We bought the first iPhone SE 4 case. Here's what we learned

The 4th generation iPhone SE 4 will almost certainly be unveiled on February 19.

However, we must recognize that experts said something similar last week, and obviously the new phone did not appear. In fact, probably invited by these optimistic rumors, third -party suppliers have already started to offer cases for the iPhone SE 4 … or the iPhone 16th, depending on the manufacturer you ask.

We bought one of these cases from a German company when looking for the iPhone SE 4 and has since received it. We are happy to share this affair and its secrets with you now, but please note that all the information must be taken with a grain of salt, as the manufacturer explains:

We are currently using the “iPhone 16th” designation based on the information provided to us by our suppliers and various sources. These designations are not officially confirmed and are based on industry speculation and preliminary information.

With conceptions, as with names, we depend on the information and speculation of our suppliers and sources. This information is therefore not always reliable or definitive and is always subject to a change or an adjustment.

Deindesign (automatically translated from German)

With this warning, let's take a look at the case and see what she has to tell us.

First, there is a horizontal cut for the camera. If that makes you think that we get two camera lenses on the back, think again: it is just a question of adapting to a single lens and a flash next to it, as is the case on the iPhone 2022. It was largely said that the 16th will be based on the chassis of the iPhone 14, but if Apple would use the design of the camera module of this device and the twin lenses arranged diagonally, it would be necessary to include A much larger square cut. Most experts agree that, whatever the design of the chassis, the new one will have only one camera lens at the back.

Otherwise, the case sticks to the design elements of the standard and familiar iPhone: there are cutouts for speakers and connectors on the lower edge and for the buttons of the switch and the mute volume on the left. There is an area for the side button on the right side, but the case gives no reason to expect the 16th to have the camera control from the iPhone 16.

The clear silicone case of Deindesign is a few millimeters narrower and shorter than an iPhone 14 case, which goes against the general consensus that Apple would use the iPhone 14 chassis for the next iPhone SE. A few millimeters may not seem significant, but for smartphones, a difference in only one millimeter can mean that a case does not correspond.

In fact, the major differences make us skeptical as to whether the case we bought will suit the next iPhone. Apple uses elements of previous generations for its entry -level models for cost reasons: production lines are tried and tested after years of manufacturing, and it will cost money to make still small changes. An iPhone 14 chassis could be made from scratch in terms of research, development and quality assurance; Another case is a slightly different chassis.

In addition, the dimensions of the iPhone have barely changed over the years. The iPhone 12, 13 and 14 measured 146.7 mm long and 71.5 mm wide; The iPhone 15 and 16 had the same length and only 0.1 mm wider. A significant change now seems unlikely.

Our alleged iPhone iPhone box measures approximately 148 mm by 75 mm, much smaller than a clear case of Otterbox comparable for the iPhone 16, which measures 151.7 mm by 77.2 mm. Based on these measures, we fear that we should return the case to the manufacturer. Or maybe Apple is in mood to change radical after all.

We will surely know it on Wednesday. For all the latest news and rumors, keep an eye on our iPhone SE 4 superguide updated.