iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone SE (2nd gen)
Quick answer
The iPhone SE (2nd gen) is 10.5 millimetres0.41 inches narrower and 51 grams1.80 ounces lighter than the iPhone 16 Plus.
The SE (2nd gen) on Amazon (paid link) is the oldest iPhone still getting updates, so it is probably next to go. The 16 Plus (paid link) has a much larger battery and will stay current longer. Buy the SE on renewed stock if budget rules you; otherwise step up to the 16 Plus.
Paid link.
Easier one-handed: iPhone SE (2nd gen)
Pocket: iPhone SE (2nd gen)
Weight difference: Noticeable
iPhone 16 Plus
from $899 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon (paid link)iPhone SE (2nd gen)
from $399 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)
Paid link.
TRUE SCALE · 1.3 PX/MM
TRUE SCALE · 2.1 PX/MM
Hand: US Army ANSUR II, 2012 (sex-balanced median). Pockets: The Pudding, 2018. Card: ISO/IEC 7810 ID-1.
iPhone 16 Plus: 160.9 by 77.8 by 7.8 millimetres, 199 grams. iPhone SE (2nd gen): 138.4 by 67.3 by 7.3 millimetres, 148 grams.
16 Plus, SE (2nd gen) shown at 2.1 pixels per millimetre.
iPhone 16 Plus
from $899 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon (paid link)iPhone SE (2nd gen)
from $399 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)
Paid link.
Height: 16 Plus 160.9 millimetres, SE (2nd gen) 138.4 millimetres.Height: 16 Plus 6.33 inches, SE (2nd gen) 5.45 inches.Width: 16 Plus 77.8 millimetres, SE (2nd gen) 67.3 millimetres.Width: 16 Plus 3.06 inches, SE (2nd gen) 2.65 inches.Depth: 16 Plus 7.80 millimetres, SE (2nd gen) 7.30 millimetres.Depth: 16 Plus 0.31 inches, SE (2nd gen) 0.29 inches.Weight: 16 Plus 199 grams, SE (2nd gen) 148 grams.Weight: 16 Plus 7.02 ounces, SE (2nd gen) 5.22 ounces.
Specifications
| Specification | 16 Plus | SE (2nd gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 160.9 millimetres6.33 inches | 138.4 millimetres, 22.5 millimetres less5.45 inches, 0.89 inches less |
| Width | 77.8 millimetres3.06 inches | 67.3 millimetres, 10.5 millimetres less2.65 inches, 0.41 inches less |
| Depth | 7.80 millimetres0.31 inches | 7.30 millimetres, 0.50 millimetres less0.29 inches, 0.02 inches less |
| Weight | 199 grams7.02 ounces | 148 grams, 51 grams less5.22 ounces, 1.80 ounces less |
| Volume | 97.6 cubic centimetres5.96 cubic inches | 68.0 cubic centimetres, 29.6 cubic centimetres less4.15 cubic inches, 1.81 cubic inches less |
| Screen-to-body — Active display area over body area. Our own estimate, not an Apple figure. | 88 percent | 65 percent, 22 percent less |
| Display size — Screen size is always quoted in inches. | 6.7 inches | 4.7 inches, 2.0 inches less |
| Resolution | 1290 × 2796 | 750 × 1334 |
| Pixel density | 460 pixels per inch | 326 pixels per inch, 134 pixels per inch less |
| Cutout | Dynamic Island | None |
| Rear main | 48MP | 48MP |
| Rear ultra-wide | — | — |
| Rear telephoto | — | — |
| Front camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Chip | A18 | A13 Bionic |
| Video playback — Apple's rated hours of video playback. Apple does not publish battery capacity. | 27 hrs | 13 hrs |
| Port | USB-C | Lightning |
| Wireless | 5G · Wi-Fi · Bluetooth | 5G · Wi-Fi 6 · Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Water resistance | IP68 (6m for 30 min) | IP68 (6m for 30 min) |
| Storage | 128 – 512 GB | 64 – 256 GB |
| Launch price — Base configuration at launch, in US dollars. | 899 dollars | 399 dollars, 500 dollars less |
| Released | Sep 2024 | Apr 2020 |
| Status | Current | Legacy |
Dimensions
The iPhone SE (2nd gen) is 22.5 mm (0.89 in) shorter, 10.5 mm (0.41 in) narrower, 0.50 mm (0.02 in) thinner and 51 g (1.80 oz) lighter than the iPhone 16 Plus. The iPhone 16 Plus measures 160.9 × 77.8 × 7.80 mm (6.33 × 3.06 × 0.31 in) and weighs 199 g (7.02 oz). The iPhone SE (2nd gen) measures 138.4 × 67.3 × 7.30 mm (5.45 × 2.65 × 0.29 in) and weighs 148 g (5.22 oz).
Also compared with iPhone 16 Plus
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- iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone 17 Air
- iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone 17
- iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone 17e
- iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone Duo
- iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone 18 Pro Max
- iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone 18 Pro
Questions about these phones
How much bigger is the iPhone 16 Plus than the iPhone SE (2nd gen)?
The iPhone 16 Plus is 22.5 mm taller and 10.5 mm wider than the iPhone SE (2nd gen). It has a 6.7 inch screen whereas the iPhone SE (2nd gen) has a 4.7 inch screen.
Which phone is lighter?
The iPhone SE (2nd gen) is 51 grams lighter than the iPhone 16 Plus. This weight difference is noticeable during use.
What is the screen size difference?
The iPhone 16 Plus has a 6.7 inch screen which is 2 inches larger than the 4.7 inch display on the iPhone SE (2nd gen). Both screens use a standard refresh rate of 60 Hz.
Which phone is better for one-handed use?
The iPhone SE (2nd gen) is easier to use with one hand than the iPhone 16 Plus. Its smaller form factor makes it better for single-handed operation.
Do these phones fit in a pocket?
The iPhone SE (2nd gen) is more pocketable than the iPhone 16 Plus. Both models fit in a typical men's jeans pocket but the SE is smaller.
Is upgrading to the iPhone 16 Plus worth it?
Upgrading depends on whether you need the larger iPhone 16 Plus screen. The iPhone SE (2nd gen) offers a good experience without the extra size.