iPhone SE: Apple launches ‘affordable’ new iPhone - specs, features, cost, pre-order and UK release date

Apple fans will be delighted to know that the tech giant has announced a number of new and updated devices - including a new “affordable” iPhone SE, which boasts 5G connectivity and the same A15 Bionic chip from the flagship iPhone 13 model.

This is everything you need to know - including specs and features, how much it’ll cost and when pre-orders will open in the UK.

When was the new iPhone announced?

Apple unveiled the newest addition to its iPhone collection on Tuesday 8 March, during the first Apple event of 2022.

Also announced at the same time were:

• A new green finish for the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro
• An update to the iPad Air tablet with a new M1 chip and 5G support
• The Mac Studio, a flagship device for power users, plus a companion screen, the 27-inch Studio Display

What are its specs and features like?

The new iPhone SE boasts a number of features from the iPhone 13 flagship range, but at what Apple calls a “more affordable” price.

The available colours are a dark “Midnight”, a white “Starlight” and a red “(PRODUCT) RED”, and will be available in a 64GB, 128GB or 256GB capacity.

It’s weight is 144 grams, height 5.45 inches (138.4 mm), width 2.65 inches (67.2 mm) and depth 0.29 inches (7.3 mm).

It boasts a 4.7 inch widescreen LCD, Retina HD display, 625 nits max brightness and fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating.

The big draw of the new iPhone SE is the A15 Bionic chip, which Apple says “powers advanced camera capabilities and makes nearly every experience better, from photo editing to power-intensive operations like gaming and augmented reality”.

For many users, a big battery is a non-negotiable - no-one wants to constantly be charging their phone, or find themselves with 1% when out and about. The iPhone SE battery will allow for up to 15 hours of video playback, 10 hours of streamed video playback and up to 50 hours of audio playback.

You’ll be able to charge the iPhone SE up to 50% in 30 minutes with a 20W adapter or higher, and it also boasts wireless charging, meaning it works with Qi chargers as well as charging via its USB port.

In terms of its camera, you can expect a 12MP Wide camera, digital zoom of up to 5x, optical image stabilisation, 4K video recording, slo‑mo video support for 1080p at 120 fps or 240 fps and night mode time-lapse, to list a few.

A touch ID is built into the home button with a fingerprint sensor, which you can also use to pay with your iPhone.

The iPhone SE will ship with the latest iOS 15 update, which Apple says is its “most personal and secure mobile operating system yet”.

Kaiann Drance, Apple’s Vice President of Worldwide iPhone Product Marketing, said: “The iPhone SE has been an incredibly popular choice with our existing users and for new iPhone customers, thanks to its iconic design, exceptional performance, and affordable price.

“This year we’ve built the most powerful and durable iPhone SE yet, with better battery life thanks to A15 Bionic, the same chip as our iPhone 13 lineup that also unlocks advanced camera features like Smart HDR 4, Photographic Styles, and Deep Fusion.

“And with 5G, iPhone SE gives users faster downloads and uploads, higher quality video streaming, real-time interactivity in apps, and much more.

“Delivering the latest generation of technology and performance at this price is something only Apple can do.”

How much will it cost?

The pricing for the new iPhone SE goes as follows:

• 64GB will cost £419 outright, or £17.45 per month
• 128GB will cost £469 outright, or £19.54 per month
• 256GB will cost £569 outright, or £23.70 per month 

For comparison, the iPhone 13 Pro’s prices begin at £949, the iPhone 13 from £679 and iPhone 12 from £579.

In the box, alongside the phone, you’ll get a USB-C to Lighting Cable and documentation about the device.

Where can I pre-order - and when will it be released?

UK customers will be able to pre-order their iPhone SE from 1pm on Friday 11 March.

The phone itself will be launched the following week, on Friday 18 March.

You’ll be able to pre-order or buy the new phone from the Apple website, or from an Apple Store.

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