Iphone Se Vs Galaxy S4 Can An Old Android Still Compete With A Budget Iphone

The smartphone market moves fast. Devices that once defined innovation become relics in just a few years. The Samsung Galaxy S4, released in 2013, was a flagship powerhouse in its time. The iPhone SE, introduced in 2020 (and updated in 2022), is Apple’s answer to affordable yet capable smartphones. But how does a decade-old Android device stack up against a modern budget iPhone? This isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about practicality, usability, and value.

For users clinging to older devices or considering secondhand options, this comparison matters. Is it worth holding onto an aging Galaxy S4, or does the iPhone SE offer a meaningful upgrade at a modest price?

Performance: Speed, Responsiveness, and Real-World Use

The core of any smartphone experience lies in performance. The Galaxy S4 was powered by either a Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 or Samsung Exynos 5 Octa processor, depending on region, paired with 2GB of RAM. At launch, it delivered smooth multitasking and handled high-end games with ease. However, by today’s standards, even basic apps struggle to run efficiently on such limited memory and outdated architecture.

In contrast, the first-generation iPhone SE (2020) runs on Apple’s A13 Bionic chip—the same processor found in the iPhone 11 series. Even the newer iPhone SE (2022) uses the A15 Bionic, one of the most powerful chips in smartphones at its release. With 3GB or 4GB of RAM, iOS optimization ensures snappy performance across apps, web browsing, and even augmented reality experiences.

Tip: Older phones like the Galaxy S4 may boot slowly and freeze when multiple apps are open—avoid running more than one app at a time.

Real-world testing shows the iPhone SE opens apps instantly, scrolls through social media feeds without lag, and handles video calls smoothly. The Galaxy S4, while functional for very light tasks, stutters on YouTube, lags in Chrome, and often crashes when switching between apps.

Software and Security: Why Updates Matter

Software support separates viable devices from obsolete ones. The Galaxy S4 launched with Android 4.2 Jelly Bean and received updates up to Android 5.0 Lollipop. It has not seen a security patch since 2016. That means thousands of known vulnerabilities remain unpatched, making the device a potential risk for phishing, malware, and data theft—especially when using banking or shopping apps.

The iPhone SE, however, runs the latest version of iOS and will continue receiving major updates for several years. Apple typically supports iPhones for five to six years after release, including critical security fixes. This longevity ensures compatibility with new apps, better privacy controls, and access to features like Face ID (on supported models), iCloud Keychain, and App Tracking Transparency.

“Security isn’t optional. Devices without regular updates become entry points for digital threats.” — Dr. Lena Patel, Cybersecurity Analyst at MobileTrust Labs

Even if the Galaxy S4 turns on and connects to Wi-Fi, its inability to receive patches makes it unsafe for daily use in 2024 and beyond.

Camera Comparison: Photos Then vs. Now

The Galaxy S4 featured a 13MP rear camera with LED flash, zero shutter lag, and features like HDR and panorama. For its era, it produced vibrant, detailed images in good lighting. Low-light performance was mediocre, and video recording maxed out at 1080p with noticeable stabilization issues.

The iPhone SE (2022) includes a 12MP sensor with computational photography enhancements like Smart HDR 4, Deep Fusion, and Night mode. These technologies allow it to capture balanced exposures, retain detail in shadows, and produce cleaner low-light photos than many mid-range Android phones today.

While megapixels alone don’t tell the full story, processing power and software make the difference. The A15 chip enables real-time scene analysis, noise reduction, and portrait mode—even on a single-lens setup. The Galaxy S4 lacks any form of AI enhancement, resulting in flat, overexposed, or blurry images by current standards.

Photo Quality Summary

Feature	Galaxy S4 (2013)	iPhone SE (2022)
Rear Camera	13MP, f/2.2	12MP, f/1.8, OIS
Front Camera	2MP	7MP, Retina Flash
Video Recording	1080p @ 30fps	4K @ 60fps
Night Mode	No	Yes
Portrait Mode	No	Yes (via software)

User Experience and Ecosystem Integration

Beyond specs, daily usability shapes satisfaction. The iPhone SE benefits from seamless integration within Apple’s ecosystem. Users can unlock Macs with their phone, receive iMessages, sync notes via iCloud, and use AirPods with instant pairing. Siri, while not perfect, handles voice commands reliably.

The Galaxy S4 predates Samsung’s modern One UI and lacks integration with current services like Samsung Health, SmartThings, or DeX. Google services still work, but many apps—including Google Maps, Gmail, and YouTube—now require permissions and background processes that overwhelm the S4’s hardware.

Tip: If you rely on cloud backups, messaging apps, or smart home devices, choose a phone with active software support.

Additionally, app developers increasingly optimize for newer hardware. TikTok, Instagram Reels, and modern mobile games either won’t install or crash immediately on the Galaxy S4. The iPhone SE runs all current App Store titles without issue.

Mini Case Study: Maria’s Upgrade Dilemma

Maria, a college student in Chicago, used her Galaxy S4 for nearly eight years. She valued its replaceable battery and SD card slot. But by 2023, she noticed her phone couldn’t load Canvas (her university’s learning platform), failed to scan QR codes at campus events, and lost connection during Zoom lectures.

She purchased a used iPhone SE (2020 model) for $180. Within days, she reported faster email syncing, reliable Wi-Fi calling, and clear video quality for online classes. “It feels like I’ve stepped into the future,” she said. “I didn’t realize how much I was missing until I upgraded.”

Her experience reflects a broader trend: keeping ultra-old phones functional often costs more in time, frustration, and missed opportunities than the price of a budget upgrade.

Checklist: When to Keep or Replace an Old Phone

• Replace if: The device hasn’t received security updates in over two years.
• Replace if: Core apps (banking, messaging, browsers) run slowly or crash frequently.
• Replace if: You can’t take acceptable-quality photos or videos.
• Keep if: It serves as a backup, emergency phone, or offline music player.
• Keep if: You’re in a low-connectivity area and only need calls/texts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Galaxy S4 still be used in 2024?

Technically yes—for calls, texts, or as a media player. But it should not be used for internet browsing, online banking, or app-based services due to unpatched security flaws and poor performance.

Is the iPhone SE worth buying over newer Android phones?

For users prioritizing longevity, app compatibility, and performance, yes. The iPhone SE offers unmatched value in Apple’s lineup. While some Android phones offer more cameras or larger screens at similar prices, few match its processor efficiency and long-term software support.

Does the iPhone SE support 5G?

The 2020 model uses 4G LTE. The 2022 version includes 5G support on certain carriers. Check your provider before assuming compatibility.

Conclusion: Time to Move On from the Galaxy S4

The Galaxy S4 was a landmark device in mobile history. But technology evolves, and so must our expectations. In every category—performance, security, camera, software, and usability—the iPhone SE outperforms the Galaxy S4 by a wide margin. What once felt cutting-edge now struggles to meet basic modern demands.

A budget iPhone doesn’t just offer better specs; it delivers peace of mind. Regular updates, strong app support, and integration with modern tools make it a smarter long-term investment than clinging to nostalgia.

🚀 Ready to upgrade? Consider refurbished or carrier-offered iPhone SE models—they often cost less than $250 and come with warranties. Your productivity, security, and user experience will thank you.