The iPhone SE 4 is set to launch soon, bringing a modern design, a larger OLED display, a powerful camera, and Face ID. Find out what makes it a game-changer for budget iPhone users.
iPhone SE 4: A Fresh Look at Apple’s Budget-Friendly Powerhouse
Apple’s iPhone SE series has always been about delivering flagship performance at an affordable price, but the upcoming iPhone SE 4 is shaping up to be a major step forward. With a modern design, a larger OLED display, and key hardware upgrades, this new budget iPhone is no longer just a repackaged older model—it’s a true contender in the smartphone market.
A New Design Inspired by Flagship Models
Gone are the days of the iPhone SE borrowing designs from much older models. The iPhone SE 4 is expected to take inspiration from the iPhone 14, featuring a sleek, flat-frame design. It ditches the home button in favor of Face ID, aligning it more closely with Apple’s modern smartphone lineup.
The most noticeable change is the size—Apple is increasing the display from 4.7 inches on the iPhone SE 3 to a much larger 6.1-inch OLED panel. This means sharper colors, deeper blacks, and an overall better visual experience compared to the outdated LCD screen on previous SE models. The brightness also gets a boost, going from 625 nits to 800 nits in standard mode and up to 1,200 nits in HDR mode.
A Significant Camera Upgrade
The iPhone SE 4 is rumored to feature a 48MP main sensor—similar to what’s found in the iPhone 15 and 16—compared to the 12MP camera on the SE 3. This larger sensor should improve image clarity, night mode performance, and detail retention. The inclusion of Smart HDR 5 will also enhance image processing, reducing overexposed skies and improving low-light photography.
For video, the SE 4 benefits from the same sensor crop technology found in higher-end models, allowing for better zoom capabilities without sacrificing quality. The front-facing camera is expected to jump from 7MP to 12MP, delivering sharper selfies and improved video calls.
Performance and Battery Life Enhancements
Under the hood, the iPhone SE 4 is expected to house either the A17 Pro or the upcoming A18 chip, paired with 8GB of RAM. This is a massive jump from the A15 chip and 4GB of RAM found in the SE 3. Not only will this enhance everyday performance, but it will also future-proof the device for Apple’s AI-driven features coming in 2025.
Battery life should also see a boost. The iPhone SE 3 offered 15 hours of video playback, but with the improvements in efficiency and battery capacity, the SE 4 could push closer to 20 hours. Apple might scale it slightly below the iPhone 16’s 22-hour rating to maintain some distinction between models.
New Features: USB-C, MagSafe, and Improved Durability
One of the most welcome changes is the switch from Lightning to USB-C, allowing for better compatibility with other devices. Apple is also introducing MagSafe charging to the SE lineup for the first time, enabling access to a variety of magnetic accessories and faster wireless charging.
Water resistance is expected to improve as well, jumping from the SE 3’s 1-meter rating to 6 meters for 30 minutes, matching the iPhone 16’s durability.
Expected Price and Final Thoughts
The iPhone SE 3 currently sells for $429, but the SE 4 is expected to come in at $499. Given the number of upgrades—including a bigger OLED display, a more powerful chip, a vastly improved camera, and modern design—it’s still an incredible value.
While it lacks some premium features like a dual-camera setup, Dynamic Island, or the Action Button, the iPhone SE 4 delivers enough high-end features to make it a fantastic budget-friendly iPhone.
Apple is expected to launch the iPhone SE 4 in March 2025. If you’re looking for an affordable iPhone with modern features, this could be the perfect upgrade.
