Yesterday, Apple announced the new $399 iPhone SE. The TL;DR appears to be really simple: the iPhone 8s body, the iPhone 11s processor, and the iPhone XRs camera system with a few new capabilities. Ill obviously wait to review this phone to tell you if its any good, but assuming Apple lives up to its usual standards I can tell you something right away:
At $399, the second-generation iPhone SE is a shockingly good value.
The most important thing to know about the SEs value proposition is simply that it has the A13 Bionic processor, which is bar-none the fastest processor you can get on any smartphone at any price, full stop. You could spend $1,449 on a fully maxed-out iPhone 11 Pro Max and it wouldnt be faster than the iPhone SE. You could spend $1599.99 on a maxed-out Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G and it would be theoretically slower (with the exception of 5G downloads).
This isnt just a matter of processor megahertz per buck, its a matter of the longevity of the phone itself. More than any other phone company, Apple supports its phones for a very long time. Since this iPhone SE has the most modern processor available, its quite likely that it will receive software updates for many years to come.
Hell, Apple even did the right thing with storage: offering a humane 64GB at the base level and making the 128GB model only $50 more.
Over the course of 2019, we marveled at the level of quality you could get in a long series of relatively inexpensive Android phones. Thats still true today, but those phones will receive three years of updates from Google at most. And as my colleague Chris Welch will argue later today, the iPhone SE sets a bar that the upcoming Google Pixel 4A will have an incredibly difficult time clearing.
Again, well need to review the new iPhone SE and the Pixel 4A to know whether one of them has an advantage with any particular feature (like the camera). So no final judgements here. But I just need to point out that for most of 2018 and 2019, every Android maker has had a bit of a green field to play in: phones that cost less than $500.
Google, Asus, Samsung, and many others did good work in that green field, but now theres real competition from Apple.
On Tuesday in this newsletter, I had half a thought about these low-cost phones. Forgive me for quoting myself:
Increasingly, I find that flagship phones are mainly about luxuries instead of tangible benefits to most people. Those luxuries include screen quality, 5G, wireless charging, face unlock, speed, overall build quality, camera quality, and a smattering of other things.
Will the iPhone SE match the iPhone 11 or 11 Pro on most of those metrics? Nope. But when I wrote that I hadnt imagined that Apple would use its newest chip. The inclusion of the A13 Bionic means the SE will match the most luxurious phone on speed and on longevity.
I know Ive now brought up software updates twice now, but its super important. $399 spent on this iPhone SE means its less likely youll be forced to spend another $399 next year or the year after.
There are several things to be bummed about with the iPhone SE 2 starting with the fact that Apple calls it the second-generation iPhone SE, which is a bad name. Eventually well settle on what to call it, but until then prepare for iPhone SE, second-generation iPhone SE, iPhone SE 2, iPhone SE (2020), the new iPhone SE, and probably something I cant imagine right now. Ugh.
I kid, thats not really a real problem. Neither is the claim that this is just a parts bin phone. Yes, Apple is using a lot of parts that have been bouncing around its product lines for years. But, and I want you to really feel this: who cares? It doesnt matter how old the parts are if theyre good.
No, there are real issues we know about already just from the basics. For example, this form factor the same as the iPhone 6 isnt especially inspiring. I hate the size of the bezels. It seems like a petty complaint, but reducing them really does change your experience. You get more screen in a smaller body. Plus, its something most Android phones accomplished by putting a fingerprint sensor on the back or under the screen.
Speaking of size, this iPhone SE is larger than the last iPhone SE, which means that even small phones are big now, as Dan Seifert observed yesterday. Finding a truly good, truly small smartphone is nigh impossible right now.
And though I know many people will tell me to just get over it already, the fact that this low-cost iPhone lacks a traditional headphone jack is a bit of a bummer. Other low-cost Android phones explicitly include them. Bluetooth headphones arent just another thing to charge, theyre another thing to buy and another thing that could break.
Apple has a reputation for overcharging for hardware. Its become a point of contention in the flamewars between Apple, Windows, and Android stans. My take is that sometimes Apple is guilty and sometimes its not. The new MacBook Air is a great value. Selling Mac Pro wheels for $699 and literal metal posts for $299 is so incredibly hilarious that even pointing out that its become self-parody feels so obvious its embarrassing.
On that spectrum, the new iPhone SE (or whatever we decide to call it) is not just a good value for Apple. Its one of the very best values Ive seen in the smartphone market in years. In theory, at least: now we just have to test it and see if it lives up to its spec sheet.
Apples second-gen iPhone SE is here: all the news and details. Heres a story stream of all of our iPhone SE 2 coverage.
The iPhone SE 2s camera setup is going to lean on Apples software. Jon Porter on how Apples advances in image processing are going to be vital to this phones success.
Apples new iPhone SE doesnt come with custom U1 locator chip. Its not in the new iPad Pro with LiDAR either, where you would think it would make sense as the iPad Pro is practically designed for AR and AR development. I dont know whats up with the U1 chip (or AirTags), but increasingly it feels like something is weird about the whole thing.
Apples new Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro goes up for preorder, ships next week. Heres something unexpected! Long ago I promised to share my thoughts on the trackpad support in iPadOS but havent really finished that thought yet. When I review this, I will.
Dells new XPS 13 is everything a Windows laptop should be. Monica Chin on what is going to be a contender for best Windows laptop of 2020, if not best laptop full stop:
The XPS 13 speaks for itself. This isnt a laptop thats trying to push boundaries or rewrite the rules; its just giving users what they want. I would take a better webcam, I would take better cooling, I would take a USB-A, and I would take a slightly more color-accurate screen. But none of those are glaring flaws because they arent big impediments to the user experience. And in the areas that matter most build, display, keyboard, touchpad, battery life, performance the XPS 13 doesnt just check all the boxes. It blows the boxes off the page.
The TurboGrafx-16 Mini is a great plug-and-play console that doubles as a history lesson. Andrew Webster reviews:
The TurboGrafx-16 Mini fills a different niche. For many people, it wont be a chance to revisit classic games from their youth, but instead an opportunity to discover a period of retro gaming they likely missed the first time.
Google and Apples COVID-19 tracking system cant save lives all on its own. Nicole Wetsman on what the rollout of this system should actually look like. Its clearly built to be part of a larger system of testing and communal action. If the latter doesnt come, the former wont be of use (and could actually be a detriment). As ever, we need more testing, more PPE, and consistent guidance from political leaders. All three are in short supply.
How GM and Ford switched out pickup trucks for breathing machines. Sean OKane explains how ventilators are much more complicated than you might realize.
Automakers are well-suited for these partnerships for a few reasons, according to Adrian Price, the global vehicle engineering director at Ford whos overseeing the companys ventilator effort. Not only do these companies already work with components that are similar to the ones found in ventilators, but cars are highly complex products that require a unique amount of knowledge, planning, coordination, and logistics to build.
Russia conducts another test of its missile system to take out satellites. Loren Grush explains many of the reasons why these tests are not a good idea.
ASAT tests are also widely condemned by many in the space community, as these demonstrations typically create hundreds to thousands of pieces of debris that can last for months, and even years, in orbit. Because these tests are high speed and high impact, the resulting debris can spread far and wide. Those pieces then pose a threat to other functioning spacecraft. A fast-moving piece of junk can render an operational satellite inoperable if they hit head on.
What Payment Status Not Available on the IRS coronavirus aid site means. Bad error messages are terrible in the best situations. Here, its awful, and Adi Robertson tells us exactly why this dark pattern is a huge problem.
How a new book about Instagram changes our understanding of the founders departure. Casey Newton has a review and some insight on Sarah Friers new book: No Filter: The Inside Story of Instagram. Ive fallen out of my reading habit since I started working from home so much, but I am excited enough about this book that I think itll push me back into it again.
Ecobees new security camera doubles as an Alexa speaker. Dan Seifert looks at Ecobees new product line, which you can turn into an inexpensive home security system.
The device is actually just one piece of a new home security platform, which the company calls Haven. In addition to the new SmartCamera, Ecobee is also introducing SmartSensor for doors and windows, a combination entrance and motion sensor thats not unlike Googles Nest Detect.
See the original post here:
The new iPhone SE is a shockingly good value - The Verge
- 107 Years of Grace: Mary Pilgrim on love & longevity - WFLA - May 5th, 2024
- A 100-year-old musician shares the secrets of his longevity - Business Insider - May 5th, 2024
- I tried the longevity regime and felt its benefits in days - The Telegraph - May 5th, 2024
- Winter Haven woman celebrating 107th birthday shares her secret to longevity - FOX 13 Tampa - May 5th, 2024
- Livermore Falls woman, 96, says the key to her longevity is living a healthy life - Lewiston Sun Journal - May 5th, 2024
- Why ovaries are so crucial to women's health and longevity - National Geographic - May 5th, 2024
- How to lead a meaningful and positive second half of life. - Psychology Today - May 5th, 2024
- A longevity revolution is coming. Heres how those over 100 are making the most of their lives - The Guardian - May 5th, 2024
- Jeff Bridges credits wife, 48-year marriage with his longevity - Business Insider - May 5th, 2024
- Rare Longevity Mutation Linked to Unexpected Cardiovascular Benefits - SciTechDaily - May 5th, 2024
- We should stop using the term 'reverse aging,' scientists say - Business Insider - May 5th, 2024
- Expert Opinions on Inflammaging and Aging Rapid Effects, Soothing Benefits, Longevity, Anti-senescence and More - Cosmetics & Toiletries - May 5th, 2024
- Are We Talking About Health and Longevity All Wrong? - InsideHook - May 5th, 2024
- The importance of longevity literacyand managing the risksin retirement - Insurance News Net - May 5th, 2024
- Inside the longevity lab that aims to help people live longer - TODAY - February 27th, 2024
- I'm a longevity expert these are the 4 supplements I take every day to fight aging - New York Post - February 27th, 2024
- The Longest Living People In the World All Abide by the 'Power 9' Rule - GQ - February 27th, 2024
- Im a longevity expert and there's six things you should do daily if you want to live longer' - Daily Record - February 27th, 2024
- Reducing the metabolic burden of rRNA synthesis promotes healthy longevity in Caenorhabditis elegans - Nature.com - February 27th, 2024
- Presidio Federal's Thad Anderson Receives WashingtonExec's Longevity Award - WashingtonExec - February 27th, 2024
- Faces of wealth, intellect and longevity, as revealed by veteran face reader - The Korea Herald - February 27th, 2024
- I'm a longevity expert here are the best foods to eat for a long and healthy life - New York Post - February 27th, 2024
- Danny Care: 'Pilates Has Helped with the Longevity of My Career' - Men's Health UK - February 27th, 2024
- Give Me This Mountain | Tips for Spiritual Longevity - Harvest.org - February 27th, 2024
- Chris Hemsworth did a 4-day fast to reverse aging. His trainer played a cheeky joke to test his willpower. - Yahoo Canada Shine On - February 27th, 2024
- Pet longevity is a spark about to turn into a wildfire - Longevity.Technology - February 27th, 2024
- The Longevity of Bitcoin's Bull Run; Polkadot and Up-and-Coming Memecoin Draw Crowds - Analytics Insight - February 27th, 2024
- 'This is weird': Experts 'shocked' by record-breaking longevity of Death Valley's phantom lake - Livescience.com - February 27th, 2024
- Understanding the Longevity of SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Responses to Infection and Vaccination - Medriva - February 27th, 2024
- Experts agree: The fasting-mimicking diet may be the key to longevity - Longevity.Technology - February 27th, 2024
- Daily habits of a longevity expert : TED Radio Hour - NPR - December 30th, 2023
- Why does fruitcake last so long? Ingredients and preparation of the dessert play into its longevity - Fox News - December 30th, 2023
- Interviews of 2023: the longevity companies - Longevity.Technology - December 30th, 2023
- Nancy Wilson Discusses Longevity of Heart & Family Drama Within the Band Ahead of New Year's Eve Show in Seattle - American Songwriter - December 30th, 2023
- What Will It Take To Make Super-Aging Not So Super-White? - Well+Good - December 30th, 2023
- Arteta on Moyes and longevity in coaching | Quotes | News - Arsenal.com - December 30th, 2023
- New Years resolution guide: 5 steps to a healthier 2024 from a longevity expert - Fox News - December 30th, 2023
- Interviews of 2023: the longevity visionaries - Longevity.Technology - December 30th, 2023
- The Top 11 Longevity Tips Of 2023, From The mindbodygreen Podcast | mindbodygreen - mindbodygreen - December 30th, 2023
- Why LeBron James' longevity is unmatched in the NBA | Good Word with Goodwill - Yahoo Sports - December 30th, 2023
- Short vs long fasts: What is the ideal length for longevity? - Longevity.Technology - December 30th, 2023
- Centenarians share the secrets to living a long, healthy life - Fox Business - December 30th, 2023
- Rob Lowe on Turning 60 Soon & His Secret to Career Longevity (Exclusive) - Extra - December 30th, 2023
- Investigating the longevity and diversity of South Asian miniature traditions - STIRworld - December 30th, 2023
- The Silent Threat of Hypochondria: Impact on Longevity and Health - Medriva - December 30th, 2023
- Longevity: What lifestyle habits could help you live to 100? - December 22nd, 2023
- Aiming for longevity - Harvard Health - December 22nd, 2023
- How Long Can We Live? - The New York Times - December 22nd, 2023
- This Was the Year of Obsessing Over Longevity - GQ - December 22nd, 2023
- Menopause Age Looms Over Women. Efforts to Prevent it Could Extend Fertility. - Bloomberg - December 22nd, 2023
- Longevity: Is exercise the key to a longer, healthier life? - Medical News Today - December 22nd, 2023
- The #1 Sign You'll Live to 100, According to Longevity Experts - Gwinnettdailypost.com - December 22nd, 2023
- Cowboys Take On Dolphins, How Longevity Factors Into Hall of Fame Election and More - The 33rd Team - December 22nd, 2023
- Longevity Hacks Are Coming to Your Gym - WSJ - The Wall Street Journal - December 22nd, 2023
- 106-year-old woman shares hobbies, habits she says helped longevity - Business Insider - December 22nd, 2023
- Tips to Improve Your Health & Longevity in the New Year - KATU - December 22nd, 2023
- NN Group gets 13bn longevity risk transfer with Prudential and Swiss Re - Reinsurance News - December 22nd, 2023
- A fresh perspective on longevity - savannahmagazine - December 22nd, 2023
- Este Lauder targets age reversal with Stanford Center on Longevity partnership - Cosmetics Business - December 22nd, 2023
- Longevity means taking a proactive approach to prevention - Longevity.Technology - December 22nd, 2023
- Decoding Longevity: Centenarian Traits and Aging Research - BNN Breaking - December 22nd, 2023
- Brain Age: The Science of Cognitive Longevity - BNN Breaking - December 22nd, 2023
- The Role of Exercise in Longevity: A Holistic Approach to Health and Fitness - Medriva - December 22nd, 2023
- Get interventions to market and to people faster and cheaper - Longevity.Technology - December 22nd, 2023
- Humans Could Live up to 150 Years, New Research Suggests - May 17th, 2023
- The ingredients for a longer life - BBC Future - May 17th, 2023
- Life Expectancy by State 2023 - World Population Review - May 17th, 2023
- About Us - Fountain Life - May 17th, 2023
- Longevity: The Keys to Slow the Aging Process - Dr. Axe - March 29th, 2023
- "I got a 20-year contract. Giannis is going to play for 20 more years" - Mike Budenholzer on the longevity of Giannis Antetokounmpo and the... - January 23rd, 2023
- "I think Nadal has been doing a great job of that in the last four or five years": McEnroe believes Murray needs to shorten points for... - January 23rd, 2023
- Jon Voight is 'blessed' to have had such a long Hollywood career - Yakima Herald-Republic - November 7th, 2022
- USD Index to sink to 103 by end-2023 amid greater certainty and longevity of Dollar downtrend Westpac - FXStreet - November 7th, 2022
- Retirement Calculator | Northwestern Mutual - October 15th, 2022
- The Longevity Investors Conference Gstaad brought together longevity experts and deep-pocketed investors - Cointelegraph - October 15th, 2022
- Do you think ageing can be reversed? Here are 12 longevity startups to watch - Sifted - October 15th, 2022
- 'SNL' Gig Was a Risk Rob Lowe Credits for His Longevity: 'I Had People in My Life Telling Me - TheWrap - October 15th, 2022
- Wellness and longevity brand Serotonin Centers to open in Nashville - Tennessean - October 15th, 2022
- Lesley Stahl on longevity of '60 Minutes': 'That clock is still there' - USA TODAY - October 15th, 2022
- 4 Recipes With Corn, Beans, and SquashThe Three Sisters Ingredients That Blue Zone Centenarians in Costa Rica Eat Every Day - Well+Good - October 15th, 2022