The Apple iPhone SE

Not sure if the iPhone SE is the right phone for you? Here's a quick summary of all the iPhone SE's key features, and its major differences to the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus. You'll find Alphr's full in-depth review below, and if you have any questions that aren't answered then feel free to post in the Disqus comments at the bottom of the page. 

• The iPhone SE is Apple's smallest, cheapest phone
• It's the same size as the iPhone 5s, so old cases and accessories will work fine
• It's not just smaller than the iPhone 6s, it's also 30g lighter 
• It's still just as powerful as the pricier iPhone 6s – games and apps are smooth as butter
• Battery life is better than any current iPhone thanks to the compact 4in display
• The rear camera is identical to the iPhone 6s, but the selfie camera isn't – it's a substantial downgrade
• The 802.11ac Wi-Fi isn't MIMO – that means it lacks the speed and range of pricier iPhones

Buy the iPhone SE from Amazon

Apple iPhone SE review

Apple’s iPhone SE is going to make a lot of people very, very happy. If you’ve been doggedly clinging to a now-battered iPhone 5 or iPhone 5s and steadfastly refusing to embrace the new generation of big-screened 5in phones, then the iPhone SE is your dream made reality, a retro-sized smartphone with all the power of Apple’s high-end handsets – and for less than £500.

Isn't it just an iPhone 5s? 

If you've spent the past few years with an iPhone 6 Plus in your pocket, the iPhone SE looks and feels disconcertingly tiny. Design-wise, Apple has done away with the rounded edges of the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus and returned to a more squared-off profile – one that’s more than a little reminiscent of the old iPhone 5 and iPhone 5s. If you were hoping for a carbon copy of the 5s, you’re in luck.

In fact, according to Apple’s specifications, the iPhone SE is literally the same size and weight as the iPhone 5s. At 7.6mm thick, it is still chunkier than any other iPhone in the range, but this is largely a good thing, making it a little more wieldy in larger hands. And, weighing in at 113g, it’s 30g lighter than the iPhone 6s and 25g lighter than the Sony Xperia Z5 Compact. 

Frankly, if you thought 2013’s iPhone was the perfect size and shape, you’re probably already clicking through the various options on Apple’s site in another browser window. The only question is whether you want to pre-order it in Silver, Gold, Space Grey or Rose Gold, and whether you want it in 16GB or 64GB. Decisions, decisions.