)
                        iPhone 5s 2485.0
                        iPhone 5c 1180.0
                        iPhone 5 1302.0
                        iPhone 4S 412.0
                        iPhone 4210.0
                        HTC One 1507.0
                        Samsung Galaxy S4 1862.0
Sunspider 1.0.1
                        iPhone 5s 454.0
                        iPhone 5c 715.6
                        iPhone 5 707.6
                        iPhone 4S 1573.1
                        iPhone 4 2682.9
                        HTC One 1117.4
                        Samsung Galaxy S4 1210.5
The iPhone 5c was also slightly slower on the Sunspider test than the iPhone 5. The Sunspider JavaScript tests showed the 5s finishing the test in 454 milliseconds versus the 715 milliseconds of the iPhone 5c and 707.6 for the iPhone 5 (lower is better). However, the iPhone 5 was only 1 percent faster than the iPhone 5c.
When put up against the newer iPhone 6 and 6s, the iPhone 5c is a much slower phone. For example, the iPhone 6 scored 1569 in its single-core Geekbench 3 score, whilst the iPhone 5c scores 671. The iPhone 6s score 2524 for the same benchmark, completely outclassing the iPhone 5c.
If you're looking for a phone for intensive gaming or want a phone that is more capable of handling multiple different apps simultaneously, then the iPhone 5c won't cut it.
See also: iPhone 4S vs iPhone 5c | iPhone 6s review | iPhone 6 review | There are more benchmarks at Macworld.com.

iPhone 5c review: Battery life

Apple says that the battery in the iPhone 5c is larger than the one in the iPhone 5. Apple claims that it offers 10 hours of web browsing on Wi-Fi and LTE networks, up to 8 hours on 3G networks, and up to 10 hours of video playback and up to 40 hours of audio playback.
This is almost identical to Apple's claims regarding the iPhone 5, with the exception that Apple now claims 10 hours over LTE where last year that claim was 8 hours.
How did the battery stand up to our tests? The iPhone 5c lasted an impressive 10 hours, 19 minutes (compared to the iPhone 5s at 11 hours). The Samsung Galaxy S4 managed 7 hours in the same tests, and the HTC One lasted 6 hours, 44 minutes. The Droid Razr Maxx, however, lasted 13 hours, 28 minutes in our video-looping battery test.
Battery life looping video
                        iPhone 5s 11:03
                        iPhone 5c 10:19
                        iPhone 5 9:37
                        iPhone 4S 8:31
                        HTC One 6:44
                        Samsung Galaxy S4 7:01

iPhone 5c review: Capacity

Along with the various colours, there are three versions of the iPhone 5c available offering 8GB, 16GB and 32GB capacities, though the 8GB model isn't available in all countries. If you want a 64GB iPhone you will have to turn to the iPhone 5s or other newer models.

iPhone 5c review: Software

The iPhone 5c, of course, runs Apple's iOS 7. It'll soon get the update to iOS 8 when the new version is released to the public later this year, too. You can find out more about iOS 7 in our iOS 7 review, and more about what to expect from iOS 8 in our iOS 8 preview.

iPhone 5c review: Price

As we mentioned, all the press around the iPhone 5c pegged it as the 'low-cost', 'budget', or 'cheap' iPhone. While the iPhone 5c is slightly cheaper, it was released only slightly cheaper than the iPhone 5. 
At launch, the prices were: £429 for 8GB; £469 for 16GB; £549 for 32GB. Since its launch in 2012, the price of the iPhone 5c has dropped considerably, with the iPhone 5c now available between £108.99 and £119.99 in16- and 32GB storage capacities. However, with the iPhone 5c now discontinued, these prices reflect a seller refurbished price, which is not the same as a brand new phone.
If you're looking to get it on contract, you'll now find it hard to source. Previously, you were able to find it from EE, Three, O2, Vodafone, Virgin Mobile, Tesco Mobile, Carphone Warehouse and Phones 4 U in our Best iPhone 5c deals article. Due to the phone being discontinued, it will be hard to find the phone available brand new, let alone on contract - so you'll need to buy it outright.

iPhone 5c vs iPhone 5

As much as we like the plastic casing of the iPhone 5c there is one fact that we can't ignore. The plastic case is basically the only difference between the iPhone 5 and iPhone 5c. The two phones are almost identical, sharing the same iSight camera, A6 processor, and Lightning connector. This has lead many to assume that the iPhone 5c is a repackaged iPhone 5.
There are a few differences between the two models, though. The iPhone 5c shares its internal WiFi and cellular hardware with the iPhone 5s rather than the iPhone 5 - probably because by sharing common components Apple can save money. This, coupled with the steal back providing extra antenna capacity seems, in our tests, to result in a better signal.
The iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s also share the new FaceTime camera that is capable of clearer FaceTime video calls, according to Apple. We tested this and indeed, the iPhone 5c meant we could be seen in more detail than when we tried with an iPhone 5. 

iPhone 5c on the left, iPhone 5 on the right  
The other major difference is the fact that the iPhone 5c supports all the UK 4G networks, whereas the iPhone 5 cannot support the 4G networks of O2 and Vodafone.
Despite these internal differences – and the new design - it would be difficult to argue that it is a completely different phone. The big question is whether it really matters.
We don't think that it does matter if the iPhone 5 if hiding inside these new vibrant cases. The iPhone 5 is a great phone and we're sure that if the iPhone 5 was still on sale people would be queuing up to buy it. What's different this year is that you can buy an iPhone 5 that doesn't look like it's a year old.

iPhone 5c vs iPhone 5s

Why choose the iPhone 5s instead of the iPhone 5c? Aside from the design and price tag, there are many differences between the two devices, because the iPhone 5s sports significantly upgraded hardware.
As mentioned previously in this review, the iPhone 5s has a much improved camera. In addition, another reason to opt for the iPhone 5s would be if you know that your usage is likely to benefit from the modern platform offered by the iPhone 5s. With an A7 chip and 64-bit processing the iPhone 5s will, no doubt, be loved by gamers and will also give you a few more years of use before it becomes obsolete.
On-the-other-hand the A6 chip is no slow coach. When we tested it when it first appeared in the iPhone 5 we said that it ran laps around all previous iPhones and iPhones. Its Geekbench score was more than twice as high as its closest competitors, the iPad 2 and the iPad 3, so again, if you have an older device, expect to see a noticeable improvement.
If you need the power of an A7 chip, then the iPhone 5c might not be for you, but we think there are plenty of people who don't need that much power on their smartphone right now.

iPhone 5c vs Android & Windows Phone smartphones

Take a look at the following links to find out how the iPhone 5c compares to some of its Android and Windows Phone rivals.

OUR VERDICT

The iPhone 5c was released back on 20 September 2013, over 2 years ago. Apple’s most colourful iPhone provided a cheaper option for those who wanted to own an iPhone and experience iOS. Now, the phone can’t match the performance of newer iPhones, nor of some budget Android smartphones, however given its much lower price in 2016, the iPhone 5c still serves as an alternative for those who want to experience iOS.
The iPhone 5c provides a good upgrade option for those who are on older generation iPhones and also provides those looking to buy a budget iPhone, a worthy smartphone that boasts a decent camera for its price.
We should note that at the time of review in 2013, we gave the iPhone 5c a 5 star review, but with other options now out there, we have updated it to a 4 star review, to reflect how the phone compares to its competitors in 2016. Do bear in mind that the phone has been discontinued and can be hard to find brand new.
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iPhone 6S review

Apple's tagline for the iPhone 6S is 'the only thing that's changed is everything', highlighting that the brand knows this is a phone that looks an awful lot like 2014's model.
It makes sense that Apple would try its hardest to show that, despite the handset looking identical to the iPhone 6, there have been loads of changes under the hood that make this an attractive phone in its own right.
The chassis is stronger, the camera sharper – with a new Harry Potter-esque way of capturing your snaps – and there's even a completely new way of interacting with the screen. On paper, it's an impressive upgrade.
See the iPhone 6S in action in our video review:
But when it looks identical to the iPhone 6, people will be desperate to know if the iPhone 6S is enough of an upgrade to justify the price. While the upgrades seem great, is it worth going all the way up to the iPhone 6S, or would the 6 do?
In terms of raw price, we're in a weird situation now. Samsung and the rest of the Android crew have been slowly ratcheting up the price of their high-end phones to the point where they're actually eclipsing the iPhone 6S at launch.
While Apple put its phone into a market where the Galaxy S6 was significantly cheaper there are new boys on the block in the for of the Galaxy S7, LG G5 andHTC 10. Either way, the iPhone 6S has a lot to live up to.
In the UK you'll likely have to part with between £50 and £100 upfront to get the phone for £36-£38 per month (if you want a decent slug of data and minutes) with the 6S starting at £539 (US$649, AU$1,079) for the 16GB model, £619 (US$749, AU$1,229) for the 64GB model and £699 (US$849, AU$1,379) for 128GB.
It starts at $649 if you're looking to pick it up off contract in the US, with the new $32.45 monthly cost if you're thinking of getting locked into Apple's yearly upgrade plan.

iPhone 6S review

In reality though, the question of who this phone is aimed at isn't that hard to answer: for most people stuck on the iPhone 5S it's clearly the upgrade they're considering, although the recent arrival of the iPhone SE will surely tempt some of those users who want to stick with the smaller form factor.
Beyond that there's the disgruntled Android owner who's tired of looking at the slicker app experience Apple offers and seeing their own handset looking sketchy in comparison.
(Of course, there are a few people that tried Windows Phones as experiments, but they'd probably be happy with just about any other phone if they're still using a Nokia Lumia 930).

iPhone 6S review
The difference between the iPhone 6 (left) and iPhone 6S (right) is nearly impossible to see

The issue Apple is trying to solve with the iPhone 6S (and the 6S Plus) is how it can convince users, especially in a market saturated with really rather brilliant smartphones, that the 'S' variant of the impressive iPhone 6 is a worthy phone to upgrade to in its own right.
When something is so visually similar, the onus is on the brand to show that the upgrades are really worth the extra cash.
Even if Apple keeps users within its own ecosystem there's every chance they'll look at the iPhone 6, which is now much cheaper – so it needs to make sure things like a stronger chassis, animated photos and a new pressable screen are worth the extra outlay when both phones will still work perfectly well in a couple of years' time.

Design

You've probably already heard, but the iPhone 6S is almost identical to the 6 in every way when it comes to the chassis. There are some very subtle differences, such as a slightly thicker frame and a little more heft, but it's so slight that I kept getting the two mixed up when doing side by side comparisons.
All cases fit both phones just fine too so, apart from a small S logo on the back of the phone, nobody is going to notice you've got the latest iPhone.
But there will be lots of you upgrading from the iPhone 5S, and in that case you'll need to be ready for a really big design change. The metallic chassis feels really nice in the hand, with a ceramic-like feeling on the outside (although if it's anything like the 6 then this can scuff over time if you keep it in a pocket with keys, so you'll need to think about the kind of case you'll want to keep it safe).
If you're not ready to take the leap to the new, bigger form factor, Apple has the new iPhone SE to satisfy your 4-inch cravings.

iPhone 6S review

One of the things that Apple is touting is the fact the iPhone 6S is made of 7000 series aluminum, which is the strongest thing it's ever used in iPhone construction. The obvious connection people will make is with 'Bendgate', when some users claimed their new phone had developed a slight curve in their pocket without much pressure.
The common belief was that these phones began to twist when placed in a rear pocket and sat upon. While it was proven that other metal phones actually were worse when it came to bending Apple didn't come out of the controversy well.
So it's no surprise that, while the company won't admit the real reason, the new iPhone is strong and never going to bend with such pressure. However, I feel like that we shouldn't feel happy our phones no longer bend – this seems like one of the minimum expectations I'd have of a smartphone, not a compelling reason to buy it.
The front of the phone is now covered in a new level of strength, with a glass that's far less prone to shattering when dropped on the floor – now that's something I can get behind. We've not drop tested it - we'll leave that to some other, braver reviewer - if the screen is stronger the responsiveness hasn't dropped.

iPhone 6S review

In the hand, the iPhone 6S still feels like a dream. Even with the extra 14g over the iPhone it feels lightweight, easy to manipulate and really warrants the price. Samsung's new Galaxy S6 Edge invokes the same kind of feeling, and with it you don't mind spending the extra money over a more budget phone.
In terms of design, if you've seen the iPhone 6 then you've seen the 6S. The volume buttons, the power key, the silencer switch and the speaker are all in the same place as its predecessor, with the grille at the bottom very easy to cover when you're watching videos or playing games in landscape.
If you're using the 5S, this is leagues ahead. The construction is good, the materials solid and there's no wiggle in the buttons at all. While you probably never bent your 5S, the idea that the iPhone 6S is stronger will probably please you, however unnecessary the claim is.
Apple's not done anything great with the design of the iPhone 6S, but the iPhone 6 was such a well-created phone that using the same chassis isn't going to harm its chances of success.
However, combined with the higher price and the continued presence of the iPhone 6, I wish we were at least seeing some retooling of the phone to make it seem more attractive.

Screen

The screen on the iPhone 6S seems to be identical to the iPhone 6's: we're talking a 4.7-inch affair with 750p resolution, which keeps it firmly in the 'Retina' range that the firm debuted all the way back with the iPhone 4.
It's hard to rate the display, as while it fails on resolution (quite spectacularly actually - phones a seventh the cost of the iPhone 6S offer 1080p screens, Samsung's cheaper phone has four times the resolution of the 6S and Sony has, inexplicably, launched a 4K phone) it doesn't drop too badly on performance.

iPhone 6S review

The iPhone 6S display is clear, bright, laminated to the glass and insanely colorful. The first time I saw it on the iPhone 6 I thought it was a fake picture stuck on top of a dummy unit, such was the clarity on offer.
So to use the same thing on the iPhone 6S makes sense - after all, the lower pixel count means it can be thinner and the battery can last longer, thanks to having fewer pixels to drive.
But there are some things missing: for instance, the contrast ratio (the difference between the brightest and darkest parts of the screen) is still poor, with the black areas looking a little grey. Samsung's Galaxy range predominantly uses OLED technology, which offers 'true' blacks and high brightness and packs a much better visual punch, and would have suited the iPhone down to the ground.
The sharpness in side by side tests is clearly lower too - the 326 pixels per inch is very low even compared the 401ppi of the iPhone 6S Plus - and most other models are over 500ppi to bring really, really clear displays.
Given OLED technology is used in the Apple Watch - and admittedly it looks brilliant - it's a shame the same thing couldn't have been done with the iPhone 6S.
It's important not to get too hung up on screen resolution in a phone - after all, if it's not serving a purpose (hey, Sony?) then it's just wasting battery. But the industry has moved on, and the higher pixel densities on offer are starting to really bring something to the table, with apps and general use looking pin sharp.
Here's hoping the iPhone 7 makes a massive jump forward to join the rest of the pack.
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iPhone SE review

WHAT IS THE IPHONE SE?

The iPhone SE is a strange proposal, but it makes complete sense. With phones getting bigger and bigger, it’s becoming rare to see a device which is comfortably usable in one hand. The Samsung Galaxy S7, HTC 10 and iPhone 6S Plus are all great but for many they’re simply too large.
With the iPhone SE, Apple has given these people a choice. Its 4-inch screen and compact body are rare these days, but it’s still one powerful device. There’s the same internals as the iPhone 6S, a snazzy pink (sorry, Rose Gold) hue and support for Apple Pay. Normally small phones are hamstrung, but this isn’t.
It has an impressive camera, a battery that can last, an iconic (if recycled) design and the latest version of iOS. It’s also the most affordable iPhone yet, starting from £359/$399.
Watch our iPhone SE video
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Related: iPhone 7

IPHONE SE – DESIGN, SCREEN AND AUDIO

A surprising amount of people I speak to say they want a small phone that packs all the features of a full-fat flagship. Sony is the only manufacturer to have previously attempted anything like this, but even its Xperia Z5 Compact has a not-so-tiny 4.6-inch screen and it's quite thick. The iPhone SE is much smaller and much easier to handle.
Anyone who's used an iPhone 5 or iPhone 5S will feel at ease with the iPhone SE – it looks and feels almost identical, except now you can get it in a fetching rose-gold colour and its cut edges are matte rather than shiny chrome.
Those phones have an iconic design and I have no problem with Apple reusing it, especially if it means they can keep costs down and pass the savings on. The best thing about the design of the iPhone SE is that it still feels quality. The brushed aluminium back is both hard and cool to touch, the buttons are solid, and it’s easily small enough to use one-handed, regardless of the size of your hands.
iPhone SE 3

Coming from using the giant iPhone 6S Plus and Huawei Mate 8 I also found it a relief to be able to bend my leg again when I put a phone in my front pocket.
In other ways it’s taken me time to adjust to the smaller screen. It’s not just that I have to move it closer to my face to read text, like my granddad reading the morning paper, I also struggle with the small keyboard. Ironically I often have to use both my hands and thumbs on the phone to minimise the potential for embarrassing autocorrect fails. I've gotten more used to it, but I still don't find it comfortable after a few weeks of using the phone non-stop. The small screen also means watching video is a little cramped and, while the iPhone SE is more than powerful enough to play all the best games, trying to maneuver precisely requires daintier digits than mine.

Read more at http://www.trustedreviews.com/iphone-se-review#aUFLDu5HDb8LHFIl.99While the iPhone SE still looks good there are a couple of aspects of the design that aren’t perfect, and others that feel dated. For starters, if you don’t use a case with the iPhone SE you might find the edges a little harsh, particularly if you’re more used to the rounded metal sides on contemporary phone designs. The screen bezel is also rather wide – especially at the top and bottom – and that means you don’t get a lot of screen for the size of the phone.
iPhone SE 11
That’s not the only problem with the screen.
It packs the exact same display as the 5S. While the 1136 x 640 resolution provides a perfectly sharp 326 pixels per inch the screen lacks punch and has a reddish tinge that is exacerbated when it’s tilted at some angles. Compare it to Samsung’s colour-packed Super AMOLED screens or even the newer LCD technology on a phone like the HTC 10 and it really starts looking its age.
Still, it's quite acceptable – bright enough to be used outdoors and sharp enough to read websites on the go without noticing any fuzzy edges to letters.
iPhone SE 10
The speaker located at the bottom of the phone is decent rather than outstanding. Top-level volume isn’t as high as some other phones, but the quality of the audio output is surprisingly good from such a small package – sound is balanced, if a little thin, and there’s no distortion at the highest volume.
Call quality is also strong. The ear speaker is clear and loud and the noise-cancelling mic does a good job of clearing up any distracting external noises when you're on a call. There are louder call speakers out there but I didn't have any problems hearing or making myself heard even on windy days with lots of traffic noise around me.
Neither the design, screen or sound quality excites the blood much – so far the iPhone SE isn't very different at all when compared to its predecessors. That all changes, though, when I scratch the surface and take the camera for a spin around London.

Read more at http://www.trustedreviews.com/iphone-se-review#aUFLDu5HDb8LHFIl.99
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