I like the Pixel 8a, and the subsequent iPhone SE needs to be identical to it

The launch of the Pixel 9 has me reflecting on the Pixel 8a and why it is perhaps the perfect mid-range cellphone I’ve ever used. For $500, and even decrease if it is on sale, the Pixel 8a gives the look and options of a flagship cellphone at an reasonably priced value. Our review at Pocket-lint gave it 4.5 stars because of its glorious design and software program help.

Wanting again on the Pixel 8a’s success lately made me take into consideration Apple’s mid-range cellphone, the iPhone SE, and the place it has been the previous two and a half years.

The present iPhone SE third generation, the iPhone SE 3, launched in March 2022. Apple hasn’t refreshed its funds various since. It was supposedly due for a brand new model in 2024, however the tech big reportedly canned it, leaving the present iPhone SE more and more outdated and antiquated.

The subsequent iPhone SE, the iPhone SE fourth generation, must be just like the Pixel 8a, and by evaluating the 2 telephones, the iPhone SE 3 to the Pixel 8a, clearly reveals why.

I will take a excessive refresh fee OLED display, please

It is lengthy overdue that Apple gave all its iPhones ProMotion

The Pixel 8a has a 6.1-inch 1080 x 2400 pixel decision OLED display at 430 ppi (pixels per inch). It might obtain as much as 1400 nits of brightness for HDR content material and as much as 2000 nits of peak brightness. It additionally has Google’s Easy Show expertise, which permits the display to achieve a 120Hz refresh fee (much like Apple’s ProMotion).

The iPhone SE 3 has a 4.7-inch 1334 x 750 pixel decision 60Hz LCD show with IPS expertise at 326 ppi. It might obtain 625 nits of max brightness and has Apple’s True Tone show expertise.

The distinction between these shows couldn’t be clearer: LCD vs. OLED, 60Hz vs. 120Hz, 625 nits vs. 2000 nits of peak brightness. If the subsequent iPhone SE actually desires to curiosity shoppers within the mid-range cellphone market, it wants a show just like the Pixel 8a’s. The Pixel 8a display does have some compromises, resembling thicker bezels, which Apple might simply enhance on.

Rumors hint the next iPhone SE, the iPhone SE 4, might have a 6.1-inch OLED display. Whereas that could be a step towards matching the Pixel 8a, to be equal, it might want ProMotion help, which I doubt Apple will do, because it’s solely ever put it in Professional telephones to this point. However hey, shock me, Apple. Please.

The iPhone SE deserves a contemporary design

Thanks to your service dwelling button

Mid-range telephones must compromise someplace to stay reasonably priced. The Pixel 8a has an aluminum body with a plastic again, whereas the Pixel 8 and 9 each have an aluminum body with glass backs. The Pixel 8 and 9 have a extra premium really feel, particularly the Pixel 9 with its new flat-edged design. However for what the Pixel 8a gives, it isn’t too shabby in any respect.

Turning again to the iPhone SE 3, it’s loopy to take a look at it and see an iPhone 8 design from 2017. It nonetheless even has a house button, which some individuals may miss or not miss in any respect. I admit that once I obtained my first iPhone and not using a dwelling button, I missed it — for about half an hour. Then, swiping up felt all too pure.

Like its costlier flagship cousins and the Pixel 8a in the identical value vary, the iPhone SE 4 should undertake a button-less full-screen design. This design offers for extra display actual property. Additionally, it permits the cellphone to endure a desperately wanted redesign — and by redesign, I imply probably adopting the look of one in every of Apple’s newer iPhones.

Rumors say it might adopt the look of the iPhone 14, which might be a major replace to the iPhone SE, making it extra trendy, engaging to funds shoppers, and extra just like the Pixel 8a.

It is time for an improved digital camera on the SE

The Pixel 8a has a very good digital camera, however it’s not as nice because the Pixel 8 or 9. It sports activities a 64-megapixel large digital camera, a 13-megapixel ultra-wide digital camera, and a 13-megapixel entrance digital camera. I took the Pixel 8a to the seaside to check its digital camera capabilities and was genuinely impressed by the element and distinction of the pictures. Whereas the Pixel 8 and 9 seize sharper photographs total, the Pixel 8a digital camera continues to be spectacular.

The iPhone SE 3 from 2022 is older, however its cameras aren’t that dangerous both. It sports activities a 13-megapixel rear digital camera, which, because of the SE’s A15 bionic chip, will get help for Sensible HDR4 processing and Deep Fusion processing to make photographs look crisp and clear. Admittedly, the zooming capabilities in comparison with the Pixel 8a aren’t nearly as good, however the iPhone SE 3 digital camera isn’t that dangerous for what it’s.

The iPhone SE 4 wants an additional rear digital camera just like the Pixel 8a to have the ability to zoom in higher and land that excellent shot.

If the iPhone SE 4 adopts the look of the iPhone 14, hopefully, which means it’s additionally getting the cameras discovered on it, that are twin 12-megapixel rear cameras and a 12-megapixel entrance digital camera, making it extra consistent with the Pixel 8a. In our iPhone 14 review from 2022, we discovered it to seize detailed and well-colored balanced pictures and a night-mode choice for low-light pictures.

Mid-range telephones deserve AI additionally

Apple Intelligence needs to be supported on the subsequent iPhone SE

Apple

The Pixel 8a helps AI out of the field, because of Google Gemini. Plus, it has superior options by way of the Gemini-Superior subscription. It additionally has AI photograph modifying choices, resembling Magic Eraser and Magic Editor. You may also use Google’s Circle to Search function to lookup no matter is in your display shortly.

Apple Intelligence debuted at WWDC in June. It at present solely helps the iPhone 15 Professional and 15 Professional Max (and M collection iPads and Macs). Nevertheless, many older iPhones, just like the 13 or 14 collection, can be left within the mud. Presumably, the upcoming iPhone 16 lineup will help it, too, although the function could also be delayed until after launch.

The Pixel 8a is a mid-range $500 smartphone already utilizing AI. If the iPhone SE 4 desires to maintain up with the Pixel 8a and the AI instances we stay in, it ought to do the identical.

Upgraded processing energy is inevitable

The iPhone SE from 2022 is mighty, however it may very well be extra highly effective

Google

The place the iPhone SE 3 and Pixel 8a discover themselves on considerably frequent floor is processing energy.

The Pixel 8a has the Google Tensor G3 chip, which first debuted with the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Professional. It’s a nine-core CPU with a Titan M2 safety co-processor. I’ve been utilizing the Pixel 8a for the previous couple weeks, and the expertise has been very easy. I by no means skilled any lag or stuttering, and the cellphone by no means heated up that a lot.

The iPhone SE 3 has an A15 bionic chip with a six-core CPU, four-core GPU, and a 16-core neural engine. The chip first debuted within the iPhone 13 in 2021, and Apple put it within the iPhone SE 3 in 2022. Our review of the iPhone SE 3 discovered the efficiency to be speedy and seamless, with no lag.

If the subsequent iPhone SE makes use of Apple’s A17 processor, it may very well be one of many quickest mid-range telephones ever and simply outdo the Pixel 8a.

When is the subsequent iPhone SE popping out?

It appears we’ve to attend till 2025

In accordance with the newest rumors from The Information, the iPhone SE 4 might ship in spring 2025. With the iPhone 16 collection possible touchdown in September, this doesn’t shock me and provides Apple extra time to refine the brand new iPhone SE. Who is aware of, possibly even a Pixel 9a might exist by then, too.

Apple is reportedly aiming to maintain the price under $500, which they’ll should do, contemplating the iPhone 13 and 14, that are $599 and $699 respectively, will certainly slip in value when the iPhone 16 comes out this Fall.

Nevertheless, protecting the value underneath $500 additionally retains it consistent with the Pixel 8a’s pricing and nearer to the iPhone SE 3’s value, which is $429.

I like the Pixel 8a, and if the subsequent iPhone SE can match or enhance upon its options, Apple may have an actual winner within the mid-range cellphone market.