Newly surfaced schematics of the alleged iPhone 5se offer some hints at the smartphone's design, revealing that Apple tested two prototypes.
The iPhone 5se, also referred to as the iPhone 6c, is expected to hit the scene soon as Apple's new compact iPhone. The handset is rumored to feature a 4-inch display, reminiscent of older iPhones, and make its debut at Apple's March event alongside the iPad Air 3.
The design of the iPhone 5se was rumored to be very similar to that of the current iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus models, but with a smaller form factor.
Prominent leaker @OnLeaks now shares the schematics of two purported iPhone 5se prototypes, suggesting that Apple considered two different designs for the upcoming 4-inch smartphone.
If these leaked schematics turn out to be the real deal, the iPhone 5se could bear an uncanny resemblance to the iPhone 6. However, one prototype shows a round True Tone flash module like the one Apple introduced with its iPhone 6, while the other prototype seems to feature the pill-shaped design of older iPhone models. At the same time, the second prototype also ditches two loudspeaker portholes on both sides of the Lightning port, making it look more symmetrical.
The tipster doesn't offer any additional information regarding the handset's specs and features, but previous reports try to paint a picture of what to expect. Unlike the iPhone 5c, which never really caught on, the iPhone 5se is expected to offer powerful specifications despite its compact form factor.
Just recently, we reported that the 4-inch iPhone should come with the same Apple A9 CPU combo that currently powers the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus. This would contradict earlier rumors hinting at a weaker A8 processor with an M8 motion coprocessor.
The iPhone 5se is further expected to sport 2 GB of RAM, come in various storage sizes, and rock the same cameras as the iPhone 6s. This would translate to a 12-megapixel main shooter with 4K video recording capabilities and a 5-megapixel front FaceTime camera for selfies and video calls.
The smartphone should run iOS 9.3 out of the box and offer a number of neat features, including 3D Touch, Apple Pay, Live Photos and more.
When it comes to color options, the new 4-inch iPhone will reportedly be available in the same colors as the iPhone 6s, but reports also hint at a hot pink iPhone 5se avatar.
All in all, the new iPhone 5se, or whatever it may be called, could turn out to be a hit for Apple if it plays its cards right. The company reluctantly moved to larger screens with its 4.7-inch iPhone 6 and 5.5-inch iPhone 6 Plus, but some iPhone fans still yearn for that smaller form factor they'd grown accustomed to.
It's all in the rumor state for now, but the big unveiling is said to take place on March 15, followed by a commercial release on March 18. We'll keep you up to date as soon as we learn more, but take everything with a grain of salt in the meantime.
