There have been a number of rumors and reports surrounding new iPhone SE models recently, but the latest suggests the next-gen model might not offer quite as many upgrades as some might expect. Apple's iPhone SE 2020 is an excellent option for anyone looking for a new smartphone at a lower price than the iPhone 12 series, but the cheaper iPhone does come with some compromises.
The original iPhone SE launched in 2016 and it took Apple four years to follow up with the second-generation version. However, considering it is priced at just $399, it was likely worth the wait for anyone looking for a cheaper iPhone experience. Although it is still a good smartphone buy in 2021, the speculation has been increasingly mounting on what’s next to come with the iPhone SE lineup.
According to comments attributed to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo by MacRumors, the third-generation iPhone SE is due to arrive in the first half of 2022. However, it is said that the new version won’t massively differ from the current version in terms of design, including no change in size, with the newer model adopting the same 4.7-inch display. In fact, the main upgrades suggested were the addition of 5G support and a newer processor. Both of which are largely to be expected with a newer version.
Some iPhone SE Upgrades, But Enough?
With the iPhone 12 series launching with 5G support, and only months after the release of the 2020 iPhone SE, it stands to reason that a newer SE model would gain the same next-generation network support. Notably, if Apple can keep the price of the iPhone SE similar to the current model, then this would make for a very cheap 5G option for iPhone users. Depending on how similar the price is, it could actually end up being cheaper than the main option Android users currently have through the Google Pixel 4a 5G. However, the suggestion a newer processor is also included is unlikely to be that surprising. The current iPhone SE is powered by the A13 chip, which is the same one powering the iPhone 11 series. While not specifically mentioned in the latest report, an upgrade in the processor department would naturally lead to the assumption the next-gen iPhone SE will be bumped up to the iPhone 12's A14 chip.
Although these are improvements to the overall experience, are they enough? The iPhone SE is a great buy at the price, but it does compromise in many areas, including the design, the lack of Face ID, and the overall screen size. Of course, there have been rumors that Apple also plans to release an iPhone SE Plus at some point, and that would result in a larger iPhone for those that want one. However, unless the Plus model also comes with 5G support and the newer processor, it seems unlikely to be a better option for Apple customers, especially if the larger screen ends up with a higher price tag as well.
Source: MacRumors