Apple iPhone SE (2020) Canadian Price, Features and How To Buy

By Stephen Clark

Last updated 26 June 2020

Article Summary

With little fanfare, Apple has announced an update to one of their most beloved iPhone models. The pocket-friendly iPhone SE (2020) features a compact 4.7" screen and classic Home Button design while also packing the same power as an iPhone 11. Long-time Apple enthusiasts remember the 2016 iPhone SE which also partnered cutting edge hardware with a smaller screen; it had many fans who have been waiting for an update. Apple's newest budget iPhone is available through Apple and most mobile providers. The iPhone SE (2020) is priced from $599 CAD for the base 64GB model.

Update March 8, 2022: Apple announced the newest model of iPhone SE today. For more information, read our full coverage of the iPhone SE (2022).

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How Good is the iPhone SE?

The iPhone SE partners the industry-leading performance of the iPhone 11 smartphone with the OG design many Apple-faithful customers fell in love with. The 2020 model of iPhone SE includes Apple's A13 Bionic chip and comes with up to 256GB of storage. The rear camera is a 12MP wide lens with Smart HDR, optical image stabilization, advanced portrait effects and 5x digital zoom. The main lens also captures 4K video at up to 60 frames-per-second and stereo recording. All of this is delivered in a classic format familiar to long-time iPhone users with a Touch ID home button and modest 4.7" Retina HD LCD display showing 1334 x 750 pixels.

Apple iPhone SE (2020) Hardware Specs

Performance: A13 Bionic chip, Third-gen Neural Engine, iOS 13, 64GB/128GB/256GB storage
Cameras: 12MP rear camera, 7MP front (selfie) camera
Display: 4.7" Retina HD IPS-LCD with True Tone (1334x750)
Battery: Same life as iPhone 8, Fast-charge (50% charge in 30 minutes), Wireless Charging (Qi compatible)
Connectivity: Lightning Connector, Gigabit LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, iBeacon
Features: Touch ID sensor in Home Button, IP67 water/dust resistance, Siri

iPhone SE (2020) Price

When the iPhone dropped the Home Button on the iPhone X just a few years ago, the full-screen display commanded a premium price. One of the main selling points of the iPhone SE is a low cost. The new iPhone SE (2020) is offered in white, black and (PRODUCT)RED, and they are each available to buy in three storage size options. Apple's MSRP is listed below, but mobile carriers may sell for more:

Is iPhone SE (2020) Worth the Money?

The original 2016 iPhone SE cost $579 for the base 16GB model, so the pricing on the 2020 version is comparable. Considering you're getting current-generation hardware inside, $599 CAD for the iPhone SE (2020) gets you a better device than the iPhone XR... and for hundreds of dollars less.

Most smartphone owners like having the newest tech, but not everyone wants a big screen. The base model iPhone 11 features a 6.1" display, and more premium iPhone 11 Pro models can have even larger screens up to 6.5". That can be hard to fit in your pocket, and the prices starting at $1,000 can be even harder on your wallet. There's a portion of iPhone owners who have carefully cradled their classic iPhone SE with a cracked screen in hopes that Apple would release an updated version of the pocket-friendly smartphone.

However, if you're still a fan of bigger screens — or just hate the old Home Button layout — then keep your eyes open for iPhone XR sales. Now that there's a better budget iPhone on the block you can expect to see the iPhone XR selling on 2-year contracts for $20/month or less.

How to Buy the iPhone SE (2020)

Every major mobile provider in Canada carries the new iPhone SE (2020). With the base model costing $599 CAD, expect 2-year plans for $25/month or less. The iPhone SE (2020) is now available to buy through the Apple web site as well as most wireless providers: