iPhone SE 4: As we approach the spring of 2025, the tech world is abuzz with anticipation for Apple’s next iteration of its popular budget smartphone, the iPhone SE 4. Building on the success of its predecessors, the iPhone SE 4 is poised to bring significant upgrades and changes that could redefine the mid-range smartphone market.
In this comprehensive article, we’ll delve into the specifications, design changes, and new features that are rumored to be coming with the iPhone SE 4.
Release Date and Pricing
Before we dive into the specifications, let’s address the burning questions of when and how much.
Release Date
According to recent reports, including information from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the iPhone SE 4 could be unveiled as soon as next week, with a launch following later in February 2025. This aligns with Apple’s historical spring release schedule for the SE line.
Pricing
While the current iPhone SE (2022) model starts at $429, the iPhone SE 4 is expected to see a slight price increase due to its significant upgrades.
However, Apple is likely to keep the price below $500 to maintain its competitive edge in the mid-range market. Speculations suggest a starting price of $449 or $479 for the base model.
Design and Display
One of the most significant changes coming to the iPhone SE 4 is its design overhaul.
Design
- The iPhone SE 4 is expected to adopt a design similar to the iPhone 14, marking a departure from the dated iPhone 8-inspired look of its predecessor.
- This means saying goodbye to the thick bezels and Touch ID home button, signaling the end of Touch ID in the iPhone lineup.
- The device is rumored to measure 6.06 inches, making it significantly larger than the current 4.7-inch iPhone SE.
Display
- Screen Size: 6.06-inch display
- Technology: OLED (a first for the SE line)
- Resolution: Likely 2532 x 1170 pixels (based on similar-sized iPhones)
- Refresh Rate: 60Hz (Apple is expected to reserve higher refresh rates for its premium models)
- Notch: The iPhone SE 4 is rumored to feature a notch, housing the Face ID sensors and front camera, rather than the Dynamic Island found on higher-end models.
Performance and Hardware
The iPhone SE 4 is set to receive a significant performance boost, bringing it in line with Apple’s flagship offerings.
Processor
- Chip: A18 Bionic (the same chip powering the iPhone 16 series)
- Performance: This will mark a two-generation leap from the A15 in the current SE, promising substantial improvements in both CPU and GPU performance.
RAM
- Memory: 8GB RAM (double the 4GB in the current model)
- Impact: This increase in RAM will significantly improve multitasking capabilities and overall system responsiveness.
Storage
- Options: Expected to start at 128GB, with possible 256GB and 512GB variants
- Notable: The base storage doubling from 64GB to 128GB represents excellent value for consumers.
Connectivity
- 5G: Enhanced 5G capabilities, likely supporting a wider range of bands
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6 support
- Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.3
- USB-C: The iPhone SE 4 will adopt USB-C, replacing the Lightning port, in line with EU regulations and Apple’s move towards standardization across its lineup.
Battery
- Capacity: Rumored to be 3,279mAh (a significant increase from the 2,018mAh in the current SE)
- Charging: Support for fast charging and wireless charging (Qi standard)
Biometrics
- Face ID: Replacing Touch ID, bringing the SE line in line with Apple’s flagship authentication method
- Implementation: Housed in the notch, using the same TrueDepth camera system as other Face ID-enabled iPhones
Camera System
The camera system on the iPhone SE 4 is set for a major upgrade, bringing it closer to the capabilities of more premium iPhone models.
Rear Camera
- Main Sensor: 48MP (a significant jump from the 12MP sensor in the current SE)
- Features:
- Deep Fusion for enhanced detail and texture
- Smart HDR 5 for improved dynamic range
- Night mode (a first for the SE line)
- Portrait mode with advanced bokeh and depth control
- 4K video recording at 60 fps
Front Camera
- Sensor: 12MP TrueDepth camera (up from 7MP)
- Features:
- Portrait mode selfies
- Animoji and Memoji support
- 4K video recording
- Cinematic mode for video (subject to confirmation)
Software and Features
The iPhone SE 4 will come with the latest iOS version and several new features that leverage its upgraded hardware.
Operating System
- iOS 18: The latest version of Apple’s mobile operating system, with all the new features and improvements it brings.
Apple Intelligence
- Support for Apple’s AI features, thanks to the A18 chip and increased RAM
- This includes enhanced Siri capabilities, improved photo searches, and new AI-powered writing and editing tools.
Custom Apple Modem
- The iPhone SE 4 is rumored to be the first iPhone to feature Apple’s in-house developed modem chip
- While it may not be as advanced as Qualcomm’s latest offerings, it represents a significant step in Apple’s efforts to bring more component production in-house.
Other Features
- IP68 water and dust resistance (an upgrade from the IP67 rating of the current SE)
- Improved audio with spatial audio support
- MagSafe compatibility for accessories and charging
Comparison with Previous Models
To better understand the leap forward the iPhone SE 4 represents, let’s compare it to its predecessor:
| Feature | iPhone SE 4 (2025) | iPhone SE (2022) |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.06-inch OLED | 4.7-inch LCD |
| Design | iPhone 14-like | iPhone 8-like |
| Chip | A18 Bionic | A15 Bionic |
| RAM | 8GB | 4GB |
| Main Camera | 48MP | 12MP |
| Front Camera | 12MP with Face ID | 7MP |
| Authentication | Face ID | Touch ID |
| Battery | 3,279mAh | 2,018mAh |
| Charging Port | USB-C | Lightning |
| Starting Storage | 128GB | 64GB |
Impact on the Market
The iPhone SE 4 is poised to make a significant impact on the mid-range smartphone market:
- Value Proposition: By bringing flagship features like Face ID, a modern design, and a powerful A18 chip to a more affordable price point, Apple is strengthening its position in the mid-range market.
- Competition: The SE 4’s specs and features will put pressure on Android manufacturers in the $400-$500 price range, potentially forcing them to offer more competitive features and pricing.
- iOS Ecosystem Expansion: The attractive price point and modern features could entice more users into the Apple ecosystem, potentially leading to increased sales of Apple services and accessories.
- 5G Adoption: With enhanced 5G capabilities, the SE 4 will contribute to wider 5G adoption, especially in markets where flagship phones are considered too expensive.
- AI Democratization: By bringing Apple Intelligence features to a more affordable device, Apple is democratizing access to AI-powered tools and features.
Conclusion
The iPhone SE 4 represents a significant leap forward for Apple’s budget smartphone line. With its modern design, powerful A18 chip, improved cameras, and support for cutting-edge features like Face ID and Apple Intelligence, it’s poised to offer tremendous value to consumers.
The move to a larger, notched display marks the end of an era for the classic iPhone design with Touch ID, but it brings the SE line firmly into the present, aligning it more closely with Apple’s flagship offerings.
The inclusion of Apple’s custom modem chip, albeit in its first generation, showcases the company’s commitment to vertical integration and could lead to interesting developments in future iPhone models.
While the slight price increase might disappoint some, the vast improvements in nearly every aspect of the device more than justify the cost. The iPhone SE 4 is shaping up to be not just a great budget option, but a compelling smartphone in its own right, capable of meeting the needs of a wide range of users.
As we await the official announcement, it’s clear that the iPhone SE 4 will not only continue the legacy of its predecessors but also set a new standard for what users can expect from a mid-range smartphone.
Whether you’re an Apple fan on a budget, someone looking to enter the iOS ecosystem, or simply in the market for a powerful yet affordable smartphone, the iPhone SE 4 is definitely a device to watch out for in 2025.