With the iPhone SE 4 reportedly on the way in early 2025, the question on everyone's mind is whether it's finally time to upgrade from the current iPhone SE. The answer isn't simply a yes or no. It's about the numerous improvements and advancements that this next-generation SE brings. Here, we outline everything you need to consider as you weigh up whether to stick with your current iPhone SE or take the leap to the new model. The iPhone SE 4 promises to bring a lot to the table, and in this detailed analysis, we break down its key features and why it might just be the perfect upgrade.
iPhone SE 4 Release Date and the Upgrade Cycle
The rumored iPhone SE 4 release in early 2025 comes at a crucial moment. The current iPhone SE launched in 2022, which means that by the time the SE 4 hits the shelves, it will be about three years since the last model. Three years is often considered the ideal timeframe for upgrading, especially for users experiencing slower performance and outdated features. It’s a natural upgrade cycle—long enough for a leap in innovation, but not too long that the current hardware becomes cumbersome.
Holding on to the older SE model, users are starting to feel the lag compared to newer devices. The outdated design of the SE 2022—featuring chunky bezels and a physical home button—feels somewhat antiquated when we look at the clean lines of recent flagship phones like the iPhone 14. The iPhone SE 4 will reportedly adopt a design similar to the iPhone 14, meaning an edge-to-edge display, minimal bezels, and potentially even the Dynamic Island. This fresh design is likely to be a welcome update for users tired of the older aesthetic.
A Modern Design for a Modern User
Design upgrades are not just about aesthetics—they significantly enhance the user experience. The current SE looks like a phone from a bygone era, with its similarities to the iPhone 8 design. The iPhone SE 4 is expected to make the jump to a larger screen size, possibly up to a 6.1-inch display, with rumors hinting at a 6.7-inch version for a potential iPhone SE Plus model. A larger display means more real estate for viewing content, better productivity, and, of course, a more immersive experience when using apps and streaming media.
The move to a larger screen also means saying goodbye to the chunky bezels that have characterized the SE model up until now. These bezels may have been functional in their time, but in the age of Dynamic Islands and minimal bezels, they're starting to feel clunky. Upgrading to the SE 4 means stepping into a new era of usability, one where the entire front of your phone is dedicated to the display.
Under the Hood: The A18 Bionic Chipset
If there’s one reason above all others to upgrade to the iPhone SE 4, it’s what’s inside. Apple’s SE lineup has always leveraged its A-series chips to deliver a powerful punch at a lower cost, and it appears that the iPhone SE 4 will continue this tradition. The latest rumors suggest the iPhone SE 4 will run on the A18 Bionic chipset, the same processor found in the iPhone 16 series. This means significant improvements over the A15 chip currently in the SE 2022, including better energy efficiency, faster processing speeds, and improved overall performance.
The A18 chip puts the iPhone SE 4 miles ahead of other budget-friendly smartphones on the market. With advanced machine learning capabilities and better integration with iOS 18 features, this chipset will ensure that the iPhone SE 4 keeps up with your daily tasks for years to come. Multitasking, gaming, and streaming all feel effortless with the power of the A18.
And let’s not forget the value proposition here. The iPhone SE 4 will offer flagship-level performance for a fraction of the cost—expected to stay below $500. That's hundreds of dollars less than the entry-level iPhone 16. The A18's impressive benchmarks against its competitors, such as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, make it a no-brainer for performance-conscious users.
Enhanced Battery Life and Efficiency
One of the significant shortcomings of the iPhone SE 2022 is its battery life. Due to its compact size and older chipset, it simply doesn't measure up to most mid-tier and flagship phones today. However, with the A18 chipset, the SE 4 is expected to significantly improve in terms of power management. The A18 is not only more powerful but also much more energy-efficient.
The larger form factor of the iPhone SE 4 and the rumored SE Plus means more space for a bigger battery. Combine that with the efficiency of the A18 and you've got a recipe for longer-lasting battery performance. You can expect to get a day’s worth of moderate use without running out of juice—a big leap from the SE 2022, which often falls behind in this regard.
The Addition of Apple Intelligence
With the iPhone SE 4, users will also get access to Apple Intelligence features, a major addition that Apple has integrated into its most recent models. Apple Intelligence is Apple’s way of incorporating artificial intelligence directly into iOS, allowing for on-device learning and a more personalized user experience. This means better suggestions, improved photo management, and even smarter Siri responses.
The Apple Intelligence features will be particularly helpful for users interested in getting more done on their phone, without having to navigate through countless menus. With on-device learning, your phone learns your habits, understands your preferences, and provides recommendations tailored to you. These features will undoubtedly continue to evolve, meaning the SE 4 could actually improve over time as Apple rolls out new updates.
Improved Camera Capabilities
Camera upgrades are another area where the iPhone SE 4 is rumored to excel. The current iPhone SE, while capable, certainly doesn’t match up to the imaging prowess of newer models like the iPhone 14 or iPhone 16. However, with the anticipated upgrades to the SE 4's cameras, including possibly better lenses and enhanced computational photography powered by the A18, it is expected to be more competitive.
Computational photography is where Apple has been focusing its camera advancements in recent years, and it’s likely that we’ll see features like Smart HDR and improved Night Mode trickle down to the SE 4. This will mean better quality photos in all lighting conditions, sharper details, and more vibrant colors. For users who want an affordable phone but still expect to capture great moments, this is a compelling reason to upgrade.
The Best iPhone SE Yet: Should You Upgrade?
Upgrading to a new phone is always a tough decision, but with the iPhone SE 4, the reasons to make the move seem pretty compelling. Here’s a breakdown of why we think this is the best iPhone SE yet:
-
Performance: The A18 chipset brings a massive leap in power, putting the SE 4 on par with recent flagship models.
-
Battery Life: Better efficiency and more space for a larger battery make it likely that the SE 4 will outlast its predecessor.
-
Apple Intelligence: The addition of AI features will make this phone smarter and more adaptable to your needs.
-
Modern Design: A larger, bezel-free display means the SE finally looks like a modern phone.
-
Enhanced Camera: Improved sensors and better computational photography make for an overall better imaging experience.
The iPhone SE 4 isn’t just a minor bump over the iPhone SE 2022—it’s a significant overhaul that brings Apple’s budget lineup more in line with the company’s flagship offerings. While the current SE model still has its charm, especially for users who prefer Touch ID, the future-proofing that comes with the SE 4 makes it worth serious consideration.
Ultimately, if you are using the iPhone SE 2022 and feel that it’s starting to show its age, or if you’ve always wanted some of the newer iPhone features without paying flagship prices, the iPhone SE 4 might just be the upgrade for you. With a modern design, an advanced A18 chipset, improved battery life, and the added benefit of Apple Intelligence, it feels like a worthy successor to the current SE.
For anyone still on the fence, we’d recommend waiting for Apple’s official unveiling, but from what we know so far, the iPhone SE 4 looks like it’s going to be a major step up.
No comments yet