SE Showdown

Is the iPhone SE 4 about to shake up the budget iPhone game? Rumors are swirling, and if you're an Apple fan on a budget, you're probably wondering what the next iteration of the iPhone SE will bring. With reports suggesting a larger display, a bigger battery, and other juicy upgrades, it’s time to dive into what we know so far and how it stacks up against the iPhone SE 3.

First things first, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the iPhone SE 4 won’t be making an appearance at Apple’s upcoming 'Glowtime' event. So, if you were hoping for a surprise reveal, you might want to dial down those expectations. But don’t worry, there’s still plenty to get excited about, especially if the rumors are true.

Display: Bigger and Better?

The iPhone SE 3 has a 4.7-inch Retina HD display, which, let’s be real, feels a bit cramped in 2023. Rumor has it that the iPhone SE 4 will sport a much larger display, potentially around 6.1 inches. That’s a pretty significant jump! If you’ve been squinting at your SE 3, this could be the upgrade you’ve been waiting for.

But it’s not just about size. The SE 4 is also expected to feature a more modern design, possibly ditching the home button in favor of Face ID. This would bring the SE line closer to the sleek, bezel-less look of the iPhone 14, making it feel less like a 'budget' phone and more like a flagship.

Battery Life: More Juice, Please!

One of the biggest complaints about the iPhone SE 3 is its battery life. With a 2,018mAh battery, it’s not exactly built for power users. The iPhone SE 4 is rumored to come with a larger battery, which could mean more screen time, more gaming, and fewer frantic searches for your charger. If you’re someone who’s constantly on the go, this could be a game-changer.

Of course, a bigger battery usually means a heavier phone, but if you’re already used to carrying a power bank around, this might be a welcome trade-off.

Performance: A15 vs A16 Chip

Now, let’s talk speed. The iPhone SE 3 is powered by the A15 Bionic chip, which is no slouch. It’s the same chip found in the iPhone 13, so you’re getting flagship-level performance in a budget package. But the iPhone SE 4 is expected to take things up a notch with the A16 Bionic chip, the same one found in the iPhone 14 Pro.

What does this mean for you? Faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and better overall performance. If you’re someone who likes to push your phone to its limits with gaming or video editing, the SE 4 might be worth the wait.

Camera: Same Old, Same Old?

Here’s where things get a little murky. The iPhone SE 3 has a single 12MP rear camera, and while it’s decent, it’s not going to blow your mind. There’s been no solid information about any major camera upgrades for the SE 4, so it’s possible that Apple might stick with the same setup.

That said, even if the hardware stays the same, the A16 chip could bring improvements in computational photography, meaning better low-light performance and sharper images overall. So, while we might not see a dual-camera system, the SE 4 could still take better photos than its predecessor.

Price: The Million-Dollar Question (Not Literally)

Alright, let’s get down to brass tacks. How much is this thing going to cost? The iPhone SE 3 launched at $429, making it one of the most affordable iPhones on the market. There’s no official word yet on the price of the SE 4, but given the rumored upgrades, it wouldn’t be surprising if Apple bumped the price up a bit.

Still, even if the SE 4 comes in at $499, it would still be a steal compared to the flagship iPhones, which can easily run you over $1,000. If you’re looking for a phone that offers great performance without breaking the bank, the SE 4 could be your best bet.

Final Thoughts: Should You Wait?

So, should you hold off on buying the iPhone SE 3 and wait for the SE 4? If you’re someone who values a larger display, better battery life, and faster performance, then yes, it might be worth the wait. But if you’re happy with the current SE 3’s size and performance, there’s no reason to feel FOMO just yet.

Either way, the iPhone SE 4 is shaping up to be a solid upgrade, and we can’t wait to see what Apple has in store. Until then, keep an eye on those rumors!

For more details on the iPhone SE 4 rumors, check out Cnet’s coverage.

Phones