The iPhone SE 2020 may not be the tiny successor to the original, but I’m sure it’s my parents’ next phone. Like many younger folks who are more familiar with technology than their relatives, I’m constantly asked for product recommendations, and when I saw our iPhone SE 2020 review go up, I breathed a small sigh of relief at how easy this next buying decision will be.
While there are certain adjustments they’ll need to make from their iPhone 8 Plus phones in terms of screen size and cameras, this transition should be incredibly easy for my parents. Here’s why I’m pointing them towards the new iPhone SE.
The iPhone SE 2020’s best feature is its price — and Apple’s history
When it comes time to actually buy a new phone, my parents want to get in and out of the local AT&T store (I try and push them to the Apple Store, or to order online, but c’est la vie). They also want to spend as little as possible on a phone that should last them a while.
So, I can’t wait to tell them that their next phone will cost half as much as their previous phone. Somehow, in 2018, I talked them both into getting the iPhone 8 Plus, which started at $799. This happened because I had the iPhone 8 Plus, and I explained why I liked it.
I talked to my dad on the phone for this story, and while he’s gotten used to the iPhone 8 Plus’ 6.2 x 3.1 x 0.3-inch size, he was completely OK with the 5.5 x 2.7 x 0.3-inch iPhone SE once I told him how cheap it is.
“I’ll get used to it,” he said. And looking around Apple’s product line, he’s probably going to have to adjust if he wants a phone that isn’t over $1,099 — as the iPhone 11 Pro Max is the only new phone Apple makes with the same measurements as the 8 Plus.
The iPhone XR and iPhone 11 (both 5.9 x 3 x 0.3 inches) are also smaller than the 8 Plus, and since they cost $200 to $300 more than the iPhone SE, what’s a third of an inch here and 0.4 inches there?
The value of the iPhone SE 2020 gets even better when you check out its display, which produces a whopping 653 nits of brightness and emits 111.2% of the sRGB gamut based on our tests. How Apple fits a screen that bright and colorful into a phone this affordable is beyond me, but it checks off another thing I could have been concerned about when telling my parents to buy a sub-$500 phone.
The iPhone SE 2020 looks like it should go the distance
My parents don’t ever want new phones — they just hit that point where they need to upgrade. They’re the exact opposite of me, an annual upgrader on the iPhone Upgrade Program. When they buy a new phone, they just use it until it won’t work.
It’s a trait that I admire greatly, and part of why I push my parents to always buy iPhones. It’s not just because we can use iMessage (I can swallow my pride and do a Zoom like anyone else), but because Apple’s phones generally last longer than most other companies’ devices. Their iPhone 5C’s lasted them about 5 years, so I’m just hoping that the iPhone SE will still be in Apple’s lineup in 2023, when I expect their iPhone 8 Plus’ to become due for replacement.
iPhone SE (Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
And the iPhone SE 2020 will probably last that long because it’s got the same A13 Bionic chip seen in the iPhone 11 (as well as my even-pricier iPhone 11 Pro Max). On the Geekbench 5 general performance benchmark, the SE 2020 netted a 3,226, which is comparable to the 3,251 score from the iPhone 11 — a phone that costs $300 more.
The iPhone SE 2020 has good-enough cameras for my parents
Instagram has become my mom’s favorite phone app, and my dad just joined up too, so I bet they’re going to want to keep taking good photos. The good news, scrolling through my mom’s Instagram feed, is that she almost exclusively takes photos with lots of natural light.
As our iPhone SE 2020 review shows, this phone’s camera takes exceptionally good photos, provided that you’re outside. It even trounced the Google Pixel 3a on many tests, beating Google at its own AI-enhanced photography game.
iPhone SE (Image credit: Tom’s Guide)
The one aspect of the iPhone SE cameras they’re not going to be fond of — and that I hope Apple changes some day on a future SE model — is the lack of a second camera lens. As my dad confirmed to me on the phone, he uses his zoom pretty frequently. I’m not saying that the iPhone SE’s main camera doesn’t zoom, but the separate sensor is often more capable at producing clear shots than relying on digital zoom is.
The one thing holding me back: Battery life
The one thing I fear the most when I recommend a gadget to someone is them coming back with a frustration or complaint. And when it comes to the iPhone SE, I can already see a potential problem down the road. Apple itself rates the iPhone SE for 13 hours of battery life during video playback, which is 24% less than the 17 hours it promises on the iPhone 11.
We saw a similar gap in our own testing. When we used the iPhone 11 Pro Max and the iPhone SE throughout the day, taking photos, surfing the web and gaming, the iPhone SE hit the red 20% mark by 8pm, while the iPhone 11 Pro Max was still at 40%. Sure, I can tell my parents to stop by my best portable chargers page to help their phones last longer, but I doubt they want to carry another thing around.
In the end, I’ll make sure they’re aware of this difference in battery life. I can pretty safely bet they’d rather save the $700 and get familiar with Low Battery Mode, though.
Yes, the iPhone SE 2020 is that good
While my parents are looking to hold onto their iPhone 8 Plus’ for as long as they will last, I’m pretty happy to see that Apple’s finally made a great sub-$500 iPhone. I expected some low-price Android phone to try and seduce them to move away, but I’d have concerns for them around the security issues that are more inherent on Android.
Let’s just hope the iPhone SE 2020 stays in Apple’s product line for the foreseeable future. The original iPhone SE was introduced in 2016, and Apple eventually removed it from the line when the iPhone XS series came out in 2018.
If the iPhone SE is a longtime member of the iPhone family, then more-modest users can stay in the iPhone world without worrying about the price of membership.
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.
