iPhone SE 4 Leaks: OLED Display, Notch & Action Button Coming?

Apple’s iPhone SE series has always been a go-to choice for those who want solid performance at a lower price. But let’s be honest—the design has felt outdated for a while now. That might finally change with the upcoming iPhone SE 4, which is rumored to bring a fresh look, a larger OLED display, and even some unexpected features like the Action Button.

If these leaks turn out to be true, this could be the biggest update the SE lineup has ever had. Let’s break down everything we know so far and why this might be the best budget iPhone yet.

A Big Screen Upgrade: OLED Makes Its Way to the SE

One of the biggest drawbacks of the current iPhone SE (2022) is its LCD display. It’s functional, but compared to modern OLED screens, it falls short in contrast, color vibrancy, and power efficiency.

Rumors suggest that the iPhone SE 4 OLED Display will finally make the jump to a 6.06-inch OLED panel. This means deeper blacks, richer colors, and an overall sharper display. There’s a catch, though—it’s still expected to have a 60Hz refresh rate instead of the smoother 120Hz found in Pro models.

Even so, for a budget-friendly iPhone, this is a major improvement. If Apple optimizes iOS well enough, most users probably won’t even notice the difference in refresh rate.

The Notch is Coming

For years, the SE lineup has stuck with the old iPhone 8 design—thick bezels, a Home button, and a small screen by today’s standards. That looks like it’s about to change. The iPhone SE 4 is rumored to adopt a notched display, similar to the iPhone 13 or 14.

This likely means the end of Touch ID, making way for Face ID instead. Face ID has been standard on flagship iPhones since the iPhone X, and bringing it to the SE lineup will make unlocking the phone feel more modern.

One thing that’s still up in the air is whether the SE 4 will include the Dynamic Island, which first appeared on the iPhone 14 Pro. Some reports suggest it will stick with the standard notch, while others hint that Dynamic Island could make its way to Apple’s budget model. If that happens, it would be a major selling point.

The Action Button: A Surprise Addition

One of the more unexpected rumors is that the iPhone SE 4 will feature Apple’s Action Button, first introduced on the iPhone 15 Pro.

This button replaces the classic mute switch and allows users to customize its function. Possible uses include:

• Launching the camera
• Turning on Do Not Disturb mode
• Activating the flashlight
• Running Shortcuts for automation

If Apple includes this feature in the SE 4, it would make the phone feel even more premium. It also suggests that Apple is moving toward eliminating the mute switch across its entire lineup.

What’s Under the Hood?

A new design and better display are great, but performance is what really matters. Apple has a history of using powerful chips in its budget models, and the SE 4 should be no exception.

Here’s what’s expected:

• Processor: Either the A16 or A17 chip, offering flagship-level speed and efficiency.
• 5G Modem: Apple is reportedly developing its own 5G modem, and it could debut in the SE 4.
• RAM: An expected jump to 8GB, which would improve multitasking and overall performance.
• Camera: Likely a single rear 48MP sensor—an upgrade from the 12MP camera on the SE 2022.

Even with just one camera, Apple’s software and image processing are top-notch, so expect solid photo quality.

A More Modern Design

The iPhone SE 4 is rumored to ditch the outdated iPhone 8 design and take inspiration from newer models like the iPhone 14. This means:
✅ A larger 6.06-inch display
✅ Slimmer bezels and a more modern look
✅ USB-C charging (finally moving away from Lightning)
✅ A more durable glass and aluminum build

This change is long overdue. The iPhone SE 2022 felt outdated even when it launched, so bringing the design closer to Apple’s flagship models makes perfect sense.

Price and Release Date

Now for the big questions—when is it coming, and how much will it cost?

Expected Release Date:

Leaks suggest Apple is planning a March or April 2025 launch, which lines up with previous SE release schedules.

Expected Price:

The iPhone SE 2022 launched at $429, but with all these upgrades, a price bump seems likely. Estimates suggest it could land between $499 and $549. Even at that price, it would still be one of the best value smartphones on the market.

Final Thoughts: Why This iPhone SE Matters

The iPhone SE 4 is shaping up to be the most significant upgrade the SE lineup has ever seen. With an OLED display, a modern notch, Face ID, the Action Button, and upgraded internals, it finally feels like it belongs in Apple’s current lineup.

Sure, it won’t have all the features of the Pro models, but for the price, it could be the best budget-friendly iPhone yet. If you’ve been holding onto an older iPhone and want an upgrade without spending a fortune, the iPhone SE 4 might be the perfect choice.