The iPhone SE 4 is expected in early spring 2025 and is going to be a significant leap forward in Apple’s budget lineup, combining features from its flagship models with an affordable price point.

Here’s a comparison between the iPhone SE 4, its predecessor (iPhone SE 3), and Apple’s latest flagship iPhone 16, based on currently rumored and reported details.

Design and Display

iPhone SE 4:

• Modern edge-to-edge OLED display with no Home Button.
• Face ID for authentication, replacing Touch ID.
• A notch similar to flagship iPhones.
• Expected screen size of 6.1 inches, matching the iPhone 16 base model.

iPhone SE 3:

• Traditional LCD Retina display with large bezels.
• Home Button with Touch ID.
• Smaller 4.7-inch display, limiting content viewing and modern app design.

iPhone 16:

• ProMotion OLED display with dynamic refresh rates up to 120Hz.
• Thinner bezels and the Dynamic Island on non-Pro models.
• Advanced Ceramic Shield for durability.

Verdict: The iPhone SE 4 is a massive upgrade over the SE 3, adopting a modern design and OLED technology. However, it lacks premium features like ProMotion and the Dynamic Island found in the iPhone 16.

Performance Comparison

iPhone SE 4:

• Powered by the A18 chip, the same processor used in the iPhone 16.
• Features 8GB of RAM, allowing for improved multitasking and longevity.
• Expected to support Apple Intelligence features like on-device AI and advanced Siri capabilities.

iPhone SE 3:

• Uses the A15 Bionic chip, now slightly dated but still capable for most users.
• 4GB of RAM, limiting multitasking compared to the SE 4.

iPhone 16:

• Also uses the A18 chip, but higher-tier Pro models have additional GPU cores.
• Pro models feature 16GB of RAM, further future-proofing performance.

Verdict: The iPhone SE 4 closes the gap with the flagship models by sharing the same A18 chip, making it a standout performer in the budget segment. However, Pro models in the iPhone 16 lineup will still have a performance edge.

Camera Comarison

iPhone SE 4:

• Rumored 48MP rear camera, matching the iPhone 16.
• Improved computational photography with the A18 chip.
• Likely lacks advanced features like telephoto zoom or LiDAR available on Pro models.

iPhone SE 3:

• Single 12MP rear camera with basic computational features.
• Struggles in low-light scenarios compared to newer models.

iPhone 16:

• Dual-camera setup with a 48MP main sensor and an ultra-wide lens.
• Pro models add a telephoto lens and LiDAR scanner for AR and enhanced photography.

Verdict: The SE 4 brings a significant camera upgrade, aligning it with the iPhone 16 base model, but it still lacks the versatility of Pro models.

Battery and Charging Comparison

iPhone SE 4:

• Expected to feature better battery life due to the efficient A18 chip and OLED display.
• Finally adopts the USB-C port, in line with recent Apple updates.
• Supports MagSafe and fast charging.

iPhone SE 3:

• Lightning port, with slower charging options.
• Smaller battery capacity due to the compact design.

iPhone 16:

• Larger battery sizes and improved efficiency, especially in Pro models.
• USB-C, MagSafe, and faster charging capabilities.

Verdict: The SE 4 improves significantly over the SE 3 in terms of battery and charging but still falls behind flagship devices.

Price Comparison

iPhone SE 4:

• Expected to start around $499, slightly higher than the SE 3 but far below flagship prices.

iPhone SE 3:

• Starts at $429, making it the most affordable option but with dated features.

iPhone 16:

• Starts at $799, with Pro models exceeding $1,000.

Verdict: The SE 4 provides excellent value, bringing flagship features at nearly half the price of the iPhone 16.

Final Comparison Table

Feature	iPhone SE 4	iPhone SE 3	iPhone 16
Design	Modern, edge-to-edge OLED	Dated, LCD with bezels	Premium OLED, Dynamic Island
Processor	A18	A15	A18 (Pro models with extras)
Camera	48MP	12MP	48MP + Ultra-Wide
Battery	Improved, USB-C	Smaller, Lightning port	Largest, USB-C, MagSafe
Price	~$499	$429	$799+

Conclusion

The iPhone SE 4 bridges the gap between affordability and performance, offering flagship-level internals and a modern design at a fraction of the price. While it may lack some premium features from the iPhone 16, it’s an excellent option for those looking for a capable and future-proof iPhone without splurging. If you’re currently using an older SE model or looking to switch to iOS, the iPhone SE 4 is shaping up to be the perfect choice.