Apple has announced a new version of its iPhone SE, the cheapest smartphone it currently sells.
Revealed at the company’s latest product launch event, which was streamed online on 8 March, the new iPhone SE looks just like the previous model from 2020, but is powered by the same speedy processor as the iPhone 13.
The handset, which has the same 4.7in display as the previous-generation iPhone SE, is available in three colour options of red, white and black – or starlight and midnight, as Apple likes to call them.
Despite the low price – at least for an iPhone – the new SE comes with 5G connectivity, water resistance and support for wireless charging.
The third-generation iPhone SE goes on sale in-store and online on 18 March, but as is Apple tradition, pre-orders open ahead of that date. Orders can be placed from 1pm on Friday 11 March.
Read more:
iPhone SE: From £419 or £17.45 a month – Apple.com
What are the features of the 2022 iPhone SE?
In terms of design, we know that it borrows from the iPhone 8 – with a 4.7in LCD display – but is also powered by the A15 Bionic chip – as found in the iPhone 13 and 13 mini. It also has support for 5G connectivity and, unlike any other iPhone Apple currently makes, a home button with integrated Touch ID instead of Face ID.
There’s also a single, 12MP wide-angle camera on the rear with up to 5x digital zoom, 4K video recording and Smart HDR 4 technology for improved photographs, plus a 7MP camera on the front for selfies and video calls. It’ll also be offered with storage options of 64GB, 128GB and 256GB, and colour options of red, starlight (white) and midnight (black).
As with other current generations of iPhone, only a USB-C to Lightning cable is included in the box. If you don’t have a USB-C charger you’ll have to buy one separately, or use any charger with a Lightning cable you might already own.
If bought from Apple without a SIM or contract, it will be priced from £419 or £17.45 a month for 64GB of storage, £469 or £19.54 a month for 128GB, and £569 or £23.70 a month for the flagship 256GB model.
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When can you pre-order the new iPhone SE in the UK?
The latest iPhone SE will be available to pre-order in the UK from 1pm on 11 March, and shipping will begin on 18 March.
How long does it take to get the iPhone SE after pre-order?
It depends how quickly you place your order. The first customers to order should receive their phones on the 18 March release date. But sometimes Apple products quickly sell out, causing later pre-orders to arrive after the actual release date.
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 phone’s 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.
Pre-order from 11 March
Looking for some great deals on other Apple devices and accessories? We’ve compiled a shortlist of some of our favourites below.
iPhone 13 (128GB) blue: Was £779, now £719, Amazon.co.uk
Amazon sells a wide range of current and lats-generation iPhones. Here we have the iPhone 13 from late-2021, in blue and with 128GB of storage. This is the regular iPhone 13, as opposed to the mini or pro, so has a 6.1in display and dual rear camera system with 12MP resolution, plus wide and ultra wide lenses.
It is currently reduced from £779 to £719. Our reviewer said of the iPhone 13 and 13 mini: “These are easily the best non-pro phones Apple has ever built and the iPhone 13 and 13 mini beat most other high-end smartphones from rival brands.”
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iPhone 13 mini (128GB) midnight: Was £679, now £619, Amazon.co.uk
This deal sees £60 knocked off the price of the iPhone 13 mini with 129GB of storage and in midnight (also known as black). The 13 mini is technically identical to the larger iPhone 13, with the same A15 Bionic processor and dual rear camera system, but has a smaller, more pocket-friendly 5.4in display.
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Apple Watch SE (2021, GPS, 40mm): Was £269, now £217, Amazon.co.uk
As well as the iPhone SE, Apple uses its “special edition” name with a model of the Apple Watch too. This is the latest Watch SE, which arrived in 2021, and is the GPS model with a 40mm case finished in gold aluminium with a rubber sport band. This deal at Amazon sees the Apple Watch SE reduced from £269 to £217.
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Apple AirTag: £29, Apple.com
The Apple AirTag is a possession tracker that can be attached to your keys, bag or other non-smart items. If you lose the item, the AirTag’s location can be tracked using a Bluetooth connection to your iPhone. If out of Bluetooth range, Apple’s clever Find My network will help you locate the AirTag. It does this by telling you where your AirTag was last in Bluetooth range of someone else’s iPhone or iPad. So when a stranger walks by your lost keys, their iPhone will automatically (and anonymously) share your AirTag’s location with the Find My app on your iPhone.
In our Apple AirTag review, our writer praised the gadget’s low price and ease of use. “For any iPhone owner prone to losing things, investing in a pack of four might be one of the best decisions you ever make.”
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