iPhone SE 4 Set to Debut on February 19 What to Expect

Apple CEO Tim Cook has hinted at an exciting Apple announcement scheduled for Wednesday, February 19. While details remain under wraps, all signs point to the long-awaited iPhone SE 4 making its official debut.

The next-generation iPhone SE has been the subject of numerous leaks and rumors, and at this point, we have a pretty solid idea of what to expect. If you’re eager to get a sneak peek at what’s coming, keep reading for all the latest details!

What’s in a Name?

Apple first introduced the iPhone SE back in 2016, with “SE” standing for Special Edition. Since then, the SE line has consistently carried that name for each new release. But, according to some recent reports, Apple may shake things up this year and give the new model a different name. There’s buzz that it could be called the “iPhone 16E” instead of the iPhone SE 4. However, given that the source of this info isn’t too reliable, it’s wise to take this speculation with a grain of salt.

The iPhone SE 4 is expected to be packed with impressive upgrades, including the same chip found in the iPhone 16. These improvements might inspire Apple to adopt a new name, aligning the SE 4 more closely with the iPhone 16 series rather than continuing the SE branding. Whatever it’s called, though, excitement is building ahead of the official reveal.

The Design

When it comes to design, the iPhone SE 4 will take a step up by featuring a 6.1-inch display, similar to the iPhone 14. This means the SE 4 will officially mark the end of Apple’s smaller iPhones, with 6.1 inches becoming the smallest screen size across the brand’s devices.

The current iPhone SE has a 4.7-inch display, so this increase in size may sound drastic. But, with slimmer bezels and a more efficient use of space, the new model should feel just as manageable as the older one. Apple is doing away with those bulky borders, giving you more screen real estate without making the phone feel too big.

This design shift will not only result in a larger screen but will also introduce a more modern look. While the iPhone SE 4 might be more affordable, it’s shaping up to be a major upgrade. And, while we’re at it, Apple is likely to keep the SE 4 lightweight and comfortable to hold, even with the increase in size.

As for dimensions, expect the iPhone SE 4 to be a little bigger than its predecessor. The current iPhone SE measures 5.45 inches tall and 2.65 inches wide, while the new model will likely be 5.78 inches tall and 2.82 inches wide. Despite the slight increase in size, the iPhone SE 4 should remain light, weighing just about an ounce more than the current version.

The Look

If you’re wondering how the iPhone SE 4 will look, just imagine an iPhone 14 with a few tweaks. The SE 4 will feature:

• An all-screen design with a notch at the top (just like the iPhone 14)
• An aluminum and glass body that gives it a premium feel
• Mute switch, volume buttons, and power button placement that matches the iPhone 14
• 5G connectivity and a SIM tray (although this may vary depending on the region)

However, unlike the iPhone 14, the iPhone SE 4 will have just one rear camera, as opposed to the dual-lens system found in more expensive models.

Features You Won’t Find

There were early rumors suggesting the iPhone SE 4 might get an Action Button or a Camera Control Button, similar to the ones on the iPhone 15 Pro series. But recent leaks and case designs suggest that the SE 4 will not include these features. So, while the iPhone SE 4 will certainly have its share of exciting upgrades, it won’t feature these specific buttons.

The Display

The display is getting a significant upgrade with the iPhone SE 4. The new model will feature Ceramic Shield glass, which Apple first introduced with the iPhone 12. This material is much stronger than traditional glass, offering better protection against drops and scratches.

Perhaps the most exciting change is that the iPhone SE 4 will replace the old LCD screen with an OLED display. This marks the end of LCD technology in Apple’s iPhone lineup, as all future models, including budget-friendly ones, will use OLED. OLED displays offer deeper blacks, richer colors, and better energy efficiency, making this a big step forward for the iPhone SE.

Despite these changes, the SE 4 will stick with the traditional notch design, housing the TrueDepth front camera and Face ID sensors for facial recognition. Although some had hoped for the Dynamic Island feature, it looks like that will be reserved for higher-end models like the iPhone 15 Pro.

Goodbye Touch ID

Another big change in the iPhone SE 4 is the elimination of Touch ID. Apple is fully embracing Face ID across all its devices, and the SE 4 will be no exception. This means that, after the current iPhone SE is discontinued, no iPhone will feature a fingerprint sensor. Instead, Face ID will provide a more secure and convenient unlocking experience.

With the removal of the Touch ID home button, the SE 4 will have a larger, edge-to-edge screen, allowing for a more modern and immersive display.

USB-C Charging

In a significant move, the iPhone SE 4 will transition to USB-C for charging, aligning with Apple’s broader plan to phase out the Lightning port across its devices. This switch to USB-C will offer faster charging and better compatibility with a wide range of accessories, including those for Macs, iPads, and other third-party devices.

MagSafe Support

The iPhone SE 4 will also support MagSafe, bringing it in line with the iPhone 14 series. This means the SE 4 will be compatible with MagSafe wireless charging and a variety of MagSafe accessories, like battery packs and wallets. For users who love the convenience of MagSafe, this feature is a big win for the SE 4.

Powerful A18 Chip and More RAM

The iPhone SE 4 will be powered by the A18 chip, the same one found in the iPhone 16. This means the SE 4 will deliver flagship-level performance at an affordable price. The A18 chip will offer faster speeds, improved efficiency, and better long-term software support, making the SE 4 an excellent option for those who want cutting-edge performance without paying flagship prices.

Additionally, the SE 4 will come with 8GB of RAM, double what the current SE model offers. This extra memory will support more advanced features, including smarter Siri interactions and better performance for apps and games.

Storage Options

While there hasn’t been confirmation yet, it’s expected that Apple will phase out the 64GB storage option in favor of 128GB as the base model. With apps and media files getting larger, 128GB is quickly becoming the standard for smartphones, even for budget-friendly options.

Camera Upgrades

The iPhone SE 4 is likely to feature a 48-megapixel Wide lens, similar to the one found in the iPhone 16. This marks a significant upgrade over the 12-megapixel camera in the current iPhone SE 3. While the SE 4 won’t include a Telephoto or Ultra Wide lens, the improved Wide lens will offer advanced portrait features like focus and depth control. Plus, it may support a 2x optical zoom for better cropping flexibility.

Connectivity

The iPhone SE 4 will also debut Apple’s custom-designed modem, a move aimed at reducing the company’s reliance on Qualcomm. While it won’t support the fastest mmWave 5G speeds, the SE 4 will work with the more common 6GHz 5G networks. Apple will likely highlight its new modem in performance comparisons with Qualcomm’s modem used in the iPhone 16.

Safety Features

Like the iPhone 14, the iPhone SE 4 will likely include Crash Detection, which alerts emergency services in the event of a car accident. Additionally, the SE 4 may support Emergency SOS via Satellite, another feature that debuted with the iPhone 14. Apple tends to focus on its safety features in marketing, so both of these options could be a big selling point for the SE 4.

With these exciting updates, the iPhone SE 4 is shaping up to be a game-changer in the affordable smartphone market. Stay tuned for the official announcement and all the details Apple has in store!

Battery Life

Rumors suggest that the iPhone SE 4 will feature a battery similar to the iPhone 14, providing up to 20 hours of video playback, up to 16 hours of streaming video, and up to 80 hours of audio playback.

The larger 6.1-inch display of the SE 4 allows for more battery space compared to the current 4.7-inch iPhone SE, which should result in a noticeable boost in overall battery life. In comparison, the current iPhone SE offers 15 hours of video playback and up to 10 hours of streaming video, so users can expect a significant upgrade in battery performance with the new model.

Pricing

The SE 4, featuring upgraded components, may come at a higher price compared to the current model. However, Apple is still targeting a price below $500. For reference, the iPhone SE 3 starts at $429, so while the SE 4 may see a slight price increase, it will likely remain an affordable option in Apple’s lineup.

Launch Date

Following its introduction on February 19, Apple is expected to begin accepting pre-orders for the iPhone SE 4, with the official launch taking place later in the month.