iPhone SE 4: Design, Display, Camera, Battery And More..

The iPhone SE has always been the budget-friendly option for those who want an iPhone without spending a fortune. While Apple’s flagship iPhones steal the show, the SE quietly delivers value for money. With talk of an iPhone SE 4 on the horizon, here’s everything we know about its release date, price, design, and more!
Possible Release Date and Price
The first iPhone SE launched in 2016, followed by revamped models in 2020 and 2022. Based on this two-year cycle, many expected a 2024 release. However, rumors suggest otherwise.
Noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo initially reported that the iPhone SE 4’s development was canceled. Later, Kuo updated his claim, stating Apple revived the project, but it’s likely delayed until 2025.
March 2025 seems like a safe bet, as Apple has historically announced SE models in March (the iPhone SE 3 debuted in March 2022). According to MacRumors, a March 2025 date is highly likely.
As for pricing, the current iPhone SE starts at $429. It’s expected that the iPhone SE 4 will remain under $500, even with new features. While there may be a small price bump, it will still be significantly cheaper than the flagship iPhone 16.
Design
Over the years, the iPhone SE has borrowed its design from older iPhones. The 2016 model mirrored the iPhone 5s, while the 2020 and 2022 versions adopted the iPhone 8’s design. The iPhone SE 4, however, is rumored to get a major update.
Reports suggest the SE 4 will feature a 6.1-inch display, making it significantly larger than the current 4.7-inch model. This update will likely eliminate the home button and Touch ID, introducing Face ID instead. While it probably won’t include the Dynamic Island, the familiar notch design is expected to return.
There’s also talk of an Action button, first introduced on the iPhone 15 Pro, replacing the traditional silent/ring toggle. Additionally, the SE 4 is rumored to switch from a Lightning port to USB-C, aligning with Apple’s latest devices.
Interestingly, Apple may introduce a Plus-sized variant of the iPhone SE 4. Reports suggest that alongside the 6.1-inch version, a 6.7-inch model may be in the works, similar to the iPhone 14 Plus. This would give users more options while keeping costs lower than the flagship Plus models.
Display
Since its inception, the iPhone SE has used an LCD display. However, the SE 4 could see a significant upgrade with an OLED display, a feature Apple has included in its flagship models since the iPhone 12.
Switching to OLED would enhance the SE 4 with richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast, bringing it closer to the premium iPhone experience while maintaining its affordable price tag.
Specs
Apple’s budget-friendly SE models typically use a previous-generation chip. But the iPhone SE 4 could break that tradition by using the same A18 chip found in the upcoming iPhone 16.
This upgrade would enable features powered by Apple Intelligence, although likely on a smaller scale compared to flagship models. Rumors also suggest that Apple’s in-house 5G modem could debut in the iPhone SE 4. This modem, part of a transition away from Qualcomm modems, is expected to roll out in 2025, making the SE 4 a potential launchpad for this technology.
If these rumors hold true, the iPhone SE 4 could also come with at least 8GB of RAM, offering a significant performance boost over its predecessors.
Cameras
The iPhone SE has always stuck with a single-lens camera, and the SE 4 will likely follow this pattern to differentiate it from the dual-camera base iPhone and the triple-camera Pro models.
That said, the iPhone SE 4 is expected to feature a 48-megapixel rear camera and a 12-megapixel TrueDepth front camera, according to supply chain reports. The addition of Face ID would also mean the complete removal of the home button, making the SE feel more modern.
Battery Life
Battery life has always been a weakness of the iPhone SE, largely due to its compact design. The current iPhone SE 3 has a 2,018mAh battery, which pales in comparison to the 3,279mAh battery in the iPhone 14.
If the SE 4 adopts the iPhone 14’s design, there will likely be room for a larger battery. However, features like Apple Intelligence and an OLED display could increase power demands, potentially negating any battery capacity gains.
Final Thoughts
While nothing is set in stone yet, the iPhone SE 4 is shaping up to be more than just an entry-level iPhone. With a larger display, improved camera, faster chip, and potential design overhaul, it’s looking more like a proper smartphone than a stripped-down version of last year’s model.
Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to 2025!
Alexia is the author at Research Snipers covering all technology news including Google, Apple, Android, Xiaomi, Huawei, Samsung News, and More.