Backing up video footage from leak specialist Macotakara last week are graphics attained by BGR, confirming Apple will transform the iPhone SE into a high class but more budget-friendly iPhone X.
Citing “a source that has provided me with reliable information many times in the past”, BGR executive editor Zach Epstein reveals a pair of images comparing the changes in the second generation iPhone SE to the first. The key takeaways are:
- An iPhone X inspired facia with no home button
- Face ID has been added, along with the polarising notch
- The headphone jack has been removed
- The angular aluminium chassis has been retained
What we can’t see is whether the ‘iPhone SE 2’ or ‘iPhone X SE’ as it is also known (but never call it the ‘iPhone SE X’!) has a dual camera. Such a move would necessitate additional RAM since Apple has always said this is why the iPhone X, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone 7 Plus have 3GB rather than the 2GB featured in the smaller iPhone 8 and iPhone 7. So will Apple really bring a dual camera to an SE edition iPhone? I’m not convinced.
That aside, I suspect many users will actually prefer the iPhone X SE’s cost-saving aluminium chassis for its added durability over than the premium (and eye-wateringly expensive to repair) glass back of the iPhone X. Whether this means no wireless charging, however, remains to be seen.
Lastly one crucial point: from Epstein’s photos the scale is unclear. I highly doubt it is to scale because the iPhone SE has just a 4-inch display and numerous links - including the thoughts of acclaimed Apple insider Ming-Chi Kuo - have stated the iPhone X SE will have a massive 6.1 or 6.2-inch screen.
In fact, the only thing that is likely to worry customers about this new iPhone, is a common Apple concern: the price. Right now the iPhone SE costs just $350 while the iPhone X SE could launch for as much as $799 - making it more than an iPhone 8. And research suggests the iPhone X is already close to a backlash.
That said, just like the BGR images, this all slots into place.
Apple’s new range will consist of an iPhone X SE, second generation iPhone X, and all-new 6.5-inch iPhone X Plus so retail prices of $799, $999 and $1199 (each with $150 256GB storage upgrade options) fits perfectly.
Apple’s 2018 iPhones look set to get everyone’s attention, as well as the attention of their credit card companies…
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