Apple’s iPhone SE lineup has always been a popular choice for budget-conscious users who want an iPhone experience without breaking the bank. Now, with increasing leaks and rumors about the iPhone SE 4, many potential buyers are wondering whether they should wait for the upcoming model or settle for an existing iPhone.
With potential upgrades in design, display, performance, battery life, and camera capabilities, the iPhone SE 4 could mark the biggest transformation in the SE series to date. But is it worth waiting for? Let’s explore all the key details to help you decide.
A Look Back: The Evolution of the iPhone SE
Apple introduced the iPhone SE series in 2016 as a way to provide a compact yet powerful device at an affordable price. The first-generation SE borrowed the design of the iPhone 5S while incorporating the powerful A9 chip from the iPhone 6S. At just $329, it was a hit among users who preferred smaller smartphones with flagship-level performance.
Four years later, in 2020, Apple refreshed the SE lineup with the second-generation iPhone SE. This time, it adopted the iPhone 8’s design, featuring a 4.7-inch Retina HD display, a Touch ID home button, and the A13 Bionic chip from the iPhone 11. Priced at $399, it continued the tradition of offering strong performance at a lower cost.
In 2022, Apple released the third-generation iPhone SE with an A15 Bionic chip, making it one of the most powerful budget smartphones at the time. However, the design remained unchanged, and the small battery life became a common complaint. With a starting price of $429, it was still one of the most affordable iPhones available.
Now, with the iPhone SE 4 on the horizon, Apple is expected to introduce the most significant changes yet, making it a device worth considering.
A Major Design Overhaul
If leaks and rumors are to be believed, Apple is finally retiring the outdated design of the previous SE models. The iPhone SE 4 is expected to take inspiration from the iPhone 14, meaning it will feature a modern, flat-edge design with slimmer bezels and a 6.1-inch display.
This will be a major shift from the 4.7-inch screen of its predecessor, making it more aligned with Apple’s recent smartphone designs. The physical home button is likely to be removed, with Face ID replacing Touch ID for biometric security.
Additionally, some reports suggest that Apple could introduce the Action Button, a customizable button currently seen in the iPhone 15 Pro models. This would replace the mute switch and allow users to assign various functions, such as launching the camera, activating Siri, or enabling focus modes.
Despite these upgrades, the iPhone SE 4 is expected to retain a single rear camera, rather than adopting the dual-camera setup seen on flagship models.
A Huge Display Upgrade: LCD to OLED
One of the biggest criticisms of past SE models has been their outdated LCD displays, which lack the deep blacks and vibrant colors of OLED panels. Thankfully, Apple is expected to address this issue by equipping the iPhone SE 4 with a 6.1-inch OLED display.
This upgrade will bring richer colors, higher contrast, and improved energy efficiency compared to the LCD screens used in previous SE models. The rumored resolution of 2532 × 1170 pixels with a peak brightness of 1200 nits will ensure a sharp and bright viewing experience.
However, don’t expect ProMotion (Apple’s 120Hz refresh rate technology) on this device. To keep costs low, Apple will likely stick to a 60Hz refresh rate. Even so, the transition to OLED will be a significant step up for SE users.
Top-Tier Performance with the A18 Chip
Apple’s SE lineup has always been known for packing the latest chips, and the iPhone SE 4 is no exception. Reports suggest that it will feature the A18 chip, the same powerful processor expected in the iPhone 16 series.
This means that the SE 4 will not only offer flagship-level performance but will also receive long-term iOS updates, ensuring software support for many years. Compared to similarly priced Android phones, the SE 4 will have a significant advantage in speed, efficiency, and longevity.
Another exciting possibility is Apple Intelligence—the company’s new AI-driven feature set. If the SE 4 supports these capabilities, it could require 8GB of RAM, a major jump from the 4GB found in the SE 3. This would enhance multitasking, improve AI-driven tasks, and make the SE 4 a compelling choice for users interested in Apple’s growing AI ecosystem.
Better Battery Life and Charging
Battery life has never been a strong suit for the SE series, but that might change with the SE 4. Given its larger body, it is expected to house a battery similar in size to the 3,279 mAh battery found in the iPhone 14, offering significantly better endurance than its predecessor’s 2,018 mAh cell.
Charging speeds could also see an improvement. The SE 4 is expected to support:
- Faster wired charging (potentially 25W or higher)
- MagSafe wireless charging, bringing it in line with Apple’s recent models
However, while MagSafe compatibility would be a welcome addition, don’t expect groundbreaking charging speeds—Apple is likely to keep costs down by maintaining moderate charging speeds.
5G and Connectivity Upgrades
One of the biggest unknowns surrounding the iPhone SE 4 is whether Apple will introduce its own in-house 5G modem. Reports indicate that Apple has been developing its Centauri modem, but it’s unclear if it will be ready for the SE 4.
If Apple debuts its first proprietary modem in this device, it could mean better optimization for Apple’s ecosystem. However, first-generation hardware can sometimes be unpredictable, and issues with LTE, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth connectivity could arise.
What is almost certain, however, is the switch to USB-C charging, as Apple complies with the EU’s mandate for universal charging standards. This will bring the SE 4 in line with the latest iPhone models, allowing for easier compatibility with accessories and chargers.
Camera: A Big Step Forward
Camera technology is another area where the SE 4 is expected to see major improvements. Leaks suggest that the device will feature a 48-megapixel single rear camera, a significant jump from the 12-megapixel sensor found in the SE 3.
This will dramatically enhance low-light photography, dynamic range, and overall image quality. While the lack of a secondary lens might be disappointing for some users, Apple’s advanced computational photography features should still deliver excellent photo and video performance.
The front-facing camera will likely remain at 12 megapixels, ensuring clear and detailed selfies.
Expected Pricing: More Expensive but Still Affordable
The iPhone SE 3 launched at $429, but with all these significant upgrades, a price hike is inevitable. Industry reports suggest that the SE 4 could start at $499.
At that price point, it would still be one of the most affordable iPhones, offering modern features at a reasonable cost. However, if Apple pushes the price closer to $600, it might face stiff competition from older iPhone models and rival Android devices.
Should You Wait?
With all the expected upgrades—including a modern design, OLED display, powerful A18 chip, better battery life, improved cameras, and USB-C—the iPhone SE 4 looks like the most compelling budget iPhone yet.
If you are using an older iPhone SE or another aging smartphone and can hold off on upgrading, waiting for the SE 4 is absolutely worth it. It will provide a long-lasting device with flagship-level performance at an affordable price.
However, if you need a new phone immediately, the iPhone 13, iPhone 14, or even the iPhone 15 offer solid alternatives, depending on your budget.
Ultimately, if Apple delivers on the rumors, the iPhone SE 4 could be the best value-for-money iPhone in years.
