iPhone SE (2nd gen) vs iPhone 16e
Quick answer
The iPhone 16e is 4.2 millimetres0.17 inches wider and 19 grams0.67 ounces heavier than the iPhone SE (2nd gen).
The iPhone SE (2nd gen) on Amazon (paid link) is the oldest iPhone still getting updates, which means it's probably next to go. The iPhone 16e (paid link) feels faster in a way you'll notice in the first minute, and it simply lasts longer through the day. This is the year to move to the 16e if you want lasting value. If you want a few more camera options, the iPhone 16 (paid link) is another great choice.
Paid link.
Easier one-handed: iPhone SE (2nd gen)
Pocket: iPhone SE (2nd gen)
Weight difference: Noticeable
iPhone SE (2nd gen)
from $399 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)iPhone 16e
from $599 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon (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 SE (2nd gen): 138.4 by 67.3 by 7.3 millimetres, 148 grams. iPhone 16e: 146.7 by 71.5 by 7.8 millimetres, 167 grams.
SE (2nd gen), 16e shown at 2.3 pixels per millimetre.
iPhone SE (2nd gen)
from $399 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)iPhone 16e
from $599 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon (paid link)
Paid link.
Height: SE (2nd gen) 138.4 millimetres, 16e 146.7 millimetres.Height: SE (2nd gen) 5.45 inches, 16e 5.78 inches.Width: SE (2nd gen) 67.3 millimetres, 16e 71.5 millimetres.Width: SE (2nd gen) 2.65 inches, 16e 2.81 inches.Depth: SE (2nd gen) 7.30 millimetres, 16e 7.80 millimetres.Depth: SE (2nd gen) 0.29 inches, 16e 0.31 inches.Weight: SE (2nd gen) 148 grams, 16e 167 grams.Weight: SE (2nd gen) 5.22 ounces, 16e 5.89 ounces.
Specifications
| Specification | SE (2nd gen) | 16e |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 138.4 millimetres5.45 inches | 146.7 millimetres, 8.3 millimetres more5.78 inches, 0.33 inches more |
| Width | 67.3 millimetres2.65 inches | 71.5 millimetres, 4.2 millimetres more2.81 inches, 0.17 inches more |
| Depth | 7.30 millimetres0.29 inches | 7.80 millimetres, 0.50 millimetres more0.31 inches, 0.02 inches more |
| Weight | 148 grams5.22 ounces | 167 grams, 19 grams more5.89 ounces, 0.67 ounces more |
| Volume | 68.0 cubic centimetres4.15 cubic inches | 81.8 cubic centimetres, 13.8 cubic centimetres more4.99 cubic inches, 0.84 cubic inches more |
| Screen-to-body — Active display area over body area. Our own estimate, not an Apple figure. | 65 percent | 86 percent, 21 percent more |
| Display size — Screen size is always quoted in inches. | 4.7 inches | 6.1 inches, 1.4 inches more |
| Resolution | 750 × 1334 | 1170 × 2532 |
| Pixel density | 326 pixels per inch | 460 pixels per inch, 134 pixels per inch more |
| Cutout | None | Notch |
| Rear main | 48MP | 48MP |
| Rear ultra-wide | — | — |
| Rear telephoto | — | — |
| Front camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Chip | A13 Bionic | A18 |
| Video playback — Apple's rated hours of video playback. Apple does not publish battery capacity. | 13 hrs | 26 hrs |
| Port | Lightning | USB-C |
| Wireless | 5G · Wi-Fi 6 · Bluetooth 5.0 | 5G · Wi-Fi · Bluetooth |
| Water resistance | IP68 (6m for 30 min) | IP68 (6m for 30 min) |
| Storage | 64 – 256 GB | 128 – 512 GB |
| Launch price — Base configuration at launch, in US dollars. | 399 dollars | 599 dollars, 200 dollars more |
| Released | Apr 2020 | Feb 2025 |
| Status | Legacy | Current |
Dimensions
The iPhone 16e is 8.3 mm (0.33 in) taller, 4.2 mm (0.17 in) wider, 0.50 mm (0.02 in) thicker and 19 g (0.67 oz) heavier than the iPhone SE (2nd gen). 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). 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).
Also compared with iPhone SE (2nd gen)
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- iPhone SE (2nd gen) vs iPhone 17e
- iPhone SE (2nd gen) vs iPhone Duo
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- iPhone SE (2nd gen) vs iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2nd gen) vs iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone SE (2nd gen) vs iPhone 11
Questions about these phones
How much bigger is the iPhone 16e than 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 is also 0.5 mm deeper.
Is the iPhone 16e heavier than the iPhone SE (2nd gen)?
Yes, the iPhone 16e weighs 19 grams more than the iPhone SE (2nd gen). This difference is noticeable in the hand.
What is the screen size difference between these phones?
The iPhone 16e has a 6.1 inch display while the iPhone SE (2nd gen) has a 4.7 inch display. The difference is 1.4 inches.
Which phone is easier to use one-handed?
The iPhone SE (2nd gen) is easier to use one-handed than the iPhone 16e. It is better suited for small hands.
Which phone fits better in a typical men's jeans pocket?
The iPhone SE (2nd gen) fits in a typical men's jeans pocket more comfortably than the iPhone 16e. Both sizes are within average men's pocket limits.
Is it worth upgrading for the size difference alone?
The size-only upgrade from the iPhone SE (2nd gen) to the iPhone 16e is worth it. The larger display adds significant viewing area.