iPhone SE 4: 7 Major Upgrades You Should Know

Apple’s iPhone SE 4 is set to launch soon, the biggest overhaul of its budget-friendly iPhone lineup in years. Here’s a breakdown of the major changes based on leaks and rumors:

1. Modern Design with Larger OLED Display

• Goodbye to the Home Button: The iPhone SE 4 ditches the outdated iPhone 8-era design, adopting a 6.1-inch OLED screen with slimmer bezels and a notch for Face ID, similar to the iPhone 14.
• Premium Build: Features a glass and aluminum body with Ceramic Shield protection for durability.
• Action Button: Replaces the traditional mute switch, allowing customizable shortcuts (e.g., launching apps or activating Focus Mode).

2. Face ID Replaces Touch ID

• End of an Era: The iconic home button and Touch ID are retired after 18 years. Face ID now handles authentication, aligning the SE with modern iPhones.

3. A18 Chip and Apple Intelligence

• Flagship-Level Power: The iPhone SE 4 uses the same A18 chip as the iPhone 16, offering up to 25% faster performance than the A15 in the 2022 SE model.
• AI Features: Supports Apple Intelligence tools like advanced Siri, photo editing, and notification summaries, previously limited to pricier models.

4. Upgraded 48MP Camera

• Better Photos: The single rear camera jumps from 12MP to 48MP, enabling 2x optical-quality zoom and improved low-light performance with Night Mode.
• Front Camera: A 12MP selfie camera with Center Stage for video calls.

5. USB-C and Mag Safe

• Universal Charging: Replaces Lightning with USB-C, complying with EU regulations and enabling faster data transfer.
• Mag Safe Support: Adds compatibility with magnetic accessories like wallets and chargers.

6. Apple’s First 5G Modem

• In-House Technology: The SE 4 debuts Apple’s custom 5G modem, reducing reliance on Qualcomm. However, it only supports Sub-6 GHz bands (not mm Wave).

7. Price Hike and Storage Boost

• Starting at $499:UpfromtheSE3’s$429 price, but double the base storage (128GB vs. 64GB).
• Competitive Edge: Priced against the Google Pixel 8a ($499) and OnePlus 12R, offering better value with Apple’s ecosystem.

Bonus: Battery and Performance

• Longer Battery Life: A larger 3,279mAh battery (vs. 2,018mAh in the SE 3) paired with the efficient A18 chip could deliver up to 12+ hours of use.
• 8GB RAM: Smoother multitasking and future-proofing for iOS updates.

What’s Next?

• Launch Date: Expected as early as this week (February 2025) via a press release, with sales starting in March.
• Name Change: Might be rebranded as iPhone 16E to align with Apple’s main lineup.

Final Verdict

The iPhone SE 4 is no longer just a budget option—it’s a powerhouse with flagship features at half the cost. While the $499 price tag is higher, the upgrades (OLED screen, A18 chip, 48MP camera) make it a game-changer for midrange buyers.