Despite a Revamped Design, the iPhone SE 4 Will Not Be Able to Hold Its Value Against Flagship iPhone Models

The iPhone SE 4 will include various features from the standard and the ‘Pro’ lineup, but there is no concrete information on the launch of the budget handset. Ahead of its release, it is being reported that the smartphone will not be able to hold its value as well as the flagship iPhone models. While it is too soon to judge and draw conclusions, the iPhone SE lineup has shown similar results in the past.

iPhone SE 4 resale value will be significantly less than that of premium models, suggests speculative data

Apple devices are known for their ability to depreciate less than the competition. This allows the devices to hold their value longer, which is an appealing factor for users who want to upgrade every year. According to new research from SellCell, the iPhone SE 4 will depreciate heavily against the standard and the ‘Pro’ models of the iPhone. As mentioned, there is no clear method to draw values before the launch of the iPhone SE 4, but the current and older models from the lineup have shown similar results.

For instance, Apple introduced the iPhone SE 3 back in 2022, and since then, the device has lost 42.6 percent of its resale value compared to flagship iPhone models. In comparison, the iPhone 13, which launched in the same time frame, retained its value by 81.3 percent, only losing 18.7 percent over the years. The value stagnated three months after its launch, which shows the potential of the device and its resale value against the constantly decreasing value of the iPhone SE 3.

Furthermore, the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 lineup have also retained their resale value months after their launch. The notion highlights the popularity and reliability of the flagship iPhone models against the budget lineup. Henceforth, the report presumes that the iPhone SE 4 could see a similar fate as its resale value could drop heavily after its launch. Note that these are mere speculations based on past results, and if the device is a hit among users with flagship features, its route could be altered.

The depreciating nature of the iPhone SE 4 could push some users to opt for the premium model instead of the budget model, which could further hurt the value of the handset. There are various factors as to why the value of the iPhone SE 4 will decrease faster than the flagship iPhone models. Despite rumors of an all-new design and a bigger display coupled with Face ID in the notch, a user perceives the iPhone SE lineup as a device with older hardware and intervals. Since users seek longevity and reliability in a device that can last for years to come, the iPhone SE does not fulfill the requirements. This encourages users to switch their intention to the flagship models.

For now, we are expecting the iPhone SE 4 to launch with a bigger 6.1-inch display with a notch up top housing the front camera and the Face ID sensors. Moreover, USB-C will be part of the new design as Apple aims to move away from Lightning for good. The device is slated to launch in 2025, but the device has seen various delays in the past, and it is likely that the SE 4 will see another delay. With the device speculated to depreciate its value significantly, is the iPhone SE 4 worth waiting for? Let us know in the comments.