The Latest iPhone SE 4 Leak Shows Off Its Rumored Redesign Next to the iPhone 16: What to Expect from Apple’s Next Budget Phone
The iPhone SE has long been Apple’s entry-level offering, providing users with the latest iPhone performance at a more affordable price point. With the much-anticipated release of the iPhone SE 4 just around the corner, new leaks are painting a clearer picture of what Apple fans can expect. A fresh batch of unofficial images has emerged, showing off the iPhone SE 4’s rumored redesign, with a comparison to the iPhone 16. As the leaks continue to pour in, we’re getting a closer look at the potential features and design changes that could set the iPhone SE 4 apart from its predecessors.
These new leaks, which come on the heels of a hands-on video that surfaced recently, have been shared by well-known tipster Majin Bu. While the authenticity of the device shown in these images remains unclear — it could either be a working prototype or a dummy unit based on supply chain schematics — they offer plenty of hints about the SE 4’s potential design and size. Let’s dive into these details and explore the exciting changes expected with this new iteration of Apple’s budget iPhone.
A Familiar Size: iPhone SE 4 Compared to the iPhone 16
One of the most significant aspects of this new leak is the side-by-side comparison of the iPhone SE 4 and the iPhone 16. The iPhone 16, which officially launched in September, measures 147.6mm in height, 71.6mm in width, and 7.8mm in thickness. From the leaked images, it’s clear that the iPhone SE 4 will be quite similar in size, though slightly smaller.
Based on previous leaks, the iPhone SE 4 is expected to measure around 144-145mm in height, 69-70mm in width, and 7-8mm in thickness. These minor differences in size are negligible in everyday use, but it’s clear that the SE 4 is going to be a compact, lightweight device that still manages to pack in a modern design and powerful performance.
The End of Touch ID? The Shift to Face ID
Perhaps the most significant change in the iPhone SE 4 is its shift away from the physical Home Button and Touch ID. This marks the first time that the SE lineup will forgo the iconic Home Button, moving to a more modern design similar to the iPhone 14.
In previous iterations of the iPhone SE, the design closely followed the iPhone 8 with its Touch ID button embedded in the front. However, as seen in these latest leaks, Apple is set to adopt a more contemporary design for the SE 4. This means thinner bezels around the screen and the introduction of Face ID, which has become the standard for unlocking Apple’s more premium devices. The transition to Face ID is a major shift for the SE line, bringing it closer in line with flagship models while still maintaining the affordable price point that defines the SE series.
With this change, users will now be able to unlock their devices using facial recognition, just as they do on the iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and iPhone 16. The addition of Face ID is likely to be a welcome upgrade, as it will provide a smoother and more secure user experience. Notably, this design shift will likely also contribute to the reduction in bezels, giving the iPhone SE 4 a sleeker, more modern appearance.
A Performance Boost: A18 Chipset and 8GB RAM
While the exterior of the iPhone SE 4 is being redesigned, it’s the internal upgrades that could truly make this model shine. According to the latest rumors, the iPhone SE 4 is expected to be powered by Apple’s A18 chipset, which would bring it up to speed with Apple’s most recent flagship devices, including the iPhone 16.
The A18 chipset, if included in the SE 4, would provide a significant performance boost over previous models. The SE 3, for instance, runs on the A15 Bionic chip, which is still a powerful processor, but the A18 would offer even better performance, ensuring that the iPhone SE 4 can handle demanding tasks, such as gaming, video editing, and multitasking, with ease.
In addition to the A18, the SE 4 is rumored to come with 8GB of RAM, a major increase from the 4GB of RAM found in the iPhone SE 3. This increase in RAM will further enhance the phone’s multitasking capabilities, allowing for smoother app switching and a more responsive overall experience. With this combination of the A18 chipset and 8GB of RAM, the iPhone SE 4 will be a serious powerhouse, providing users with top-tier performance at a more affordable price.
Will the iPhone SE 4 Support Apple Intelligence?
One of the most exciting aspects of the iPhone SE 4’s rumored upgrades is the potential for Apple Intelligence integration. Apple has been steadily building out its suite of AI-powered features, and the iPhone SE 4 could be one of the first affordable models to fully embrace Apple’s intelligent technologies.
Apple Intelligence includes a variety of advanced features, such as ChatGPT-like integration with Siri, enhanced image recognition tools, and smarter notification management. The combination of the A18 chipset and 8GB of RAM would make the iPhone SE 4 more than capable of running these AI-driven features, which could significantly enhance the overall user experience. Whether it’s smarter Siri responses, more accurate image recognition, or even personalized app suggestions, the iPhone SE 4 could become an impressive device for users looking to take advantage of Apple’s next-gen AI capabilities.
Design Inspiration: iPhone 14 Looks Meet iPhone 16 Performance
iPhone SE 4 and iPhone 16 in comparison pic.twitter.com/tw3LiuFopG
— Majin Bu (@MajinBuOfficial) January 27, 2025
As mentioned earlier, the design of the iPhone SE 4 is expected to be heavily inspired by the iPhone 14. This means we can expect a flat-edged design with a larger, edge-to-edge display, similar to the iPhone 14’s sleek look. The iPhone SE 4 will likely sport a 6.1-inch LCD display, which provides a bright and clear screen while keeping costs lower than OLED displays found on premium models like the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 16.
In terms of aesthetics, the iPhone SE 4 will likely feature a modern, clean design with minimal bezels, making it a visually appealing option for those who want a modern iPhone without the premium price tag. The camera system will also be upgraded, possibly adopting the single-lens rear camera seen in the iPhone 14, which has received praise for its impressive photography capabilities.
On the inside, the iPhone SE 4 will sport a range of internal improvements that align it with the iPhone 16, including the A18 chip, 8GB of RAM, and the latest version of iOS. The inclusion of Face ID also shows that Apple is pushing for a more modern, secure experience, something that has become standard on flagship devices. Despite these upgrades, Apple is expected to keep the iPhone SE 4 priced competitively, ensuring that it remains an attractive option for customers looking for an affordable iPhone.
Pricing and Availability: What to Expect?
As with previous iterations, the iPhone SE 4 is expected to be priced lower than the iPhone 16 and other flagship models. Based on the previous models in the SE lineup, the SE 4 could start at around $399 for the base model, which would include 64GB of storage. This pricing would make the SE 4 an excellent option for customers who want the performance of an iPhone 16 but don’t want to pay the premium price.
While Apple has yet to confirm an official release date, rumors suggest that the iPhone SE 4 could launch as early as March 2024. If these rumors hold true, it would make sense for Apple to unveil the SE 4 alongside other new product announcements in early spring. As with previous releases, the SE 4 will likely be available for pre-order shortly after the official announcement, with availability in stores a few weeks later.
Conclusion: A Strong Contender in the Budget iPhone Market
The iPhone SE 4 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting budget-friendly iPhones Apple has ever released. With a redesign that borrows from the iPhone 14, a performance boost with the A18 chip and 8GB of RAM, and the potential for Apple Intelligence integration, the SE 4 has the potential to be a game-changer in the affordable smartphone market. Whether you’re upgrading from an older iPhone or looking for an entry-level device with flagship-level performance, the iPhone SE 4 is definitely worth keeping an eye on.
As the leaks continue to flood in, it’s clear that the iPhone SE 4 is shaping up to be a standout device in Apple’s lineup. Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the official announcement.