Apple gives the iPhone 5S form factor a SE-cond try
Apple’s latest smartphone may look familiar, but it’s what’s on the inside that counts
Logan Krupa, Tech Columnist
Smartphones have grown in size considerably in recent years. Not long ago, an iPhone 6S Plus would have been considered absurdly large. Now, phones with five-inch and up screens are not uncommon.
Chris Velazco said in an article for Engadget, “The iPhone SE has the exact same screen as the one in the iPhone 5s. That means it still runs at a resolution of 1,136 x 640, which also means the math still works out to a pixel density of 326ppi (same as the iPhone 6s).”
At a press event on March 21 Apple announced it was looking to the past for inspiration for its latest iPhone. The iPhone SE is essentially an iPhone 6S within the body of the former, smaller iPhone 5S. The only notable feature missing from the iPhone 6S would be the “3D Touch” function, that gives users various functions depending on how hard they press on the screen. In the grand scheme of things, that’s a small loss.
The four-inch display gives the iPhone SE great portability and ease of use. The smartphone features Apple’s latest A9 processor and excellent 12-megapixel rear camera, which also shoots 4K video.
The iPhone SE also comes in Apple’s vibrant colour selection, including the striking “Rose Gold” tone.
Apple was eager to proclaim that the iPhone SE was “the cheapest iPhone ever” at the press event, but the weak Canadian dollar dampens the enthusiasm for the price on this side of the border. In the US, the base 16 GB iPhone SE starts at $499 USD. In Canada, that price jumps to $579. The top-end 64 GB model will cost Canadians $709 unsubsidized.
All major Canadian carriers will carry the iPhone SE. The subsidized pricing will range from $99 to $229 on a two-year contract.
Anyone yearning for a smaller smartphone may find the iPhone SE to be the perfect choice. The phone’s pocketable size, familiar form-factor and high-end specs should prove to be a great combo.
Apple might be releasing a smaller phone with the iPhone SE, but one can bet it may make a big splash in a world of oversized “phablets.”
