Introduction
The eagerly awaited iPhone SE 4th Generation (2025) is set to launch in late February, boasting an attractive price point of around $500, making it the most affordable iPhone available. Despite its lower price, the iPhone SE 4 will unveil significant features that set it apart, including support for Apple Intelligence, a capability absent in the pricier iPhone 15.
In this article, we dive into the crucial differences between these two models to help you determine whether the more economical iPhone SE 4 truly offers a better value than the iPhone 15.
Key Differences
| iPhone SE 4 (2025) | iPhone 15 |
|---|---|
| Design similar to iPhone 14, featuring flat sides and sharp edges | Flat sides with chamfered edges |
| Same 6.1-inch OLED display | 6.1-inch OLED display |
| 60 Hz refresh rate | 60 Hz refresh rate |
| Face ID with notch | Face ID with Dynamic Island feature |
| Powered by Apple A18 chip (3 nm) | Apple A16 Bionic chip (4 nm) |
| 8 GB RAM | 6 GB RAM |
| Supports Apple Intelligence | No Apple Intelligence support |
| Single rear camera | Dual rear cameras (main and ultrawide) |
| Similar battery size expected | 3,349 mAh battery |
| Apple-crafted modem | Qualcomm modem |
| Same charging speeds | 20W wired charging |
| USB-C port included | USB-C port included |
| Expected starting price of $500 | Starting price of $700 |
Design Comparison
The iPhone SE 4 and iPhone 15 share a similar 6.1-inch design, but they have notable distinctions. The SE’s reliance on the older iPhone 14 design showcases sharp edges, while the iPhone 15 opts for rounded edges. Camera placement is another differentiating factor— the SE has only one rear camera, contrasting with the dual-camera system of the iPhone 15. Both models feature a USB-C port, eliminating the need for separate charging cables.
Display Specifications
Both devices offer identical display specifications, including a 6.1-inch size and 60 Hz refresh rate. However, the iPhone SE 4 may have slightly lower brightness levels, which won't significantly impact daily use.
Performance Insights
What sets the iPhone SE 4 apart is its potential integration of Apple Intelligence features, providing advantages over the iPhone 15. It will be powered by the cutting-edge A18 chip, while the iPhone 15 utilizes the A16 Bionic chip. Additionally, the SE introduces an Apple-made modem, which is a shift from previous Qualcomm modems, opening questions about reliability that will require further examination post-launch.
Camera Capabilities
The iPhone SE 4's reliance on a single rear camera may deter photography enthusiasts compared to the iPhone 15's dual-camera setup. However, if the SE features a 48-megapixel main camera, it could still deliver high-quality images through sensor cropping and effective zoom capabilities.
Battery and Charging
The iPhone SE 4 and iPhone 15 are expected to share similar battery sizes and charging capabilities, ensuring both can last a full day with regular use. Charging speeds will also remain consistent across both devices at 20W wired charging and 15W MagSafe support.
Conclusion
The iPhone SE 4 is positioning itself as a formidable competitor to the iPhone 15. With its advanced capabilities, competitive pricing, and inclusion of novel features such as Apple Intelligence, it offers a compelling option for consumers. If the ultra-wide camera isn’t a priority for you, the affordable iPhone SE 4 might just provide a better value than its higher-priced counterpart. Stay tuned for final specs and updates as we await its official announcement!
