iPhone SE camera rattle

[gim]

Before I start: I absolutely know that every camera in almost every phone rattles to some extent because of the loose autofocus lens.

My story: The first SE I got had a terrible yellow tinted screen, so I called Apple and they replaced it. But the camera of my replacement SE just rattles so loud, it's absurd. It not only rattles when I tap on the back of the phone, which I would consider as normal, it even rattles when I'm typing, especially when hitting the lower left keys. Additionally it rattles every time I put it on the table.

Sorry but is this normal? I am so glad that my replacement doesn't have a yellow screen, and now I am confronted with this rattle, which basically makes me feel like using a cheap toy or something like that. I am fairly sure that my first, yellow tinted SE didn't rattle THAT loud. The noise is even there when the camera is active.

I tried to catch the rattle on video, you have to almost max out your volume to hear it. It's much more obvious in real life though. The rattle does not come from the loose sleep/wake button, the Apple leather case prevents that. Also note the extremely loud klick of the home button, sounds like a cheap computer mouse sometimes.

Thanks for posting your opinions regarding this (non?) issue.

Link to the video: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/1483363/IMG_0579.m4v

 

[mattopotamus]

It probably is not the camera if it is that loud. I know you said it is not the sleep/wake button, but put your finger on the sleep/wake button and shake the phone. Do you still here it?

I just do not think the camera would be that loud.

 

[gim]

It probably is not the camera if it is that loud. I know you said it is not the sleep/wake button, but put your finger on the sleep/wake button and shake the phone. Do you still here it?

I just do not think the camera would be that loud.

Yes, unfortunately it's the exact same noise when I have my finger on the button

 

[mattopotamus]

Yes, unfortunately it's the exact same noise when I have my finger on the button

If you are close enough to a store, I would just go there and show them. I am sure they will have not problem replacing it. I can hear the camera when I shake the phone or place it down, but that is it. I cannot here it with normal usage.

 

[cortez31]

I don't notice the rattle during normal usage, but the rattling is really annoying when the phone is vibrating in horizontal position. It sounds really cheap, as if something was broken. The noise goes away when I flip the phone into a vertical position. I made a video of it:

Is that normal, or do I have to return it for a new one?

 

[jeremydc]

I had the same issue on my 5S. Returned it 5 times with the same end result. Contacted Apple and they set me up an appointment with an 'Engineer.' He mentioned that there is a floating mechanism with in the camera component. It is completely normal. There is a whole page about it on the internal document of the tech specs.

 

[gim]

I don't notice the rattle during normal usage, but the rattling is really annoying when the phone is vibrating in horizontal position. It sounds really cheap, as if something was broken. The noise goes away when I flip the phone into a vertical position. I made a video of it:

Is that normal, or do I have to return it for a new one?

Yeah I'm afraid that this is supposed to be normal, at least with the SE. Mine does the same cheap sound when vibrating.

I had the same issue on my 5S. Returned it 5 times with the same end result. Contacted Apple and they set me up an appointment with an 'Engineer.' He mentioned that there is a floating mechanism with in the camera component. It is completely normal. There is a whole page about it on the internal document of the tech specs.

Thanks for your input. I actually have an appointment at the genius bar on Thursday, but after reading this I'm thinking about cancelling that and just returning the SE. Not sure if I can live with that permanent rattle.

To be honest I can't enjoy the SE at all. First the yellow tinted screen, now the rattling camera. Not to mention the incredibly loose sleep/wake button and clicky home button. My overall impression of this phone is just that it's cheap and poorly made.

 

[Barrierfreeman]

My overall impression of this phone is just that it's cheap and poorly made.

Compared to the 5S, I would have to agree. It's odd, as it looks exactly the same, but just feels less...well...substantial. Plus the home button feels cheap.

 

[gim]

Compared to the 5S, I would have to agree. It's odd, as it looks exactly the same, but just feels less...well...substantial. Plus the home button feels cheap.

Absolutely. I was foolish to think that they would keep the good quality considering this "low" price for Apple standards.

 

[maflynn]

IF the camera is rattling, that means its moving, so take it back.

 

[willmtaylor]

Absolutely. I was foolish to think that they would keep the good quality considering this "low" price for Apple standards.

Do you sincerely think that Apple believes it's in their best interest to have their entry-level product purposefully be cheap/inferior quality of assembly and materials? Do you really believe the company that makes billions in profit (not revenue) largely because of the "Apple Tax" is doing this intentionally?

Or are you being purposefully hyperbolic and emo?

Because I gotta say, I volunteer with 12-17-year-olds on the weekends, and your comments really sound like something they would spout off when of getting their way.

 

[Barrierfreeman]

Do you sincerely think that Apple believes it's in their best interest to have their entry-level product be cheap/inferior quality of assembly and materials? Do you really believe the company that makes billions in profit (not revenue) largely because of the "Apple Tax" is doing this intentionally?

Or are you being purposefully hyperbolic and emo?

Because I gotta say, I volunteer with 12-17-year-olds on the weekends, and your comments really sound like something they would spout off when of getting their way.

Swapping hyperbole for anecdote, the SE does feel cheaper than the 5S to me. I won't moan about it, I will just consider my options and maybe pick something else up. It's not the end of the world, as it's also not if someone wants to vent about it.

 

[gim]

Do you sincerely think that Apple believes it's in their best interest to have their entry-level product be cheap/inferior quality of assembly and materials? Do you really believe the company that makes billions in profit (not revenue) largely because of the "Apple Tax" is doing this intentionally?

Or are you being purposefully hyperbolic and emo?

Because I gotta say, I volunteer with 12-17-year-olds on the weekends, and your comments really sound like something they would spout off when of getting their way.

Seriously?
I don't know and I don't care what Apple believes or not. But since you seem to be a highly ranked Apple executive, I'm sure you are fully aware of this company's interests. Until then, allow me to assume that the best interest of any company is to make money. Now that's a shocker...

To support that argument, I pointed out that the SE costs less than the 5s back then, which is a fact. I personally thought I'd get the same 5s quality with more powerful specs in the SE. But both SEs I got were significantly lower quality compared to any 5s I've ever seen. Conclusion: I was foolish to think that I could get the same quality for less money. My fault, not Apple's.

That's a quite simply structured argument, isn't it? I am sure even the 12-17-year-olds you work with would get the gist...

 

[PaladinGuy]

Seriously?
I don't know and I don't care what Apple believes or not. But since you seem to be a highly ranked Apple executive, I'm sure you are fully aware of this company's interests. Until then, allow me to assume that the best interest of any company is to make money. Now that's a shocker...

To support that argument, I pointed out that the SE costs less than the 5s back then, which is a fact. I personally thought I'd get the same 5s quality with more powerful specs in the SE. But both SEs I got were significantly lower quality compared to any 5s I've ever seen. Conclusion: I was foolish to think that I could get the same quality for less money. My fault, not Apple's.

That's a quite simply structured argument, isn't it? I am sure even the 12-17-year-olds you work with would get the gist...

I agree with you. I had to return the SE that I bought on launch day because of yellow screen, some deformity under the screen/glass, and very loose wake/sleep button. I was hoping that I just got a dud, but I've now seen so many other people say that they had defects and had to return theirs. Sure, some people have a higher tolerance level for imperfections. Me, personally, if I buy an iPhone, I don't want to be able to constantly perceive a defect every single time I use it. If these things don't bother someone else, good for them. I'm glad they enjoy their phone. I can't accept it.

 

[willmtaylor]

Seriously?
I don't know and I don't care what Apple believes or not. But since you seem to be a highly ranked Apple executive, I'm sure you are fully aware of this company's interests. Until then, allow me to assume that the best interest of any company is to make money. Now that's a shocker...

To support that argument, I pointed out that the SE costs less than the 5s back then, which is a fact. I personally thought I'd get the same 5s quality with more powerful specs in the SE. But both SEs I got were significantly lower quality compared to any 5s I've ever seen. Conclusion: I was foolish to think that I could get the same quality for less money. My fault, not Apple's.

That's a quite simply structured argument, isn't it? I am sure even the 12-17-year-olds you work with would get the gist...

You're right, teenager remarks were uncalled for. My apologies (seriously).

I think my point stands though: You're saying that Apple wants to make money and there's nothing wrong with that. (I agree.)

However, what I'm saying is that throughout its entire history, Apple has made money (hand-over-fist) by charging premium prices for premium products (AKA "The Apple Tax), and I simply can't believe that Apple would intentionally use inferior/cheap products to save a few bucks per phone to the detriment of their "brand" and reputation when this is an entry-level product meant to hook in new customers who will buy more expensive products down the road.

This may be a hiccup, but I just can't believe it's intentional.

/my.02

 

[PaladinGuy]

Whatever it is, they better fix it quickly. People are more and more losing confidence in Apple. They can't ride on laurels from the past forever. I don't expect ground breaking innovation every year, but I do expect high quality products that are intuitive to use and simple. Being a watch guy, I liken it to this: if I buy a cheap Casio, I have different expectations than if I buy a Rolex or even a Tag. As the price goes up, so goes the expectation for quality. I expect some of the profit made from my purchase to be used for quality control.

 

[Barrierfreeman]

People are more and more losing confidence in Apple.

The SE 64GB is sold out in most stores, in the UK at least. So this may not be the case.

 

[PaladinGuy]

The SE 64GB is sold out in most stores, in the UK at least. So this may not be the case.

Yes, but that's not the whole equation. Considering that the stores seem to get 5-10 of the things in at a time, it's not surprising that they're sold out. Almost every financial firm seems to be pretty pessimistic on Apple now. They're starting to lose some of their mojo, even if it's just perceived.

Don't get me wrong, I'm still a huge apple fan, especially over PCs. It would take Apple making some really crappy products for me to ever buy a PC or a droid.

 

[gim]

I simply can't believe that Apple would intentionally use inferior/cheap products to save a few bucks per phone to the detriment of their "brand" and reputation when this is an entry-level product meant to hook in new customers who will buy more expensive products down the road.

I'd really like to believe that, too. I was absolutely satisfied with every Apple product I've ever bought, I'm ok with paying a premium price for a premium device. I used my iPhone 4 for 5.5 years (!) and it's still working like a charm.

The SE is the very first time that I didn't really had to pay a premium price, but I also felt like I didn't get a premium device. I simply don't have the same confidence in the SE that I had in my iPhone 4 when it was new, and that's largely because the build quality feels noticeably worse.

I think that's why this rattling camera is such a big deal for me. The rattle permanently reminds me that this is not a premium device.

 

[Barrierfreeman]

Considering that the stores seem to get 5-10 of the things in at a time, it's not surprising that they're sold out.

Online is also out of stock for 3 weeks. What I am trying to say is the phone will sell bucketloads, and Apple will make even more money. No-one is leaving Apple because of the SE.

Not taking sides, as I have aired my disappointement with the SE, but that's just how it is.

 

[Phone Junky]

Picked up an SE at an Apple store on launch day. Build quality feels no different than the other 7 iPhones I've owned over the years. Absolutely no difference in quality from the 5S I had. Mine has no rattling power button, no rattling camera lense, no yellow screen, no bluetooth issues. To say that Apple quality has gone down based on YOUR personal experience, makes as much sense as me saying that Apple quality is perfect, based on my experiences.

 

[BMcCoy]

Weird.
I've just double-checked my SE, and there's absolutely no camera rattle/noise at all. Nothing on shaking, or tapping, or vibrating.
The sleep button has a tiny quiet rattle, but as soon as I put my finger on it, nothing else makes a sound, no matter what I do to the phone.
Perfect screen too.
So the suggestion that ALL of the phones have this camera rattle seems exaggerated.

 

[PaladinGuy]

Picked up an SE at an Apple store on launch day. Build quality feels no different than the other 7 iPhones I've owned over the years. Absolutely no difference in quality from the 5S I had. Mine has no rattling power button, no rattling camera lense, no yellow screen, no bluetooth issues. To say that Apple quality has gone down based on YOUR personal experience, makes as much sense as me saying that Apple quality is perfect, based on my experiences.

Valid statement. You're correct that people expressing issues are usually most vocal, especially in a community like this one. Guess I'm just saying that from mine and the many other posters on these SE threads, it just "appears" to have more issues than past iPhones. Could be totally wrong. I'd love to see the numbers, out of curiosity, for returns, defects and exchanges. I'd also be really interested to see the actual number of people moving to the SE from the 6S. (Notice I refrained from using the word "downgrading", since that's been a touchy word for some.)

I'm very glad to hear that you and others got phones without any issues. I hope that's by far the majority of people. Hard to know, since people with a good experience don't tend to voice it.

 

[Barrierfreeman]

So the suggestion that ALL of the phones have this camera rattle seems exaggerated.

Given this forum is one of the few places mentioning these issues, it may just be a) a few devices and b) visitors to this site are a bit more anal than the average consumer

Edit: Actually, Techradar mentions it in their review:

What's funny is that some of the same issue I had with the older model, which I thought was just a slight manufacturing defect, is back once again. If you shake the phone at all, something will rattle - the power button doesn't seem properly attached on some level.

Clearly this is a design point Apple is fine with it, else it would have eradicated a few years later when rebooting the phone's design - it's irritating though, as it diminishes the iPhone SE's premium feel.

 

[MithrandirFIAE]

Hi,

Apple Newbie here. After finishing Android and Windows 10 Mobile till the end boss (Google Play Services and Windows Store), I ended up getting an iDevice. Up to now, I love the OS. It just feels "right". And finally, there are apps! (Lumia 930 was my last device. Great phone, but the ecosystem...)

Anyway, I was surprised when I noticed the loud noise the autofocus makes when putting the device on a table in a normal way. I have a iPhone 4 here for comparison, which rattles if you smash with your finger near the lens - which is fine for me. No noise if you put it on the table or sth.

I made a small video, so you can compare it to the "normal" operation sound. As this is my first iPhone, I consider taking it to the store and see if there are comparable devices with the same issue. Sleep button is fine though, and I really don't mind the "clicky" sound of the home button. Gee, I have a Cherry MX keyboard with blue switches at home.

So, @gim, it would be cool if you can provide us with an update.

Btw, this is the video I'm talking about:

Does it sound "normal" to you guys?

(I made the video for Apple Support at Twitter. They were suggesting to take it to a store nearby if I think sth. is wrong with the hardware.)