iPhone SE 4 Review: A Classic Reimagined
The iPhone SE 4 brings Face ID, an OLED display, and A15 Bionic power in a compact body. Read our in-depth 2025 review to see if this is the best budget iPhone you can buy today.
Apple's economical iPhone has undergone a significant redesign. Finally breaking away from the old iPhone 8-style body after years, the iPhone SE 4 features Face ID, an all-screen design, a larger display, and enhanced performance. This phone is worth keeping an eye on if you want the Apple experience without spending more than ₹1,00,000.
But is it worth it in 2025 when the iPhone 15 and 16 are around? Let’s dive in.
iPhone SE 4: Key Features at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.1" OLED, 60Hz refresh rate, ~1170×2532 resolution |
| Design | Aluminum frame, Ceramic Shield front, Face ID, IP67 |
| Processor | A15 Bionic chip (same as iPhone 13/14) |
| RAM & Storage | 4GB RAM; 128GB / 256GB storage options |
| Rear Camera | 12MP wide (f/1.8) with Smart HDR, Portrait mode, 4K video |
| Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth with Face ID support |
| Battery Life | ~2,800–3,000 mAh, up to 15 hours video playback |
| Charging | 20W wired, 7.5W Qi wireless (no MagSafe) |
| Software | iOS 18 ready; 5+ years of updates |
| Extras | Face ID, USB-C, 5G, Wi‑Fi 6, Dual SIM (nano + eSIM) |
Design: Finally, a Modern Look
The Home Button is no longer present. The iPhone SE 4 resembles a smaller version of the iPhone 13, featuring an edge-to-edge display, Face ID, flat edges, and USB-C. It seems the SE has finally modernized.
It is easy to hold in one hand, has a clean aluminum frame that gives it a more premium feel than its price would suggest, and is lightweight. The bezels have disappeared, and it now resembles a true modern iPhone rather than a remnant from 2017.
Bonus: Dank der IP67-Wasserresistenz musst du nicht in Panik verfallen, wenn du darauf deinen Kaffee verschüttest.
Display: Good, Not Great
The 6.1″ OLED panel is sharp and colorful, and a big upgrade from the old 4.7″ LCD in the SE 2022. But keep your expectations in check — it’s still a 60Hz display, so animations and scrolling won’t feel as smooth as on the Pro models.
That said, it’s great for Netflix, YouTube, and social media. True blacks, decent brightness (~800 nits), and solid color reproduction make it a joy for everyday use.
Performance: Small Phone, Big Power
The SE 4 is equipped with the A15 Bionic chip (the same as in the iPhone 13 and base iPhone 14), so its speed doesn’t give off a “budget” vibe. Applications launch quickly, multitasking is seamless, and gaming runs without significant issues.
No, it doesn’t have the same level of future-proofing as the A17 Pro in the 15 Pro, but for 90% of users, this power is sufficient. Additionally, you’re receiving the same chip that’s in phones with a launch price double the cost.
Cameras: Single Lens, Strong Results
You have only one rear camera, but don’t let that deceive you. It’s a 12MP wide sensor featuring Apple’s Smart HDR 4, Deep Fusion, and Portrait Mode — and it performs exceptionally well.
Photos taken during the day are clear and realistic. In low light conditions, it may not be as good as the iPhone 15 quality, but it is certainly usable. Additionally, you can record 4K video at 60fps, which exceeds the capabilities of most Androids in this price category.
The new 12MP TrueDepth selfie camera manages Face ID and selfies effortlessly on the front. If you often use Insta stories or video calls, you’ll value the upgrade.
Battery Life: Better Than Before
The iPhone SE 4, equipped with a battery of around 2,800–3,000 mAh, can easily last an entire day under light to moderate usage. All day long, you can stream, chat, and scroll without needing to hug the charger.
It offers 20W wired charging (achieving 50% in about 30 minutes) and basic wireless charging at 7.5W. However, there’s no MagSafe — Apple is keeping that for the more premium models.
Software & Longevity
With the SE 4 shipping with iOS 18, it is anticipated to receive updates for a minimum of five years, indicating support until approximately 2030. You'll also receive new Apple Intelligence features (though not all of them) and the standard iOS experience, which is seamless, secure, and well-optimized.
Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the iPhone SE 4?
The iPhone SE 4 is not for everyone, and that’s okay. It’s built for people who want:
- A compact iPhone that looks modern
- Reliable performance without breaking ₹70,000
- Apple’s ecosystem, camera quality, and software support
- A long-lasting daily driver without all the Pro bells and whistles
If you're coming from an older iPhone (iPhone 8, SE 2020, XR), or even an Android looking for a dependable switch, this is the most value-for-money iPhone in 2025.
Rating: 8.5/10 — Clean, compact, and capable. The iPhone SE 4 brings Apple’s core strengths to a price that finally feels right for everyday users.
