New iPhone SE 4: Could It ‘Pixel’ate Its Competition?

In 2016, Apple did something unusual. While other brands were targeting new technologies, experimenting with new devices and launching luxury smartphones, Apple, known for its premium price tags and exclusive appeal, decided to mix old hardware with new chipsets and launched the very first iPhone SE. It looked like an iPhone 5S but had the powerful chipset of the iPhone 6s. It was the smartphone equivalent of stuffing a Toyota Cruiser engine into the old-shape Toyota Fortuner. People were intrigued, wallets were relieved, and Apple had a hit. However, the journey of the SE series was quite difficult.

The first iPhone SE was more than just a nostalgia trip; it was a statement. Apple was saying, “You don’t have to be rich to own an iPhone,” which was a revolutionary idea at the time. Even better, it ran on iOS 9.3, a slightly improved version of the operating system on the 6s, giving users a modern experience in a classic and compact body.
Four years later, in 2020, the SE series made a comeback. It wasn’t just back; it was better, featuring updated internals and a price tag that didn’t burn your bank account.

In 2022, Apple introduced the third generation but it was a complete flop. People like classic designs with new technology but sometimes brands rely too much on historical elements. Now, everyone is expecting a catchy product from Apple in the form of the iPhone SE 4. Rumours also suggest it could be called the iPhone 16 E. 
This is 2025 and the competition is fierce. Samsung has the S24 FE and Google has the Pixel 8 in the same price range as the iPhone SE 4.

iPhone SE 4 expected specifications

The iPhone SE 4 is expected to launch with some serious hardware updates. For the first time, an SE model will sport a 6.1-inch OLED display but here’s the catch, it’s only 60Hz, which feels like Apple intentionally left out the high-refresh-rate goodness reserved for its pricier models. It’s like buying a sports car that’s speed-limited to 80 mph. Sure, it looks great, but you can’t help but wonder what could have been. Still, the display is a significant upgrade over its predecessors and the inclusion of Face ID means the days of clunky Touch ID buttons are over.

Under the back casing, the iPhone SE 4 is powered by the latest A18 chip with Apple Intelligence and it is paired with 8GB of RAM. The device is expected to match the performance of the iPhone 16.

iPhone SE 4 vs Google Pixel 8

The competition isn’t sleeping. Google’s Pixel 8 is here to give the SE 4 a run for its money. It boasts a 6.2-inch OLED display with a buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support and peak brightness that could probably double as a flashlight for cave explorers in Uttarakhand. It’s powered by the Tensor G3 chip, which might not be as fast as the A18 but it’s designed for AI and machine learning. That means smarter voice recognition and better photo processing.

The Pixel 8 sports a dual-lens setup: a 50MP wide lens paired with a 12MP ultra-wide lens. Google’s insane photography has always been a fan favourite, making this phone perfect for anyone who wants to capture memories without needing a photography degree. Plus, the Pixel 8 has a 4,575mAh battery with rapid 27W wired charging, 18W wireless charging, and even reverse wireless charging. It’s like Google threw in every charging option just to make sure you never run out of juice.

iPhone SE 4 vs Samsung S24 FE

Samsung’s S24 FE is not far behind either. It has the biggest display of the three, a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+.
Under the hood, it’s powered by the Exynos 2400e chip, featuring a 10-core CPU built for multitasking. Whether you’re gaming, streaming or juggling multiple apps, the S24 FE can handle it all without breaking a sweat.

Final Words

Apple has officially set the launch date for 19 February 2025 but the brand has yet to reveal the exact name of the product. The expected price of the smartphone is around INR 49,999 and if rumours are to be believed, this device could end the era of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus era.

At this price point, Google may be forced to make a significant price cut for the upcoming Pixel 9a, while Samsung might have to do the same with the Galaxy S25 FE.

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