Apple announces new iPhone SE – same design, now with A15 Bionic and 5G

Apple’s first big release of the year is now a reality, with a new iPhone SE announced this morning. Described by Apple CEO Tim Cook as catering for those who are looking for a smaller phone and also seeking value – the new iPhone SE is all about what’s inside.

Described as Apple’s “Iconic glass and aluminum design” – this is the design and body of the iPhone 6 – but with vastly updated materials, including an improved glass – the same strong glass used on the iPhone 13.

That design also still includes the fingerprint unlock in the home button with TouchID – still in my mind the best unlock and payment verification system on any phone.

iPhone SE also joins the iPhone 12 and 13 with it’s 5G capabilities.

This means it will work on all the Aussie 5G networks, offering faster download and upload speeds, and setting it up as a future proof device for those looking to hold onto devices for many years.

Because the iPhone SE features the A15 Bionic Chip, its fast, allowing you to run all the best apps, and use features like on-device translation and Siri and things like the text recognition in photos.

That also means it will last many years and get iOS updates for the longest possible time.

Performance wise, it stacks up remarkably against the iPhones most likely to be “held onto” out there, like the iPhone 8.

Given it’s size and design, it will appeal to any iPhone 6, 7 and 8 owners who are reluctant to upgrade to the larger full screen FaceID phones.

The new iPhone SE launches in three size configurations, 64GB, 128GB and 256GB, and comes in three colours, midnight, starlight and (PRODUCT)RED

Prices start at $719, which for perspective is $40 more than the two year old model was available for just last week, but is $80 less than that phone launched at in 2020.

You can pre order from Midnight Saturday, with devices shipping and available in stores from Friday 18 March.