To those who have been waiting patiently for the eventual availability of Apple’s first new devices of 2016, last week’s “Let us loop you in” event seems like it took place an eternity ago. After going on pre-order late last week, the wait is finally over, meaning that Apple’s new iPhone SE and 9.7-inch iPad Pro are finally available for public purchase via retail Apple Store outlets. Of course, if you’re more of an armchair shopper, then you can also pull out that credit card and purchase the new hardware from the comfort of your own home directly through online Apple Store as well.
Both new devices from Apple managed to stray away from the usual lineup that most of us have been familiar with over the course of years and added some diversification to the iPhone and iPad lineup, and that too particularly with really performant devices. So if you were looking to mix up your Apple hardware collection this Spring, now would be the time.
The existence of a new 4-inch iPhone model has been talked about at great length over the last twelve to eighteen months. It may have taken a little longer for the new iPhone SE to be officially announced than a lot of analysts first thought, but it seems that Apple believes that the time is right to try and fill a gap in the current iPhone range with the introduction of a smaller 4-inch device that compliments the larger iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus models. That pocket-sized little piece of kit which packs the punch of an iPhone 6s is available for purchase right now.
Consumers looking to part with the necessary $399 to own this new little piece of kit can expect to receive an extremely performant smartphone. The physical appearance of the hardware may take inspiration from iPhones of the past, but the internal specification includes Apple A9/M9 processors accompanied by 2GB RAM. The 12MP rear-facing camera is exactly the same as the one found in the iPhone 6s. It supports 4K video recording, and Slo-Mo video recording in 1080p resolution at 120fps, and in 720p resolution at 240fps. There’s also support for Live Photos, while the Focus Pixels tech powers the auto-focus, just like the iPhone 6s. On the front, the phone packs a 1.2MP sensor for those selfies.
The iPhone SE is available in two storage capacities; 16GB and 64GB, costing $399 and $499 respectively for the unlocked variants. It’s available in Space Gray, Gold, Rose Gold and Silver colors.
The marriage of hardware and software has already proven the device to be just as performant and powerful as some of the top-of-the-range smartphones that are currently available on the market.
If tablet computing is more your cup of tea, and you’re looking for a new slate to increase your productivity, then Apple has just the product with the new 9.7-inch iPad Pro. Starting from $599, the latest in the iPad Pro range comes with 32, 128 or 256GB options, and offers a True Tone display with 2048-by-1536 pixel resolution. It’s powered by Apple’s 64-bit A9X processor, and is accompanied by the modern M9 motion coprocessor for always-on Hey Siri. It offers Apple Pencil compatibility, and even has a Smart Connector for integration with a new range of Smart accessories, such as Apple’s own Smart Keyboard. The tablet carries the same 12MP camera module found in the iPhone 6s and as such offers the same capabilities including 4K video recording, Slo-Mo video recording in 1080p resolution at 120fps, and in 720p resolution at 240fps, as well as support for Live Photos. Auto focus here is powered by the Focus Pixels tech. The FaceTime HD camera here comes in at 5MP, complete with the Retina Flash.
The 9.7-inch iPad is available in Space Gray, Silver, Gold, and Rose Gold colors, with prices as following:
- iPad Pro – 32GB Wi-Fi: $599
- iPad Pro – 128GB Wi-Fi: $749
- iPad Pro – 256GB Wi-Fi: $899
- iPad Pro – 32GB Wi-Fi + Cellular: $729
- iPad Pro – 128GB Wi-Fi + Cellular: $879
- iPad Pro – 256GB Wi-Fi + Cellular: $1,029
Both the iPhone SE and 9.7-inch iPad Pro are available to purchase immediately directly from Apple.
You may also like to check out:
- iPhone SE Vs iPhone 6s Vs iPhone 6 Vs Plus Models [Specs Comparison]
- 9.7-Inch iPad Pro Vs 12.9-Inch iPad Pro Vs Air 2 Vs mini 4 [Specs Comparison]
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