iPhone 16e vs iPhone SE (3rd gen)
Quick answer
The iPhone SE (3rd gen) is 4.2 millimetres0.17 inches narrower and 23 grams0.81 ounces lighter than the iPhone 16e.
The SE (3rd gen) on Amazon (paid link) is notably smaller and cheaper renewed, but the 16e lasts far longer between charges and feels modern. You can choose the one that fits your hand, as both run the latest iOS and avoid future support worries. Pick the SE for portability, or spend more for endurance that doesn't leave you searching for a cable. If you want something in between, the iPhone 16 (paid link) is also worth a look.
Paid link.
Easier one-handed: iPhone SE (3rd gen)
Pocket: iPhone SE (3rd 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 (3rd gen)
from $429 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 (3rd gen): 138.4 by 67.3 by 7.3 millimetres, 144 grams.
16e, SE (3rd 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 (3rd gen)
from $429 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)
Paid link.
Height: 16e 146.7 millimetres, SE (3rd gen) 138.4 millimetres.Height: 16e 5.78 inches, SE (3rd gen) 5.45 inches.Width: 16e 71.5 millimetres, SE (3rd gen) 67.3 millimetres.Width: 16e 2.81 inches, SE (3rd gen) 2.65 inches.Depth: 16e 7.80 millimetres, SE (3rd gen) 7.30 millimetres.Depth: 16e 0.31 inches, SE (3rd gen) 0.29 inches.Weight: 16e 167 grams, SE (3rd gen) 144 grams.Weight: 16e 5.89 ounces, SE (3rd gen) 5.08 ounces.
Specifications
| Specification | 16e | SE (3rd 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 | 144 grams, 23 grams less5.08 ounces, 0.81 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 | A15 Bionic |
| Video playback — Apple's rated hours of video playback. Apple does not publish battery capacity. | 26 hrs | 15 hrs |
| Port | USB-C | USB-C |
| Wireless | 5G · Wi-Fi · Bluetooth | 5G · Wi-Fi · Bluetooth |
| 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 | 429 dollars, 170 dollars less |
| Released | Feb 2025 | Mar 2022 |
| Status | Current | Discontinued |
Dimensions
The iPhone SE (3rd gen) is 8.3 mm (0.33 in) shorter, 4.2 mm (0.17 in) narrower, 0.50 mm (0.02 in) thinner and 23 g (0.81 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 (3rd gen) measures 138.4 × 67.3 × 7.30 mm (5.45 × 2.65 × 0.29 in) and weighs 144 g (5.08 oz).
Also compared with iPhone 16e
- iPhone 16e vs iPhone 17e
- iPhone 16e vs iPhone 16 Pro Max
- 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 much bigger is the iPhone 16e than the iPhone SE (3rd gen)?
The iPhone SE (3rd gen) is 8.3 mm shorter and 4.2 mm narrower than the iPhone 16e.
Is the iPhone 16e heavier than the iPhone SE (3rd gen)?
The iPhone 16e weighs 23 grams more than the iPhone SE (3rd gen).
What is the screen size difference between iPhone 16e and iPhone SE (3rd gen)?
The iPhone 16e has a 6.1-inch display while the iPhone SE (3rd gen) has a 4.7-inch display.
Which phone is easier to use one-handed?
The iPhone SE (3rd gen) is easier to use one-handed than the iPhone 16e.
Which phone fits better in a typical men's jeans pocket?
Both phones fit in a typical men's jeans pocket, but the iPhone SE (3rd gen) is more pocketable.
Is upgrading from the iPhone SE (3rd gen) to the iPhone 16e worth it for size alone?
Whether the iPhone 16e is worth the upgrade from the iPhone SE (3rd gen) depends on your needs.