iPhone SE 2020 Has Been Revealed

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Prices (in AUD)

  • 64GB: $749
  • 128GB: $829
  • 256GB: $999

Specs (so far)

  • 4.7-inch Retina HD display
  • Apple A13 Bionic Chipset
  • Single-camera system (12-megapixel f/1.8 aperture Wide camera)
  • Rated IP67 (maximum depth of 1 metre for up to 30 minutes) under IEC standard 60529

Update: Full specs available on GSMArena

  • 3GB Ram
  • 1821mAh Li-Ion Battery (Same as the iPhone 8)
  • Qi Wireless Charging

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Comments

  • Decent price, but pretty clear that they are totally milking the 128GB and 256GB as suckers.

    This could have been called the iPhone 9, but Apple clearly wants SE to mean "cheap iPhone". Maybe I'm the minority, but I'm sad that they went with the iPhone 8 form factor, I really liked the smaller size and easier grip.

    I can only hope that they have an iPhone 12 "mini" planned for Sept. Unfortunately for me, my iPhone SE is on its last legs, so now I probably will need to decide whether to go for a used iPhone 8 or iPhone SE2 in the meantime

    • 100% this will be the last iPhone to have Touch ID and this design. They will all be Face ID devices going forward etc.

    • totally milking the 128GB and 256GB as suckers.

      That would be the case if base storage was 32GB, but base 64GB then 128GB is only a AUD$80 jump.
      I agree they are milking the 256GB since it’s a whopping AUD$170 premium over the 128GB.

    • +1

      I upgraded from an SE to an 8 a few months ago. You're right, the in-hand size difference is quite different. I'm also hoping in the future they go back to a smaller size for their mini/budget phones. The 5/SE size was just about the perfect size for me.

    • Maybe I'm the minority, but I'm sad that they went with the iPhone 8 form factor, I really liked the smaller size and easier grip

      Gotta think from a business aspect though. Theyve basically just renamed the iphone 8 with some minor different specs - same as what they did with the old SE as well. Saves them from having to fully develop a new phone all together which isnt their target market. Saves them a lot of money.

      They have always milked GB size upgrades as well. Theyre never cheap. Back in the days when they still sold the 16GBs when the OS took up the majority of the storage too.

  • +3

    Good price for a brand new A13 Bionic device. There isn't an Android as fast as the A13 Bionic for $750, or for any amount of money probably.

    • -6

      Though it's worth noting the chip means jack when the screen is 60hz. Any one the oneplus 7/8, pixel 4 (here's hoping 4a?) and s20 lines (though the s20 stands out as overpriced) will feel a lot better then this despite how far ahead apples chip is.

      Can actually snag a oneplus 7t cheaper (comparing storage sizes, a few bucks more looking base to base) then this iphone SE. Shame they don't sell here officially.

      • +8

        Chip trumps refresh rate any day. Refresh rate is a nice to have.

        You can pair a high end cpu with a 60hz screen but if you do the other way around you're getting slaughtered.

        • I'm not talking about a, say, pixel 3a processor (what, a 670?) with 90hz. That'd be a poor experience for sure. I more mean a last gen processor (the 855 for example) with a 90hz screen rather then this.

          Bit of a miscommunication on my part.

          • -1

            @N1NJ4W4RR10R: A miscommuncication like not knowing the difference between then and than?

            • @[Deactivated]: Ya now wen me seen that little notification thingamagic after openaning tha ap, me wa expectang sametheng worthwile.

              *Apologies if you weren't being a smart aleck. I've been dealing with people on reddit arguing something incredibly stupid so I'm finding it hard to give benefit of the doubt right now.

  • +4

    Essentially it has the latest chipset but features are downgraded to iPhone 6S/7. Around $200 more than an iPhone 7 or comparable to iPhone 8 (but more modern chipset.)

    Not a bad purchase if you're keen on a robust iPhone that will be resilient for the next few years.

  • Guess 5G, camera, OLED, size, and processor may be the biggest differentiators for people to consider paying up for the next flagship model… The price for this is decent though but it is a pity it has been probably set at a time when our currency was trading at it's lowest point in a while. It is $399 in the US.

  • This would be a good option if you wanted a partner for the watch.

    • -1

      For what watch?

      • +1

        Apple Watch requires iOS 13 now

        • Yup, if you have an iPhone 6, or less, you can’t get the watch to work.

  • +2

    Great value for an A13 device. Probably the fastest mobile processor at the moment.

    • I've always wondered - does it really matter how fast a phone's processor is, if it performs the same tasks and has the same software/apps?

  • +3

    Would the best deal be 5% using JB gift cards to get this phone?

    • +1

      At release, most likely.

      Apple product, especially phones are rarely discounted.

    • How would I do this? Can you link to somewhere I can buy JB gift cards at 5% off?

    • Does the JB website accept multiple gift cards at checkout?

      • +2

        why yes, yes it does.
        SE pre-ordered from JB with two gift cards. thanks

        • Hey! Can you comment on what JB are like with delivery or pick up dates?

          i.e. if buy one now, will I be able to pickup on the 24th or will it be posted today?

  • Been hanging out for this one, it looks good for a decent new iphone at a semi reasonable price. I wonder how good the camera is though when the iphone 11s have 3 rear cameras but I dont know much about cameras. Can you use the iphone 8 with 1 hand like you can the SE? I still don't understand why the more expensive iphone 11 pro is the smaller factor over the iphone 11, that's a big price jump from the SE2 to the iphone 11 pro

    • +2

      The 11 Pro has a premium screen. The 11 is bigger but a "cheap" screen.

  • awesome! was hoping until the end for the classic chassis, but this is good too - best news for last couple weeks!

  • +9

    I am hoping it sends signals to Android phone makers that there is still a market for small sub-5inch mid/high end phones.

    • +4

      I agree with you, but due to this years-old design/form-factor, this 4.7" screen phone is still as physically as big as a 5.5-6" screen phone with a more modern design.

    • +1

      I am hoping it sends signals to Android phone makers that there is still a market for small sub-5inch mid/high end phones.

      This.
      I wish Sony would continue with their "Compact" series. Or someone else would make phones this size.

    • Right? I want this phone but an Android. Very torn. iOS feels extremely unintuitive to me, but I know my OnePlus 5 won't last forever.

  • +1

    Am I the only one who found the iPhone 11/Pro lineup way too big? Been waiting for this for a long time, actually wanted to snag a iPhone 8 because it being the last phone to have TouchID. iPhone SE 2020 seems like the sweet spot and fills the gap between iPhone 5 and iPhone 11 size, not to mention having the same power of the new flagships. Definitely going to pick one up when the 256GB variant goes down to maybe $900

    • I believe even the tall phone enthusiasts didn't like that, to wide to be comfortable.

  • +1

    I don't get how this is an Android killer that everyone is talking about. How has the software changed to make me switch?

    • +3

      You won't find an Android, yet alone at this price point that can beat it on performance. Software is user preference at this point.

      • +3

        So it really isn't an Android killer. Hardware alone isn't what makes a phone good.

        • +4

          I agree, it boils down to personal preference. If you weren't interested in ios now, you were never going to be, but at this price point it destroys anything Android can offer and punches well above it's weight. People were expecting A12 chips for their SE range (Which btw would put it top 3 of any Android chip), the fact Apple put in the A13 blows the competition away.

        • +2

          There's also Software Support (specially Operating System).

          Most Android Phones are only supported ~2 years from release date, whereas iPhone are ~5 years (iPhone 5S released in 2013, was supported until 2019)

          • @RichardL: For personal use I have a OnePlus 6 which will be nearing 2 years since release next month and they have a good track record of supporting their devices with both major and security updates. Even the OnePlus 5 from June 2017 has received Android 10.

            I use an iPhone for work but since I'm already so deep in the Android ecosystem with the better and more customisable software I don't think I'll ever switch ;)

        • +1

          This will at least disrupt Android phone industries. There's one thing that Android phone will never ever beat Apple, which is its re-sell value. When I want to spend $1,000+ on a phone, iPhone always be my choice because I know in 2 years time I can still sell it for at least half of what I paid for.

          Now with $800 iPhone, they have expand their target market. Of course there's always some people who are glued to Android or iOS, but there are lots of people who can't spend $1,000+ on a phone so Android is their only way to go(or used iPhone). Those people will now have more choice to choose between iPhone or Android.

          Also for $800 it offers:
          - Supposedly a good camera(at least same quality with iPhone XR or better if it has night mode)
          - Flagship chipset faster than most Android phone
          - Guaranteed software support for 3+ years
          - Best re-sell value among any other phones(which indirectly makes the phone much cheaper)

          I don't say that this phone is perfect, but I would say that Apple makes lots of good move since last year.

    • Android killer is bogus, you can snag a s10e or oneplus 7t that'll look/feel nicer then this for media use. Sure the processor wins, but what use will that be in most circumstances? Most would probably feel more of a difference from the 90hz screen of the 7t rather then the better processor.

      What this is is a pixel killer. It - in theory - absolutely murders the 3a and likely 4a. They should have better screens, but the processor is very sub par on the pixel (and isn't looking to change with the 4a), which should results in an actual difference in general use thanks to the SE having the best processor on the market. The cameras will likely be nearly identical so they won't be much of a factor (maybe, with how much better the apple chip is that could actually play a part)

      Google's looking to have been pretty much just pushed out by this point. If you're after a media device samsung/oneplus (and others) is better, if you're after a good camera apple is better because you aren't given up good performance in general use. The 4a might be able to be a nice middle ground with how the screen is looking but the sub par processor might get in the way of that.

      But this is all maybes and mights until the se and the 4a release.

      • Remember the iPhone SE is a small phone.
        The s10e and Oneplus 7t are in a different size and weight category, almost 200g.
        The iPhone SE is 148g and about 2cm shorter.

        • +1

          That's also going to be a consideration for some for sure. I think the only android phones that come close are the pixel 3a (assumably 4a) and some proper budget stuff. Some people prefer small phones.

          I personally don't, running an a70 right now, which is why I missed that. Thanks for bringing it up

    • In my view you will get better androids for significantly less money. That said,this is a decent option at a not too silly price for those who prefer Apple.

  • +1

    Another good reason to get this phone is bluetick, the 6S and the 8 were the last 2 that had it on Telstra. Definitely makes a different in rural areas. Presuming this SE will have it as same as the 8 antenna wise?

    • -2

      The Samsung A20 for $179 has bluetick (band 28)
      No need to spend $750.

      • +3

        lol, no thanks, i meant iPhone.

      • +3

        I fully expect that A70 to be in lag city after 6 months of use.

        • Not sure with the lag in these latest Galaxy phones. Mine S7 edge is still fluent after 3 years. Battery is bit low but usability still good

        • Mine hasn't been. Bought it just over 6 months ago and it feels as good as the day I bought it. Only reason I'm even considering upgrading is for a higher refresh rate screen, water proofing and the general QoL of a faster unlock.

  • +3

    My son will probably need a new phone around Christmas time (currently has a 6s). This looks a decent option.

  • Great phone and in red! I was hoping though it would have 4 inch screen - Steve Jobs would have never given up this size

    • +4

      Steven Jobs would have never let a phone be produced with a camera that sticks out the back.

  • +2

    Still use the original SE and it doesn't seem to be slowing down after 4 years of continual use so will pick this up when it decides to die. Going by Ozbargain history the iPhone 7 came out 6 months later and it caused the 16GB SE to drop by $80 on the Apple AU site ($749) which then caused Big W to undercut Apple ($668- a $161 price drop in just under 6 months) so we might see a similar price drop when the iPhone 12 is released. Only downfall I see currently is the removal of the headphone jack.

    • +1

      Agreed. We have the 6s and the original SE and they are both excellent phones. But the battery life is all over the place, I have to admit that I charge my phone twice a day. And that's after replacing the battery, twice!

      • Wow… how much do you use your phone?

        • +1

          Only about 3 hours per day. Working at a desk means I can keep it charged, but after a 2-hour bike ride with Runkeeper GPS and Spotify, it is almost dead. It also dies if I don't charge it overnight.

          Basically I am in denial that my phone has died.

          • @zzymurgy: Wowwww, dude. I think your phone has died hahaha. That's sad :(

          • @zzymurgy: maybe just before giving up on it, change the battery again? as a DIY job I mean. plenty of youtube instructions

            I just changed the dead battery in a spare SE, tricky the first time but not too bad. batteries cost $15 on ebay, so it's worth a shot. After you fix one phone, the next would seem like a breeze
            worst case would be you break it and need a new one anyway

  • +3

    Just preorder mine! Got the red.

  • +1

    Interesting article comparing the SE to the future Pixel 4a.

    https://www.androidpolice.com/2020/04/15/with-the-new-iphone…

  • If you like the smaller size, might it be worth waiting for the iPhone 12 5.4inch?

  • I feel Apple really listened to their customers now. Since Apple has released their midrange phone, I guess that this will disrupt Android phone industries.

  • Here, it's best rival should be the s10e. Around the same price once accounting for the s10e's base 128gb/expandable storage. IMO, unless IOS is absolutely important, I'd go for the s10e.

    Should shake things up though. I'd like to see how Google approaches it with the 4a.

  • Save $100 by buying from the USA:

    64GB:  not 749, $634
    128GB: not 829, $714
    256GB: not 999, $873
    

    Any reason not to do this?

    • +1

      Isn't Oz warranty 24months not 12?

    • +3

      Check the GSM bands work here.
      Add 10% GST for imported goods.
      You'll likely get warranty for repair at Apple Store but not replacement with AU stock if needed.
      No 2 year ACL warranty. (no biggie if you get AppleCare+)
      I think you'll need to get AppleCare+ in the USA and cannot purchase here.
      Charger plug is different (no biggie).

  • does anyone know if David Jones will stock this?

    have some gift cards I want to use up there.

    thanks

    • Call up and ask on Friday.

      Source: ex-staff

      • will do, thanks

        • +1

          Make sure you call a store that actually sells iPhones. For you, that will be Elizabeth Street, Bondi Junction and Chatswood

  • +1

    Preordered from JB , first new iphone I have purchased prior to release.

  • Really not sure if to get this or just get an iphone 11

  • Any guess on what the actual battery life will be?

    Same or slightly better than an 8?

    Does an 8 last all day of typical usage? (i.e. put back on charge when you go to bed).

    • +1

      Only has a 1821mAh Li-Ion Battery, which is the exact same as the iPhone 8.

    • This is a pretty good review
      https://www.cnet.com/reviews/iphone-se-2020-apple-399-iphone…
      "Apple's website says that the iPhone SE's battery lasts about the same as the iPhone 8, but my testing showed it lasted much longer. I played a looped video on Airplane mode at 50% brightness and the iPhone SE lasted 15 hours, 45 minutes. That's hours longer than what the iPhone 8 and iPhone SE lasted in the same test when they were new. Anecdotally, it made it through a day and a half without a problem, and a couple times it went two days straight without a charge. "

      I will add I did see a different review where they claimed in their experience they got less on screen time than what Apple claimed.

  • Has anyone received their preorder's tracking details yet? Usually I'm able to track the phone all the way from china to my doorstep.

    • Just got my tracking notification from JB

  • +1

    Prices from TGGC and Costco:
    64GB $736 $724.99
    128GB $815 $799.99
    256GB $981

    Not much of a discount.

    • Not expecting much discount at release, especially on iPhone devices.

    • -1

      hi mate, do you know if officeworks will price beat costco?

      • Doubt it. You need to spend $60 before you can shop at Costco, unlike Officeworks

  • So you can pick up the SE for $749 from Harvey Norman https://www.harveynorman.com.au/apple-iphone-se-64gb-black.h…
    Or you could purchase the exact same size 3 year old Iphone 8 64 gig for $779 https://www.harveynorman.com.au/apple-iphone-8-64gb-space-gr…
    decisions decisions

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