Apple’s latest smartphone launch puts innovation on the back burner, instead focusing on boosting the power and functionality of existing devices in the iPhone range, notably the 5s. The iPhone SE has only a four-inch display, but packs the same 64-bit A9 chip offered in iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus.

The move by Apple is something of a surprise, given the recent launch of the big-screen, high-end Samsung S7 phones. However, the iPhone SE has less direct competition in its weight division than bigger models, so Apple will be hoping for a decent return in sales.

The SE’s four-inch display uses Apple’s Retina technology, while the battery and WiFi have also been improved when compared with the iPhone 5s. Running iOS 9, the SE boasts improved Siri features, as well as a new Night Shift feature that uses the iPhone’s clock and geolocation to automatically adjust the colours in the display to the warmer end of the spectrum after dark, which Apple says may help users get a better night’s sleep once they put the phone down.

The iPhone SE also has an impressive 12-megapixel iSight camera, with features such as fast focusing and better face detection. You can also shoot HD vide, with support for 4K.

The iPhone SE will be available in ‘space’ grey, silver, gold and rose gold metallic finishes, in 16GB and 64GB models, starting at €499 (including VAT).

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