iPhone SE4: A New SE or a Re-skinned iPhone 14?

iPhone SE4: A New SE or a Re-skinned iPhone 14?It's been two and a half years since the last iPhone SE was released. Now, rumors about the next-generation iPhone SE (the rumored iPhone SE4) are swirling, and some of them have even been confirmed

iPhone SE4: A New SE or a Re-skinned iPhone 14?

It's been two and a half years since the last iPhone SE was released. Now, rumors about the next-generation iPhone SE (the rumored iPhone SE4) are swirling, and some of them have even been confirmed. Recently, a foreign blogger shared a leaked image of an iPhone SE4 protective case. The photo shows that the iPhone SE4 will have a rear camera design similar to the iPhone 8 Plus, but with only one lens. It's rumored that the device will be equipped with the same 48-megapixel main camera as the iPhone 15, supporting only 2x lossless zoom. The single-lens design also means it won't be able to shoot spatial videos. Additionally, it's still unclear whether the iPhone SE4 will retain the mute switch. The leaked image shows a larger cutout above the volume buttons on the iPhone SE4 case, possibly suggesting that Apple will incorporate the "Action Button" design into the iPhone SE4 for inventory purposes.

With confirmed information available, foreign media have also created concept designs of the iPhone SE4. Assuming nothing changes, the new phone will likely be:

In terms of the screen, supply chain sources indicate that Apple will be using BOE as the primary screen supplier for the iPhone SE4, while LG Display will be the secondary supplier. The iPhone SE4 will ditch the traditional LCD screen and switch to an OLED panel, seemingly spelling the end of the "LCD Never Dies" motto. At the same time, the iPhone SE4 will also abandon the classic iPhone 8 look and adopt a "notch" design, introducing Face ID and removing the Home button. The screen size will also increase from 4.7 inches to 6.1 inches.

Beyond the screen upgrade, the iPhone SE4 will also see a major upgrade in its chipset. To better support Apple Intelligence, the iPhone SE4 will be equipped with the A18 chip and 8GB of RAM. Compared to the A15 and A16, the A18 offers a significant performance improvement, and the 8GB RAM support will even allow it to surpass many of its "predecessors", potentially even stealing the spotlight from the iPhone 16.

Another important piece of information about the iPhone SE4 is that Apple plans to equip it with the first self-developed 5G modem, "Centauri". This modem can significantly reduce battery consumption, especially in low-power mode. However, it also has some drawbacks, such as not supporting millimeter wave technology, which will result in signal limitations in certain bands. Additionally, as Apple's first self-developed signal modulator, its performance remains to be seen.

As for the release date, Apple will likely unveil the new iPhone SE during the spring product launch event in March next year. The price is expected to be higher than the $429 of the iPhone SE3 and could reach $499, with the Chinese price possibly reaching 4499 yuan.

Looking at the current information, the iPhone SE4 is more like an iPhone 14 with the performance of an iPhone 16. In terms of appearance, the biggest difference between it and the iPhone 14 is the change from dual-lens to single-lens, as well as the replacement of the Lightning port with a USB-C port. So, will Apple create a separate mold for the SE series? Or are these just smoke screens, and Apple is simply taking the iPhone 14 design and swapping in a new chip? I believe the latter is more likely.

So the question is, with a slightly outdated appearance, top-of-the-line chip, good craftsmanship, and a low price, would you buy it?

Consider Carefully, Make a Rational Choice

While the specs of the iPhone SE4 look tempting, it's still important to think rationally about a few questions:

• Appearance: The design of the iPhone SE4 is not the latest, being similar to the iPhone 14. Will it meet the aesthetic needs of users?

• Lack of Features: The iPhone SE4's single-lens design means it can't shoot spatial videos, which could be a drawback for some users.

• Performance of Apple's Self-developed Modem: While Apple's self-developed "Centauri" modem has the advantage of low power consumption, its performance remains to be verified.

• Price Positioning: The iPhone SE4's price is expected to be higher than the previous generation. Will it exceed the acceptance range of some users?

Ultimately, we should look at the iPhone SE4 objectively. It's a phone with excellent performance and a low price, but also has some shortcomings. Whether or not you choose it ultimately depends on your individual needs and budget.