iPhone SE 4 (2025) Review: Small Size, Big Comeback

Apple has finally done it — the iPhone SE 4 (2025) is no longer just a nostalgic budget phone with old hardware. This year, Apple’s compact lineup gets a complete makeover, bringing modern design, meaningful upgrades, and just enough Apple magic to make it relevant again in a world of premium flagships and folding phones.

But here’s the million-dollar question: Is the iPhone SE 4 worth buying in 2025? After spending over a week with it as my daily driver, I’ve gathered all the details to help you decide.

Quick Verdict

The iPhone SE 4 is the best “affordable” iPhone Apple has ever made. It finally drops the dated home button, brings Face ID, gets a modern OLED display, and packs the A16 Bionic chip — all at a sub-$500 price point.

It’s not perfect: the single rear camera limits its flexibility, and the lack of ProMotion or MagSafe may be a deal-breaker for some. But if you’ve been waiting for a smaller, modern iPhone without the Pro price tag — this might be the one.

Specs At a Glance

• Display: 6.1-inch OLED, 60Hz, True Tone, 1170×2532 resolution
• Processor: Apple A16 Bionic
• RAM: 6GB
• Storage: 128GB / 256GB / 512GB
• Camera (Rear): 48MP wide lens (f/1.6)
• Camera (Front): 12MP TrueDepth
• Battery: ~3,000 mAh (Apple doesn’t disclose exact size)
• Security: Face ID
• Port: USB-C
• OS: iOS 18
• Starting Price: $499 / £449 / €529

Unboxing & First Impressions

Gone is the old-school iPhone 8-inspired body. The iPhone SE 4 now looks more like the iPhone 13 or 14 — flat sides, all-screen front, and no home button. Apple has finally embraced the future design-wise, and it shows.

Inside the box, you get the phone, a USB-C to USB-C cable, and a tiny pamphlet — no charger, no case, no extras. Minimal, as always.

In hand, the SE 4 feels fantastic. At 6.1 inches, it’s not “small” by classic SE standards, but still compact compared to most flagships. The weight is light, the aluminum frame is sturdy, and the phone feels premium without trying too hard.

Display: Finally OLED!

One of the most welcome upgrades is the switch from LCD to OLED. The SE 4 now features a 6.1-inch Super Retina OLED display — bright, color-rich, and a major leap over the SE 3’s duller panel.

It’s not 120Hz — still 60Hz here — but the everyday user won’t mind. Scrolling is smooth enough, and the improved color accuracy and contrast make videos and photos look far better. It supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision, so streaming on Netflix or Apple TV+ is a joy.

Performance: A16 Bionic Is Still a Beast

Under the hood, the SE 4 runs on the A16 Bionic — the same chip found in the iPhone 14 Pro series. And let’s be clear: this thing flies.

Apps launch instantly, multitasking is seamless, and gaming is smooth even on graphics-heavy titles like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty: Mobile. Paired with 6GB of RAM, the SE 4 feels every bit as fast as a flagship, despite its lower price.

It’s also incredibly efficient. Apple’s chip optimization means you get top performance without the heat or battery drain you’d expect from such power.

Battery Life: Surprisingly Good

The battery life is better than expected — especially considering the phone’s slim profile and 60Hz display.

On average, I got around 7–8 hours of screen-on time, with a mix of browsing, streaming, social media, and occasional gaming. That translates to a full day and then some for most users.

Charging is decent — not groundbreaking, but with USB-C now standard, you can use the same cable as your MacBook or iPad. Unfortunately, there’s no MagSafe, which feels like a missed opportunity. Wireless charging is supported, though.

Camera: A Single Shooter That Punches Above Its Weight

Apple made a smart call here. The 48MP wide camera brings in the same sensor as the iPhone 14, with a few tweaks. The result? Surprisingly excellent photos for a single-lens setup.

• Daylight shots are crisp, vibrant, and full of detail.
• Low-light photography gets a serious boost thanks to computational improvements.
• Smart HDR 5 balances highlights and shadows well.
• Portrait mode is software-based but works well enough.

However, without an ultrawide or telephoto lens, you’re stuck with digital zoom and less flexibility. If you’re a camera enthusiast, you’ll miss those extra lenses — but for everyday shots, this camera nails it.

Video quality is excellent too: 4K at 60fps with stellar stabilization, clear audio, and cinematic-level consistency.

Front Camera & Face ID

Gone is Touch ID. The iPhone SE 4 brings Face ID to the entry-level iPhone line for the first time, and it works just as flawlessly as on the Pro models.

The 12MP front camera handles selfies, FaceTime, and video recording like a champ. Thanks to the A16 chip, you get support for features like Photonic Engine, Portrait Lighting, and Smart HDR on the front-facing camera too.

iOS 18 & Software Experience

Out of the box, the iPhone SE 4 runs iOS 18, and it’s a smoother, more polished version of what we’ve seen before. A few highlights:

• Home screen widgets now offer deeper interactivity
• Siri is more natural and context-aware
• AI-powered photo cleanup and object recognition are baked into the gallery
• Live Activities are more refined and useful

The experience is fast, fluid, and consistent — exactly what you’d expect from Apple.

And of course, Apple is promising at least 5 years of software updates, so this phone is future-proof.

Security & USB-C Upgrade

Apple finally made the move: the iPhone SE 4 charges via USB-C. This means faster data transfer, universal compatibility, and one less cable in your bag.

Security-wise, Face ID is quick and reliable, and the Secure Enclave ensures your private data — from photos to FaceTime calls — stays encrypted.

Sustainability & Build

Apple continues its sustainability push. The iPhone SE 4 uses 100% recycled aluminum in the frame, recycled rare earth materials in the magnets, and comes in carbon-neutral packaging.

Build quality is top-tier. The glass back supports wireless charging, and the device is IP67 water and dust resistant — rare for a phone in this price range.

Pricing & Storage Options

The iPhone SE 4 comes in three storage tiers:

No 64GB model this year — finally. That starting price puts it in direct competition with midrange Android phones like the Pixel 8a, Galaxy A55, and Nothing Phone (2a). And in many ways, the SE 4 holds its own — if not outperforms.

⚖️ Who Should Buy the iPhone SE 4?

Buy it if:

• You want a compact iPhone with modern features
• You’re upgrading from an older SE, iPhone 8, or XR
• You want flagship performance without flagship pricing
• You like iOS and plan to keep your phone 4–5 years

Skip it if:

• You need an ultrawide or telephoto camera
• You can’t live without a 120Hz display
• You already own an iPhone 13 or newer

iPhone SE 4 vs iPhone SE 3 vs iPhone 13 Mini

Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

The iPhone SE 4 (2025) finally brings the SE line into the modern era. With a fresh design, blazing-fast performance, solid camera, OLED screen, and that sweet under-$500 price tag — this is the budget iPhone we’ve been waiting for.

It’s not the flashiest phone, and it doesn’t aim to be. But for people who want a reliable, fast, long-lasting iPhone without spending $1,000? The SE 4 hits the sweet spot.