In the coming year, sources say, Apple will be refreshing their budget model with the iPhone SE 4. In 2016 Apple launched the first iPhone “SE” smartphone. The concept was simple and attractive, more tech for less money. Apple was able to achieve this by putting their current computing technology in older more affordable chassis. The first version was internals of the new iPhone 6s in the chassis of the older and smaller iPhone 5s.
Since then Apple has continued this effort to provide the Apple ecosystem experience at a more entry level price. Three different models of the iPhone SE have been released maintaining the same theme. They offer faster processor and software in older chassis. The latest is the iPhone SE (2022), boasting the A14 processor that can be found in the iPhone 14 within the body of an iPhone 8. Priced at just $429 this model sold fast and became the 9th best selling phone of 2022. Apple looks to recapture that success with their new “SE” model they are rumored to be developing for 2025.
Refreshed Design and Build
According to Juli Clover with Macrumors, it’s likely that the design of the new iPhone SE model will shift. It will move from the dated iPhone 8 chassis to a more modern iPhone 14-like design. What that means is we will likely see the home button that doubled as a fingerprint scanner go away. The home button will be replaced in favor of a larger and better display. That display is rumored to be a 6.1” OLED variant. This is a significant upgrade from the 4.7” LCD display from the former iPhone SE.
We will also see the lightning port be replaced by USB-C. Apple is doing this with all of their devices since the iPhone 15. To be able to cut as many costs as possible, the camera system probably won’t hold a candle to current pro-models. It’s rumored that the chassis will be slightly modified to include a single camera on the back of the phone.
Although it may be the expected next step for the SE model to lose the final “buttons of the past”. Many users will lament the removal of touch ID in favor of a Face ID only system. In typical fashion, Apple has yet to adopt an under-display or side mounted fingerprint scanner on their smartphones. Although they have introduced it back into their iPad lineup. The iPhone SE 4 will likely rely entirely on Face ID for security and privacy.
Flagship Performance
Now for the real value of the SE lineup: The iPhone SE 4 is rumored to potentially receive the flagship A18 Bionic chip. The chip would offer a massive value to performance ratio. Users would experience the same speed and ease of use that the flagship models enjoy without the steep price tag attached. It also would allow users to take advantage of any Apple Intelligence features being promised down the road.
iPhone SE 4 Price and Value
The price of just about everything has gone up due to many factors so it would be hard to imagine that the iPhone SE 4 would be priced at that original $429 point that it’s predecessor started at. Macrumor’s Juli Clover stated “Apple plans to keep the pricing below $500, even if the price does go up slightly.” $500 for a phone with a flagship processor in this economy? Take my money please.
The budget and mid-range smartphone segments are competitive markets, no doubt, but it all comes down to the sacrifices that companies make to get the price down to that level. They have to compromise on some aspects. Whether that’s the cameras, display, battery, build materials, or processor, and it feels like Apple does a good job of striking that balance.
Conclusion
Is the iPhone SE 4 the right choice for you when it likely hits the market in the next year? The 4th generation SE could be an awesome upgrade from an older model without breaking the bank. For those hesitant to spend over a thousand dollars on a top-tier iPhone but still desire a taste of Apple’s latest tech, this model offers a compelling alternative. Those seeking the latest in design aesthetics or the most advanced camera systems probably won’t be too excited for this release. But for individuals who prioritize performance over cutting-edge features or would like a budget-friendly entry point into the Apple ecosystem, the iPhone SE 4 could be the perfect fit.