iPhone 16e vs iPhone SE (2nd gen)
Quick answer
The iPhone SE (2nd gen) is 4.2 millimetres0.17 inches narrower and 19 grams0.67 ounces lighter than the iPhone 16e.
The iPhone SE (2nd gen) on Amazon (paid link) is the smallest phone still getting updates, but its older chip means it could lose support sooner. The iPhone 16e (paid link) offers a much larger screen and battery life that makes it a daily driver without compromise. If you prioritize pocket space and savings, stick with the SE; otherwise, the 16e is the safer buy.
Paid link.
Easier one-handed: iPhone SE (2nd gen)
Pocket: iPhone SE (2nd gen)
Weight difference: Noticeable
iPhone 16e
from $599 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 16e: 146.7 by 71.5 by 7.8 millimetres, 167 grams. iPhone SE (2nd gen): 138.4 by 67.3 by 7.3 millimetres, 148 grams.
16e, SE (2nd gen) shown at 2.3 pixels per millimetre.
iPhone 16e
from $599 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: 16e 146.7 millimetres, SE (2nd gen) 138.4 millimetres.Height: 16e 5.78 inches, SE (2nd gen) 5.45 inches.Width: 16e 71.5 millimetres, SE (2nd gen) 67.3 millimetres.Width: 16e 2.81 inches, SE (2nd gen) 2.65 inches.Depth: 16e 7.80 millimetres, SE (2nd gen) 7.30 millimetres.Depth: 16e 0.31 inches, SE (2nd gen) 0.29 inches.Weight: 16e 167 grams, SE (2nd gen) 148 grams.Weight: 16e 5.89 ounces, SE (2nd gen) 5.22 ounces.
Specifications
| Specification | 16e | SE (2nd gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 146.7 millimetres5.78 inches | 138.4 millimetres, 8.3 millimetres less5.45 inches, 0.33 inches less |
| Width | 71.5 millimetres2.81 inches | 67.3 millimetres, 4.2 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 | 167 grams5.89 ounces | 148 grams, 19 grams less5.22 ounces, 0.67 ounces less |
| Volume | 81.8 cubic centimetres4.99 cubic inches | 68.0 cubic centimetres, 13.8 cubic centimetres less4.15 cubic inches, 0.84 cubic inches less |
| Screen-to-body — Active display area over body area. Our own estimate, not an Apple figure. | 86 percent | 65 percent, 21 percent less |
| Display size — Screen size is always quoted in inches. | 6.1 inches | 4.7 inches, 1.4 inches less |
| Resolution | 1170 × 2532 | 750 × 1334 |
| Pixel density | 460 pixels per inch | 326 pixels per inch, 134 pixels per inch less |
| Cutout | Notch | 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. | 26 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. | 599 dollars | 399 dollars, 200 dollars less |
| Released | Feb 2025 | Apr 2020 |
| Status | Current | Legacy |
Dimensions
The iPhone SE (2nd gen) is 8.3 mm (0.33 in) shorter, 4.2 mm (0.17 in) narrower, 0.50 mm (0.02 in) thinner and 19 g (0.67 oz) lighter than the iPhone 16e. The iPhone 16e measures 146.7 × 71.5 × 7.80 mm (5.78 × 2.81 × 0.31 in) and weighs 167 g (5.89 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 16e
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- iPhone 16e vs iPhone 16 Pro
- iPhone 16e vs iPhone 16 Plus
- iPhone 16e vs iPhone 16
- iPhone 16e vs iPhone 17 Air
- iPhone 16e vs iPhone 17
- iPhone 16e vs iPhone Duo
- iPhone 16e vs iPhone 18 Pro Max
- iPhone 16e vs iPhone 18 Pro
- iPhone 16e vs iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16e vs iPhone 15 Pro
Questions about these phones
How does the size of the iPhone 16e compare to the iPhone SE (2nd gen)?
The iPhone 16e is 8.3 mm taller and 4.2 mm wider than the iPhone SE (2nd gen). It also has a larger 6.1 inch screen.
Is there a noticeable weight difference between the iPhone 16e and iPhone SE (2nd gen)?
The iPhone 16e weighs 167 g and the iPhone SE (2nd gen) weighs 148 g. This 19 g difference is noticeable when holding them.
Which phone has a bigger screen for media consumption?
The iPhone 16e has a 6.1 inch display while the iPhone SE (2nd gen) has a 4.7 inch screen. The 16e offers significantly more viewing area.
Which phone is better for one-handed use?
The iPhone SE (2nd gen) is better for one-handed use because it is smaller and lighter. The iPhone 16e is larger and may be harder to reach across.
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. The iPhone 16e is bulkier and may fit less comfortably.
Is upgrading from iPhone SE (2nd gen) to iPhone 16e worth it for size?
It depends on whether you prefer a larger screen and longer battery life. The iPhone 16e is bigger and heavier which may not suit small hands.