Did you know the iPhone SE 4 may pack a 48MP camera—four times the resolution of the SE 3? That single number turns heads, but it’s what happens behind the lens that decides who wins in real life. For anyone chasing crisp portraits, low-light magic, or better FaceTime calls without shelling out flagship cash, this iPhone SE review 2024 highlights why this showdown between the iPhone SE 4 and SE 3 matters.
Let’s break down why this upgrade isn’t just about pixels—it’s about power, speed, and whether you’ll regret skipping the upgrade.
The SE Series: Where Value Meets Apple’s Firepower
People don’t buy the iPhone SE for flash. They choose it because it gets the job done without wiping out their wallet. Apple’s SE line always held its own for folks who just want things to work—text, scroll, shoot, post. That’s where SE 3 landed strong. With its classic Touch ID, snappy A15 chip, and a solid 12MP rear camera, it never pretended to be an iPhone Pro.
But today’s tech world moves fast. And the SE 4? It’s not just catching up. It’s leaping. Because in 2024, even “affordable” phones need to deliver flagship feels. And this time, Apple seems ready to play.
This iPhone SE review 2024 wouldn’t be complete without pointing out how far Apple’s budget line has evolved.
Camera Showdown: 12MP vs 48MP—What Changes?
The SE 3 gave us a single 12MP rear camera and a 7MP front shooter. It nailed daylight photos and kept things smooth in well-lit rooms. But throw it into a dim restaurant or try to snap your pet at dusk, and it struggled.
Enter SE 4. Reports and leaks point to a serious bump: a 48MP rear camera with better sensors and a 12MP true depth front camera. That’s not just more megapixels—it’s better software doing more with light, detail, and color.
When you zoom, crop, or shoot portraits, you’ll see sharper edges, deeper textures, and truer colors. For video calls, the upgraded front lens makes your feed cleaner and more flattering—even if you’re sitting in your car or under an office light.
The Chip That Changes Everything: A18 Bionic Power
Camera upgrades matter. But it’s the engine inside that drives the difference. The A18 chip rumored for SE 4 does more than boost speed. It powers smarter photography.
Apple’s secret sauce? Computational photography. That means your photos look better not just because of the lens—but because the phone knows how to light them up, sharpen them, and make skin tones pop. You don’t see it working. But you feel it when you post and your photo just looks… right.
This iphone se review 2024 section highlights how Apple’s chip-and-software combo transforms basic photos into eye-catching moments.
Where It Slips: That 60Hz Display
Now let’s talk display. This is where SE 4 may still hold back. While budget Android phones have jumped to 90Hz or 120Hz refresh rates for buttery scrolling, the SE 4 might stick with a 60Hz panel. And yes, that makes a difference.
You’ll notice it when scrolling social feeds, playing games, or switching apps. On-screen movement just won’t feel as smooth. And if you’ve tried a higher refresh rate phone, going back to 60Hz can feel like a step back—even if everything else is snappy.
Still, as you’ll see throughout this iphone se review 2024, for most people the display won’t be a deal-breaker—but it’s worth being aware of.
Real-World Impact: What You Actually Get
Here’s what all this means when you pull out your phone to take a quick shot:
- You’ll get clearer, more vibrant photos in both bright and dim lighting
- FaceTime looks crisper, especially in low light
- The camera opens faster, focuses quicker, and handles backlit scenes better
- You won’t get the advanced Night Mode from the Pro models—but you’ll get closer than ever before on a budget iPhone
For everyday users who want better family pics, smoother IG stories, and less time editing their shots, SE 4 is shaping up to be a big win.
Is It Enough to Upgrade?
That depends. If you’re on the SE 2 or older, this is a no-brainer. You’ll feel the jump in every tap, swipe, and photo.
If you’re on SE 3, it depends on how much the camera matters to you. Love photography? Film videos often? Want sharper selfies for work or content? Then yes, you’ll see the difference.
But if your phone already does what you need and you don’t mind the 60Hz screen, the SE 3 still holds strong—and this iphone se review 2024 shows that both models serve their users well, depending on their needs.
Final Take: Compact Power with a Sharper Eye
The iPhone SE 4 proves you don’t need three cameras or a giant screen to capture moments that matter. It brings the heat where it counts—behind the lens and under the hood. And while it may not win every feature race, it earns its spot for users who want premium performance without breaking their budget.
This iPhone SE review 2024 shows that Apple hasn’t just bumped the specs. They’ve reimagined what the SE stands for: simple, powerful, and now, sharper than ever.