Apple unveils 4-inch iPhone SE for approx. P18,500

Smartphones have been getting bigger and bigger every year. Just a few years ago, it was preposterous to own a gigantic 6-inch phone. As we see now, 5- to 6-inchers are dominating the smartphone market. Apple, in their recently-concluded ‘Let Us Loop You In’ event, unveiled the first 4-inch smartphone we’ve seen in a long time—the iPhone SE.

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The iPhone isn’t the only getting a “small” upgrade. Apple has also launched a relatively smaller iPad Pro, compared to their gigantic 12.9-inch Pro last year. The new iPad Pro model comes in at a more manageable 9.7 inches.

Smaller is better

How many features can you pack inside 4 inches? Just as many as you can in 5 inches, it turns out. Despite the size differential, Apple is boasting that the iPhone SE has practically the same capabilities as the iPhone 6S.

In the looks department, the iPhone SE has the same visuals as the iPhone 5S. Inside, though, the iPhone SE packs in the A9 processor chip, which will give more power compared to the 5S. The iPhone SE also carries the 12MP camera that recent models have been touting. The iPhone SE has a Touch ID fingerprint scanner, an NFC chip for Apple Pay, and Siri compatibility.

The biggest “downgrade” to the iPhone SE is its phenomenal price. The basic 16GB model will retail for only $399. That’s approximately only P18,500, the most affordable price point an iPhone has ever carried. A bigger 64GB model will retail for $499, or approximately P23,000. International shipping will start at the end of March. No word yet on local availability.

The smaller iPad Pro

The 9.7-inch iPad Pro carries much of the same specs as the huge 12.9-inch model, including the A9x processor chip. For this model, Apple tweaked the screen’s color saturation to be less reflective and more accurate in reproducing images. Also, the 9.7-inch iPad Pro is fitted with Apple’s 12MP camera.

The new model will naturally be compatible with Apple Pencil, as well as a new line of detachable keyboards for hardier use.

The 9.7-inch iPad Pro will start at 32GB Wi-Fi for $599, or approximately P27,700. The 128GB model will retail for $749, or approximately P34,600. Finally, the 256GB model will retail for $899, or approximately P41,500. The 9.7-inch iPad Pro comes in silver, gold, space gray, and rose gold. Again, no word on local availability.

A more affordable Apple Watch

Apple has also dropped the Apple Watch’s starting price to $299, or approximately P13,800. It will also come with new materials and colors, including woven nylon and a space black Milanese Loop.