Apple, as expected, unpacked the 4-inch iPhone SE and as advertised it is the replacement for the iPhone 5S, therefore more powerful, faster and is prettier than the 2013 flagship. The SE, no doubt, represents a big step up from the 5S but the bigger question: Is it worth the buy?
Here are the things to gain in case of an affirmative answer:
Stronger and faster
Making a leap from the iPhone 5S or even the iPhone 6, Apple fans will find that the iPhone is a small package that swells with power and speed. The device draws its might from an A9 processing chip that is responsible too for powering up the iPhone 6S. The package also includes the M9 motion coprocessor, which means Siri, when activated, is always on call.
But unlike the 6S, which boasts of 2GB RAM, the SE only has 1GB of RAM, which in many cases is hardly a deal breaker.
More battery juice
From the 5S battery pack, the SE will unbox with a more powerful battery and couple that with the new iOS 9.3 users are assured of longer operating hours.
12-megapixel camera
The iPhone SE main shooter sports a 12-megapixel iSight camera that translates into all the shooting capabilities that Apple has deployed with the iPhone 6S last year, including the recording of 4K clips and capturing of Live Photos. Take note that the front cam is not a 5MP but a measly 1.2MP sensor.
Touch ID and Apple Pay
And like the 5S, Touch ID or fingerprint reader is part of the iPhone SE that brings in faster but safer unlocking feature of the device. The feature is also connected to Apple Pay that allows for a more robust security protocol during wireless payment transactions but with improved convenience. It goes without saying that Touch ID on the SE is of the same level with that of the iPhone 6S in terms of speed and protection features.
Color options
The iPhone SE is essentially the mini-me of the iPhone 6S in terms of color availability, which will be in Silver White, Space Gray, Champagne Gold and the new Apple fans favorite - Rose Gold. Such options no longer apply to the iPhone 5S and iPhone 6.
Longer firmware support
As the SE will slip out of the box bearing iOS 9.3, it will enjoy not only the latest software flavor from Apple but also get the assurance of extended firmware support that could last up to five years, which is the case of the iPhone 4S.
Relatively affordable
Apple trumpeted the iPhone SE as the most powerful compact smartphone around and the company made sure that owning the device will come easy. Price starts at $399 for the 16GB edition but buyers can opt for the 64GB build that will sell for $499.
The iPhone SE will hit store shelves starring March 31 but for some it is not a compelling buy. Here's why:
No 3D Touch
Reports said Apple encountered hardware limitation with the SE that it ended up skipping the 3D Touch screen sensor, which robbed the device of a forward-looking feature.
Same design as iPhone 5S
Early reviewers labelled as the iPhone SE as practically a clone of the 5S. The two devices are so identical that accessories for the latter can be used with the SE.
The iPhone 5S will get cheaper
But perhaps the strongest case of skipping the iPhone SE is the resulting cheaper tag price of the iPhone 5S, which analysts said can go as low as $250 following the SE debut. Apple has already discontinued the 5S but surely retailers worldwide have existing inventory they'd be glad to offer with huge discounts.