iPhone SE 4 vs iPhone 16: Here is how Apple will make its new SE affordable

Apple is likely to launch the new iPhone SE 4 in early 2025 offering a budget-friendly option with features from the premium iPhone 16 series.

In Short

• The iPhone SE 4 is expected to feature a 6.1-inch OLED display
• iPhone SE 4 is also likely to be powered by A18 chip
• The iPhone SE 4 is likely to feature a 48 megapixel camera

The iPhone 16 series is currently Apple’s latest and most powerful iPhone. However, starting at a price of Rs 79,900 in India, it falls into the premium range and is over budget for many buyers. This is where Apple’s affordable iPhone SE series comes into the picture. The iPhone SE range offers the iOS experience on a budget. Right now, the 2022-launched iPhone SE 3 is the most affordable iPhone. But Apple is expected to launch the next-generation iPhone SE soon, likely in early 2025.

While Apple has not yet revealed anything about the new iPhone SE 4, rumours are already circulating on the internet, giving us a hint of what to expect. Let’s take a quick look at what the iPhone 16 offers and how Apple might tone down its latest features to make the iPhone SE 4 more affordable.

iPhone 16 vs iPhone SE 4: Display

The iPhone 16 features a 6.1-inch OLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate and a maximum brightness of 2000 nits, providing a sharp and clear viewing experience. The display is complemented by Face ID and Apple's Dynamic Island, which enhances navigation. Built with an aluminium frame, the iPhone 16 is available in a variety of colours, including ultramarine, teal, pink, white, and black.

On the other hand, the affordable iPhone SE 4 is expected to launch with a 6.1-inch OLED display, a significant upgrade from the LCD screens of previous SE models. While it retains the 60Hz refresh rate, the switch to OLED will improve image quality, offering better contrast and darker blacks. The design is expected to be more modern, with thinner bezels and Face ID replacing the traditional Touch ID fingerprint sensor.

iPhone 16 vs iPhone SE 4: Processor

The iPhone 16 is powered by the A18 chip, based on second-generation 3nm technology, offering up to 30 per cent faster processing and 17 per cent more memory bandwidth than previous models. With 8GB of RAM, it can handle demanding applications like gaming and video editing with ease.

Like the iPhone 16, the SE 4 is rumoured to be powered by the A18 chip, paired with 8GB of RAM, ensuring strong performance for daily tasks. The new chipset will enable smooth multitasking, gaming, and resource-intensive app usage.

iPhone 16 vs iPhone SE 4: Camera

In terms of the camera, the iPhone 16 features a 48 megapixel main camera with 4K60 Dolby Vision video recording. The phone includes a 2x telephoto zoom, using the middle 12 megapixel of the sensor for more detailed photos. It also supports low-light photography thanks to its f/1.6 aperture. Apple has added camera control features like quick-access buttons and advanced touch gestures to enhance the shooting experience.

The SE 4 is likely to feature a single 48 megapixel camera, which will be an upgrade from the 12 megapixel camera of the iPhone SE 3. However, unlike the iPhone 16, the iPhone SE 4 will not have telephoto zoom, but it will still be a significant improvement over previous SE models, likely supporting computational photography for better photo quality.

iPhone 16 vs iPhone SE 4: Battery

The iPhone 16 comes with a 3,561mAh battery, while the affordable iPhone SE 4 is rumoured to feature a 3,279mAh battery. Combined with the A18 chip and OLED display, the SE 4 should offer efficient power usage for extended battery life throughout the day.

Apple Intelligence

Apple is releasing this Apple Intelligence,to iPhone 16 with iOS 18.1 update. The AI suit will help users with tasks like email summaries, notification prioritisation, and search functions. This feature is aimed at enhancing productivity by helping users complete routine tasks more efficiently. The iPhone SE 4 is also expected to support Apple’s AI suite.