Apple just finished up hosting its special Spring event at building 4, and as expected the company among other things pulled the wraps off the iPhone SE.
While the firm didn’t clarify what exactly the “SE” stands for, it is widely thought that the device is considered a “Special Edition” of Apple’s 4-inch iPhone.
Welcome to iPhone SE, the most powerful 4‑inch phone ever. To create it, we started with a beloved design, then reinvented it from the inside out. The A9 is the same advanced chip used in iPhone 6s. The 12‑megapixel camera captures incredible photos and 4K videos. And Live Photos bring your images to life. The result is an iPhone that looks small. But lives large.
As for why Apple is returning to this form factor? … Well, it turns out that the company has sold over 30 Million iPhones that feature this size screen. Even more interesting is the fact that the majority of new iPhone customers in China are currently using a 4-inch iPhone.
With those stats out in the open it’s clear why today was about rejigging the 4-inch iPhone for a modern market – and iPhone SE is just that.
Featuring an aluminium design and Rose gold finish that features the same inset Apple logo that is found on the iPhone 6S today, iPhone SE is set to be powered by Apple’s own A9 processor – a chip that carries 64-bit architecture, as well as featuring an M9 coprocessor.
In short, the iPhone SE offers exactly the same power as the iPhone 6S.
And that’s not all it offers.
Those who jump on the iPhone SE can expect to enjoy a whole bunch of other features that had previously been reserved for those who chose to purchase a higher-speced model of the smartphone.
Such as “Hey Siri” – which is now always on. So you can ask Siri anything you like, anytime you like, without having to be connected to the wall.
Apple is also throwing in its latest camera module which features 12-megapixels. It’s an iSight camera with focus Pixels, and a new image processor. On the front you will find Apple’s FaceTime HD camera with Retina Flash.
All of this ultimately comes together to result in support for Live Photos and full 4K video, with the latest in LTE speeds that, Apple claims, are up to 50 times better than those originally launched with the iPhone 5S – in the most powerful 4-inch iPhone the company has ever created.
Of course, 802.11 AC is also part of the package for super-fast Wi-Fi connection, and you’ll get to enjoy peace of mind with the iPhone SE’s built-in Touch ID sensor for both security and unlocking the device in a tap.
Apple is, in addition, also bringing some of its more recently introduces technologies to the iPhone SE, such as Apple Pay – powered by the firm’s specially-designed NFC radio and Secure Element.
Pricing and Availability
iPhone SE will be available in two variations: A 16GB model for $399, and a more premium 64GB model that will sell for $499.
Apple will begin taking pre-orders for each of the handsets starting, this Thursday, March 24.
iPhone SE is also available from $13.30/month with carrier financing.
The handset will become available on March 31.