Apple launch event 2016: Apple announces new 4-inch iPhone SE

Apple has unveiled the latest addition to its smartphone line-up with the iPhone SE, a 4in device that's essentially a squashed-down version of the iPhone 6s with a cheaper price tag.

iPhone SE: What's new

In terms of looks, the iPhone SE is pretty much identical to the iPhone 5s, albeit with a few minor tweaks like matte-chamfered edges that bring it more in line visually with Apple's recent devices. The 4in LED display is identical to the one adorning the 5s, with a resolution of 620 x 1136 and packing a pixel density of 326ppi. Touch ID returns to power the built-in Apple Pay but it looks like 3D Touch, Apple's pressure-sensitivity tech that made its debut in the iPhone 6s, doesn't make an appearance in the SE.

iPhone SE: Specs

Inside the device, the iPhone SE comes with the same dual-core, 64-bit A9 processor and PowerVR GPU as the iPhone 6s, in addition to Apple's M9 motion co-processor, which collects motion data. The handset comes in 16GB and 64GB storage options which, as you'd expect, aren't expandable.

On to the camera and again, there's not much new from the iPhone 6s, but this is pretty much what we expected. The primary rear-facing camera packs a 12MP sensor with an F/2.2 aperture, phase detection autofocus and "dual-tone" LED flash and can also capture 4K UHD video. Round the front of the device Apple has downgraded the camera to 1.2MP, much like the iPhone 5s.

In terms of connectivity, the iPhone SE supports LTE downlink speeds of up to 150MBps, Voice over LTE technology and high-speed 801.11ac Wi-Fi, as well as Bluetooth 4.2 and NFC.

iPhone SE: Price and release date

Apple opens pre-orders for the iPhone SE on 24 March, with the device set to hit stores on the 31st. The 16GB model will cost £359 in the UK and $399 in the US, which is pretty affordable by Apple standards. In the US, the 64GB iPhone SE will cost $499. Apple has yet to tell us how much the larger model with cost in pound sterling, but given the price of the 16GB model we expect something around the £450 mark.

Stay tuned to IBTimes UK for the latest news on Apple's iPhone SE.