Apple’s biggest iPhone SE 4 : 10 Major Changes You Need to Knowredesign is coming in just a couple of months, and based on the latest leaks and rumors, it’s going to be the best budget iPhone ever, featuring exclusive options that aren’t even available on the new iPhone 16. It’s expected to be so impressive that a significant number of people may switch from their Android phones. Now, let’s dive into the top 10 major changes!
1. Apple’s 5G modem
The iPhone SE 4 has been confirmed by Mark Gurman to be the first iPhone ever with Apple’s own in-house 5G modem, which will include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chips built into a single chip alongside the modem. This will replace Qualcomm’s modem, known as the best in the industry, but Apple’s modem brings key advantages. It is expected to be more secure and, more importantly, massively more efficient due to Apple’s cutting-edge transistor technology.
Apple’s in-house modem is specifically designed and tuned for their products, which is why Apple’s chips are the best in the world—they are optimized for both the hardware and software. As a result, the power usage of the modem could drop by 50% compared to the current collective power usage of cellular modems, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth chips, since Apple is integrating them all into one chip.
2. iPhone SE4 will switch to a USB-C port
Now, getting into the second major change, the new iPhone SE4 will switch to a USB-C port, finally ditching Lightning. This is a massive deal because, having used the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the new 16 Pro Max with USB-C, it has quickly become one of my favorite features. You can plug in a wide variety of accessories—docks, hubs, and even SSDs—and everything is supported. USB-C is an amazing port, and seeing it added to the iPhone SE makes the device so much more versatile.
3. Brand-New design
Change number three: The new iPhone SE4 is set to have a brand-new design. Leaked schematics and CAD files from a few months ago revealed a much more beautiful and modern look compared to the current iPhone SE, which many consider unattractive, especially with its square display, home button, and massive bezels. The upcoming design is expected to feature flat sides, giving it a sleek and modern appearance—a huge improvement over the older, outdated design.
4. The iPhone SE4 is finally adopting Face ID
Change number four: the iPhone SE4 is finally adopting Face ID after so many years. This is one of the most convenient features for users, offering the ability to make payments, unlock apps, and secure notes using facial recognition. It’s a big deal because it simplifies everyday tasks, making the phone more intuitive and easier to use. The addition of Face ID not only enhances convenience but also significantly improves the quality of life for users, making the iPhone SE4 a more modern and secure device.
5. A18 chip
Number five, we of course have the A18 chip. Yes, this same chip that we have in the iPhone 16 is apparently going into the budget iPhone SE 4, which is a big deal because people thought you would get an older chip. But it’s getting the A18! The cool thing is that the A18 is almost identical to the A18 Pro in the Pro and Pro Max models, other than just having one less GPU core and some other small differences. This is going to be a big deal because compared to the previous iPhone SE with the A15 chip, the A18 is 41% faster in single-core performance, which will help with everything from web browsing to basically everything you do on your phone, making it feel so much more snappy. In terms of multicore performance, it’s 39% faster, which will aid productivity apps, gaming, and more. And in terms of graphics performance, it’s 37% faster, which, of course, will also help with gaming and other apps.
6. iPhone SE 4 : camera upgrade
Change number six: The iPhone SE 4 is finally getting a massive camera upgrade with the 48-megapixel sensor from the iPhone 15. This is a really big deal because the previous iPhone SE had a 12-megapixel sensor from the iPhone 8, which utilized outdated technology and older versions of Smart HDR. With the new 48-megapixel sensor, users will enjoy a 48-megapixel resolution mode for super-crispy and sharp photos. Not only that, but it also offers the Standard 24MP upgraded photo capture, which is dramatically more detailed than the previous pixel-binned 12-megapixel mode. Additionally, the new sensor includes a true 2x sensor crop mode, allowing for much higher detail in 2x shots compared to simply digitally zooming in.
7. Bigger 6.1-inch display
Change number seven: The new iPhone SE 4 is getting a bigger 6.1-inch edge-to-edge display from the iPhone 14, which is a significant upgrade compared to the current SE’s small 4.7-inch display that features an outdated square design with large bezels. This new display is not only larger but also utilizes OLED technology, providing a much brighter and more vibrant experience than the previous LCD, which was quite dim. This upgrade represents a massive improvement in terms of display feel, look, immersiveness, and overall quality. Such enhancements are especially crucial in attracting Android users to switch over to the iPhone.
8. Huge selfie camera upgrade.
Change number eight: The iPhone SE 4 is also getting a huge selfie camera upgrade. The previous SE featured a 7-megapixel sensor, which delivered subpar quality. However, the new model will include the 12-megapixel sensor from the iPhone 15, significantly enhancing the quality of selfie shots. This upgrade means that selfie photos will be much improved, essentially matching the quality available on the new iPhone 16 Pro Max. This is going to be a really big deal for users who prioritize camera performance.
9. iPhone SE 4 supports Apple Intelligence
Change number nine: Of course, the new iPhone SE 4 supports Apple Intelligence, thanks to its powerful A18 chip. This is going to be incredibly important, especially since the phone is expected to launch in Spring 2025, coinciding with the growing hype around Apple Intelligence and its features. With 8GB of RAM dedicated to on-device AI, users can expect a seamless experience that enhances functionality and usability. This means that the new iPhone SE 4 will come equipped with a variety of advanced features, making it a significant upgrade for anyone looking for the latest technology.
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10. Price and value
Change number ten: We, of course, have the price and value of the new iPhone SE 4, which is immense considering its new design and features. Currently, the iPhone SE is priced at $499, but I anticipate Apple will increase the price to $599 due to the addition of the A18 chip, extra RAM, and the new design featuring Apple Intelligence. This $100 price increase is justified, making it an exceptional value for $600.
conclusion
There are a couple of downsides with the new iPhone SE 4. For example, it still has the notch, which some may find quite unattractive, and there’s only a single camera, though this isn’t a huge issue as not everyone uses an ultra-wide lens. The inclusion of the 2x crop mode with the 48-megapixel sensor helps compensate for this.
Additionally, the SE 4 lacks the camera control button and the action button, but these aren’t critical features, especially for those looking for a budget phone or switching from Android.
The key takeaway is that the new iPhone SE still offers immense value with iOS reliability, a massive app store, Apple’s new modem, industry-leading performance, and Apple Intelligence support, all for an expected price of $600. This combination is likely to drive a significant number of Android users to switch, especially as Apple Intelligence features gain popularity.
