iPhone SE (2016) Stop saying SE is a budget phone!

[bchreng]

A Porsche 911 is 110 000$ so a 75 000$ Cayman is an absolute bargain... yeah I got you... Very intelligent.

Are you just here for the sake of arguing? If you’re in the market for a Porsche, then comparing comparing the cheapest one to a more expensive one is very much like comparing the SE to a higher model iPhone. If you’re talking budget car in general, then there’s a Toyota, Honda and etc that offer more affordable alternatives.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Let’s face it, does anybody away from tech forums refer to it as a budget iPhone? There’s your answer, don’t worry about it.

 

[JSRinUK]

Let’s face it, does anybody away from tech forums refer to it as a budget iPhone? There’s your answer, don’t worry about it.

This is true.

No one who sees you holding a phone with the Apple logo on the back is going to say "oh, so you could only afford a budget phone, then?" 😃

 

[Devyn89]

Ah sorry missed the FaceTime camera bit.

It has portrait mode on the front facing camera....

 

[44267547]

So... This thread is basically arguing over semantics in terms of ‘budget v.s. entry level?

It’s not a ‘budget‘ phone per se, it’s a Phone that meets somebody’s budget in terms of what they can afford to spend. Just like if I were to consider the iPhone 12 Pro-Max, that would be considered in my budget based off what I can afford, maybe that’s what others seemingly don’t understand.

 

[hovscorpion12]

The fact remains. Your government dictates the value of the dollar. Apple is not responsible for pricing their products according to each countries currency value. While I do agree that you should not be paying 700 for the SE, that’s the price.

 

[Ta0jin]

Seriously OP, what's so hard to understand?

iPhone 11 Pro starting @ $999
iPhone 11 starting @ $699
iPhone SE starting @ $399
iphone XR starting @ $599

See this link for reference: https://www.apple.com/iphone/

So yeah, the SE is in fact the cheapest option for a new iPhone. Now whether you deem it to be a "budget" iPhone or not, well that's on you. Judging by the reviews so far and the fact it's already pushed out weeks for delivery, I'd say it looks like it may be a success.

I swear the OP is just looking for an argument. He even goes so far as to compare Porsche prices... SMH

 

[BigDO]

Budget? Really? Here in Montreal the SE cost almost 700$ CAN with taxes. That’s double the price of, say, the upcoming Samsung galaxy A31 which has 4 cameras, a stunning 6.4 inches HD display with over 400 ppi, full screen, a beefy 5000 battery good for 2 to 3 days usage. Don’t get me wrong! I exclusively bought Apple products since ever... but this time, it’s a big NO since I’m in the market for a budget high value smartphone. Don’t care about cameras. I just text and make calls, and touch pay. Paying 599$ retail price (Canada)with a tiny screen almost impossible to text with.... By the way I intend to buy an iPad Pro with magic keyboard and, in 2021, an iPhone Pro. I’m far from being an Android fan but I mean, stop calling this vintage look phone « budget ». At least in Canada where Apple prices are nothing short of extorsion!

It's a budget iPhone. Cheapest new one you can buy.

 

[alphasports]

Of course the elephant in the room here is the probability that in the volumes they're spewing out, the new SE likely only costs a few bucks less to manufacture than the 11Pro, all the rest is the marketing BS we know and love, and pay for.

I flip back and forth between Android and iOS, now on iOS and currently on my 4th go-around with an 11 Pro (returned the first 3 due to various whiny complaints, but I forced myself to keep the 4th). But, I still have my original 100%-battery SE that I love, and a 2019-model 8 that's my go-to backup, and that's as close as I'll get to a new SE...the similarities with the 8 are just too much marketing BS for me to swallow, regardless of the updated CPU and camera.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

It’s a shrewd persons iPhone. Like you, they also have an iPhone but haven’t paid as much and are doing the same thing with it!

 

[mnsportsgeek]

The SE is a budget phone.

 

[H57]

Budget? Really? Here in Montreal the SE cost almost 700$ CAN with taxes. That’s double the price of, say, the upcoming Samsung galaxy A31 which has 4 cameras, a stunning 6.4 inches HD display with over 400 ppi, full screen, a beefy 5000 battery good for 2 to 3 days usage. Don’t get me wrong! I exclusively bought Apple products since ever... but this time, it’s a big NO since I’m in the market for a budget high value smartphone. Don’t care about cameras. I just text and make calls, and touch pay. Paying 599$ retail price (Canada)with a tiny screen almost impossible to text with.... By the way I intend to buy an iPad Pro with magic keyboard and, in 2021, an iPhone Pro. I’m far from being an Android fan but I mean, stop calling this vintage look phone « budget ». At least in Canada where Apple prices are nothing short of extorsion!

Ok I will not say it’s a budget phone. It a phone that sells for a cheaper price.

 

[Stephen.R]

... am I missing something here or does OP just not understand how foreign exchange rates and tax-exclusive advertising work?

 

[oilers780]

The SE is a budget phone. No harm or foul in saying so. You can get many of the core features the top of the line iPhones offer without the heftiest sticker prices they ask for.

The SE has water resistance, 4k 60 FPS videography, wireless charging, quick charging, ApplePay, the lower power mode for transit passes, 2x2 MIMO/Band 71 LTE (4x4 MIMO in more top of the line flagships), dual SIM support, stereo speakers, the latest version of iOS, and the best processor on the market.

The 2019 devices don't offer too much more to take away from a core experience that a phone provides: calls, texts, MMS, social media, apps, emails, GPS, MP3s, photography/videography, CarPlay, etc.

Owning a XS doesn't make a difference to me over owning a SE, iPhone 11 Pro, or an iPhone 8. An iOS device is an iOS device. Many folks could still get a great iOS experience w/o breaking the bank.

I have a "budget" iPad and it is a wonderful product. I have no shame owning one over an iPad Pro 2018.

 

[Ta0jin]

I don’t get why people are getting so frustrated about someone calling it a budget phone. It’s still an iPhone, it still does what many of the more expensive iPhones do it’s just priced to fit more peoples budget than the pro models or even the standard 11. Calling it a budget phone does not mean it’s cheap quality or it’s not as good as the more expensive phones, it just means it’s priced to fit more peoples budget.

 

[oilers780]

I don’t get why people are getting so frustrated about someone calling it a budget phone. It’s still an iPhone, it still does what many of the more expensive iPhones do it’s just priced to fit more peoples budget than the pro models or even the standard 11. Calling it a budget phone does not mean it’s cheap quality or it’s not as good as the more expensive phones, it just means it’s priced to fit more peoples budget.

Exactly. If anything, companies are starting to realize the value of a mid-tier or budget market. Google (Pixel 3a and Pixel 4a - soon to be released) and Apple (SE 2020) will be competing hard for this segment. They're both trying to use the lower tier segments to offer a core product that could bring them additional services revenue through product extensions.

The current SE is a great angle because it works for the consumer and also allows Apple to offer even more services to folks.

 

[ian87w]

Budget? Really? Here in Montreal the SE cost almost 700$ CAN with taxes. That’s double the price of, say, the upcoming Samsung galaxy A31 which has 4 cameras, a stunning 6.4 inches HD display with over 400 ppi, full screen, a beefy 5000 battery good for 2 to 3 days usage. Don’t get me wrong! I exclusively bought Apple products since ever... but this time, it’s a big NO since I’m in the market for a budget high value smartphone. Don’t care about cameras. I just text and make calls, and touch pay. Paying 599$ retail price (Canada)with a tiny screen almost impossible to text with.... By the way I intend to buy an iPad Pro with magic keyboard and, in 2021, an iPhone Pro. I’m far from being an Android fan but I mean, stop calling this vintage look phone « budget ». At least in Canada where Apple prices are nothing short of extorsion!

So you're comparing a $400 iPhone with a $200 Android...

The Galaxy A31 uses plastic frame (yes, plastic), slow and old emmc storage, mediatek chip, and the quad camera includes 2 useless depth and macro cameras. On its own, the Galaxy A31 is actually overpriced when similar plastic phones from Realme costs even less.

Meanwhile, the iPhone SE maintains the premium aluminum and glass construction, nvme storage, and IP67 rating (which is a great deal since there's rarely other IP rated phone at $399).

I do agree that Apple prices outside the US defeats its value. In many countries, the SE is not $399, but more around $500-600.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

So you're comparing a $400 iPhone with a $200 Android...

The Galaxy A31 uses plastic frame (yes, plastic), slow and old emmc storage, mediatek chip, and the quad camera includes 2 useless depth and macro cameras. On its own, the Galaxy A31 is actually overpriced when similar plastic phones from Realme costs even less.

Meanwhile, the iPhone SE maintains the premium aluminum and glass construction, nvme storage, and IP67 rating (which is a great deal since there's rarely other IP rated phone at $399).

I do agree that Apple prices outside the US defeats its value. In many countries, the SE is not $399, but more around $500-600.

Indeed, the SE2 starts at £429 ($533) in the UK. It’s the cheapest new iPhone but perception is anything but budget I’d say. We are in an era where generally people don’t show much interest in what phones other people are using, so away from the tech forums I doubt many see the SE2 as anything other than just another iPhone.

 

[lkalliance]

FACETIME (Aka selfie camera) portrait mode and wideband Airdrop?

Are you sure about that buddy?

The new SE does have Portrait Mode in both the rear and front cameras.

 

[sracer]

Budget? Really? Here in Montreal the SE cost almost 700$ CAN with taxes. That’s double the price of, say, the upcoming Samsung galaxy A31 which has 4 cameras, a stunning 6.4 inches HD display with over 400 ppi, full screen, a beefy 5000 battery good for 2 to 3 days usage. Don’t get me wrong! I exclusively bought Apple products since ever... but this time, it’s a big NO since I’m in the market for a budget high value smartphone. Don’t care about cameras. I just text and make calls, and touch pay. Paying 599$ retail price (Canada)with a tiny screen almost impossible to text with.... By the way I intend to buy an iPad Pro with magic keyboard and, in 2021, an iPhone Pro. I’m far from being an Android fan but I mean, stop calling this vintage look phone « budget ». At least in Canada where Apple prices are nothing short of extorsion!

As others have said, referring to the new SE as a "budget phone" is in relation to the skewed bubble of Appleland. For those who are locked into the ecosystem, it IS a budget phone.

Pointing to less expensive, good value Android phones is nothing new. They've always existed. Interesting that you mentioned the A31. I replaced my original SE 6 months ago with the A20. It's a terrific phone at a great price.

But then you go on to talk about how you are going to buy and iPad Pro and magic keyboard? ... and then plan to buy an iPhone Pro in 2021?

You've lost me with that and am left wondering why you are complaining about people referring to the new SE as a "budget phone".

 

[rui no onna]

Indeed, the SE2 starts at £429 ($533) in the UK. It’s the cheapest new iPhone but perception is anything but budget I’d say. We are in an era where generally people don’t show much interest in what phones other people are using, so away from the tech forums I doubt many see the SE2 as anything other than just another iPhone.

That's £357 ($444) without 20% VAT. Apple doesn't get to keep that 20% in their pocket.

 

[sfphoto]

Thought about an SE too until I noticed iP8 sells refurbished & used for about $200.

 

[barondebxl]

It is a budget phone silly

 

[Steven-iphone]

It depends on how you define budget. I feel the iPhone SE 2020 is a mid-ranger. Same as it's competition, the Pixel 3a. Why does anyone need a $1000+ mobile phone?

 

[mmomega]

So is the Mac mini a budgetMac ?