iFixit Details Which Parts Can Be Swapped Between the iPhone 8 and iPhone SE

People seem to be forgetting that this is priced $50 less than what the iPhone 8 was priced new before they discontinued it... AND it has more ram, better processor, better camera (due to software, but it's legit), Wi-Fi 6 and Gigabit LTE...

I get that this isn't exactly analogous to the original SE and how it related to the flagships at the time, but Apple never said it would be. It's call the "Special Edition", not the "Do-it-the-same-every-time Edition".

Was there any doubt?

There shouldn’t be any doubt that Apple will have reused as many parts as possible from the iPhone 8 (or even earlier). That’s how you get a $399 price—older, cheaper parts. Definitely not by using more expensive parts from newer iPhones. That said, according to an earlier teardown, the rear camera modules are different.

The SE is a much better deal than the iPhone 8 that was $449 just a couple weeks ago. It’s an incredible value, I’m sure you agree!

Probably found it in Samsung's dumpster...

When Apple releases expensive smartphones people complain, and when they release cheap phones people still complain ...

A few of you of wondering of why the low price and the fact that they are reusing some parts. It's a marketing ploy to get people to switch to Apple since sales are low all across the board. I work in activations for a certain company and these are being ordered more than other devices currently. Then you get used to the Apple ecosystem and that's where they have you for life. People are thinking they are getting a well known device that MOST people have (most people actually have Androids) and now they will be upscale, faux-rich people. This is the same with any low end or mid range device but Apple is finally seeing it that they can start getting people locked in. Smart strategy overall. Personally, I don't care of your preference but once you dive into an ecosystem for a device, you won't know how to really operate the other (I'm great at tech but have never used an Apple product in my life, I would be lost).

Speaking of not knowing how to operate a device: For those of you that buy your grandparents or older parents that have never really use a smartphone, shame on you for buying them an iPhone. Those are the worst to activate for people that are not tech-saavy one bit. You need Wifi to activate the SIM, most don't even know their own password. It forces you to sign in or set up an Apple ID. They know nothing about that because they usually don't know their email addresses or do not know about case sensitivity, etc. Apple forces cellular companies to have the SIM separate and to have the customer install it themselves. Yeah... That's a chore. It became worse when Apple decided to have you hold down 2 buttons to power down the device (XR, etc). That's actually the most hated feature they came out with. Every customer complains about it. But because it's too complicated for them, they get depressed over it and always ready to throw in the towel because they simply just don't get it. And it's always the same story, too: A family member, usually daughter, bought it for them.

Want to buy your "age-handicapped" parent or grandparent a phone? Save your money and stick with a low budget or mid range device... Something that isn't complicated for them. They don't need everything on there that you think they may need that you and I use. Mobile banking? These people still write checks but they also balance a checkbook. Maps? Why? People are driving them all the time already. Amazon? They still like to go to stores. Better yet, get them a fliphone. That's all they need.

I wouldn't call everything a marketing ploy. Apple just wants to enter the cheaper market segment because there is much money to be made! Also, in the US most people have iPhones.

You don't seem to know anything about activating an iPhone: Apple does not force you to setup an Apple ID Account, it's optional ... (but of course you need it for the App Store and some other features, same goes for Android devices)

Employees that get Macs from their company need significantly less support, I think this may translate to the iPhone as well. It's really bold to assume older people only need a fliphone ... Many old people use the internet regularily and have learned to use today's tech; I regulary watch a Twitch stream of an older woman who cooks live - I don't think she would be happy with a fliphone.

Just goes to show Apple could have charged this low price all along when the iPhone 8 came out originally and that none of the current line up is worth the £1000+ they are currently charging.

What it proves is that the SE can come down in price because 95% of the hardware R&D for the phone had already been expensed into making the iPhone 8. The parts may cost roughly the same, but the iPhone 8 had to make enough money to recover R&D costs. That includes all the engineering into designing the casing, antennas, motherboard, etc., along with the tooling in the factory to make these parts. That already being done two years ago, they don’t need to charge for it again in the SE. They still had some software R&D, but very little hardware R&D. If Apple had had to redesign this phone, you can guarantee it wouldn’t be selling for $399.

Why didn't Apple call the phone iPhone 8SE ?

Same reason they didn't call the original the iPhone 5SE.

Because looks can be deceiving.

Cool... Let's hope criminals don't replace the front and back screen with the older 8 and try selling it as a new SE.