While the power, efficiency and functionality of smart phones have grown rapidly in recent years, so has their size. Apple in particular has been releasing larger and larger mobile devices. This March, it is rumored that Apple will reveal its newest iPhone model. The new phone will purportedly be called the iPhone 5se, with “se” denoting “special edition,” and it will not be larger than four inches.
With the release of this new iPhone, Apple may be hoping to target customers who are avoiding upgrading their current iPhones due to the bigger dimensions of most new Apple models. The new model would be designed for consumers who treasure the smaller size of their current phones but desire the faster connections, better camera and other improved features of the iPhone 6 and 6s.
While Apple itself has yet to confirm any of the rumors about the iPhone 5se, most other sources agree on what customers can expect to see in the iPhone 5se.
The Screen
The screen size is expected to be significantly smaller than that of the iPhone 6 and 6s. However, the 5se will have the same screen resolution as the 6s. Because of the smaller screen size, the same level of resolution will allow it to display more pixels per square inch.
Power, Memory and Storage
The iPhone 5se will most likely contain at least the A8 processor found in the iPhone 6 and 6plus. Other sources, though, hint that the 5se will carry the A9 found in the iPhone 6s. Along with an improved processor, the 5se is likely to carry either an M8 or M9 motion co-processor for current health data tracking apps.
In regards to the new phone’s memory capabilities, the iPhone 5se will most likely include the 1 gigabyte (GB) RAM found in the iPhone 6 and, at the very least, come equipped with 16 GB of storage. It is very likely, though, that the 5se will far surpass the storage of the 5s by likely offering at least 32 GB of storage and perhaps even 64 GB.
Camera
The 5se is almost sure to have an eight-megapixel rear-facing camera like the iPhone 6. Rumors also indicate the potential for enhanced photo taking in low light. The front-facing camera on the 5se will most likely be the same 1.2 megapixel unit that is found in the iPhone 6.
The live photo feature that debuted on the iPhone 6s will most likely also make an appearance on the 5se.
Design
The new phone’s most distinguishing feature will be its four-inch size, which is comparable to that of the older iPhone 5 models. Proponents argue that the smaller phone will fit better in pockets, purses and bags. Four inches is also a more manageable size when it comes to holding the phone in one’s hands. While operating some of the larger models often requires the use of two hands, the four-inch phone will enable users to comfortably hold the phone in one hand and still reach from one corner of the screen to the other.
In terms of the shape and make of the phone, it will actually look similar to the new larger iPhone 6 models. It will feature the smooth, curvy architecture of the 6S, making it less boxy and easier to hold. It is predicted to come in the same colors as the iPhone 6 and 6s: silver, space gray, gold and rose gold.
Price
The best estimates indicate that the iPhone 5se will have a retail price between $400 and $450, a price point equivalent to the current 5s model.
When it finally debuts, the iPhone 5se will be the first new model of its size produced since September 2013. For iPhone users who refuse to abandon their smaller phones, this release could prove monumental.