Apple's iPhone SE 4 could be even better than the iPhone 14 at a fraction of the cost

We’ve known for a while that Apple’s first phone of 2025, the iPhone SE 4, will likely be a complete revamp — from the software inside to the design outside. What we didn’t know was how much Apple would charge for the retooled device.

Under $500

Thanks to a recent leak, though, we now have an idea – and it’s better than expected. According to a Japanese site (and through Notebookcheck), the iPhone SE 4 will likely cost just under $500.

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That is a bump from the $429 price point of the previous version of the entry-level phone that debuted in 2022, but the reported specs for the SE 4 are more than worth the extra. Not only will this phone be a significant leap from the previous SE model, it’s looking like it will be better than even the iPhone 14.

Apple Intelligence

To start, the newest phone will likely have Apple Intelligence baked in, something the year-old iPhone 15 (which started at $799) doesn’t even do. Bringing Apple’s AI capabilities to a budget phone is big news, and one of the biggest differences between the SE and the main models. Apple Intelligence adds not only improved photo editing but also greater control over Siri, custom emoji generation, automatic responses for emails and messages, and more.

The SE 4 likely won’t get everything that Apple Intelligence offers, as there will be some hardware limitations, but it’s a great addition to an affordable phone.

Larger display with Face ID

In addition, the phone should bring an iPhone 14-style larger display with Face ID – 6.1 inches compared to 4.7 inches of the last model – and the same 48MP rear camera and 12MP selfie camera of the iPhone 15. That’s a huge leap from the SE 3’s 12MP rear camera and 7MP selfie camera.

Also: The best phones to buy

The latest SE will also likely have Apple’s first-ever in-house modem. This is something that has been in the works for several years and is a large reason this phone is so affordable.

The iPhone SE 4 is expected to have a release date in the spring of next year.