It’s the camera you have on your person all the time, so if you’re going to take photos with your phone, you’ll want to make sure it carries some decent features. Well, if you’re an iPhone user, you’ll be pleased to hear that Apple’s new ‘budget’ model packs camera specifications that punch well above its price-tag.
The new SE is Apple’s most affordable device and is priced from $399/£419 – a massive saving over the higher-end models, so what do you get for your money? Well, to begin with, the SE features a A13 Bionic chip – the same unit that’s inside the higher-end iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro and, as Apple says, the fastest chip available in a smartphone device.
With a 4.7-inch Retina HD display, the iPhone SE is water- and dust-resistant with an IP67 rating for water resistance up to 1 metre for 30 minutes. Supporting fast-charging, the SE can give up to 50 percent charge in just 30 minutes.
However, it’s the camera features that really impress, as the SE packs what Apple calls ‘the best single-camera system ever in an iPhone’. The single wide rear camera features a 12-megapixel sensor and large f/1.8 aperture for bright photos in low light conditions.
Both the main rear camera and the selfie-friendly front camera can make use of Apple’s Portrait mode, which includes all six Portrait Lighting effects too. Additional features include Apple’s Smart HDR technology to make the most of the shadows and highlights in the scene.
Videographers haven’t been forgotten either, with the new SE’s front and rear cameras supporting cinematic video stabilisation. Meanwhile, the rear camera can capture 4K 60fps footage or extended dynamic range at 4K 30fps.
Built around an aerospace-grade aluminium and durable glass design, the iPhone SE also supports Dolby Vision, HDR10 playback and features Apple’s Touch ID technology, too. Available in three colour combos (black, white and red), the SE is expected to ship in late April.
