Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation) vs Apple iPhone SE (4th generation)

Quick Verdict

Apple's fourth-generation SE represents a substantial upgrade over its predecessor, justifying the $70 price increase. Display quality makes the most dramatic leap—the 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED with 1200 nits brightness vastly outperforms the 4.7-inch LCD panel at 625 nits, delivering richer colors and superior outdoor visibility. Camera capabilities nearly quadruple with the 48MP main sensor and upgraded 12MP front camera, enabling significantly better photo quality and 4K video performance. Battery capacity increases by roughly 63% (3279mAh vs 2018mAh), providing noticeably longer endurance. The newer A18 chip offers modest generational improvements over the A15 Bionic, while 8GB RAM versus 4GB ensures smoother multitasking. Modern connectivity features include USB-C and Wi-Fi 7 support. However, the SE (3rd gen) remains compelling for budget-conscious users prioritizing affordability—its A15 Bionic still delivers excellent performance. Unless display quality and camera prowess matter significantly, the older model provides remarkable value.