Apple is likely to introduce its next iPhone––the iPhone SE 4 that could also be called iPhone 16E—on February 19. Compared to its predecessor, the iPhone SE 3, the iPhone SE 4 is expected to feature significant design and hardware upgrades, making it as capable as the mainstream iPhone 16.
If you are an iPhone SE 3 user looking forward to the upcoming iPhone SE 4, here are five new features and capabilities that will make it a worthy upgrade in 2025:
Get ready to meet the newest member of the family.
Wednesday, February 19. #AppleLaunch pic.twitter.com/0ML0NfMedu
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) February 13, 2025
Might look more like an iPhone 14 than the iPhone SE 3
The iPhone SE 4 could look as modern as the iPhone 14, with subtle changes, according to leaked renders by case maker Spigen. It will feature a metal-glass sandwich design, very similar to the iPhone 14, but with a single camera. Like all iPhones launched since 2023, the iPhone SE 4 will also feature a USB-C port. Similar to the iPhone 16, the iPhone SE 4 will include an action button instead of a mute switch. Compared to the iPhone SE 3, the iPhone SE 4 is likely to offer better ingress protection with an IP68 rating.
A single but capable 48 MP camera
The iPhone SE 4 is expected to pack a single 48 MP camera on the rear, capable of recording up to 4K videos in Dolby Vision format, along with support for 2x in-sensor zoom. For selfies, the iPhone SE 4 is expected to feature a 12 MP sensor. As part of the selfie camera upgrade, the iPhone SE 4 is likely to include additional sensors to enable Face ID, which will be an upgrade over the Touch ID on the iPhone SE 3.
A bigger and better display in every possible way
While some may prefer the iPhone SE 3 for its compact 4.7-inch screen, in 2025, the thick bezels at the top and bottom of the display feel outdated. In contrast, the iPhone SE 4 is expected to offer a 6.1-inch OLED screen with FHD resolution, similar in quality to the iPhone 14’s display, featuring a compact notch at the top. Although it may not look as modern as the iPhone 15/16 with Dynamic Island, it will still be a massive visual and functional improvement over the iPhone SE 3. Overall, the iPhone SE 4 will look and feel more like a mainstream smartphone, making it a significant design upgrade.
Are you excited for iPhone SE 4? pic.twitter.com/s5dFTWdxw9
— Majin Bu (@MajinBuOfficial) February 12, 2025
A18 chip for AAA gaming
The iPhone SE 4 is reportedly powered by Apple’s latest 3nm A18 chip, the same chip that powers the iPhone 16. This will make the iPhone SE 4 as capable as Apple’s current mainstream iPhone, enabling on-device AI experiences. It is also expected to include 8 GB of RAM, allowing for fast and smooth multitasking. Given the chip’s power, the SE 4 might support AAA gaming, although Apple could restrict this feature to more expensive iPhones. The powerful chipset will also ensure that the iPhone SE 4 remains smooth and efficient for years to come.
To ship with Apple Intelligence
Powered by the A18 chip, the iPhone SE 4 is expected to ship with iOS 18.3, featuring Apple Intelligence. While the iPhone SE 3 will also run iOS 18.3, it will miss out on many of the latest features that the iPhone SE 4 will support. The iPhone SE 4 will receive at least four to five years of major OS updates, while the iPhone SE 3 may only get two more years of software support. However, despite these upgrades, the iPhone SE 4—like the iPhone SE 3—might still offer just 64 GB of internal storage in the base variant.
As per these five features, the iPhone SE 4 is shaping up to be a major upgrade over the iPhone SE 3, bringing a modern design, a high-resolution camera, a larger OLED display, and a powerful A18 chip. With the addition of Face ID, USB-C, and Apple Intelligence, it will feel more in line with Apple’s flagship devices while still maintaining the affordability of the SE lineup.
