iPhone 16 & iPhone SE share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the iPhone 16 rather than the iPhone SE.
Why Do I Recommend The iPhone 16?
- The iPhone 16 features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display for brighter visuals, deeper blacks, and more immersive content viewing, whereas the iPhone SE has a 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD display with lower brightness and limited color contrast.
- iPhone 16 has the A18 Bionic chip for faster processing speeds, improved gaming performance, and advanced AI features, while the iPhone SE uses the older A15 Bionic chip with less efficiency.
- It includes a dual-camera system with a 48MP wide and 12MP ultrawide lens for higher detail, better low-light photography, and wider shooting options, whereas the iPhone SE comes with a single 12MP wide camera with no ultrawide or Night Mode.
- The iPhone 16 comes with a 12MP TrueDepth front camera for sharper selfies, 4K video, and Face ID support, while the iPhone SE has a 7MP FaceTime HD front camera limited to 1080p video and Touch ID only.
- iPhone 16 supports MagSafe wireless charging and magnetic accessories for faster alignment and versatile add-ons, whereas the iPhone SE supports only Qi wireless charging without MagSafe compatibility.
- It has a larger ~3,500 mAh battery for longer endurance with up to 20 hours of video playback, while the iPhone SE uses a smaller ~2,018 mAh battery.
- The iPhone 16 includes Wi-Fi 6E for faster wireless speeds and better stability in congested networks, whereas the iPhone SE supports only slower Wi-Fi 6 .
- iPhone 16 comes with IP68 water resistance to withstand submersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes, while the iPhone SE has IP67 water resistance limited to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
Maybe the iPhone SE price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the iPhone 16. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.
Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | iPhone 16 | iPhone SE |
| Display Size | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED | 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD |
| Display Brightness | Up to 2000 nits peak | Up to 625 nits peak |
| Display Features | HDR10, Dolby Vision, Always-On | Standard True Tone, no HDR |
| Bezels | Thin all-screen with notch | Thick bezels with home button |
| Biometrics | Face ID | Touch ID |
| Processor | A18 Bionic | A15 Bionic |
| RAM | 6 GB | 4 GB |
| Storage Variants | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB | 64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Rear Camera Setup | Dual 48MP wide + 12MP ultrawide | Single 12MP wide |
| Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth | 7MP FaceTime HD |
| Camera Features | Night Mode, Cinematic Mode, Action Mode, Photonic Engine | No Night Mode, no Cinematic Mode |
| Video Recording | 4K HDR Dolby Vision up to 60fps | 4K SDR up to 60fps |
| Battery Capacity | ~3,500 mAh | ~2,018 mAh |
| Battery Life | Up to 20+ hours video playback | Up to 15 hours video playback |
| Charging | MagSafe + Qi wireless + 20W wired | Qi wireless + 20W wired |
| Connectivity | 5G with advanced efficiency | 5G basic |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Audio | Spatial Audio, Dolby Atmos | Stereo audio only |
| Operating System Launch | iOS 18 | iOS 15 |
| AI Features | Next-gen Apple Intelligence integration | Limited AI support |
| Build Material | Ceramic Shield front, aluminum sides | Glass front and back, aluminum frame |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP67 |
| Accessories | MagSafe compatible | Not MagSafe compatible |
| Price | Check iPhone 16 Price | Check iPhone SE Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- Operating System: Both iPhone 16 and iPhone SE run on iOS, meaning users get the same core features, updates, and access to Apple’s ecosystem regardless of the model.
- App Store: Each device has access to the Apple App Store, giving users the same selection of millions of apps, games, and services.
- 5G Support: Both support 5G connectivity, ensuring faster download and streaming speeds compared to older 4G-only iPhones.
- 4G LTE: Even with 5G capability, both iPhones still support LTE networks for areas without 5G coverage, ensuring reliable connectivity worldwide.
- Processor Architecture: Both use Apple-designed ARM-based processors, allowing efficient performance and optimized integration with iOS.
- GPU: Each iPhone includes an Apple GPU for smooth graphics, gaming, and video playback experiences.
- Storage Options: Both phones are available in multiple storage tiers, ensuring flexibility for users who need minimal or extensive storage.
- Wireless Charging: Both devices support Qi wireless charging, letting users recharge without cables using any Qi-certified pad.
- Wired Charging: Both support fast wired charging up to 20W via Lightning, providing around 50% charge in about 30 minutes.
- NFC: Both devices include NFC hardware for Apple Pay, enabling secure contactless payments in stores and apps.
- Stereo Speakers: Each has stereo speakers that provide balanced audio output for video playback, calls, and music.
- Water Resistance: Both phones carry an IP rating, ensuring protection from accidental splashes and limited submersion in water.
- Aluminum Frame: Each uses aerospace-grade aluminum for the frame, ensuring durability while keeping weight manageable.
- Glass Back: Both feature a glass back design, which enables wireless charging and provides a premium look.
- iMessage: Both models support iMessage, allowing users to exchange encrypted messages, stickers, and media with other Apple devices.
- FaceTime: Each device supports FaceTime video and audio calls, giving users seamless communication with other Apple devices.
- App Ecosystem: Both are fully integrated into Apple’s ecosystem, supporting iCloud, Apple Music, Apple TV+, and other services.
- Security Updates: Both devices receive Apple’s regular security and system updates, keeping them protected and up to date for years.
Common Features
| Feature | iPhone 16 | iPhone SE |
| Operating System | iOS | iOS |
| App Store | Full access to Apple App Store | Full access to Apple App Store |
| 5G Support | Yes | Yes |
| 4G LTE | Supported | Supported |
| Processor Architecture | Apple Silicon ARM-based chip | Apple Silicon ARM-based chip |
| GPU | Integrated Apple-designed GPU | Integrated Apple-designed GPU |
| Storage Options | Available in multiple tiers | Available in multiple tiers |
| Wireless Charging | Qi wireless charging supported | Qi wireless charging supported |
| Wired Charging | Lightning with 20W fast charging | Lightning with 20W fast charging |
| NFC | Apple Pay via NFC | Apple Pay via NFC |
| Stereo Speakers | Yes | Yes |
| Water Resistance | Rated with IP certification | Rated with IP certification |
| Aluminum Frame | Aerospace-grade aluminum used | Aerospace-grade aluminum used |
| Glass Back | Yes, glass material used | Yes, glass material used |
| iMessage | Supported | Supported |
| FaceTime | Supported | Supported |
| App Ecosystem | Seamless integration with iCloud, Apple services | Seamless integration with iCloud, Apple services |
| Security Updates | Regular iOS security updates | Regular iOS security updates |
| Price | Check iPhone 16 Price | Check iPhone SE Price |
FAQ
Does the iPhone 16 support Face ID while the iPhone SE does not? Is the iPhone SE still faster enough compared to the iPhone 16? Do both iPhone 16 and iPhone SE support 5G networks? Is there a difference in screen technology between iPhone 16 and iPhone SE? Which phone has better battery life, iPhone 16 or iPhone SE? Can both phones use wireless charging? How do the camera systems differ between iPhone 16 and iPhone SE? Do both phones receive the same iOS updates? Is the water resistance rating the same on iPhone 16 and iPhone SE? Does the iPhone 16 have more RAM than the iPhone SE? Can both phones run the same apps from the App Store? Is there a size difference between iPhone 16 and iPhone SE? Do both iPhones support Apple Pay? Which iPhone is better for video recording, iPhone 16 or iPhone SE? |
