The iPhone SE 4 is Imminent: Full-Screen Design, In-House Chip, and AI Support Is it Worth the Hype?

The iPhone SE 4 is Imminent: Full-Screen Design, In-House Chip, and AI Support Is it Worth the Hype?Rumors of the long-awaited iPhone SE 4 are finally coming to fruition. According to renowned tech journalist Mark Gurman, Apple's next-generation iPhone SE 4 could debut as early as next week (potentially as early as the evening of February 10th, Beijing time), with sales starting in mid-February

The iPhone SE 4 is Imminent: Full-Screen Design, In-House Chip, and AI Support Is it Worth the Hype?

Rumors of the long-awaited iPhone SE 4 are finally coming to fruition. According to renowned tech journalist Mark Gurman, Apple's next-generation iPhone SE 4 could debut as early as next week (potentially as early as the evening of February 10th, Beijing time), with sales starting in mid-February. As a veteran journalist with a long-standing focus on Apple products, Gurman boasts a remarkably high accuracy rate in predicting Apple's hardware and software releases. With less than a week until the potential launch date and no announcement of a spring event from Apple, the iPhone SE 4 will likely be released via press release, possibly accompanied by a short product introduction video.

Full-Screen Design, Saying Goodbye to Touch ID

The iPhone SE 4 will undergo a significant design overhaul. A full-screen display coupled with Face ID will appear on an SE model for the first time, resulting in a design similar to the iPhone 14. This signifies the end of the thick bezels and the Home button design that originated with the iPhone 6, marking the end of the Touch ID era. While fingerprint recognition still has a loyal following, Face ID offers superior convenience and reliability. This design change will undoubtedly enhance the modernity and user experience of the iPhone SE series.

The Debut of Apple's In-House 5G Modem

Another significant highlight of the iPhone SE 4 is the expected debut of Apple's self-designed 5G modem chip. Since acquiring Intel's modem division in 2019, Apple's journey in modem development, despite rumors of a temporary halt, is finally reaching a crucial milestone. The primary goal of Apple's in-house modem is to reduce dependence on Qualcomm. Future iterations may even integrate the modem into the A-series processor for tighter system integration. However, as a first-generation product, its performance may not surpass existing Qualcomm modemspossibly the reason Apple chose the SE line for its debut, allowing for experience and technological reserve accumulation for wider future applications.

Comprehensive Hardware Upgrades, Powerful Performance

The iPhone SE series has always been known for its powerful performance in a compact design, earning it the title of "pocket powerhouse." The SE 4 will continue this tradition with expected significant upgrades:

• A18 Bionic Chip: It's anticipated to feature the same A18 Bionic chip as the iPhone 16, ensuring powerful processing capabilities and a smooth user experience. This will significantly improve the phone's speed and multitasking abilities.

• 8GB RAM: The larger memory capacity will further enhance the phone's efficiency, allowing more apps to run concurrently and reducing lag.

• Apple Intelligence Support: The iPhone SE 4 is poised to be the most affordable Apple device with Apple Intelligence support. While Apple Intelligence isn't yet available in China, the Chinese version is confirmed for release in April, making the localized "Apple Intelligence" launch in China highly probable. Although Apple Intelligence's current capabilities are modest, Apple excels at leveraging software updates to unlock hardware potential. AI functionality on the phone will only improve with future system iterations.

• USB-C Port: Adoption of the popular USB-C port will improve charging speed and data transfer efficiency, and enhance compatibility with other devices.

• 48MP Single Camera: A rear 48MP single camera (potentially the same sensor as the iPhone 16) will improve photo quality and detail capture. However, features like the iPhone 16's dedicated camera button and action button are unlikely to be included (the silent ringer switch will remain).

Price Prediction and Market Competition

The current iPhone SE starts at 3499 in China. Considering the significant upgrades, a price increase for the SE 4 is likely. Industry predictions suggest Apple will keep the price under $500 to compete in the mid-range market against Samsung and Google. Therefore, referencing the iPad mini's pricing, we predict the iPhone SE 4 will start under 3999 in China. Potential government subsidies could further reduce the final price.

In addition to the iPhone SE 4, Apple also plans to release the new PowerBeats Pro 2 wireless earphones on the same day.

Who is the Target User for the iPhone SE 4?

The iPhone SE 4 is worth anticipating for:

• Users who can accept an OLED screen.

• Users who don't require an ultrawide or 5x+ telephoto lens.

• Users with a relatively limited budget.

• Users who need Apple's ecosystem (iOS).

For users meeting these criteria, the iPhone SE 4 is definitely worth considering, offering a more modern design, powerful performance, and potentially the most affordable Apple device with Apple Intelligence. For those planning an upgrade and aiming for several years of use, prioritizing a device with an A17 Pro/A18 chip is wise, and the upcoming iPhone SE 4 could be the best value option currently available.

Conclusion

In summary, the impending release of the iPhone SE 4 injects new energy into Apple's mid-range market. Its full-screen design, in-house chip, and AI support represent significant upgrades in performance and functionality, making it attractive to users seeking value and the Apple ecosystem at a competitive price. Ultimately, whether or not it's worth buying depends on individual needs and budget. What are your expectations for the iPhone SE 4? Share your thoughts in the comments!