iPhone SE 4 could end up killing the iPhone 15: Here are 4 key reasons why

iPhone SE 4, based on leaks, could potentially dominate sales and even cannibalise the iPhone 15's sales for the following reasons.

iPhone SE 4 is set to be the next affordable Apple iPhone, slotting in as an entry-level device in the Apple lineup, but it won’t necessarily be inferior—at least compared to the iPhone 15—based on what we have seen in leaks. This is why it could topple the momentum that the iPhone 15 has gathered following its discounts in sales and by Apple, after the launch of the iPhone 16 series. Here, let us tell you three reasons why the iPhone SE 4 could end up outshining the iPhone 15:

iPhone SE 4 could sport a modern design, but it isn't sure if it would get the Dynamic Island or not. (Apple)

By Shaurya Sharma

Shaurya Sharma is the Technology Editor at Hindustan Times Digital Streams, where he oversees technology coverage across digital and social platforms. With over eight years of experience across editorial, video production, and digital media, his work focuses on smartphones, AI, consumer gadgets, and shaping audience-first content strategies for modern tech consumers.

He began his career in 2018 as a fashion cinematographer before turning his lifelong passion for technology into a profession. From spending his childhood immersed in tech magazines, video games, and the latest gadgets to covering the global consumer tech industry today, technology has remained a constant throughout his journey.

Over the years, Shaurya has worked with some of India’s leading media organisations, including CNN-News18, Sportskeeda, and Guiding Tech, where he led video initiatives that combined strong editorial storytelling with engaging visual and social-first execution.

A graduate in Journalism and Mass Communication from Manipal University, Shaurya has reviewed hundreds of products across categories including smartphones, laptops, gaming consoles, cameras, and wearables. Beyond work, he is passionate about animal welfare, environmental causes, and automobiles, particularly turbo-petrol cars

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iPhone SE 4 Is Expected To Debut With Apple Intelligence Features, But iPhone 15 Won’t Get Them

Based on leaks and insider information from sources like Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the Apple iPhone SE 4 could feature Apple Intelligence capabilities thanks to its powerful internals (it may even share the Apple A18 SoC used by the standard iPhone 16 models). This factor alone may convince many buyers to opt for the iPhone SE 4 instead of the iPhone 15, which sits between the iPhone 14 and the iPhone 16 lineup. Yes, you may lose out on the dual-camera setup, but for some people, having the latest and greatest software features (also a highlight of the iPhone 16) could be a more compelling draw.

iPhone SE 4 Could Be Cheaper

The iPhone SE 3 currently retails for ₹47,600 in India, making it significantly cheaper than the iPhone 15, which comes in at ₹69,900. However, during sales, such as the ongoing Flipkart Big Billion Days sale, you can find the iPhone 15 for around ₹55,000, but it is still more expensive. That said, if Apple prices the iPhone SE 4 similarly to the iPhone SE 3 (around ₹50,000), it could be a surefire hit, making it accessible to many buyers who may be waiting to try out their first iPhone.

iPhone SE 4 Could Have More Powerful Internals Than iPhone 15

If you look at the standard iPhone 15 models, you will be hard-pressed to find colour saturation, and many do not appreciate how pale or pastel-like its colourways appear— with the blue looking almost white and the yellow being a pale shade. That said, the iPhone 16 models this year come as a breath of fresh air, featuring vibrant hues and many appealing shades. While it isn’t confirmed, speculation and past trends suggest that Apple may launch the iPhone SE 4 in fun colourways to generate momentum. Imagine the iPhone SE 4 in a colourway like the Ultramarine of the iPhone 16—it would help Apple drive sales. Additionally, based on what we have seen in leaked renders and concept images, the iPhone SE 4 could indeed come in vibrant shades.