Is it the worst kept secret ever, or was it just wishful thinking that came true? Either way, yesterday Apple announced a new phone to it’s line up, the iPhone SE.
If you’re like me and you don’t like huge phones, this could be an interesting device.
Here’s everything you need to know about the new iPhone SE, including how and when you can get it in the UK.
You might be thinking, iPhone SE, that sounds familiar, hasn’t there already been one? You’d be right.
When the rumours of this phone were circulating well over a year ago, there was debate over the name. Some suggested an iPhone 9, even though an iPhone X (Ten) was in existence, and the 11 followed. Obviously that wouldn’t make any sense at all. Other’s suggested an iPhone SE2, which is a far better fit.
But Apple has gone simply for the iPhone SE. Not 2020, and nothing else, simply SE. It kind of makes sense, since the original SE is discontinued, however when someone asks you, “What phone do you have these days” it may cause confusion when you reply, “I have an iPhone SE”.
So, what’s this phone all about?
It’s pretty simple to explain. It’s got the same (or at least very similar body) as an iPhone 8. The differences are all internal. So you get a better camera, a better processor and presumably more RAM.
The biggest difference between this and the current iPhone lineup is the size. It retains the 4.7″ screen, while the other phones have a larger screen. This makes it a viable option for those who like a smaller phone, rather than the large ones.
The design is the same as the iPhone 8, which means you get bezels and a home button, things you don’t get with the newer iPhone designs.
One of the biggest problems for me with the latest Apple handsets has been the size. If you go for the standard iPhone 11 (or XR) you’re lumbered with a large screen, 6.1″ to be exact. However the Pro has a 5.8″ screen, which could be a more reasonable size…The downside to that is it costs a lot more money. There’s also the MAX range, which is far too big for me, 6.5″ for reference.
Then there’s the price. At the moment to get the latest iPhone (iPhone 11) it costs £729. That’s for the entry model. If you already own a smartphone, especially an iPhone, it’s a lot to shell out for not a lot more in terms of functionality.
iPhone SE – What Do You Get For Your Money (Tech Specs)
First of all I will start at the headline for the phone, the price. The iPhone SE starts at £429. The configurations available are:
- 64GB – £429
- 128GB – £469
- 256GB – £569
It is available in black, white and (PRODUCT)Red. Other specs include:
- 12MP Rear Camera 1.8f
- Portrait Mode (i.e. Bokeh & depth control – Apparently only for faces and not pets/objects)
- 5x Digital Zoom & Optical Stabilisation
- 7MP Front Camera (“FaceTime HD”)
- 4.7″ Retina HD Display
- A13 Chip
- IP67 Waterproof to 1M for 30 mins
It Is Worth Getting An iPhone SE?
The stand out features for me are a better camera, and the chip. It uses the A13 chip, the same one found in the latest iPhones. I think this will depend on what you are upgrading from.
I would be upgrading from an iPhone 6 (check out my using an iPhone 6 in 2020 post). It’s quite a good bump up for me, while still retaining some of the things I like. I love my iPhone 6, I am happy with the size, the camera is OK but now dated, and the processor is OK to use, but slow compared to today’s phones (to be expected).
I am in two minds. It’s kind of like spending £469 on something which is more or less the same, and I could wait for an iPhone 12, which will be a lot different. However they are more expensive, and it’s the size which really puts me off.
On the other hand, it’s a new phone running the latest software, a better camera and processor, so I will notice the difference.
For me, it’s definitely worth thinking about, especially the 128GB option being only £40 more.
The iPhone SE is available to pre-order tomorrow (17th April) and you can buy it a week later on 24th April 2020.
What do you think? Exciting, underwhelming or not bothered?
I got an iPhone SE! You can find out everything you need to know in my iPhone SE Review.
About Michael
Michael Adams is the founder and editor of Michael 84, blogger from Newcastle, UK. Sharing men's fashion tips, style advice and lifestyle information for all guys.
