Apple is about to officially unveil the iPhone SE 4. According to Bloomberg, the new model will be announced next week and could be launched in February. Unlike with the premium models, Apple will probably not hold a big presentation but will announce the new SE model in a simple press release.
Apple's SE series has so far been a cheap alternative to the more expensive iPhones. The iPhone SE 4, however, is going in a new direction. It remains Apple's entry-level model, but has some features that were previously only available on the more expensive iPhones. The new design, the powerful chip and the improved camera could make the iPhone SE 4 more attractive to many users. At the same time, the question is whether the price will remain as low as the previous models.
Design: iPhone 14 instead of iPhone 8
With the iPhone SE 4, Apple is finally saying goodbye to thick edges and the home button. The new model is supposed to look similar to the iPhone 14. This means that the Touch ID sensor is no longer there and Face ID is used instead. The display will grow to 6.1 inches, which is a significant change from the current SE model. There are flat edges, an aluminum housing and a glass back. The classic SE look with thick edges is now a thing of the past. For the first time, Apple is opting for a modern design in the SE series that was previously only found in the more expensive models.
Hardware: A18 chip and more RAM
The iPhone SE 4 will be equipped with the new A18 chip, which will also be used in the upcoming iPhone 16 series. This processor brings a significant increase in performance and better energy efficiency. In addition, the iPhone SE 4 will have 8 GB of RAM. This significantly surpasses previous SE models and offers enough power for all current apps and games. Apple's new "Apple Intelligence" will also be supported on the iPhone SE 4. These are AI-supported functions that Apple will continue to develop in the coming years.
Camera: 48 megapixels instead of 12 megapixels
One of the biggest upgrades concerns the camera. While the current iPhone SE is equipped with a 12-megapixel camera, the new model has a 48-megapixel main camera. Although the iPhone SE 4 will still only have a single lens, the higher resolution should ensure better photos. The camera will deliver significantly better results, especially in poor lighting conditions.
Apple's 5G modem: The first step towards independence
For the first time, Apple will install its own 5G modem in an iPhone. Until now, the company has relied on modems from Qualcomm, but with the iPhone SE 4, Apple is beginning to move away from this supplier. The new modem chip will not yet offer the same performance as the current Qualcomm models, but it is a first important step towards in-house development. For users, this means that the iPhone SE 4 will offer solid 5G connectivity, even if the modem performance is not quite on the level of the more expensive iPhones.
USB-C instead of Lightning
Like the iPhone 15, the iPhone SE 4 will also have a USB-C port. This makes the device EU-compliant and can be used with a variety of accessories. USB-C also enables faster charging times and more flexible use with other devices. The switch from Lightning to USB-C was long awaited and is now a reality in Apple's entry-level model.
Price: Will the iPhone SE remain a cheap iPhone?
The iPhone SE 3 was priced at 529 euros. However, due to the improved features, Apple is expected to raise the price of the new model slightly. According to current estimates, the starting price should remain under 600 euros. This would mean that the iPhone SE 4 would still be the cheapest iPhone. Apple has to find a compromise here in order to remain competitive. The competition from Samsung and Google also offers powerful smartphones in this price range.
The iPhone SE 4 at a glance: Modern design and more performance
The iPhone SE 4 brings many improvements. With the new design, Face ID, the powerful A18 chip and the better camera, it offers significantly more than its predecessor. At the same time, the price is expected to increase slightly. Nevertheless, the SE model remains an attractive choice for anyone looking for a modern iPhone at a comparatively low price. The official announcement is expected next week, according to BloombergThen we will see whether the iPhone SE 4 really meets all expectations. (Image: Apple)
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