iPhone SE 4 — 5 big upgrades expected for Apple’s budget phone in 2025

NEWS
By
8 October 2024
iPhone SE 4 in 2025 could be Apple's most exciting budget phone yet
iPhone SE 4 — 5 big upgrades expected for Apple's budget phone in 2025
(Image credits: AppleTrack / @conceptcentral)

Fans of the iPhone SE have been left in suspense, with no sign of a new model in 2024. The current iPhone SE, released in 2022, has now been on the market for over two years, and those hoping for an upgrade will need to exercise patience until 2025. But there’s light at the end of the tunnel: reports from trusted sources, such as Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, indicate that Apple is planning to launch the iPhone SE 4 in early 2025.

So, what makes this potential release worth the wait? The iPhone SE 4 is shaping up to be more than just a slight refresh—it could represent a substantial upgrade from the previous iteration.

Redesigned for the Modern Age

If the iPhone SE had a style, it would be retro-cool, but some might say it’s starting to look a little too “vintage.” The iPhone SE (2022) clings to the design language of the iPhone 8, sporting chunky bezels and a physical home button, which feels increasingly out of place in a world of edge-to-edge displays.

The iPhone SE 4 is expected to abandon this dated look in favor of a more modern design, akin to the iPhone 14. Rumors suggest it will feature a 6.1-inch display with much smaller bezels, finally moving away from the 4.7-inch LCD screen. However, unlike Apple’s flagship devices, the SE 4 may not adopt the Dynamic Island and will instead likely stick with the Face ID notch, which still represents a big step forward.

The A18 Chipset

One of the most appealing aspects of the iPhone SE series is its use of flagship-level chipsets in a more affordable package. If Apple follows its usual pattern, the iPhone SE 4 could be powered by the A18 chip, the same one found in the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus. This chipset is a game-changer, offering lightning-fast performance and improved power efficiency.

For budget-conscious buyers, this would mean access to performance levels typically reserved for Apple’s top-tier models, but at a fraction of the cost. The A18 has also shown significant gains in battery efficiency, which could address one of the most common complaints about the current iPhone SE—its relatively short battery life.

Goodbye LCD, Hello OLED

One of the most exciting changes rumored for the iPhone SE 4 is the move to an OLED display. The iPhone SE has been one of the last holdouts for LCD technology in Apple’s lineup, but with a potential OLED upgrade, the SE 4 will be in line with the rest of the iPhone family. This change should lead to better contrast, richer colors, and deeper blacks—ultimately making the screen experience much more premium.

However, it’s important to manage expectations. While the display quality might improve, a high refresh rate is unlikely to make an appearance. Apple tends to reserve ProMotion (120Hz refresh rates) for its Pro models.

Apple Intelligence

Apple Intelligence—Apple’s latest suite of AI-powered features—was officially introduced with the iPhone 16 lineup, and the iPhone SE 4 is expected to benefit from it. While AI integration into budget devices isn’t entirely new (Google’s Pixel series has been leading the charge in this area), seeing it in the SE would make it a competitive offering at its price point.

These AI-driven features promise to enhance user experience in meaningful ways, from photography improvements to more intuitive phone interactions. Apple Intelligence may not be a game-changer for everyone, but it certainly adds value to a budget-friendly phone.

A Camera Worth Getting Excited About

While the iPhone SE 4 likely won’t introduce a dual-lens camera system, an upgraded sensor could still be on the cards. The current model uses a 12MP rear camera, but Apple has a history of upgrading camera performance alongside new chipsets. With the SE 4 expected to feature the A18, there’s a good chance that Apple could pair it with a more modern sensor to keep up with the times.

Rumors about camera upgrades are a bit vague, but Apple has a tendency to improve camera technology even on its budget models, which could mean crisper, more detailed shots with the new SE.

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