iPhone 17 Air vs iPhone SE 4: Design, camera and everything we know

The iPhone 17 Air and iPhone SE 4 are expected to share a handful of specs and features. While the iPhone SE 4 is rumoured to launch in April, the iPhone SE 4 might come in September. Is it possible that the upcoming SE model is a preview for the iPhone 17 Air? Let's find out.

In Short

• Apple might launch both iPhone SE 4 and iPhone 17 Air in 2025
• The iPhone SE 4 is speculated to be released in April
• Both the phones are expected to feature a single-lens camera system

The upcoming iPhone 17 Air and iPhone SE 4 are speculated to feature a similar design pattern. A leak has recently spurred confusion over the new iPhone design. The leak shared an image of a rear panel, claiming it to be iPhone 17. It sported a pill-shaped module, housing a single camera lens, which is anticipated to come in both. The phones are scheduled to launch this year. While the iPhone SE 4 is expected to launch in April, the iPhone 17 might be released in September with the rest of the iPhone 17 series. We have already covered the leak, but the question still remains: is it iPhone 17 Air or iPhone SE 4?

iPhone 17 Air vs iPhone SE 4

First, let's talk about the leak and why we think it is the iPhone 17 Air. The tipster, Majin Bu, took to X and posted an image of two rear panels. He captioned the images as "iPhone 17", but it is pretty clear that these images belong to either iPhone 17 Air or iPhone SE 4. The image shows that this upcoming phone will have a single camera lens with a rectangular camera panel on the top. The right side appears to house an LED flash and a small microphone opening. Now, the internet has been divided.

We think this leak indicates the rear panel of the iPhone 17 Air. The only common point here, between both phones, is the single camera lens. Otherwise, the design pattern is similar to what is being anticipated for the iPhone 17 series. However, the dual-tone is missing. Adding to this narrative, an earlier leak also suggests that iPhone SE 4 will not follow this design language. There have been rumours suggesting that the next iPhone SE 4 will adopt the design of the iPhone 14.

That said, iPhone SE 4 and iPhone 17 Air are rumoured to share a few more details. The rumour has it that the phone will have similar camera specs. The iPhone 17 Air is rumoured to feature a simplified design, highlighted by a single 48-megapixel rear camera, which the iPhone SE 4 might also sport.

iPhone 17 Air: All we know

The iPhone 17 Air is speculated to be the slimmest phone in the iPhone-verse, thanks to its 5.5mm thickness. If this rumour comes out true, the 17 Air will beat the iPhone 6 (slimmest for now). For this ultraslim design, Apple might cut a few edges, including removal of the physical SIM tray, a single camera lens and a smaller battery.

The iPhone 17 Air is rumoured to feature a 6.6-inch OLED display with ProMotion technology, delivering a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. If true, this would mark the first time Apple brings ProMotion to its non-Pro models, potentially redefining standards for mid-range smartphones.

The design of the iPhone 17 Air is expected to be streamlined, featuring a single 48-megapixel rear camera, a departure from the dual-lens systems seen in current models. This minimalist approach could enhance the device’s slim profile while optimizing internal space. Under the hood, it might pack Apple’s A19 chipset coupled with 8GB.

With these improvements, it was thought the iPhone 17 Air might pierce the pockets, but it might not be the case. If the reports hold true, Apple’s new device will replace the iPhone 17 Plus in the lineup, with a similar price point to the iPhone 16 Plus, which starts at $899 (roughly Rs 77,000) in the US. This means that in India, it could cost Rs 89,900.

iPhone SE 4 to launch in April

Apple may rebrand its iPhone SE lineup as the iPhone 16e, according to recent rumors. If true, this change could signify a significant evolution for Apple’s budget-friendly offering, incorporating key features from the iPhone 16 series.

The iPhone SE 4, or 16e, is rumoured to include several noteworthy upgrades over its predecessor. One major improvement is the transition to a 6.06-inch OLED display, replacing the 4.7-inch LCD of the previous model. This upgrade promises a more vibrant and high-quality viewing experience.

Under the hood, the device is expected to feature the A18 chipset, delivering a significant performance boost and narrowing the gap with the iPhone 16 series in processing power. Paired with 8GB of RAM, it might offer improved multitasking and better support for advanced features like AI and machine learning.

On the photography front, the iPhone SE 4 could see a major leap with a 48-megapixel rear camera, potentially matching the iPhone 16 in imaging capabilities. If accurate, this upgrade would bring flagship-level photography to Apple’s affordable iPhone lineup.