Apple has just launched its new device, the "iPhone SE" at the launch event at Cupertino, California on Monday. Apple claims this device to be the "the most powerful 4.7-inch smartphone ever". SE stands for Special Edition. We can say that this device is a smaller and a cheaper variant of the company's flagship devices iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus. We can take it to be a device with the size of an iPhone 5S and with the capabilities of an iPhone 6S.
This device is powered by the 64-bit Apple A9 processor together with the embedded M9 motion co-processor which make this device no less than the iPhone 6S in terms of performance. This device also provides 50% better CPU and GPU performance when compared with the iPhone 6S. The camera is also a 12-megapixel iSight camera with dual-tone flash and the features like Live photos and 4K video support.
Also Read: Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 edge unveiled at MWC 2016
Apple specifically compared this device to the previous 4.7-inch device, the iPhone 5S in many aspects. This might have been done intentionally just to clear the rumors that this device is an iPhone 5S with a "new name". When compared to the iPhone 5S, Apple's new smartphone has faster LTE, faster Wi-Fi (802.11ac), better battery life, new microphones, and the significant addition of Apple Pay support.
The exterior finish device also resembles of the iPhone 6 (and higher) family. The Apple logo on the back of the iPhone SE is a stainless steel cut-out. The chamfered edges on the front and back of the iPhone SE are matte, compared to the shiny chamfers on the iPhone 5s.
The SE starts at $399 for a 16GB model, and comes in silver, gold, rose gold, and space gray. The 64GB version is $499. Preorders begin on March 24th and the phone will be available on March 31st. The iPhone SE will be in more than 100 countries by the end of May.
Altogether, we can say that the iPhone SE is the modern 4-inch smartphone which the iPhone 5S couldn't be. But I feel that this device is not an apt match to the iPhone 6 and 6S. The display, while still a bright IPS screen,but has still got a lower contrast ratio and reduced viewing angle compared to the next-generation screens on the iPhone 6 and 6s. The Touch ID sensor is also no match to that of the iPhone 6 family. Users who have got used to the display of iPhone 6/6S will find it difficult to consider this device. The users who have been waiting for a replacement for their iPhone 5S (or lower), this device is for you.
Here are some additional pictures of the device:
Additional Pics Courtesy- The Verge
