The new iPhone SE is seen on display during an event at the Apple headquarters in Cupertino, California March 21, 2016.
The new iPhone SE is seen on display during an event at the Apple headquarters in Cupertino, California March 21, 2016. Reuters/Stephen Lam

At a press event in California last Monday, Apple launched its most powerful 4-inch iPhone to date, the iPhone SE. The new device is packed with powerful specs for a relatively low price. The lower price point is expected to help Apple boost its dwindling iPhone sales this year.

In the last quarter ending Dec. 26, 2015, Apple sold 74.8 million iPhones, translating into 0.4 percent growth in shipments, the lowest-ever since its launch in 2007. Still, Apple sold 74.5 million units in the same quarter in 2014.

Here are five of the best iPhone SE specs and features which can drive customers to buy it:

Smaller size

According to Apple, in the midst of giant screen phablets, some people still love smaller phones. The small form factor is still popular. As a result, many customers have asked for it, according to Apple CEO Tim Cook.

Apple also confirmed that it sold 30 million 4-inch iPhones in 2015. To expand its reach, Apple will release its iPhone SE to 100 countries by the month of May, as reported by 9to5Mac.

Related: Apple’s iPhone super-growth era weakens; foresees first sales dip in 13 years

Powerful hardware

The iPhone SE runs on the same 64-bit A9 chip powering Apple’s current flagship models, the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus. The smartphone also features an M9 motion co-processor. Getting top-of-the-line hardware specs at a considerably lower price as compared to the iPhone 6s is expected to help in attracting more phone shoppers.

Battery life

Smaller display will require less power and last for a longer period of time. In addition, the 64-bit A9 chip is energy efficient, and ensuring longer battery life.

Camera

The camera is definitely one of the key features that could entice phone shoppers to buy the new 4-inch iPhone. The iPhone SE sports the same 12MP iSight camera like the iPhone 6s. The camera features Focus Pixel technology for fast focusing, better face detection and an image signal processor.

Moreover, the new 4-inch iPhone SE comes with support for Live Photos introduced with Apple iPhone 6s.

Price

Getting an iPhone below US$400? This can be one of the most important driving force to buy the new 4-inch iPhone. Apple's new iPhone SE comes in 16GB and 64GB internal storage variants in Space Gray, Silver, Gold and Rose Gold.

The iPhone SE price starts at US$399 (AU$526), way cheaper than the iPhone 6s which starts at $649 (AU$865). On the other hand, the 64GB variant costs US$499 (AU$657).

Related: Apple’s 4-inch iPhone SE price starts at US$399; Pre-order begins March 24

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