As expected Apple took the stage today and announced the new iPhone SE. The new iPhone model features the same design as iPhone 5s and comes with one new color i.e. Rose Gold. While the device looks same as the older iPhone, it is brand new on the inside. iPhone SE sports an A9 processor and M9 coprocessor, which essentially makes it as fast as the latest iPhone 6s and twice as fast as iPhone 5s. It also offers better graphical performance. Apple rightly claims that iPhone SE is the most powerful 4-inch phone the company has ever made, which will not only appeal to users who love a smaller form factor, but also those who are using a mid range Android device.
iPhone SE also features a 12-megapixel front camera that supports 4K video recording. In addition to that Apple has also added the Live Photos feature, which was previously exclusive to iPhone 6s. The front camera has also received an update with Apple adding a Facetime HD camera, that unlike iPhone 6s’s 5-megapixel lens stays at 1.2-megapixel. Although the new model does has the front flash. To view Live Photos on iPhone SE, which lacks 3D Touch functionality, users have to touch and hold on the photo to view its live part.
To the disappointment of some users who were expecting a slightly different design, iPhone SE carries the same aluminum design as iPhone 5s. It features a 4-inch Retina Display and offers matte-chamfered edges with a matching stainless steel logo on the back. For the first time in a 4-inch iPhone Apple has added the NFC chip, which will now be able to process Apple Pay payments.
Another important internal change comes in the form of wireless antennas, as the device features 802.11ac WiFi and improved LTE to offer faster download speeds. It supports voice over LTE, WiFi calling and better support for worldwide roaming. Bluetooth technology has also improved to offer better connectivity.
Apple has also introduced new leather case specifically designed for iPhone SE. Those of you with iPhone 5s will also be able use this new case as it fills the older devices as well.
iPhone SE comes in space grey, silver, gold and rose gold colors. It is available at a price of $399 for 16GB model and $499 for 64GB model. Apple is also offering installment plans starting at $13.30 per month.
