Apple announced its latest iPhone SE for 2020 Wednesday, with the aim to court budget-minded phone users who may not be able to splurge on $1,000 handsets like the iPhone 11 Pro or Galaxy S20. As the sequel to 2016’s sleeper-hit iPhone of the same name, the iPhone SE starts at $399, £419 or AU$749. And with a 4.7-inch screen, it’s notably smaller than both Apple’s current flagship lineup and the iPhone XR.
With a four-year gap between the new iPhone SE and the older one, Apple went to town with the upgrades. That includes wireless charging, better camera specs and water resistance. (Unfortunately, for wired headphone users, the new iPhone SE doesn’t have a headphone jack.)
If you’re looking for a new iPhone but want to save as much money as possible, the iPhone SE is your best bet — you’ll save $300 outright compared to the price of the iPhone 11 (which costs $699, £729 or AU$1,199). But the iPhone 11 does have some additional features that, if you can afford it, are useful. If you’re weighing between the two phones though, here’s a walk-through of what you get with that extra $300.
The new iPhone SE (left) with the iPhone 11 lineup.
Apple
Size and design: iPhone SE is small and compact
The most obvious difference between the two phones is that the iPhone 11 is larger. The iPhone 11 has a 6.1-inch screen while the iPhone SE has a 4.7-inch display. While you get more screen real estate for your apps and watching videos with the former, the iPhone SE will draw users for its comfortable portability and compact grip.
Both iPhones have LCD displays, but the iPhone 11 has a “Liquid Retina HD display” while the iPhone SE has “Retina HD.” These are branding terms that Apple uses to differentiate its display technology; all you have to know, though, is that the iPhone 11’s screen is sharper, although they both have the same number of pixels-per-inch or pixel density.
Sales of the new iPhone SE in red will support coronavirus relief.
Apple
Some users will also like the iPhone SE’s home button. Now that Apple is discontinuing the iPhone 8, the iPhone SE will be the only iPhone Apple will sell with a physical home button. In addition to being intuitive to use, it also means you don’t have to use swipe gestures to return to the homescreen or call up recent apps. The home button will also house the device’s fingerprint reader for unlocking the phone and authorizing digital payments (what Apple calls Touch ID). The iPhone 11, however, uses facial mapping sensors on the front-facing camera for biometric security (aka: Face ID).
The devices are both IP certified for water protection. But because the iPhone 11 is rated IP68 compared to the iPhone SE’s IP67 rating, it means that the iPhone 11 is a tad more durable against submersion (as in, it’s certified to withstand longer or deeper immersion in water). On paper, an IP67 level of certification means the iPhone SE can survive in up to a meter of water (3.3 feet) for about 30 minutes.
Lastly, the iPhone SE only comes in black, white and red. The iPhone 11 comes in those three colors, too, but if you want more options, you can also get it in pastel yellow, green and purple.
Camera: iPhone 11 has the upper hand
If you’re not necessarily a camera power-user, the iPhone SE’s single 12-megapixel rear camera should suffice for posting images on Instagram and casual video recording. But if you care about photography or want to have more tools at your disposal, the iPhone 11 has notably better camera setup than the iPhone SE.
The iPhone 11 has two rear cameras.
Angela Lang/CNET
The iPhone 11, for instance, has a second wide-angle camera. That means you can take sweeping landscape photos or creative, more dramatic pictures at close distances. And though both iPhones have 5x digital zoom that uses software to render closeup images, only the iPhone 11 has the hardware to carry out 2x optical zoom, that doesn’t degrade image quality. The iPhone 11 also has Apple’s low-light camera mode, Night Mode. Night Mode reduces things like digital artifacts, graininess and motion blur to capture and brighten up images taken in dim lighting.
As for the front-facing camera, the iPhone 11 doesn’t just have a better selfie camera because it has more megapixels (12 megapixels compared to the iPhone SE’s 7 megapixels). It can capture 4K video (compared to the iPhone SE’s 1080p video) and record slow-motion video, too.
Processor and battery: Both have A13 Bionic
As its main budget phone, Apple could have outfitted the iPhone SE with an older processor. But the device is equipped with the latest proprietary A13 Bionic chip, the same one that’s inside the iPhone 11. That means we should be able to observe similar processing performance speeds, but we won’t know for sure until we have the iPhone SE in our hands and can run benchmark tests.
Apple’s A13 processor.
Screenshot by Stephen Shankland/CNET
For what it’s worth, when we ran Geekbench 5 and 3DMark’s Slingshot Unlimited on the iPhone 11 last year, it performed comparably — and at times better than — the Galaxy S20, Pixel 4 and the OnePlus 8 Pro. But again, we don’t know about the iPhone SE’s performance yet.
As always, Apple doesn’t disclose the iPhone SE’s battery capacity. According to its numbers though, the iPhone SE’s battery doesn’t last as long as the iPhone 11’s. When it announced the iPhone 11, Apple claimed that it lasts up to “one hour longer” than the iPhone XR and cited 10 hours of streaming video playback. Unofficial teardowns of the handset also revealed a 3,110-mAh battery. This time around, Apple said the iPhone SE has the same battery life as the iPhone 8, and listed 8 hours of streaming video playback. Though we don’t yet know the specs for the iPhone SE, the iPhone 8 had a 1,821-mAh battery according to third-party teardowns.
iPhone SE (2020) vs. iPhone 11
Apple iPhone SE (2020)
iPhone 11
Display size, resolution
4.7-inch Retina HD; 1,334×750 pixels
6.1-inch LCD Liquid Retina; 1,792×828 pixels
Pixel density
326ppi
326ppi
Dimensions (inches)
5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 in.
5.94×2.98×0.33 in.
Dimensions (millimeters)
138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3mm
150.9×75.7×8.3mm
Weight (ounces, grams)
5.22 oz.; 148g
6.84 oz.; 194g
Mobile software
iOS 13
iOS 13
Camera
12-megapixel
12-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide)
Front-facing camera
7-megapixel
12-megapixel
Video capture
4K
4K
Processor
Apple A13 Bionic
Apple A13 Bionic
Storage
64GB, 128GB, 256GB
64GB, 128GB, 256GB
RAM
Not disclosed
Not disclosed
Expandable storage
No
No
Battery
Not disclosed
Not disclosed
Fingerprint sensor
Home button
No
Connector
Lightning
Lightning
Headphone jack
No
No
Special features
Water resistant (IP67); dual-SIM capabilities (nano-SIM and e-SIM); wireless charging
Water resistant (IP68); dual-SIM capabilities (nano-SIM and e-SIM); wireless charging
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
