Photo: Toad40 via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Apple iPhone SE (1st generation)
Apple iPhone SE (1st generation) Price
The Apple iPhone SE (1st generation) lowest price is $45, based on current retailer listings.
Full Specifications
Display
| Type | Retina IPS LCD, LED-backlit |
| Size | 4.0 inches (diagonal) |
| Resolution | 1136 x 640 pixels, 326 ppi |
| Features | 800:1 contrast ratio (typical), 500 cd/m2 max brightness (typical), Fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating, Full sRGB standard |
Platform
| OS | iOS 9.3.1, upgradable to iOS 15.8.8 (as of May 2026) |
| Chipset | Apple A9 (14 nm) |
| CPU | Dual-core 1.84 GHz Twister |
| GPU | PowerVR GT7600 (six-core graphics) |
Memory
| Card slot | No |
| Internal | 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB (2GB RAM) |
Main Camera
| Single | 12 MP, f/2.2, 29mm (standard), 1/3", 1.22µm, PDAF |
| Features | Dual-tone LED flash, HDR, Live Photos, Autofocus, IR filter, Burst mode, Face detection, True Tone flash |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, 1080p@120fps (slow-motion), 720p@240fps (slow-motion) |
Selfie Camera
| Single | 1.2 MP, f/2.4, 31mm (standard) |
| Features | Face detection, HDR, Retina Flash |
| Video | 720p@30fps |
Battery
| Type | Li-Po 1624 mAh, non-removable (6.21 Wh) |
| Charging | Standard charging |
Body
| Dimensions | 123.8 x 58.6 x 7.6 mm (4.87 x 2.31 x 0.30 in) |
| Weight | 113 g (4.0 oz) |
| Build | Glass front, aluminum back, aluminum frame |
| SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Colors | Space Gray, Silver, Gold, Rose Gold |
Comms
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, hotspot |
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| NFC | Yes (Apple Pay only) |
| Radio | No |
| USB | Lightning, USB 2.0 |
Launch
| Announced | March 21, 2016 |
| Status | Released March 31, 2016 |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design, easy for one-handed use
- Affordable entry into the iOS ecosystem (at release and as a used device)
- Good performance for its time with the A9 chip
- Quality 12MP rear camera with 4K video recording
- Retained the 3.5mm headphone jack
- Supports Apple Pay via NFC
Cons
- No longer receives major iOS updates beyond iOS 15
- Small screen by modern standards, lacks True Tone or Haptic Touch
- Limited storage options for base models
- Poor low-light camera performance compared to newer models
- Battery degradation is common in older, used units
- No water resistance rating
- Lacks 3D Touch
- Outdated hardware for demanding tasks in 2026
In The Box & Warranty
- iPhone SE (1st generation)
- Apple EarPods with 3.5mm Headphone Plug
- Lightning to USB Cable
- 5W USB Power Adapter
- Documentation
- SIM ejector tool
New Apple products typically come with a one-year limited warranty.
Questions & Answers
What is the release date of the iPhone SE (1st generation)?
The iPhone SE (1st generation) was announced on March 21, 2016, and officially released on March 31, 2016.
What are the key features of the iPhone SE (1st generation)?
It features a compact 4-inch Retina display, the Apple A9 chip, a 12MP main camera with 4K video recording, and Touch ID.
Does the iPhone SE (1st generation) still receive iOS updates?
No, the iPhone SE (1st generation) no longer receives major iOS updates beyond iOS 15.8.8.
Is the iPhone SE (1st generation) worth buying in 2026?
In 2026, it is generally not recommended as a primary phone due to its outdated hardware, limited software support, and potential battery issues. It might serve as a very basic secondary device if extremely inexpensive.
What are the main differences between the iPhone SE (1st generation) and newer SE models?
Newer iPhone SE models (2nd and 3rd gen) feature larger displays, more powerful processors (A13, A15 Bionic), improved cameras, and longer software support, along with features like water resistance and 5G connectivity.
Does the iPhone SE (1st generation) have a headphone jack?
Yes, the iPhone SE (1st generation) includes a 3.5mm headphone jack.