iPhone SE 4's Specs Could Lead to Enhanced Resale Value

Apple is expected to announce the fourth-generation iPhone SE as soon as tomorrow, potentially with improved long-term value retention, according to analysis by SellCell.

iPhone SE 4 Single Camera Thumb 3
Despite its lower price point, the ‌iPhone‌ SE has historically struggled with resale value compared to Apple's higher end smartphones. According to SellCell's depreciation analysis, previous SE models have seen significantly faster value loss than standard iPhones. The third-generation ‌iPhone‌ SE lost 42.6% of its value within the first month and 57.8% after six months, compared to the iPhone 15 lineup, which saw a decline of 28.8% in the first month and 27.8% after six months.

A similar pattern was seen with the second-generation ‌iPhone‌ SE, which experienced a 50.8% drop in value within six months, whereas the ‌iPhone‌ 14 series saw a 31.1% decrease over the same period. This is likely due to the ‌iPhone‌ SE's lower starting price, use of older designs, and lower overall demand in the second-hand market.

However, it is worth noting that some smaller and lower-cost iPhones have managed to retain their value more effectively. For example, the ‌iPhone‌ 13 mini held its value significantly better than the SE models. The device lost only 19.2% of its value in the first month, compared to 42.6% for the third-generation SE, and after 12 months, it had depreciated by 46.1%, compared to 64.4% for the third-generation SE. Even at 24 months, the ‌iPhone‌ 13 mini had lost just 53% of its original value, positioning it closer to flagship models than to SE devices.

As the new ‌iPhone‌ SE is expected to adopt a more modern design with significantly upgraded specifications, it could potentially alter the depreciation trend that has defined previous ‌iPhone‌ SE models. The shift to an ‌iPhone‌ 14-style design could improve long-term demand, and if Apple equips it with a considerably more high-end chipset and camera system as expected, as well as Apple Intelligence support, it may retain value more effectively than its predecessors because it will remain competitive in the lineup for longer.

Like other devices, the ‌iPhone‌ SE sees continued depreciation following the launch of a successor. The second-generation SE saw an additional 4% drop in value within 12 weeks of the third-generation SE's release. They tend to see accelerated depreciation after their initial launch window, meaning those looking to upgrade should do so quickly after launch to maximize resale value.

Pricing will also be a key factor in determining the fourth-generation ‌iPhone‌ SE's long-term value retention. Reports suggest the device may start at up to $499 in the United States, marking a slight increase from the current model's $429 price. While this could keep the new ‌iPhone‌ SE a compelling option for budget-conscious customers, it also raises expectations for hardware improvements that justify the price increase.

Apple's decision to delay the launch of the fourth-generation ‌iPhone‌ SE beyond its usual two-year upgrade cycle has also created a larger gap in its lineup, leaving fewer affordable options with up-to-date hardware. This may result in increased demand for the new ‌iPhone‌ SE when it launches, particularly if it offers substantial upgrades over previous models as expected.

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Top Rated Comments

Johnny907 Avatar
8 weeks ago
Going to be interesting to see if Apple releases real world test data showing cellular performance for the new SE with their homegrown modem compared to Qualcomm packing models.
That is my biggest concern and the only thing preventing me from immediately picking one up, and I can’t imagine I’m the only one with that concern.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Slix Avatar
8 weeks ago
This could be good long term for those wanting to sell theirs, but I would wager a guess that a majority of iPhone SE users don't have any intention of selling their phone, and probably just use it till it's run into the ground or their carrier gives them an acceptable trade-in deal to get something newer.

Signed, an iPhone SE 2nd gen user coming up on 5 years with the same phone. :P
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
bousozoku Avatar
8 weeks ago
I can't imagine anyone who purposely bought the first three generations to care about resale value. I'm sure most of those people are worried about the devices lasting as long as possible.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
sw1tcher Avatar
8 weeks ago
Despite its lower price point, the iPhone SE has historically struggled with resale value compared to Apple's higher end smartphones. According to SellCell's depreciation analysis, previous SE models have seen significantly faster value loss than standard iPhones. The third-generation iPhone SE lost 42.6% of its value within the first month and 57.8% after six months, compared to the iPhone 15 lineup, which saw a decline of 28.8% in the first month and 27.8% after six months.

A similar pattern was seen with the second-generation iPhone SE, which experienced a 50.8% drop in value within six months, whereas the iPhone 14 series saw a 31.1% decrease over the same period. This is likely due to the iPhone SE's lower starting price, use of older designs, and lower overall demand in the second-hand market.
An item isn't going to hold its value well when it's being significantly discounted by carriers.

I paid about $100 for the iPhone SE 2 through an MVNO carrier's holiday deal. I paid $49 for the iPhone SE 3 through another MVNO's holiday deal.

If carriers continue to offer deals like that with the iPhone SE 4 then it will have poor value retention as well.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Plutonius Avatar
8 weeks ago
I would be very surprised if the SE 4 starts at $499 since so much is changing.

My prediction is that it starts at $629.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
brofkand Avatar
8 weeks ago
iPhone SE value deteriorates so badly because it's heavily discounted, if not given away, by prepaid carriers like Tracfone that will unlock it after just 60 days.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)