Apple’s iPhone SE (2020) is finally here and it’s only $399

Apple isn’t letting the coronavirus pandemic stop it from launching a new smartphone. On Wednesday, the company officially unveiled the 2020 iPhone SE. 

Just like the original, which launched four years ago, the 2020 model costs $399.

In terms of design, the iPhone SE looks similar to the iPhone 8 with a 4.7-inch LCD display. It comes in white, black, or red. It’s also IP67 rated for water and dust resistance. 

There’s a physical home button as well, complete with Touch ID — which you can use for features like Apple Pay, Express Transit, and scanning NFC tags. 

For those of you wondering if there’s a headphone jack, I’m sorry to disappoint you. Apple left it out of its second-generation iPhone SE.

The front-facing camera comes in at 7-megapixels (with Retina flash). On the back is a 12-megapixel wide camera. Both cameras have the ability to shoot in Portrait mode, with a full catalogue of Apple’s lighting effects.

You can also use the rear camera to shoot 4K video (up to 60fps), along with slow-motion and time-lapse footage. Apple also included its QuickTake video feature, which allows you to start recording video by just holding the shutter button.

Under the hood the phone packs an A13 Bionic chip—the same processor found in the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro. 

It’s over two times as fast as the A9 chip found on the first-generation iPhone SE and 40 percent faster than the A11 chip on the iPhone 8. So, while the new device is tiny, you can expect it to be powerful.

In terms of battery life, there’s a 1,821mAh battery, which is the same size as the iPhone 8. It also supports wireless charging and fast charge using an adapter up to 18W or higher.

There are three storage configurations: 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB. While the 64GB model is $399, the 128GB will cost you $449 and the 256GB is priced at $549.

It’s refreshing to see a phone with a starting price of $399, especially as people try to save money during the pandemic. I’m also weirdly excited to hold a tiny phone again.

Of course, if you’re looking for something with more features, you can wait for Apple’s new iPhone 12 lineup, which should launch in the fall. 

As for the iPhone SE, the phone will be available for pre-order starting Friday and will be available for purchase on April 24. Apple is also throwing in a free year of Apple TV+ with every purchase.