iPhone SE release date, news and features
The iPhone SE is here, and we’ve got all the details you need to know about Apple’s new 4-inch iPhone.
It lines up alongside the 4.7-inch iPhone 6S and 5.5-inch iPhone 6S Plus, giving customers a trio of handset sizes to choose from – and three different price tiers as well.
None are particularly cheap, but at least there’s a more affordable option thanks to the iPhone SE.
First up though, we’re sure you’re wondering what “SE” stands for. No, it’s not “Small Edition”, “Suitably Expensive” or “Subtle Earmuff” – it is in fact “Special Edition”, which was confirmed by Phil Schiller after Apple’s launch event.
It doesn’t make a whole lot of sense, but it could pave the wave for the iPhone 7 SE later this year.
iPhone SE design
The iPhone SE is identical to the iPhone 5S, the iPhone it is replacing. That means a premium metal body, a physical home key with Touch ID and dimensions which means it’ll sit snugly in your palm, pocket and bag.
It measures 123.8mm x 58.6mm x 7.6mm, the same as the iPhone 5S, and tips the scales at 113g (3.99 ounces). The 3.5mm headphone jack, Lightning connector port and speaker are all housed on the bottom, while volume is up top and the circular volume keys and slide switch are on the left.
The camera lens on the rear is also flush with the body, rather than protruding out like on its bigger brothers. The iPhone SE is a little thicker than the 6S and 6S Plus, which means Apple has had a bit more space to play with when it comes to squeezing in the 12MP iSight snapper.
In terms of colors, you’ve got four to pick from for the iPhone SE: silver, gold, space grey and rose gold.
iPhone SE display
The iPhone SE has a 4-inch Retina display, making it perfect for one handed use. The resolution remains at 1136 x 640, which is the same as the iPhone 5S, with a pixel density of 326ppi.
There’s no 3D Touch however, which is only available on the 6S and 6S Plus.
iPhone SE power
You’ll find an Apple A9 processor and M9 motion coprocessor inside the iPhone SE – those are the same chips you’ll find in the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus.
It makes the iPhone SE 30% faster than the handset it’s replacing, so if you’re looking to jump from an old 4-inch iPhone to the new one, you’ll certainly notice the difference.
Apple never reveals how much RAM it handsets pack, but according to early Antutu benchmarks it looks like the iPhone SE has 2GB of RAM inside – putting it on par with the 6S and 6S Plus.
iPhone SE operating system
No surprises here, the iPhone SE runs iOS 9.3 – the latest operating system from Apple which it launched at the same time at the phone.
It’s not the most scintillating of software updates, but it does bring improvements to Notes, News, Music and Apple Health, plus the introduction of a new feature in Night Shift.
Night Shift automatically adjusts the screen temperature in the evening, making the display warmer which Apple says could help you sleep better if looking at your iPhone (or iPad) is the last thing you do before turning in.
iPhone SE camera
Again, bringing the iPhone SE in line with Apple’s two current flagships, you’ll find the 12MP iSight camera on this new iPhone which includes the firm’s Live Photos, Focus Pixels, 4K video recording and true tone flash.
Meanwhile on the front there’s a 1.2MP snapper for your selfies and Facetime calls. That’s a slight disappointment consider the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus both sport 5MP front cameras.
iPhone SE more specs
There’s NFC in the iPhone SE, allowing you to use Apple Pay for contactless payments, something the iPhone 5S cannot do.
iPhone SE release date
iPhone SE pre-orders start on March 24, with the handset going on sale on March 31.
iPhone SE price
The iPhone SE starts at $399 (£359, AU$679) for the 16GB model, while the 64GB variant will set you back $499 (£439, AU$829). That makes it cheaper than the 6S and 6 handsets Apple will continue to sell.
Source: techradar.com