iPhone 16 vs iPhone SE (2nd gen)
Quick answer
The iPhone SE (2nd gen) is 4.3 millimetres0.17 inches narrower and 22 grams0.78 ounces lighter than the iPhone 16.
The iPhone SE (2nd gen) on Amazon (paid link) is delightfully compact, yet its aging chip makes it the next to lose updates. iPhone 16 (paid link) brings modern speeds and all-day power, worth the extra bulk for most. Go for the SE if you truly want small; otherwise 16 is the safe bet. If you want another modern budget option, look at the iPhone 16e (paid link).
Paid link.
Easier one-handed: iPhone SE (2nd gen)
Pocket: iPhone SE (2nd gen)
Weight difference: Noticeable
iPhone 16
from $799 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 · 1.5 PX/MM
TRUE SCALE · 2.3 PX/MM
Hand: US Army ANSUR II, 2012 (sex-balanced median). Pockets: The Pudding, 2018. Card: ISO/IEC 7810 ID-1.
iPhone 16: 147.6 by 71.6 by 7.8 millimetres, 170 grams. iPhone SE (2nd gen): 138.4 by 67.3 by 7.3 millimetres, 148 grams.
16, SE (2nd gen) shown at 2.3 pixels per millimetre.
iPhone 16
from $799 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: 16 147.6 millimetres, SE (2nd gen) 138.4 millimetres.Height: 16 5.81 inches, SE (2nd gen) 5.45 inches.Width: 16 71.6 millimetres, SE (2nd gen) 67.3 millimetres.Width: 16 2.82 inches, SE (2nd gen) 2.65 inches.Depth: 16 7.80 millimetres, SE (2nd gen) 7.30 millimetres.Depth: 16 0.31 inches, SE (2nd gen) 0.29 inches.Weight: 16 170 grams, SE (2nd gen) 148 grams.Weight: 16 6.00 ounces, SE (2nd gen) 5.22 ounces.
Specifications
| Specification | 16 | SE (2nd gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 147.6 millimetres5.81 inches | 138.4 millimetres, 9.2 millimetres less5.45 inches, 0.36 inches less |
| Width | 71.6 millimetres2.82 inches | 67.3 millimetres, 4.3 millimetres less2.65 inches, 0.17 inches less |
| Depth | 7.80 millimetres0.31 inches | 7.30 millimetres, 0.50 millimetres less0.29 inches, 0.02 inches less |
| Weight | 170 grams6.00 ounces | 148 grams, 22 grams less5.22 ounces, 0.78 ounces less |
| Volume | 82.4 cubic centimetres5.03 cubic inches | 68.0 cubic centimetres, 14.4 cubic centimetres less4.15 cubic inches, 0.88 cubic inches less |
| Screen-to-body — Active display area over body area. Our own estimate, not an Apple figure. | 87 percent | 65 percent, 22 percent less |
| Display size — Screen size is always quoted in inches. | 6.1 inches | 4.7 inches, 1.4 inches less |
| Resolution | 1179 × 2556 | 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. | 22 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. | 799 dollars | 399 dollars, 400 dollars less |
| Released | Sep 2024 | Apr 2020 |
| Status | Current | Legacy |
Dimensions
The iPhone SE (2nd gen) is 9.2 mm (0.36 in) shorter, 4.3 mm (0.17 in) narrower, 0.50 mm (0.02 in) thinner and 22 g (0.78 oz) lighter than the iPhone 16. The iPhone 16 measures 147.6 × 71.6 × 7.80 mm (5.81 × 2.82 × 0.31 in) and weighs 170 g (6.00 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
- iPhone 16 vs iPhone 17
- iPhone 16 vs iPhone 15
- iPhone 16 vs iPhone 16 Pro Max
- iPhone 16 vs iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16 vs iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16 vs iPhone 16e
- iPhone 16 vs iPhone 14
- iPhone 16 vs iPhone 17 Air
- iPhone 16 vs iPhone 17e
- iPhone 16 vs iPhone Duo
- iPhone 16 vs iPhone 18 Pro Max
- iPhone 16 vs iPhone 18 Pro
Questions about these phones
How much smaller is the iPhone SE (2nd gen) than the iPhone 16?
The iPhone SE (2nd gen) is 9.2 mm shorter and 4.3 mm narrower than the iPhone 16. It is also 0.5 mm thinner.
Is the iPhone SE (2nd gen) lighter than the iPhone 16?
Yes, the iPhone SE (2nd gen) is 22 g lighter than the iPhone 16. The weight difference is noticeable in daily use.
What is the screen size difference between these phones?
The iPhone 16 has a 6.1 inch display while the iPhone SE (2nd gen) has a 4.7 inch display. The iPhone 16 screen is 1.4 inches larger.
Which phone is easier to use one-handed?
The iPhone SE (2nd gen) is easier to use one-handed than the iPhone 16. It is better suited for small hands based on its smaller dimensions.
Do both phones fit in a typical men's jeans pocket?
Both phones fit in a typical men's jeans pocket, but the iPhone SE (2nd gen) is more pocketable due to its smaller size. Neither fits comfortably in a median women's jeans pocket.
Is upgrading from the iPhone SE (2nd gen) to the iPhone 16 worth it for size alone?
Whether this upgrade is worth it depends on your preference for screen real estate. The iPhone 16 offers a significantly larger display and more modern features.