Apple’s iPhone SE series has always been a popular choice for users looking for a budget-friendly iPhone experience. Now, the upcoming iPhone SE 4 is shaping up to be a game-changer for the lineup, featuring powerful upgrades usually reserved for more expensive models. Among the most exciting news is that the iPhone SE 4 will come equipped with Apple’s A18 SoC and the company’s first-ever in-house 5G modem. Set to launch early next year, the iPhone SE 4 promises to deliver top-tier performance at a more affordable price.
Powered by Apple A18 SoC and 5G Modem
The iPhone SE 4 will be powered by the Apple A18 SoC, the same chip found in the latest iPhone 15 series. This inclusion in a budget model is a major leap for the SE lineup, ensuring that users get flagship-level performance. The A18 chip brings improvements in both speed and power efficiency, making the iPhone SE 4 capable of handling intensive tasks with ease. Whether it’s gaming, multitasking, or capturing high-quality photos, the A18 chip will deliver a smooth, fast experience.
One of the most notable additions to the iPhone SE 4 is Apple’s new in-house 5G modem. Apple has been working on this modem for years, ever since it acquired Intel’s modem division in 2019. The SE 4 will be the first iPhone to feature Apple’s 5G modem, marking a significant step in Apple’s efforts to reduce its reliance on Qualcomm for modem technology. The new modem is rumored to drastically reduce battery consumption, making it an ideal fit for the SE 4, a model known for offering excellent battery life at a lower price.
A Familiar Look With Modern Touches
In terms of design, the iPhone SE 4 will resemble the iPhone 14, borrowing many of its visual elements. The SE 4 will have flat sides, and for the first time in the SE lineup, it will come with an OLED display, offering better contrast and color accuracy than previous models that used LCD screens. The 6.1-inch OLED display will have a resolution of 2532 x 1170, the same as the iPhone 14, ensuring users get a crisp and clear viewing experience.
Interestingly, the iPhone SE 4 will feature a notch design, unlike the iPhone 15 series, which has adopted Apple’s new Dynamic Island. This choice may be surprising to some, but it’s likely that Apple had already finalized the SE 4’s design before the Dynamic Island became standard. This will also be the first SE model to support Face ID, moving away from the traditional home button and Touch ID, which was a signature feature of earlier SE models. The absence of the home button aligns the SE 4 with Apple’s current design language, making it look and feel more modern.
iPhone 15-Level Camera for a Budget Price
By utilizing the same camera technology as the iPhone 15, the iPhone SE 4 will also provide a notable improvement in the photography area. This has a 12-megapixel front-facing camera for selfies in addition to a 48-megapixel primary camera. The upgrade to a 48-megapixel sensor is a huge improvement for the SE line, allowing users to take detailed, high-resolution photos. Whether in bright daylight or low-light conditions, the iPhone SE 4 is expected to deliver excellent image quality, comparable to Apple’s more expensive models.
The front-facing camera also gets a boost, with a 12-megapixel sensor that will allow for sharper selfies and better video call quality. These camera upgrades make the iPhone SE 4 a great choice for users who want the latest photography features without paying a premium price.
The iPhone SE 4 is set to be a standout model in Apple’s lineup, combining flagship-level performance with budget-friendly pricing. With the powerful Apple A18 SoC, Apple’s first in-house 5G modem, and a design inspired by the iPhone 14, the SE 4 is expected to deliver a premium experience at a more affordable price point. The inclusion of high-quality cameras from the iPhone 15 further adds to the appeal, making the SE 4 one of the most exciting budget smartphones to look out for in early 2025.