iPhone SE 4 vs iPhone SE 3: 5 big upgrades we are expecting

Apple’s iPhone SE lineup has always been one of the most popular from the company, offering a budget-friendly entry point into the iOS ecosystem. Now, with the rumoured iPhone SE 4 on the horizon, we expect several significant updates to the fourth-generation iPhone SE, given that it is coming almost two years after the last model. The previous iPhone SE was launched in 2022, and this time, we expect the iPhone SE 4 in early 2025. According to reports, the upcoming iPhone SE will be the most compelling model yet, featuring a bigger display, a better camera, and the power of AI with Apple Intelligence.
While Apple has not yet confirmed any details or specifications, based on rumours and speculation, we already have a fair idea of what to expect with the iPhone SE 4. Based on these rumours, here are five big upgrades that are expected to make the iPhone SE 4 a significant improvement over the current iPhone SE 3.
1. Switch from small LCD to large OLED: One of the most noticeable changes expected in the iPhone SE 4 is the upgrade to a larger 6.1-inch OLED display. The current iPhone SE 3 features a 4.7-inch LCD panel with a 60Hz refresh rate, but Apple might switch to a bigger, better display. The shift to OLED is a significant upgrade, providing users with richer colours, deeper blacks, and higher contrast, resulting in a more immersive viewing experience.
2. Face ID for more secure authentication: Another major upgrade expected in the iPhone SE 4 is the shift from Touch ID to Face ID. While the current iPhone SE 3 still uses Touch ID integrated into the home button, the iPhone SE 4 is rumoured to adopt Face ID, marking a move toward a more modern design with minimal bezels. Just like the premium iPhone models, Face ID in the iPhone SE will offer enhanced security and convenience, allowing users to unlock their phone or authenticate payments with just a glance.
3. A18 Chip: Under the hood, the iPhone SE 4 is expected to be powered by the A18 chip, a notable upgrade from the A15 Bionic chip found in the iPhone SE 3. The A18 chip, built to support Apple’s latest advancements in AI, machine learning, and graphics performance, promises smoother multitasking, faster app launches, and improved gaming performance. Additionally, Apple is likely to pair the A18 chip in the iPhone SE 4 with up to 8GB of RAM, making the SE 4 faster and more efficient in handling demanding tasks like AI-driven applications.
4. 48-Megapixel Camera: The iPhone SE 3 comes with a 12-megapixel single rear camera, which is competent but feels far behind the camera technology seen in more expensive iPhones. The iPhone SE 4, however, is expected to feature a 48-megapixel main camera. This jump in resolution, combined with computational photography features from Apple’s flagship devices, will likely bring better low-light performance, improved detail, and sharper images, even in challenging conditions.
5. Bigger battery: Battery life has always been a crucial factor for iPhone SE users, and the iPhone SE 4 is expected to deliver a significant upgrade in this department. Borrowing the 3,279mAh battery from the iPhone 14, the upcoming iPhone SE is rumoured to take a big step up from the 2,018mAh battery in the iPhone SE 3.
In addition to these five major upgrades, the iPhone SE 4 is expected to adopt an iPhone 14-like design, which includes minimal bezels, a more streamlined appearance, and possibly an aluminium and glass body. Additionally, with the EU mandating USB-C ports, the iPhone SE 4 could switch from Lightning to USB-C, making it compatible with a wider range of accessories.
The upcoming iPhone SE 4 is also expected to get the Action Button, which Apple introduced with the iPhone 15 Pro models and recently included in the latest iPhone 16 series. This button could offer customisable quick access to features like the camera, flashlight, or specific apps, bringing a Pro-level feature to the SE line.
As for pricing, the iPhone SE 3 launched at $429, and in India, it was available at a price of Rs 43,900. It remains to be seen how Apple will price the SE 4, given its significant upgrades.