Skip to main content

Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Why trust us?

Smaller iPhone SE packs the same power as a 6S, for less

Apple doubles the iPhone SE's storage while keeping the price the same

iphone se
Digital Trends
The iPhone SE has long been offered as a low-cost iOS alternative for those that don’t want to shell out the cash for Apple’s flagship iPhone models. The device is basically a miniature version of the iPhone 6S when it comes to specs and features, and it shares the design of the iPhone 5 and 5S.

Why did Apple update the old 4-inch iPhone model? Because, the company says, a lot of people are introduced to the iPhone via the iPhone 5S or the iPhone 5C. In China, the majority of iPhone users’ first iOS experience is on a 4-inch phone. Plus, a lot of people just don’t want a giant screen. Therefore, Apple has squeezed the same cool tech from the iPhone 6S into a smaller body.

Recommended Videos

Here’s everything you need to know about the iPhone SE.

Same specs as the iPhone 6S and an old-school design

The latest news related to the iPhone SE comes in the form of a storage bump. While at launch the device was only available in 16GB and 64GB versions, now the options are 32GB and 128GB — for the same price. So, you’ll get a lot more bang for your buck.

The Apple A9 processor powers the iPhone SE, and it’s joined by the M9 co-processor for motion tracking and other tasks including the always-on Siri. The 12-megapixel iSight camera is on the rear, complete with the true tone flash unit, the new image signal processor, and Live Photo support. It’ll also shoot 4K video, and take massive 63-megapixel panorama photos. On the front, the selfie cam uses the display as a flash unit.

Mobile payments are supported using an older Touch ID sensor, and payments are made using the NFC as well as the secure element hidden inside the phone. Additionally, there’s the same 4G LTE connectivity, Bluetooth 4.2, Wi-Fi calling, and VoIP features, plus the battery has been tweaked for enhanced usage and standby time.

In terms of design, it looks just like an iPhone 5S with the white glass section at the top for the antennas and good reception. It’s less rounded and more chunky than the current iPhone 6 and iPhone 6S, which gives it a retro vibe. It’ll be available in silver, rose gold, gold, and space gray.

Here’s how to get yours

The Apple iPhone SE has been around for some time now, and it’ll cost you $400 for the 32GB model, or $16.63 per month on Apple’s 24-month installment plan. You can get it sdirect from Apple’s website.

Related Offer: The iPhone SE. A big step for small.

Of course, you can also get the device through your preferred carrier. Currently, carriers seem to be selling the older, 16GB and 64GB versions. T-Mobile offers the 16 GB iPhone SE for $16.67 a month for 24 months with $0 upfront, and the 64GB model will be just a few dollars more at $20.84 a month for 24 months. You can get it on T-Mobile’s website.

If you’ve got an AT&T Next plan, you’ll pay $0 up front and $13.30 a month for 30 months, $16.63 a month for 24 months, or $19.95 a month for 20 months, assuming you buy the 16GB version. The 64GB model will cost you $16.67 a month for 30 months, $20.84 a month for 24 months, or $25 a month for 20 months. You can get it on AT&T’s website.

At Sprint, you’ll pay $0 down and $16.67 a month for 24 months, if you buy the 16GB version or $100 down and $16.67 a month for 24 months. You can get it on Sprint’s website.

Verizon also has the iPhone SE available on its website. The 16GB model will cost you $16.66 a month for 24 months, while the 64GB model runs $20.83 a month for 24 months. You can get it on Verizon’s website.

Updated on 03-21-2017 by Christian de Looper: Added news of updated storage options.

Malarie Gokey
Former Digital Trends Contributor
As DT's Mobile Editor, Malarie runs the Mobile and Wearables sections, which cover smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and…
The iPhone 17 Pro Max may slim down this particular feature
The Dynamic Island on the iPhone 14 Pro Max.

The iPhone's Dynamic Island is expected to get even smaller on the iPhone 17 series, according to technology analyst Jeff Pu (via MacRumors).

According to Pu, in a research note with investment bank Haitong International, the iPhone 17 Pro Max will offer a “metalens” for Face ID. Because of this, the Dynamic Island will be “much narrowed.”

Read more
The iPhone 17 Pro cameras could get a huge upgrade
iPhone 16 Pro Max in Desert Titanium.

The iPhone 16 is barely out but we've already heard quite a few rumors about the iPhone 17. For one, we know it's going to lack an iconic model. It's highly likely Apple is discontinuing the Plus series, instead opting for a base iPhone 17, the iPhone 17 Pro, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max. There's also a new, debut phone in the works that's been called the iPhone 17 Air or the Slim — you get no prizes for guessing what its selling point will be.

There's potentially a bigger upgrade coming, though. The iPhone 17 is rumored to have a much higher-resolution front camera than the iPhone 16 does. Currently, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max both have a 12-megapixel front camera, but the iPhone 17 Pro might potentially double that with a 24MP front camera, according to tipster Jeff Pu and GSMArena.

Read more
The iPhone SE might serve an unexpected surprise next year
Mockup of fourth-generation iPhone SE camera bump.

The next iPhone SE, set for a 2025 market arrival, is shaping up to be one of the most interesting smartphones Apple has offered in years. But it seems there’s also a Plus-sized blockbuster planned for next year.

Japanese website Macotakara has shared images of what it claims to be the “3D printed mockup” of the upcoming iPhone SE. Once again, we are greeted by a familiar design that is nigh identical to the iPhone 14, something that has also been reported by Bloomberg.

Read more