The iPhone SE 4, rumored to launch as early as March, holds great promise for those seeking a modern iPhone without breaking the bank. The iPhone SE 2022 has been Apple's standout affordable option, but it's now showing its age with a small display, Touch ID button, and lackluster main camera. Let's explore the 7 significant upgrades that the iPhone SE 4 is set to bring.

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A Larger OLED Display

The previous iPhone SE 2022 came with a modest 4.7-inch LCD screen. However, the iPhone SE 4 is rumored to feature a much larger 6.1-inch OLED panel. This upgrade is truly remarkable. It's the difference between straining your eyes and enjoying a clear and vibrant visual experience. The OLED panel not only offers a more immersive display but also enhances color tones and contrast, making every image and video pop.Moreover, the larger screen size provides more space for multitasking and better usability. Whether you're browsing the web, watching videos, or working on documents, the iPhone SE 4's OLED display will make a significant difference.

Face ID (Finally)

There are many users who still prefer the convenience of the Touch ID button as it allows them to unlock their iPhone without looking. However, Face ID is not only easy to use but also highly secure. While the notch at the top of the display can be a bit bothersome, the introduction of the Dynamic Island feature could change that. This feature displays live activities and alerts, such as the estimated time of arrival of your Uber ride, providing a more seamless and interactive user experience.Face ID offers a faster and more intuitive way to unlock your iPhone, and with the Dynamic Island, it becomes even more appealing. It's a step forward in security and convenience that Apple users have been waiting for.

A More Powerful Rear Camera

The iPhone SE 4 is expected to feature a 48MP main camera, which will be the only lens on the back of the phone. This is a huge upgrade from the 12MP camera on the iPhone SE 2022. With such a high-resolution camera, you'll be able to capture stunning photos with excellent detail.The pixel binning tech that Apple has perfected will also enable you to get a decent digital zoom, allowing you to get closer to your subjects without sacrificing image quality. Additionally, the iPhone SE 4 will come with a night mode, which was lacking in the previous model. This means you can take beautiful photos even in low-light conditions.

A18 Chip and Apple Intelligence

When the iPhone SE 4 launches, it is expected to be the most affordable phone to support Apple Intelligence features. From the new Siri and Writing Tools to Image Playground and Genmoji, this phone will offer a wide range of intelligent capabilities.The reason for this is that it is likely to pack the same A18 Bionic chip as the iPhone 16 series. This will make the iPhone SE 4 the fastest phone in its price range, surpassing the Google Pixel 8a's Tensor G3 chip and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2-powered OnePlus 12R. Although a new OnePlus 13R is on the horizon, the iPhone SE 4 is still set to be a powerful contender.

An Affordable Price

It's important to note that the iPhone SE 4 may not be as cheap as the current iPhone SE, which costs $429. We're hearing that the new iPhone SE could cost up to $499. While this may seem like a significant increase, it's actually quite reasonable when you consider that the Google Pixel 8a also costs $499 when it's not on sale. Given that the iPhone 16 starts at $799, a $300 cheaper price is a substantial savings.For those looking for an affordable iPhone with great features, the iPhone SE 4 offers excellent value for money.

Apple's First 5G Modem

The iPhone SE 4 is rumored to be the first handset to feature Apple's own 5G modem, marking a significant shift away from Qualcomm. Although we don't know exactly how fast this modem will be, having Apple in full control of the hardware could lead to better battery life through efficiency gains.With 5G connectivity, you'll enjoy faster download and upload speeds, as well as a more stable connection. This is especially important for users who rely on their phones for work or entertainment.

Longer Battery Life

The iPhone SE 2022 had a relatively small battery with a capacity of 2,018 mAh, providing a decent but not outstanding battery life of 9 hours and 5 minutes. In comparison, the iPhone 16 offered a longer battery life of 12 hours and 43 minutes.We hope that the new iPhone SE 4, with its rumored 3,279 mAh battery, will approach the battery life of the iPhone 16. This would be a significant improvement and make the iPhone SE 4 a more reliable device for users who are on the go.OutlookWhile inflation is showing some signs of easing and certain prices are coming down, many people are still struggling financially. An iPhone SE with a larger and better display, a more powerful camera, and access to Apple Intelligence for under $500 could be a game changer for shoppers and for Apple.It's not to say that the iPhone 17 won't be exciting, but overall, the iPhone SE 4 is likely to be the most important phone in 2025. It offers a combination of features and affordability that is hard to beat.More from Tom's Guide