Apple Launches $400 iPhone SE

After much anticipation and speculation over the design, Apple has launched the new iPhone SE, a $400 phone that packs a powerful punch.

The SE is back. Apple’s beloved budget phone has come out with its second iteration, the iPhone SE 2020. The first iPhone SE offered excellent internal hardware in a smaller form factor, sacrificing some special features to hit a lower price point. The SE 2020 does the same.

Cheaper, Better iPhone 8

In an era of mega-phones, the new iPhone SE, like older models, is on the smaller side. With a 4.7” screen, it’s very similar in shape and size to the iPhone 8. Those who love smaller phones, and are tired of using two hands to type, will appreciate an upgraded version of Apple’s older design. However, form factor is the only thing about this phone that’s outdated.

The new SE will use the same processor as the iPhone 11 Pro, the A13 SnapDragon, which means it will be one of the best-performing phones on the market, for about $300 cheaper than the iPhone 11.

When it comes to performance, RAM is just as crucial as the processor. Apple’s new phone will have 3GB of RAM, 50% more than the iPhone 8. Between one of the world’s fastest chips and plenty of RAM, the iPhone SE will have no issue multitasking, gaming, or running the most demanding apps.

The phone’s storage is in line with other recent rollouts from Apple, with 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB options. The phone’s waterproof rating is a major upgrade over the 2016 SE, rated for 30 minutes of submersion in 1 meter of water.

Compromises for Price

Apple unveiled the new iPhone SE, its first low-cost smartphone in four years, while consumers wait for the launch of new 5G iPhones https://t.co/7fYsKfuAEx pic.twitter.com/5xei0pdmqa

— Bloomberg (@business) April 16, 2020

The iPhone SE competes with the iPhone 11 in many respects, especially when it comes to performance. However, the price difference isn’t for nothing.

While the camera still packs a punch, those who insist on the latest and greatest camera will prefer the 11. Rather than the double or triple rear cameras seen in recent phones, the iPhone SE will pack a single camera. It has many of the same bells and whistles in terms of camera features, but fares poorly against Apple’s recent phones in this area.

The phone’s camera is 12MP, and is smaller and less cutting-edge than recent iPhones. It doesn’t have the wide-angle functionality of other new iPhones, but can still take HD photos and videos. Both the phones have HD screens, but the larger iPhone 11 also has a fancier “Liquid Retina Display”. The iPhone SE also lacks FaceID, so no dice if you love unlocking your phone with your face (and providing Apple with your facial recognition information).

The Apple mega-fans that need these features are unlikely to be wowed by the budget phone, but for most consumers, they’re a small sacrifice. The phone’s biggest weakness is likely the battery. The iPhone SE is rocking the same battery life as the iPhone 8, which means the newest iPhones will run laps around it in this area.

Bottom Line

Apple’s new iPhone SE stays true to its predecessor: small, powerful, and affordable. The phone lacks some of the bells and whistles of Apple’s newest products, but it doesn’t over-compromise in delivering a $400 price tag.

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