iPhone SE 4: Delivers iPhone 15 Camera with iPhone 16 Performance (And a Bit More)
With a wave of leaks revealing details ahead of its official announcement, the upcoming iPhone SE 4 is already generating plenty of buzz. Set for a likely spring 2025 release, the new model promises to deliver a mix of features from the iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and iPhone 16, while also offering a unique touch all its own. Here’s what we know so far about Apple’s latest addition to the SE lineup.
A Familiar Design with Some Notable Upgrades
The iPhone SE 4 is expected to sport a design reminiscent of the iPhone 14, featuring a similar aluminum frame and dimensions. But there are some notable changes that set it apart from previous SE models. The new device will adopt an OLED display with the same 1,170 by 2,532-pixel resolution as the iPhone 14, which marks a significant upgrade over the older LCD panels used in earlier SE generations.
For those who have grown fond of Touch ID, there’s some news: Face ID is taking over. The fingerprint sensor is being phased out in favor of Apple’s facial recognition technology. While the SE 4 won’t have the fancy Dynamic Island found in the iPhone 14 Pro, 15, and 16, it will still retain the familiar notch at the top of the screen.
A Step Up in Camera Quality
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the enhancements coming to the iPhone SE 4. According to recent leaks, the phone will use the same 48MP primary camera found on the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus, which includes a 2x optical zoom. The selfie camera will also get a bump to 12MP, mirroring the capabilities of its higher-end siblings.
However, there’s a slight catch: the ultra-wide 12MP lens won’t be making its way to the SE 4, meaning users will have to make do with the standard wide-angle options. Still, with improved imaging software and Apple’s signature photo processing, the new camera setup is poised to deliver impressive results.
Under the Hood: iPhone 16 Power
When it comes to performance, the iPhone SE 4 is no slouch. It’s set to pack the A18 chip—the same processor used in the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus—paired with 8GB of RAM. This upgrade brings the SE 4 closer to Apple’s flagship models in terms of processing power, allowing it to handle everything from demanding apps to the latest mobile games with ease.
The addition of Apple’s advanced AI features, powered by the new chip, will further enhance the user experience. Expect smoother Siri interactions, smarter photo adjustments, and more efficient background processes that make the most of the hardware’s capabilities.
Breaking Free from Qualcomm: A New 5G Modem
Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the iPhone SE 4 is its connectivity. The device will debut with Apple’s first in-house 5G modem, developed since the company acquired Intel’s modem business in 2019. By moving away from Qualcomm’s modems, Apple aims to better integrate hardware and software, leading to a more seamless user experience.
According to reports, the new modem will not only provide reliable 5G connectivity but also improve battery efficiency, especially when users switch to Low Power Mode. For frequent travelers and power users, this could mean longer browsing times and fewer moments spent hunting for a charger.
Price and Release Date
Apple appears to be sticking with its traditional spring launch window for the iPhone SE 4, with an announcement expected between early March and mid-April 2025. As for pricing, rumors suggest a range of $459 to $499, representing a modest increase from the iPhone SE 3’s launch price in 2022. The bump in cost reflects the upgraded features, including the OLED display, more powerful processor, and enhanced camera.
Is It Worth the Upgrade?
With its blend of iPhone 15 camera quality, iPhone 16-level performance, and a few exclusive features like the new 5G modem, the iPhone SE 4 looks to be a compelling choice for anyone seeking a budget-friendly iPhone with some serious power. While it may lack some of the premium touches of the flagship models, it more than makes up for it with upgraded internals and a familiar yet refined design.
For those who have been holding out for a new SE model, it seems like Apple is pulling out all the stops this time around. The iPhone SE 4 isn’t just a refresh; it’s a step toward closing the gap between the entry-level iPhones and their more expensive counterparts, offering a taste of flagship performance at a fraction of the price.