Apple has officially confirmed that the much-anticipated iPhone SE 4 will be unveiled on February 19, as announced by CEO Tim Cook. The fourth generation of Apple’s budget-friendly iPhone is expected to bring a fresh design, improved hardware, and, of course, a price hike. Starting at $499, the new iPhone SE 4 will cost $70 more than its predecessor, but is it worth it? Let’s break down what we know so far.
Price
The iPhone SE 4 is expected to start at $499 for the base model with 64GB of storage. Yes, you read that right — 64GB in 2025. While most mid-range Android phones now start at 128GB, Apple seems to be sticking to its tradition of charging premium prices for storage upgrades. The SE 4 will also come in 128GB and 256GB variants, with each upgrade likely adding $100 to the price tag.
Here’s a breakdown of the expected pricing:
| Storage Option | Expected Price |
|---|---|
| 64GB | $499 |
| 128GB | $599 |
| 256GB | $699 |
Compared to the upcoming Google Pixel 9a, which is rumored to start at $399 for 128GB of storage, the iPhone SE 4 might feel overpriced, especially for storage-hungry users. However, Apple’s focus has always been on offering a seamless user experience rather than leading the storage race.
Design
The iPhone SE 4 is rumored to adopt the iPhone 14’s design, bidding farewell to the old-school look that the SE lineup has been known for. This means users can expect a modern design with flat edges, a larger display, and Face ID, replacing the dated Touch ID and home button. For fans of the iPhone 14’s aesthetics but not its price, the SE 4 might be the perfect compromise.
Performance
Powering the iPhone SE 4 will be Apple’s new A18 chip, promising blazing-fast performance and improved energy efficiency. Coupled with 8GB of RAM across all storage variants, the SE 4 is expected to handle everyday tasks, gaming, and even intensive apps with ease. This hardware puts it in line with Apple’s flagship models, ensuring that the SE 4 won’t feel outdated anytime soon.
Here’s how the iPhone SE 4’s expected specs compare with its main competitor, the Google Pixel 9a:
| Feature | iPhone SE 4 | Google Pixel 9a (Expected) |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | A18 | Tensor G3 |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB |
| Storage Options | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB |
| Design | iPhone 14-like | Pixel 8-like |
| Starting Price | $499 | $399 |
Competition
The iPhone SE 4’s main competition will come from Google’s upcoming Pixel 9a. While the SE 4 offers Apple’s seamless ecosystem, the Pixel 9a promises better value, especially if the rumored $399 price tag for the 128GB model holds true. In a market like North America, where mid-range options are limited, the SE 4 and Pixel 9a will likely go head-to-head for budget-conscious buyers who don’t want to compromise on performance.
Apple’s iPhone SE 4 is shaping up to be a solid budget option with modern design, powerful hardware, and the trusted Apple experience. However, its pricing strategy, especially for storage, might give potential buyers pause. With the launch just around the corner, all eyes are on Apple to see if the SE 4 can live up to the hype or if its price tag will push buyers towards alternatives like the Pixel 9a.
FAQs
When will the iPhone SE 4 be launched?
The iPhone SE 4 will launch on February 19, 2025.
What is the starting price of the iPhone SE 4?
The starting price is expected to be $499 for the 64GB model.
What storage options will the iPhone SE 4 have?
It will come in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB variants.
What chip will power the iPhone SE 4?
The iPhone SE 4 will be powered by Apple’s A18 chip.
Which phones will compete with the iPhone SE 4?
The main competitor will be the Google Pixel 9a, expected at $399.
