OPINION : Apple ’s iPhone SE has always do one role : to provide a more affordable debut stage into iOS and the wider Apple ecosystem . The problem is that recent model of iPhone SE have been a small , well , naff , compared to much of the likewise priced competition – but that could finally commute next workweek .
Since the release of thefirst iPhone SEback in 2016 , Apple has choose to acquire the looking and find of old iPhones . The first iPhone SE look a lot like theiPhone 5despite theiPhone 6and 6 Plus bid a curvier , more rounded look that would continue until the introduction of theiPhone X.
Importantly , however , it included the same Touch ID as the flagship iPhones , offer up a similar screen door size of it to the iPhone 6 and included a herculean chipset . It was n’t the same A8 as the iPhone 6 , but rather , it pack the A6 . However , it was still a powerful chipset compared to what you ’d get for a alike Mary Leontyne Price elsewhere .
It made a lot of sense , and as a termination , it was a truly solid option to the iPhone 6 that provided the core Io experience on a budget .
But that movement did n’t retain with subsequent iPhone SE releases .
The neglect of the iPhone SE
The crack between the flagship iPhones and the iPhone SE began to widen with the release of the follow - upiPhone SE 2 in 2020 . TheiPhone 11had a similar full - screenland pattern to the one first introduced with the iPhone X , but the iPhone SE retained its ‘ older - shoal ’ iPhone flavour .
It was a new designing for the iPhone SE , at least . It was something consanguine to theiPhone 8with a 4.7 - inch screen and Touch ID functionality in spot of the more innovative Face ID . It still had strong full point , namely the same A13 Bionic chipset as the iPhone 11 , but the reasons to go for the iPhone SE start out to dwindle – and things were about to get even worse .
By the clock time theiPhone SE 3was released in 2022 , Apple ’s flagship iPhone design had changed yet again , ditching the rounded corners and curved edge of the iPhone 11 chain of mountains for the flat - sided look still present on iPhones today .
You might assume Apple might update the iPhone SE ’s figure to reverberate that of the iPhone 11 , as it had done with previous iteration , but that was n’t the instance .
rather , Apple doubled down on that ageing iPhone 8 - esque form ingredient with minimum computer hardware change aside from an upgrade A15 Bionic chipset . With the jump toiPhone 12 , the iPhone ’s showing had not only had the upgrade from LCD to OLED but also offered amuchhigher solvent than the SE .
By this tip , practically every element of the iPhone SE was outdated , not just compared to flagship iPhones but even mid - range Android competitors . apart from its low - res , 4.7 - in LCD not cutting it against OLED option , the individual 12MP television camera was underwhelming and stamp battery life wasreallybad , skin to get users through the day .
It ’s this iPhone SE that you could still pick up from the Apple Store today , almost three years after release , running hardware first introduced on the iPhone 8 eight year ago .
As such , it ’s an iPhone that I fight to recommend toanyone , especially when thebest mid - rangers in 2025offer such excellent performance . That ’s especially true when you may pick up older flagship iPhones for around the same price , offer infinitely better time value for money .
But , devout lector , if the rumours are to be believe , that couldfinallychange with the next genesis of iPhone SE .
In fact , Apple ’s Tim Cook has already tease a launching next week , so we ’re gettingsomethingnext week . I just really hope it ’s what ’s rumoured and not another iPhone 8 dupe .
The next iPhone SE could actually be tempting
harmonize to the rumor mill , theiPhone SE 4should finally shed that aged intent and much of the antiquated computer hardware that come with it . In its place , we should be get an iPhone that count a lot like the iPhone 14 , complete with flat edge , a full - CRT screen 6.1 - in screen and Face ID smarts – though not in its more modern Dynamic Island form .
Still , the larger display is OLED , just like the flagship iPhones , and should divvy up the same high firmness as the iPhone 14 at 2532 × 1170 . Compared to the iPhone SE 3 ’s 1334 × 750 , that ’s a leap that your eye will certainly prize .
Other update let in an update 48MP main detector , though this once again wo n’t be follow by either a telephotograph or ultrawide . Still , the upgraded 48MP sensor should give up decent 2x digital zoom as it does on more late flagship example of iPhone , and it ’ll be a handsome leap over the 12MP alternative .
There ’s even rumour to be Apple Intelligence support , which means the iPhone SE is getting the same A18 chipset as the iPhone SE . consider Apple Intelligence is n’t even available on some poser of iPhone 15 , it ’s smashing to ( hopefully ) see it on Apple ’s budget - well-disposed option .
There is allege to be a minor price wage increase to accommodate these new lineament , but I ca n’t see it retailing for more than £ 499/$499 if Apple want to keep its budget stance .
Finally , an affordable iPhone that I ’ll palpate positive about recommending to friends and phratry . Thanks , Apple .
