Inside Apple's New iPhone SE: Is The iPhone 6 Obsolete?

In case there was any doubt, the iPhone SE is an iPhone 6s on the cheap. That means the iPhone 6 is looking kind of iffy now.

If you're a consumer looking for a budget version of the iPhone 6s, the 4-inch iPhone SE is an easy sell starting at $399. Due to ship March 31, the new iPhone is especially attractive if you're looking for a second phone or upgrading from an iPhone 4, 4s, 5, or 5s. So, does the SE bury the iPhone 6 while getting uncomfortably close to the 6s? Let's break it down and you can be the judge.

Key takeaway: 4-inch iPhone SE: starts at 16GB for $400, 64GB for $500 / 4.7-inch iPhone 6 (older specs than SE): 16GB $550, 64GB for $650 / 4.7-inch iPhone 6s (with similar internal specs to the SE): 16GB $650, 64GB for $750.

A9 processor:   Apple has essentially dropped the 6s' engine into the SE. That includes the same M9 motion processor, which powers features like the accelerometer and "Hey, Siri." In fact, the SE is faster than the more expensive (and obsolete?) iPhone 6 with its A8 processor and has more RAM (2GB vs. 1GB). That's a little surprising considering the SE's lower-than-expected price. In the past, Apple has opted for older (cheaper) processors when updating some iPad models, for example.

Updated Camera: the iPhone SE's 12‑megapixel iSight (rear) camera again matches the iPhone 6s. Ditto on the 4K video, Live Photos, and FaceTime HD camera with Retina Flash. Needless to say, that kind of camera in a $399 phone (starting price) is a virtual steal -- at least by Apple standards. Again, it trumps the pricier iPhone 6 and its 8MP camera.

Battery life: iPhone SE on top? We won't know for sure until reviews come out with independent testing but on paper it exceeds the iPhone 6s and 6 in key respects. That includes LTE and Wi-Fi talk time and video playback. Once again, the iPhone 6 -- save its larger screen -- is looking shaky.

Touch ID and Apple Pay:  All three have Touch ID for authenticating purchases via Apple Pay. But apparently only the iPhone 6s uses the second-generation Touch ID sensor, which Apple claims is faster and more reliable. (Note: for the record, I never noticed a big difference between the first and second gen Touch ID.)

Display: If screen size is paramount, obviously the larger 4.7-inch iPhone 6 and 6s are the way to go. And only the 6s has the pressure-sensitive 3D Touch display. (Note: for the record, I never found 3D Touch that useful.)