Apple's next-generation budget phone, the iPhone SE 4, has had its key specifications leaked, revealing a set of notable improvements expected to bring the device closer to the company’s flagship models. Industry sources anticipate the SE 4 will offer several premium features from recent iPhones, including an OLED display, a larger battery and Apple’s latest chipset—all aimed at appealing to budget-conscious consumers seeking high-quality performance.
The iPhone SE 4 is expected to release between March and April 2025, with supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reporting that Apple will start large-scale production by December 2024. According to Kuo, Apple aims to produce approximately 8.6 million units during the first quarter of the new year. Price leaks suggest the SE 4 may retail between USD 499 and USD 549 in the US, with the India market likely seeing a range between Rs 51,000 and Rs 56,000, marking a slight increase from the iPhone SE 3’s starting price.
Design updates mark a key shift for the iPhone SE 4, which appears to be dropping the dated iPhone 8-style framework for a modern aesthetic resembling the iPhone XR or iPhone 12. Reports suggest a larger 6.06-inch OLED display, replacing the smaller 4.7-inch LCD found on previous SE models. The new model is expected to feature Face ID, forgoing the Touch ID home button, allowing slimmer bezels for a more current design standard in line with Apple’s other recent releases.
Under the hood, the iPhone SE 4 is rumoured to be powered by Apple’s upcoming A18 chipset, similar to the base models of the anticipated iPhone 16 series. The device is expected to offer 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, a substantial jump from the 4GB found in the SE 3. This increase should enhance multitasking and overall performance, aligning the SE with Apple’s improved memory capacity on flagship devices.
Battery life is set for a boost, with the SE 4 reportedly featuring a 3,279mAh battery, a significant upgrade from the SE 3’s 2,018mAh capacity. While the device is likely to maintain 20W charging speeds, it may introduce MagSafe compatibility, adding a new level of convenience for charging. In terms of durability, Apple is expected to equip the SE 4 with USB-C charging, support for Wi-Fi 6 and an IP68 rating, offering protection against dust and water.
In terms of photography the SE 4 will reportedly include a single-lens rear camera with a 48-megapixel sensor, leveraging Apple’s Smart HDR and Night Mode software for improved image quality. Although it lacks the multi-lens setup seen in higher-end models, the camera should cater well to everyday photography. A 12-megapixel front camera is also expected for selfies and video calls.
The iPhone SE 4’s expected upgrades could set a new standard for budget smartphones, particularly as it integrates advanced features like an OLED display, MagSafe charging and Apple’s latest processor. With its projected price increase, the SE 4 may offer a balance between affordability and access to current iPhone capabilities, appealing to users who prioritise performance without committing to flagship pricing.