Apple just launched its new entry level smartphone for the iOS ecosystem called the iPhone SE. Is it worth the hype and the price? Let’s find out.
Unlike its predecessor(the iPhone 5c which had a plastic build), the new SE comes with a aluminum design and premium finish borrowed from the iPhone 5s and comes in 4 finishes: Silver, Gold, Space Grey and the new Rose Gold. Apple also ships it in 2 capacities: 16GB and 64GB. The new iPhone comes with a 4″ inch Retina display, the new A9 chip with 64 bit architecture and the M9 motion coprocessor, a 12MP iSight Camera with true tone flash and upto 4K video recording at 30 fps and slo-mo video support upto 240fps, cinematic video stabilization, 1.2MP FaceTime HD camera good for 720p HD video recording and Retina flash and support for Touch ID and Apple Pay.
These specs means that you can actually get a lot out of such a device with performance on par to the iPhone 6s which is incredible for the price. Before we move further, you would definitely be wondering on how to differentiate between the 5s and the new SE. There are a couple of notable differences like the shiny new Aluminium Apple logo on the new SE and more obvious observation will show you the SE branding under the words ‘iPhone’ on the back of the device so you know it is the new SE.
The fact that Apple decided to keep the A9 processor from the 6s in this lower end smartphone means the phone is by no means lagging for power or processing and makes it a premium device and by far the best 4-inch smartphone to date. The M9 coprocessor will enable fitness tracking along with features like ‘Always-on Siri’. But unlike the iPhone 6s there will be no 3D touch capabilities on the SE but there will be features like Live Photos available.
Thanks to its processor, the rear camera is no slouch either. The rear iSight camera comes with 12MP sensor f/2.2 lens giving some crisp picture quality and brings in support for 4K video recording. Since the SE shares a lot of its components from the 6s, the stabilization and quality of photos and videos are going to be pretty similar.
While the design is now much more thicker and slightly block-like, the device is very comfortable to use and does not have a camera hump! And it looks just as premium as the 5s. And the best part about that thick battery is a bigger battery. That paired with a smaller screen and overall less power drain, the battery life on the iPhone SE is pretty impressive too, even better than the 6s in some cases!
The price begins at just $399 (USD) for the 16GB (To know why you shouldn’t get a 16GB smartphone, click here) and $499(USD) for the 64GB which makes it super appealing especially for those willing to migrate from a lower end Android smartphone or wants to enter the iOS ecosystem under a budget. The device is also a good option for those looking to get an Apple Watch but does not have an iPhone. The new SE will be available starting March 31st.
