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

[MacRumors]

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.

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.

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

 

[Johnny907]

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.

 

[Slix]

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.

 

[Compote]

I'm ready to move on from the 11. My main gripe is the lightning cable. All my Apple things are USB-C now.
Just for this, I can do with a minor upgrade lacking modern bells and whistles which frankly I will not be using. I just hope there are colors that will help me make the jump.

The Watch SE 2 was a perfect buy, I don't regret one instant getting it instead of a series 10, it's so much better than my old series 3.
Apple has a problem as they need to justify upgrades, but the upcoming SE4 will only prove that their higher-end lineup is a waste of time and money.

 

[sw1tcher]

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.

 

[jz0309]

SE4 … 16E … make up your mind

 

[Surrylic]

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 holiday deal. I paid the same for the iPhone SE 3 through another MVNO holiday deal.

If carriers continue to offer deals like that with the iPhone SE 4 then it will have poorer value retention as well.

I need Cricket to start some deals like this. My parents are on Cricket and both need new phones but can’t really afford anything modern.

 

[Populus]

Hmmm I’m gonna share a thought that I just had. What if… the new iPhone SE is called iPhone 16e for a reason? What if Apple decides to keep the 16e on the lineup, discontinuing the iPhone 16 when the iPhone 17 launches this autumn? Because having the 16e, the 16, 16 plus, 17 and 17 air could feel a bit redundant, especially if the iPhone 17 looks like the current iPhone 16 according to the latest leaks.

 

[JPack]

This is common sense - the SE2 and SE3 were relics in terms of design and features.

 

[Lounge vibes 05]

Won’t the new SE also retain its value better because it… Literally costs more?
Kind of unfair to treat the resale value of something significantly Less expensive the same as something significantly more expensive when it just isn’t comparable.

Of course the resale value on the $429 iPhone SE has gone down significantly quicker than the $1200 Pro Max.
It’s one thing to sell your $400 phone for $200 a couple months after you purchased it, it’s a completely different thing to sell a $1200 phone for $600 a couple months after you purchased it.

 

[trip1ex]

Meh. SEs rapidly lose their value in 6 months because (promotional) low cost plans are giving them away for next to nothing by then.

 

[bousozoku]

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.

 

[Plutonius]

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.

 

[bousozoku]

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.

My 2022 iPhone SE battery is deteriorating rapidly and I'm considering the replacement but the Apple cellular modem has me worried. They've had trouble over the years making sure that the Broadcom WiFi works each new release. I usually buy around Memorial Day because of the deals, but will the phone even work at that point?

 

[brofkand]

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.

 

[brofkand]

My 2022 iPhone SE battery is deteriorating rapidly and I'm considering the replacement but the Apple cellular modem has me worried. They've had trouble over the years making sure that the Broadcom WiFi works each new release. I usually buy around Memorial Day because of the deals, but will the phone even work at that point?

I wouldn't worry too much. I think it'll be fine. It's smart for Apple to start with the SE - this device doesn't demand the latest and greatest UWB multi-gigabit speeds, after all.

 

[TechnoMonk]

iPhone SE was given away for almost free. I bought iPhone SE for my teen for 99 bucks at T Mobile. Basically with out any additional charge to what I was paying before getting the SE. I doubt many paid full price.

 

[Saturn007]

How many people sell their iPhones after only 1 month of use or even 6 months? I'd wager it's a tiny percentage.

It'd be far more useful to see what the drop in prices is after, say, 2 to 3 years. There, I'd wager the differences are much less than what's being reported by this company.

As others have noted, buyers of the lowest cost iPhone likely want something to use for several or many years. Resale value isn't a factor in their purchase.

Plus, as noted, sales of new year-old or 2-year-old iPhone SEs are often discounted greatly. But, then, so are more expensive models, perhaps by even greater amounts, albeit not as great a % change as the original price was so astronomical.

 

[turbineseaplane]

This is a strange article

If one is value focused, they should be buying a gently preowned iPhone --- any of them from the last couple years

 

[bousozoku]

I wouldn't worry too much. I think it'll be fine. It's smart for Apple to start with the SE - this device doesn't demand the latest and greatest UWB multi-gigabit speeds, after all.

Well,when I got the 2022 iPhone SE, I tested it against the OnePlus 8T I also had. The 8T was better. I don't expect miracles, but I hope that this new one will work as well as the 2022 version.

 

[HJM.NL]

The iPhone SE or 16E isn’t out yet. We don’t know what exact specifications it will have and we already know and talk about long term value retention?

If the specs are up to today’s standard maybe…

Strange article indeed.

 

[uptempos]

at least throw in a 90hz screen or something jfc

 

[brofkand]

Well,when I got the 2022 iPhone SE, I tested it against the OnePlus 8T I also had. The 8T was better. I don't expect miracles, but I hope that this new one will work as well as the 2022 version.

The iPhone SE has never been the "best" iPhone - it's just been the model that was the most affordable. If you're open to android you'll get a better device every day of the week and twice on Sundays.

 

[svish]

Not surprised. With slightly higher price along with much better features and modern design compared to the current model in sale, the new SE will be in demand and should definitely have a higher resale value.

 

[bousozoku]

The iPhone SE has never been the "best" iPhone - it's just been the model that was the most affordable. If you're open to android you'll get a better device every day of the week and twice on Sundays.

There are some Android devices that are better, but just having a larger display does not make a device better. OnePlus definitely knows how to make good devices.