While the shift to OLED screens in the iPhone SE 4 offers many benefits, it also presents potential drawbacks[2][4]. These include:
* Screen burn-in and molecule degradation OLEDs are subject to burn-in and molecule degradation over time[1].
* PWM flickering Some users may experience PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) flickering, a technique used to control screen brightness by rapidly turning the screen off and on. This can be a significant issue for about 10% of smartphone users, potentially causing discomfort[5].
* Lifespan Blue OLED films have shorter lifetimes compared to red and green films[7].
* Water damage OLEDs can be easily damaged by water[7].
* Brightness White text on a black background can appear overwhelming due to excessive brightness in smaller areas, which may be exacerbated by astigmatism[3].
* Manufacturing costs The manufacturing processes for OLEDs are currently expensive[7].
* Compromises for cost: To keep costs down, Apple may be targeting consumers who prioritize budget over cutting-edge design[6]. The iPhone SE 4 is rumored to have a refresh rate of 60Hz, which is considered choppy[8].
* Outdated design: Criticisms exist regarding its outdated design, including the notch[6].
* Single Camera: A single rear camera may not satisfy photo enthusiasts[6].
Citations:
[1] https://www.androidpolice.com/amoled-oled-poled-explainer/
[2] https://9meters.com/technology/phones/iphone-se4-to-feature-oled-screen
[3] https://www.reddit.com/r/OLED/comments/1h4lje5/do_smartphone_oled_displays_suffer_from_the_same/
[4] https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/iphone-se-4-everything-we-know-so-far/
[5] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ovs0p3jJJt4
[6] https://balmoralpropiedades.com.ar/news-en/iphone-se-4-sparks-controversy-is-apple-playing-it-safe/27603/
[7] https://electronics.howstuffworks.com/oled5.htm
[8] https://www.phonearena.com/reviews/iphone-se-4-2025-vs-iphone-15_id6992