I’m more excited about the iPhone SE 2024 than the iPhone 16 – here’s why

It’s been a big release period for Apple thanks to the arrival of the iPhone 16 series along with the public launch of iOS 18. However, if I may admit something, I really haven’t invested that much in Apple’s latest generation of iPhone. Even though my colleagues may crucify me for this, I have reasons – and one of them is that I have become interested in another iPhone in recent months.

If you’ve been keeping an eye on the Apple rumor mill, you may have noticed several stories emerging about the iPhone SE 4. So far, we’ve heard a lot about the potential hardware coming to the phone, as well as the possible price tag. Putting all these rumors together, I’m more excited about this phone than Apple’s latest flagships. Here’s why.

Rumors about the specifications of the iPhone SE 4

(Image source: Future)

First, the iPhone SE 4 will likely feature some form of Apple intelligence, at least according to Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman. Not only is this a great addition for consumers, but it also reveals some potential hardware.

For those who don’t know, there are limits to what phones can run Apple Intelligence based on RAM and chip. If the iPhone SE 4 has Apple Intelligence, we can assume that the phone will have at least 8 GB of RAM. At least it would run on an A17 Pro chip like the iPhone 15 Pro, but previous SE models used the chipset found in phones that came out last fall. In the case of the iPhone SE 4, it will be A18 silicon from the iPhone 16.

Secondly, rumors indicate that the iPhone SE 4 will feature a 48MP camera, which is a significant improvement over the 12MP camera found in the current iPhone SE 2022. This new camera is expected to be mounted in a body based on iPhone 14 – i.e., a display with a notch instead of a screen with the Dynamic Island function – with the ability to use the action button. Finally, we’ve heard that the next iPhone SE will likely feature a larger OLED screen, which means a much cleaner image.

All the best cheap phones must meet stringent requirements, offering the best features at the most reasonable price. While we don’t have a set price for the device, there are rumors that Apple will be raising the price of the phone to $499. The new price is quite high compared to the previous device’s $429 and is right on the absolute edge of what we consider a “cheap phone.” However, considering all the other potential hardware improvements and Apple Intelligence, it seems fair.

Difference between iPhone 16 and iPhone SE 4

(Image source: Future)

I want to make it clear that there is nothing wrong with the iPhone 16. All things considered, this is a great phone. My problem was that in the run-up to the Apple Glowtime event, there was no visible difference between it and the iPhone 15. This lack of visible changes made it difficult to really be excited about the device, and waiting for Apple Intelligence didn’t help.

When I hear about a new phone in a series, I want to see some significant changes between devices. I haven’t seen this difference between the latest iPhones, but to my eye the iPhone SE 4 looks like a major upgrade over the previous model.

If the rumors are true, we’ll get a better camera, screen, and improved internal hardware, all for a relatively small price increase. If I owned an iPhone SE 2022, this new model would be a significant change – an upgrade would be an absolute no-brainer

Another problem I have with the iPhone 16 is that, realistically, most of what you’re paying for is Apple Intelligence. This is a problem if you think that A) Apple, like many companies, is selling a phone with a feature it doesn’t yet have and B) there are indications that Apple plans to add a subscription fee.

It makes you wonder what you actually paid for, but that’s not the case with the iPhone SE 4. The phone has so many potential improvements and changes over its predecessor that you’ll feel like you’re getting their (noticeably less) money even if Apple Intelligence doesn’t survive.

AI is an add-on, not a reason to buy

(Image: Apple)

No matter what features the iPhone SE supports, the inclusion of Apple Intelligence wouldn’t even be the biggest reason to get excited about Apple’s new budget phone in the run-up to its launch. In fact, the idea of getting all this rumored gear for just $499 is what appeals to me the most. Having a 48MP main camera at this price would be good enough, so including AI would be more like sugar on top. I have always questioned the idea that AI should be an additional factor when purchasing a phone, rather than the main reason for purchasing it.

The Apple iPhone SE 4 isn’t the only cheap smartphone with AI as the Galaxy A35 has added several Galaxy AI features like Circle to Search. There seems to be a trend for cheaper alternatives to have some variation in access to AI, as well as significantly improved hardware. I hope this will continue.

There’s a lot to be excited about with the upcoming iPhone SE 4 — at least if all these rumors turn out to be true. (That said, the final product may look and feel different than the rumors predict, so approach everything with a healthy dose of skepticism. If everything goes as expected, this could be a fantastic iPhone to add to your collection if it happens as expected will appear at the beginning of next year.

Let me know if you’re excited about the iPhone SE 4 or if you’re waiting for the iPhone 17 as a future upgrade.