Every September, just like clockwork, Apple reveals a handful of new high-end phones. If this year’s rumors hold true — and if the company’s plans don’t get delayed — its 2020 flagships will come with super-fast new processors, LiDAR sensors for better depth detection and new designs inspired by the iPad Pro. They will cost a lot of money, and they’ll probably be great. I mention this because, despite everything the new devices will bring to the table, the new iPhone SE might be the most important phone Apple releases this year.
It’s not just because the iPhone SE is cheap, though it certainly is: The base model costs only $399. No, what makes the SE so valuable is that it doesn’t act like a $399 phone. The iPhone SE isn’t just a good deal — it’s a big deal. For people clinging to ancient phones because new ones are too large, too expensive or too gimmicky, the iPhone SE is the right phone at the right time at the right price.
Engadget Score
Pros
- Incredible value
- Flagship-level performance
- Surprisingly good camera
- A13 chipset gives iOS room to grow
Cons
- Dated design
- Battery life is only OK
- Camera doesn't have a Night mode
Summary
Building a $400 phone is an exercise in compromise, and the iPhone SE certainly has its share. Despite that, Apple's smallest, cheapest smartphone offers tremendous performance for the price. It won't make sense for everyone, but people who value power and practicality over everything else won't find this kind of bang for the buck anywhere else.
