The Article Tells The Story of:
- The iPhone SE is outdated in 2024, with a cramped screen and poor camera, making it hard to recommend.
- Android phones like the Pixel 8A and Galaxy A35 offer better features and value at similar prices.
- Rumors suggest the 2025 iPhone SE will feature an OLED screen, modern design, more RAM, and higher storage.
- Apple’s success with the Mac Mini raises hopes for a more affordable, feature-packed iPhone SE.
The iPhone SE: Affordable Yet Outdated
Apple’s iPhone SE, introduced in 2016, brought premium performance at an affordable price of $399. It combined a then-current A9 chip with an older body design, delivering strong value. However, by its third generation in 2022, the SE had become less appealing despite a price increase to $429. The phone retained solid build quality, water resistance, and wireless charging but lagged in key areas.
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The SE features a dated LCD screen, large bezels, and just 64GB of base storage. The absence of modern features, like a night mode for the camera, makes it hard to recommend. These shortcomings stand out even more when compared to midrange Android phones.
Midrange Android Phones Set the Standard
Android manufacturers like Google and Samsung have elevated midrange phones, providing features that overshadow the iPhone SE. The Google Pixel 8A, priced at $499, offers an OLED screen, excellent cameras, 128GB of storage, and seven years of updates. Similarly, Samsung’s Galaxy A35, priced at $399, delivers an OLED display, IP67 water resistance, and solid performance. These devices make the 2022 iPhone SE feel outdated.
Hope for the Future: iPhone SE 2025
Rumors about the fourth-generation iPhone SE, expected in 2025, suggest promising updates. The phone might include an OLED screen, a modern design with slim bezels, and upgraded storage and processing power. Even if its price rises to $499, these improvements could make the SE competitive in the midrange market.
Apple could streamline the design by omitting features like the Action Button and Dynamic Island from its flagship models. A simplified SE with one rear camera and essential features could cater to users seeking affordability without sacrificing functionality.
Learning from the Mac Mini
Apple’s recent Mac Mini redesign demonstrates how the company can create value-packed devices. The new Mini combines the core components of a modern MacBook with a compact design, offering excellent performance at $599. This approach of focusing on essentials while cutting extras could work well for the SE, making it a true midrange contender.
Why a Midrange iPhone Matters
The average selling price of an iPhone in the US was $1,018 as of September 2024, according to CIRP. Carrier deals and financing options push users toward pricier models, limiting affordable choices. A compelling midrange iPhone could address this gap, providing more flexibility for budget-conscious buyers.
Apple’s potential to deliver an updated iPhone SE in 2025 could reshape the midrange phone market. By learning from the success of the Mac Mini and responding to consumer demand for affordable yet capable devices, Apple has a chance to redefine its budget lineup and meet the expectations of price-sensitive users.
