Apple iPhone SE 4 vs iPhone 16: A budget powerhouse or a flagship killer?

Apple is gearing up to launch the much-anticipated iPhone SE 4, a major upgrade to its budget-friendly smartphone line. And if leaks are to be believed, the launch could very well be today. The fourth-generation SE is expected to bring a host of modern features while maintaining an affordable price point, making it an enticing option for users looking for flagship-level performance without breaking the bank.

A Bold New Design

The iPhone SE 4 is set to ditch the traditional home button in favour of a sleek 6.1-inch OLED display with a notch, mirroring the iPhone 14’s design. This move marks the end of Touch ID on Apple’s budget model, replacing it with Face ID for a more seamless authentication experience. The adoption of OLED technology also ensures richer colours, deeper blacks, and improved contrast compared to the LCD panels used in previous SE models.

In another first for the SE lineup, the iPhone SE 4 is expected to feature the Action Button, previously introduced in the iPhone 15 Pro series. This customizable button replaces the traditional mute switch and offers users quick access to various functions such as camera shortcuts, accessibility features, and more.

Performance That Rivals Flagship Models

Apple is reportedly equipping the iPhone SE 4 with the latest A18 chip, the same powerhouse processor that is present in its latest iPhone 16, which debuted in September last year. This marks a significant jump from the A15 chip found in the previous SE model. With the A18 chipset, the iPhone SE 4 could have a smoother performance, better power efficiency, and support for advanced AI-driven Apple Intelligence features.

Additionally, the iPhone SE 4 is set to include Apple’s in-house developed 5G modem. While it may lack mmWave support, it will still provide robust connectivity for everyday use. The base model will start with 128GB of storage—doubling that of its predecessor—and 8GB of RAM, ensuring faster multitasking and smoother app performance.

Camera Upgrades and Imaging Innovations

Apple is making notable improvements to the iPhone SE 4’s camera system, replacing its aging 12MP sensor with a cutting-edge 48MP main camera. While it remains a single-camera setup, Apple’s advanced image processing and sensor cropping technology will enable high-quality 2x zoom, similar to the iPhone 15 and 16 series. This could make the SE 4 a strong contender in the mid-range photography segment, although it will still lack the ultra-wide-angle and telephoto lenses found in higher-end models.

A Bigger Battery and More Efficient Charging

One of the biggest complaints about previous iPhone SE models has been battery life. Apple could address this with a significantly larger 3,279mAh battery—substantially bigger than the 2,018mAh battery in its predecessor. The iPhone SE 4 will also transition to USB-C charging, finally bidding farewell to the Lightning port. Additionally, MagSafe wireless charging support is expected, offering users more convenient charging options.

iPhone SE 4 vs. iPhone 16: Which One Should You Choose?

With the iPhone SE 4 packing such powerful features, the big question remains: How does it stack up against the iPhone 16?

Performance & AI Features

Both devices would run on the A18 chip, meaning users opting for the SE 4 won’t miss out on speed and AI-powered features like enhanced Siri capabilities and Apple’s new generative AI tools. This could make the SE 4 an appealing choice for those wanting top-tier performance at a fraction of the price.

Design & Display

While both phones feature a 6.1-inch OLED display, the iPhone 16 boasts of premium enhancements like a higher peak brightness and ProMotion (adaptive refresh rates). In contras, the SE 4 might lack features such as the Dynamic Island, which has become a signature element of modern iPhones.

Camera Capabilities

The iPhone 16, like its predecessor, features a dual-camera system, offering users an ultra-wide lens in addition to the main 48MP sensor. While the SE 4’s single-camera setup may still deliver impressive results, users who rely on ultra-wide shots may prefer the iPhone 16.

Pricing & Value

The iPhone SE 4 is expected to launch at around $499, a $70 increase from its predecessor. However, with premium features borrowed from flagship models, it remains a highly competitive option.

Final Verdict

The iPhone SE 4 is shaping up to be the best budget iPhone ever, offering flagship performance, a modern design, and compelling features at a lower price.