Apple iPhone 3G S Headphones

Design

The Shure SE115s have a slightly strange design to them. They’re intended to be used with the cord extending from the top of the ear bud. This means you’ll have to wrap the cord around the back of your ears. The SE115s also have a modular cord, meaning the headphones are about a foot long, then come with an extension. This lets users add in-line accessories.

The SE115s are also significantly more durable.

Apple iPhone 3G S Headphones	Shure SE115

Frequency Response

The built-in headphones have a more stable frequency response than the SE115s.

Apple iPhone 3G S Headphones	Shure SE115

Distortion

This isn’t really a contest.

Apple iPhone 3G S Headphones	Shure SE115

Tracking

Both headphones had good tracking, but the iPhone 3G S’ results were a bit better than the SE115’s.

Apple iPhone 3G S Headphones	Shure SE115

Isolation

The iPhone 3G S headphones have terrible isolation. The SE115s lie on the opposite end of the spectrum.

Apple iPhone 3G S Headphones	Shure SE115

Comfort

This comparison comes down to what you’re used to, because the two headphones will be really annoying to those who aren’t used to the style. Those who are used to Apple in-ears that just kinda sit outside the ear will likely hate the SE115s, whose foam sleeves can feel like they’re flooding your ear, creating a bit of pressure. Those used to canal in-ears will hate how the iPhone 3G S headphones feel like they’re falling out.

Wear
Apple iPhone 3G S Headphones	Shure SE115

Verdict

The SE115s are solid headphones, but seem a bit overpriced compared to the iPhone 3G S pack-ins. The iPhone headphones come with an in-line remote, mic, and volume control. The SE115 can accept add-ons that provide this functionality, but they’ll be separate purchases.

If you want isolation, however, the SE115s soundly trounce the iPhone 3G S headphones. Also, if you care more about distortion than a solid frequency response, the SE115s win.