iPhone SE 3 vs iPhone SE 4! Which one is Better?

The iPhone SE 3 (2022) was a great entry into Apple’s lineup, offering solid performance at an affordable price. However, the upcoming iPhone SE 4 is expected to bring significant improvements. Let’s take a detailed look at how these two compare across various categories to determine which one offers better value and experience.

Key Takeaways

• The iPhone SE 4 features a modern design, larger OLED display, and boost camera capabilities.
• Performance improvements are expected with the A16 or A17 Bionic chip.
• The SE 4 will support mmWave 5G for faster connectivity.
• Battery life and charging convenience are likely to improve with MagSafe support.
• Overall, the iPhone SE 4 offers better long-term value for most users.

Design & Display

iPhone SE 3:
The iPhone SE 3 features a 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD display based on the older iPhone 8 design, characterized by large top and bottom bezels and a physical Touch ID button. Weighing just 5.09 ounces (144 grams), it is compact and lightweight, with a plastic back that boasts IP67 waterproofing, making it resistant to splashes and brief submersion. The device utilizes a Lightning port for charging and does not include a headphone jack.

iPhone SE 4 (Rumored):
The rumored iPhone SE 4 is set to feature a larger 6.1-inch LTPS OLED display with thinner bezels, adopting a full-screen design similar to the iPhone 14 or iPhone XR. It is expected to eliminate the physical home button in favor of Face ID and transition to a USB-C port. With a glass front and back, the SE 4 will likely support MagSafe wireless charging, offering a more modern design overall.

Verdict: The iPhone SE 4 offers a more modern design with a larger, OLED display, making it the better option for users who want a phone that feels up-to-date.

Performance & Processor

iPhone SE 3:
The iPhone SE 3 is powered by the A15 Bionic chip, ensuring smooth operation of iOS and performance comparable to the iPhone 13. This model excels in gaming and multitasking, boasting impressive single-core and multi-core benchmark scores.

iPhone SE 4 (Expected):
The iPhone SE 4 is anticipated to feature either the A16 or A17 Bionic chip, which would boost energy efficiency and provide outstanding 5G connectivity, making it a more future-proof option for users.

Verdict: The iPhone SE 4 is likely to offer superior performance, especially with an upgraded chip. This will ensure better future-proofing for software updates and demanding apps.

Camera Capabilities

iPhone SE 3:
The SE 3 is equipped with a single 12MP rear camera and a 7MP front camera, offering features like Smart HDR 4 and Deep Fusion, though it lacks Night Mode and advanced zoom capabilities.

iPhone SE 4 (Rumored):
The iPhone SE 4 is rumored to come with a 48MP main camera, similar to that found in the iPhone 14, likely including Night Mode, 2x digital zoom, and 24MP image output options. Improved front camera specifications are also anticipated, enhancing overall photography performance.

Verdict: The iPhone SE 4 offers significant upgrades, especially in low-light performance, with its rumored 48MP camera.

5G Connectivity

iPhone SE 3:
In terms of connectivity, the iPhone SE 3 supports sub-6GHz 5G but does not offer mmWave support, which means it can’t reach the fastest download speeds.

iPhone SE 4 (Expected):
The iPhone SE 4 is expected to include mmWave 5G support, significantly improving download speeds in areas that offer this technology. There’s also speculation about the debut of Apple's in-house 5G modem, further enhancing connectivity options.

Verdict: The iPhone SE 4 will likely offer better 5G performance, making it more future-proof.

Battery Life & Charging

iPhone SE 3:
Battery performance is another critical aspect. The iPhone SE 3 delivers around 9 hours and 5 minutes of web browsing on 5G, charging to 61% in just 30 minutes with a 20W charger. It supports Qi wireless charging but lacks MagSafe functionality.

iPhone SE 4 (Expected):
The iPhone SE 4 is anticipated to feature a larger battery with performance comparable to the iPhone 14, potentially offering around 9.5 hours of battery life. It will likely continue with 20W wired charging while introducing MagSafe wireless charging for added convenience.

Verdict: The iPhone SE 4 is expected to offer slightly better battery life and the added convenience of MagSafe.

Software & Updates

iPhone SE 3:
The iPhone SE 3 runs iOS 17 and will continue to receive updates for several more years, supporting most new iOS features but lacking advanced AI capabilities.

iPhone SE 4 (Expected):
In contrast, the iPhone SE 4 is expected to launch with iOS 18, including new AI-powered enhancements and likely a longer software update lifespan than the SE 3.

Verdict: The iPhone SE 4 will have a longer update lifespan and access to new AI features.

Price & Availability

iPhone SE 3:
The iPhone SE 3 debuted at a price of $429 for the 64GB model, with 128GB and 256GB options priced at $479 and $579, respectively.

iPhone SE 4 (Expected):
While the pricing for the iPhone SE 4 is not yet confirmed, it is anticipated to remain competitive with other mid-range devices like the Google Pixel 7a and Samsung Galaxy A54, possibly ranging from $450 to $499 due to the expected hardware upgrades.

Verdict: While the SE 4 may cost slightly more, the upgrades justify the price difference.

Conclusion: Which One is Better?

In conclusion, the iPhone SE 4 is shaping up to be a significant upgrade over the SE 3. With a more modern design, a larger OLED display, boost camera capabilities, improved 5G connectivity, and superior performance, the iPhone SE 4 offers greater value, particularly for users looking for updated features. While the iPhone SE 3 remains a solid choice for those seeking a compact device with Touch ID, the iPhone SE 4 is the clear winner for most users, especially considering its long-term potential and features.

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FAQ's

Q. What are the main differences between the iPhone SE 3 and iPhone SE 4?

A. The iPhone SE 4 features a larger OLED display, improved camera capabilities, better 5G connectivity, and a more modern design compared to the SE 3.

Q. Is the iPhone SE 4 worth the upgrade from the SE 3?

A. Yes, the iPhone SE 4 offers significant enhancements that make it a compelling choice for users looking for updated features and better performance.

Q. When is the iPhone SE 4 expected to be released?

A. While an official release date has not been confirmed, it is rumored to launch in the near future, likely within the next year.