If the iPhone SE 4 gets this camera upgrade, I might be tempted to switch back from Android
- According to new rumors, the iPhone SE 4 could be launched soon
- LG Innotek has reportedly started production of camera modules for the new phone, which normally takes place three months before launch
- The new SE is also tipped to borrow the iPhone 13’s display
The long-rumored iPhone SE 4 may be just around the corner and will feature a previously unexpected camera upgrade, if a new batch of rumors are to be believed.
This was reported by a Korean news outlet ETNEWS (via Google Translate) LG Innotek will provide both the single-lens rear camera module and the front selfie camera for the upcoming phone, using previously used components to keep costs down.
That the new SE will only have a single rear camera wouldn’t be anything new, but the report also suggests that this rear camera will be a 48MP lens, in line with the main camera on the iPhone 14 Pro models and the complete iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 series. If the report is true about the use of previously used components, this would likely be the exact same camera as on these previous phones.
We previously expected the new iPhone SE to be rumored to come with a 12MP single-lens rear camera, in line with the current third-generation model. However, the ETNEWS report suggests that the new iPhone SE will feature the same 12MP selfie camera as the current model.
If BGR notes, an earlier report from a Korean news outlet Aju news suggests that LG typically ships camera modules for phones about three months in advance of release.
This would suggest a March 2025 release date for the iPhone SE 4, which fits in with the previous releases in the series, which were all unveiled in March or April of their respective years.
The report also confirms previous rumors about the display the iPhone SE 4 could come with by suggesting that the new phone will borrow the 6.1-inch LTPS OLED panel from the iPhone 13. This likely means a resolution of 1170 x 2532 and a refresh rate of 60 Hz. – pleasantly sharp, although most budget phones these days have a refresh rate of 90 Hz or even 120 Hz.
Apple has reportedly split its orders for the new display between LG Innotek and Chinese manufacturer BOE, using previously developed panel tracks with ETNEWS’ proposed component cost-cutting strategy.
By the way, using this display would almost certainly result in an iPhone 14-like form factor for the new phone, as previously suggested.
Apple hasn’t released any official information about the iPhone SE 4 yet, and likely won’t until the phone is ready for release.
My analysis
The hype surrounding the iPhone SE 4 is increasing, and for good reason: if rumors like this continue, we could be looking at one of the best cheap phones (and, more importantly, the best phones) that Apple has ever produced.
Apple’s mobile camera systems are known for their quality and point-and-shoot reliability, so equipping the cheapest phone in the lineup with a modernized 48MP camera would be a consumer-friendly move anyway.
For most people, this would provide ample photography opportunities. I mean, how many people even use their phone’s ultra-wide camera?
And even I, as a known lover of ridiculously large phone camera systems, think I’d be happy with a single 48MP snapper in most situations.
In addition to the iPhone 13’s display, we expect the iPhone SE 4 to have essentially identical specs to the iPhone 16, to support Apple Intelligence.
Think about it: a compact AI phone with a great camera that’s included in the Apple ecosystem, probably for less than $500 / £500 / AU$900? In the coming year, the iPhone SE could become a real competitor, rather than just a dash of nostalgia.