Apple appears to be accelerating its plans to release the fourth-generation iPhone SE, a mid-range handset that’s expected to be revealed within the next week. The move comes as the company faces criticism for designing the phone with compromises that may alienate potential buyers in the mid-range market.
The iPhone SE’s display has been modified by removing the home key, a feature once standard on smartphones. Instead, an on-screen software-based button or swipe gesture takes its place, allowing for a more expansive full-frontal design. This change also impacts the phone’s connector, as it will now come with a USB-C port instead of a lightning connector.
However, these changes have led to concerns about the phone’s performance and features. The iPhone SE is set to feature a 6.1-inch screen with a slow refresh rate of 60Hz, which may not be sufficient for mid-range smartphones that typically offer faster screens with variable rates. The phone’s single camera lens also lags behind competitors like the Google Pixel 8a and Samsung Galaxy A55.
Additionally, the iPhone SE has a smaller battery at 3,279 mAh, which is lower than some of its key competitors. This may raise concerns about the phone’s battery life, particularly in comparison to other smartphones that offer longer-lasting batteries with higher storage capacities.
The iPhone SE’s price is also expected to be around $479 for the entry-level 64 GB model, which may not match the value offered by its competitors. The phone’s design decisions have sparked debate among Apple enthusiasts and critics alike, who wonder if the company has sacrificed too much in terms of features and performance to create a more affordable smartphone.
Despite these concerns, Apple’s dedicated community is expected to remain loyal to the brand, thanks to the benefits of the Apple ecosystem and its tight integration with hardware and software. However, for new buyers who are considering their first iPhone purchase, the phone’s first impressions may be less attractive compared to other options in the mid-range market.
As Apple gears up to release the iPhone SE, it remains to be seen whether the company can address these concerns and deliver a product that meets expectations from both its loyal fan base and new buyers.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/ewanspence/2025/02/09/apple-iphone-se-battery-camera-display-specs-leak-new-iphone