iPhone Se : Official Release Date Pricing And More
Apple’s cheapest 5G iPhone is now official…
Apple unveiled the new iPhone SE at the company’s ‘Peek Performance’ showcase on Tuesday, 8th March. As expected, Apple’s entry-level iPhone boasts 5G, a durable design and the same A15 Bionic chipset as the flagship iPhone 13. Here’s the official lowdown on the new iPhone SE 3…
Rumours of a third-generation iPhone SE began circulating shortly after Apple revealed the second generation model, way back in 2020. Two years later and the company has finally revealed its newest and cheapest phone. Reliable Apple watcher Ming-Chi Kuo leaked most of the spec in advance of the event, but there was no sign of the rumoured SE 3 ‘Plus’.
In the market for budget iPhone? The iPhone SE could be just the ticket…
iPhone Se Review: Display
Lets just say that watching shows and movies on the iPhone SE is not exactly immersive. This 4.7-inch LCD panel has a resolution of 1344 x 750 pixels, so it’s not full HD, and it’s impossible not to notice the large bezels when watching movies and videos on this phone.
When watching the Obi-Wan Kenobi trailer on YouTube, the iPhone SE did a fine job rendering the warm colors of Tatooine and concerned grizzled look of Ewan McGregor, but the black bars above and below the action proved distracting. I wanted to pinch-to-zoom to make the picture bigger.
One could argue that the Pixel 5a is for a different target audience with its 6.34-inch display, but you can’t ignore that you can get a much bigger full HD OLED screen for just $20 more.
Still, the iPhone SE ‘s display performed well in our lab tests. The panel registered 114.7% of the sRGB color gamut and 81.2% of the more demanding DCI-P3 color space. That’s good, but behind the 119.3% and 84.5% turned in by the Pixel 5a. However, the new iPhone SE still wins on color accuracy with a Delta-E score of 0.21 the Pixel 5a scored 0.32.
The iPhone Se Has A Great Camera And An Average Selfie Camera
One of my biggest pet peeves for low-cost phones are the cameras. Many Android budget phones are notorious for including two or three cameras on the back of their phones even if they aren’t great. More is better right? Well, as I have said in previous reviews, I’d much rather have one good rear camera, or in the case of the iPhone SE, one great camera, rather than a bunch of mediocre ones.
The camera on the back of the SE has a 12-megapixel sensor and a wide angle lens with an aperture of f/1.8. These specs are identical to the camera on the iPhone 8 and 2020 SE. But that A15 Bionic chip changes how this phone captures photos and videos. It adds features like Smart HDR4 processing and Deep Fusion processing for medium-to-low light photos — plus, you can record 4K resolution, 60 fps video… on an iPhone SE! Just don’t expect Cinematic Mode from the iPhone 13 line or ProRes video from the 13 Pro to be here, because it’s not.
There are also Photographic Styles, which let you adjust the way your phone captures a scene so it’s more to your liking. These aren’t filters, but if you want your photos to have a warmer look or more vibrant colors, you simply change the style and that A15 chip does the rest to make it look its best.
In this photo of the Women’s Building in San Francisco, the SE did a good job capturing the colors and details.
One interesting thing is how the iPhone SE keeps the shadows relatively dark.
Recommended Reading: How To Delete iPhone Backup
iPhone Se : Price And Availability
The iPhone SE is available directly from Apple in-store or online, as well as most major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Target, and more, including your preferred cellular provider. However, if you are looking to purchase the iPhone SE unlocked, your best bet is direct from Apple, as most other retailers sell it carrier-locked.
There are three colors for the iPhone SE: Midnight, Starlight, and PRODUCT. You have three capacities to choose from as well: 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB, and the price is $429, $479, and $579, respectively.
Is Apple’s iPhone Se 2020 Still A Good Buy In 2022
Apple’s March 8 event is rumored to reveal a new iPhone SE. We’ll help you decide if the current iPhone SE model is still worth considering.
Andrew Lanxon
Lead Editor, CNET Advice, Europe Lead Photographer, Europe
Andrew is CNET’s go-to guy for product coverage and lead photographer for Europe. When not testing the latest phones, he can normally be found with his camera in hand, behind his drums or eating his stash of home-cooked food. Sometimes all at once.
Apple’s newest budget phone, the expected iPhone SE 3, might launch at Apple’s next event on March 8. The latest rumors indicate that the SE 3 could feature a retro design, 5G support and Face ID. Now that this new version of the affordable iPhone is likely coming soon, you should probably wait until March 8 before considering the 2020 iPhone SE that’s on sale right now. But if your phone is broken or you absolutely must get a lower-cost iPhone this week, there are elements of the current iPhone SE that are worth considering.
Read more:iPhone SE 2022 vs. 2020: Every Spec We Know, Compared
At $399 , the 2020 iPhone SE remains the most budget-friendly entry into the world of iPhones and iOS. But the iPhone 11 has seen a significant price cut to $499, while the more recent iPhone 13 Mini comes in at $729 . That’s before we even consider the plethora of affordable rivals running Android.
Let’s take a look at how the iPhone SE measures up in 2022.
You May Like: How Much Is The iPhone 12
iPhone Se 3 Release Date
As predicted by Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman and others, the iPhone SE 3 was announced at at Apple’s virtual showcase dubbed ‘Peek Performance’ on Tuesday 8th March.
Pre-orders are due to start on at 1pm GMT / 8am ET / 5am PT / 11pm AEDT on Friday 11th March. Availability begins on Friday 18th March.
The new iPhone SE arrived along with a new iPad Air. Like the new budget iPhone, the tablet boasts A15 Bionic chip and optional 5G . Peek Performance also threw up Studio Display, Apple’s long-awaited 5K monitor with Dolby Atmos.
The current iPhone SE model was launched on 15th April 2020, so the refresh comes almost 24 months later. Cue the first rumours that Apple will launch the iPhone SE 4 in 2024…
Apple iPhone Se : Canadian Price Features And How To Buy
The new 2022 edition of the iPhone SE puts Apple’s most powerful mobile silicon in a smartphone that fits comfortably in your pocket and is easy on the wallet. The cheapest iPhone SE model includes 64GB of storage and costs $579 or $24.12/month on two-year plans. Carriers may sell it for more.
WhistleOut tracks Apple iPhone prices from all major Canadian carriers and many affordable regional carriers. Learn more about what’s new in the third-generation iPhone SE and how to preorder one for yourself.
Should I upgrade to the iPhone SE ?
Apple fans faithful to the old Home button layout should upgrade to the new 5G-capable iPhone SE . The newest model receives notable performance upgrades to processing speed, battery life, and cameras while keeping the price attractive. However, the iPhone 13 mini has similar pocket-friendly dimensions with better hardware features, making it a better value despite the higher price tag .
What we love
Don’t Miss: How To View In App Purchases On iPhone
Should You Buy The iPhone Se
The third-generation iPhone SE is the total package if you want to hold onto the Touch ID fingerprint sensor and the 2017-era design of the second-gen iPhone SE but with modern internals. Its also perfect for those looking to get their kids their first smartphone or if you simply need a budget handset .
The very fact that Apple has a track record of updating its devices for five to seven years and the inclusion of the A15 Bionic CPU found in the companys flagships means that this iPhone SE will stand the test of time. Its design and screen technology are both looking more and more outdated each day, but if that doesnt bother you, its not a reason to avoid buying this phone.
But if youre looking at the iPhone SE because its a small phone, Id recommend the iPhone 13 Mini or the iPhone 12 Mini. Both phones are physically smaller than the iPhone SE but with modern displays, Face ID, and other niceties like MagSafe. Of course, the tradeoff is that youll have to spend a couple hundred dollars more.
You can buy the iPhone SE in Starlight , Midnight , and Red. The base 64GB model starts at $429, but wed recommend you spend a little extra for the 128GB or 256GB version, costing $479 and $579, respectively.
8/10
What’s The iPhone Se Price In Canada
The new iPhone SE model starts at $579 for the 64GB model. The iPhone SE with 128GB costs $649, and the 256GB model is priced at $789. We expect every major Canadian cellular carrier to carry the new iPhone SE for $24/month or less on a two-year contract. WhistleOut Canada experts recommend upgrading to the 128GB model since it will satisfy your storage needs for many years and only cost a few dollars more per month.
- iPhone SE 64GB $579 CAD
- iPhone SE 128GB $649 CAD
- iPhone SE 256GB $789 CAD
Also Check: How Do I Restore My Calculator On My iPhone
iPhone Se 2022 Screen
While an iPhone X-inspired overhaul of the iPhone SE feels like a matter of when rather than if, this new device wont tinker too much with the design of the 2020 model. Like that device, the new iPhone SE has a 4.7-inch HD Retina display with thicker iPhone 8-style bezels and a Touch ID fingerprint sensor at the bottom-most edge of the screen.
A Sharper Front Camera For Selfies And Facetime Calls
FaceTime gets a bunch of significant upgrades in iOS 15, such as a Portrait Mode.
Like its predecessor, the new iPhone SE has a 7-megapixel front camera. Apple’s new A15 Bionic processor will bring some improvements to the selfie camera, like the addition of Deep Fusion, which processes individual pixels to improve detail and reduce noise. But still, it would have been nice to see a bump in resolution to go along with these improvements.
Read more:Best Apple SE Case for 2022
Samsung’s phones that come close to the iPhone SE’s price range have Apple beat when it comes to resolution. The $500 Galaxy A52 5G has a 32-megapixel front camera, while the $400 Galaxy A42 5G has a 13-megapixel front camera. Apple introduced several new FaceTime features last year in its iOS 15 update, so it’s surprising that the front-facing camera wasn’t a bigger area of focus for the new iPhone SE.
You May Like: Can You Unlock An iPhone Without Passcode
Is The iPhone Se 5g A Good Phone
The new iPhone SE is a great choice for Canadians who love their old iPhone but aren’t interested in the high price tag of an iPhone 13 or iPhone 13 Pro. Besides the new A15 Bionic CPU and 5G service, a lot of the hardware is still the same as the 2020 edition of the iPhone SE. If you prefer the full-screen iPhone and want something faster, shop for an iPhone 12 for $0 upfront at most national carriers.
Apple iPhone SE hardware specs
- Performance: A15 Bionic chip, iOS 15, 64GB/128GB/256GB storage
- Cameras: 12MP wide camera with OIS, Smart HDR4, Photographic Styles, 7MP front camera
- Display: 4.7″ Retina HD IPS-LCD with True Tone
- Battery: Same life as iPhone 13 mini, Fast-charge , Wireless Charging
- Connectivity: Gigabit 4G LTE, 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, Lightning Connector
- Features: Touch ID fingerprint sensor in Home Button, IP67 water/dust resistance, Apple Pay
Should You Buy An iPhone Se
The iPhone SE is Apple’s entry-level iPhone, starting at $429. The device offers an affordable entry point to the iPhone lineup, with many important features such as a powerful A-series chip, a high-quality camera with 4K video recording, Haptic Touch, wireless charging, water and dust resistance, and more. The current model added the A15 Bionic chip from the iPhone 13, 5G connectivity, an upgraded rear camera with more advanced computational photography capabilities, improved battery life, and stronger glass.
Announced in March 2022, the iPhone SE is the newest iPhone in Apple’s lineup and is very early in its product cycle. Apple waited around three years to update the original iPhone SE before the 2020 model was released, leaving another two years before launching the current model.
While the third-generation iPhone SE is still very new, there are early signs that a new model is in the works with a larger display. Overall, now is still a good time to buy the iPhone SE and most customers should not wait for a new model to launch.
Don’t Miss: How To Install Sim Card iPhone 11
Design And Form Factor
If youre someone who needs everyone around you to know that you have the latest and greatest phone, then the design of the iPhone SE 3 is not going to do you any favors. Apples technique for budget phones is to take just about literally the same chassis of an old phone in this case, the iPhone 8 and fill it with updated internals. As such, the SE 3 looks just like an iPhone 8. The big bezels, including a thick forehead and chin, are there. The glass back and rounded aluminum sides are there. Theres still only a single-camera system on the back. In short, the phone looks like an iPhone from five years ago.
Coming from the larger, notch-laden iPhones of the past few generations, this screen really does feel like a jump backward.
What Is Different Compared To The 2020 iPhone Se
Both the 2020 and 2022 iPhone SEs look the same, and they actually borrow their external design from the iPhone 8 of 2017. But inside is a different story. The 2022 iPhone SE has the new A15 Bionic processor, as used by the iPhone 13. This should mean far greater performance compared to the 2020 release.
Apple says the new phones glass front and rear are tougher than before, and while the camera hardware remains the same, the A15 processor introduces new computational photography technology, called Smart HDR 4, for improved imagery.
Looking for some great deals on other Apple devices and accessories? Weve compiled a shortlist of some of our favourites below.
Don’t Miss: How To Factory Reset iPhone 6 With Buttons
You Should Not Buy This If
You want Face ID and a larger display
As much as some people love the Home button, the iPhone SE has a very dated design. Plus, I often find Face ID to be faster and more convenient to use overall. Another benefit of having Face ID is the fact that your display is larger, because there are no more bezels for a Home button, giving you an edge-to-edge display.
You want the best cameras on an iPhone
If you primarily use your iPhone for photos, the iPhone SE is lacking, despite the improvements Apple made. You only get a single 12MP Wide lens here, and it’s basically the same hardware from the iPhone 8. While A15 gets you Deep Fusion, Smart HDR 4, and Photographic Styles, you won’t have LiDAR for Night mode, nor will you get an Ultra Wide and Telephoto lens. If you just want the Ultra Wide, it’s best to get the iPhone 13, and if you need a Telephoto for optical zoom, then go for the iPhone 13 Pro. And don’t forget about the measly 7MP FaceTime HD selfie camera even the iPhone 11 has a 12MP TrueDepth camera, which would give your images more detail.
You want an OLED display
iPhone Se 2022 Camera Specifications
The iPhone SE 3 is likely to include the same single 12MP wide-angle back camera as the current model, as well as a single front-facing camera when it launches.The current model has a 7MP front camera that we would like to upgrade to 12MP, but no rumors have arisen in any way. However, since Apple added this camera to its $ 329 iPad, it may appear on the iPhone SE 2.
However, flashy new sensors are unlikely to result in a significant improvement in camera quality. Apple is expected to promote the improved camera quality in the new iPhone SE, although this is largely due to the A15s superior visual workmanship over the A13 in the current second-generation iPhone SE.
You May Like: How To Sync Contacts From iPhone To iPhone
Tech Specs And New Features
The new iPhone SE features the same high-power A15 Bionic processor as you get in the iPhone 13-series handsets. With a six-core CPU, Apple claims this chip will make the new SE 8x faster than the iPhone 8 a surprisingly elderly comparison point, to be fair. It also features a four-core GPU and the 16-core Neural Engine.
Battery life is improved from the previous generation: Apple claims Up to 15 hours video playback, compared to 13 for the second-gen SE. This doesnt appear to reflect any changes to the batterys size, since the chassis design appears to be unchanged rather, its to do with the efficiency of the A15, improvements in the battery tech that Apple uses and the usual OS optimisations.
Finally, and as expected, the new SE gets 5G connectivity, making it by far the cheapest 5G-capable handset in Apples stable.
In many other respects the iPhone SE 3 is specced the same as the SE 2. It has the same screen specs and the same camera setup .
But the inclusion of the A15 bleeds into other areas, with its capabilities enabling the camera, for instance, to offer new features despite itself being based on the same hardware. You get Smart HDR 4, Deep Fusion, Photographic Styles and slo-mo video at 1080p and 120fps, none of which were available on the SE 2.