By Christine Persaud
Apple has released the second-generation version of the iPhone SE, which features a 4.7″ Retina HD display, Touch ID, A13 Bionic chip, and more, and will sell in Canada for $599.
The smartphone, which will come in black, white, and PRODUCT(RED), is a compact device that marks the most affordable iPhone to date. In addition to the A13 Bionic chip, which enables improved battery life, it has the best single-camera system ever in an iPhone that included Portrait mode. The phone itself is also dust and water-resistant with an IP67 rating that allows it to be submerged in up to one metre of water for up to 30 minutes.
The display includes True Tone to adjust the white balance to match the ambient light for a more natural, paper-like viewing experience. The wide colour gamut Retina HD display also supports Dolby Vision and HDR10 playback.
iPhone SE uses Haptic Touch for Quick Actions such as animating Live Photos, previewing messages, rearranging apps, and more, as well as contextual menus.
iPhone SE also features the familiar Home button designed with sapphire crystal to be durable and to protect the sensor, and a steel ring to detect a user’s fingerprint for Touch ID. Fill in passwords using iCloud Keychain, log in to apps, authorize App Store purchases, and make Apple Pay transactions.
iPhone SE is wireless-charging capable with Qi-certified chargers and also supports fast-charging, providing up to 50% charge in just 30 minutes. Lightning-fast download speeds are available with Wi-Fi 6 and Gigabit-class LTE. Dual SIM with eSIM allows for having two separate phone numbers on a single device while traveling abroad or for use as a business line.
The single-camera system includes a 12MP f/1.8 aperture Wide camera, and uses the image signal processor and Neural Engine of A13 Bionic to unlock even more benefits of computational photography, including Portrait mode, all six Portrait Lighting effects and Depth Control. Next-generation Smart HDR intelligently re-lights recognized subjects in a frame for more natural-looking images with nice highlight and shadow details.
Videos can be captured with stereo audio recording and cinematic video stabilization on the front and rear cameras. The rear camera supports high-quality video capture at 4K up to 60fps, and extended dynamic range comes to iPhone SE for more highlight details up to 30fps. Customers can also take advantage of QuickTake video on the front and rear cameras, allowing video recording without switching out of Photo mode.
The Apple iPhone SE will be available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB models in black, white and (PRODUCT)RED starting at $599 or $349 with trade-in from apple.com, in the Apple Store app, and Apple Stores. It is available for pre-order now and will be available through the Apple Store app starting 5 a.m. PT on Friday, April 17 and through Apple Stores and authorized retailers as well as select carriers starting Friday, April 24. Customers who purchase iPhone SE will also receive a one year subscription to the Apple TV+ streaming service.
A portion of proceeds for iPhone SE (PRODUCT)RED purchases will go directly to Global Fund’s newly established COVID-19 Response, which provides funding to countries in need of PPE, diagnostics treatment, lab equipment, public safety communications, supply chain support, and more, as well as HIV/AIDS grants that provide testing, counselling, treatment and prevention programs with a specific focus on eliminating transmission of the virus from mothers to their babies.