iPhone SE (3rd gen) vs iPhone 16e
Quick answer
The iPhone 16e is 4.2 millimetres0.17 inches wider and 23 grams0.81 ounces heavier than the iPhone SE (3rd gen).
The iPhone SE (3rd gen) on Amazon (paid link) fits easily in a small pocket, but the iPhone 16e (paid link) gives you noticeably longer battery life and faster performance. Both run the latest iOS, so you aren't sacrificing support. If you want the cheapest capable device, pick the SE; otherwise, the 16e is the smarter long-term buy.
Paid link.
Easier one-handed: iPhone SE (3rd gen)
Pocket: iPhone SE (3rd gen)
Weight difference: Noticeable
iPhone SE (3rd gen)
from $429 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 (3rd gen): 138.4 by 67.3 by 7.3 millimetres, 144 grams. iPhone 16e: 146.7 by 71.5 by 7.8 millimetres, 167 grams.
SE (3rd gen), 16e shown at 2.3 pixels per millimetre.
iPhone SE (3rd gen)
from $429 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 (3rd gen) 138.4 millimetres, 16e 146.7 millimetres.Height: SE (3rd gen) 5.45 inches, 16e 5.78 inches.Width: SE (3rd gen) 67.3 millimetres, 16e 71.5 millimetres.Width: SE (3rd gen) 2.65 inches, 16e 2.81 inches.Depth: SE (3rd gen) 7.30 millimetres, 16e 7.80 millimetres.Depth: SE (3rd gen) 0.29 inches, 16e 0.31 inches.Weight: SE (3rd gen) 144 grams, 16e 167 grams.Weight: SE (3rd gen) 5.08 ounces, 16e 5.89 ounces.
Specifications
| Specification | SE (3rd 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 | 144 grams5.08 ounces | 167 grams, 23 grams more5.89 ounces, 0.81 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 | A15 Bionic | A18 |
| Video playback — Apple's rated hours of video playback. Apple does not publish battery capacity. | 15 hrs | 26 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 | 64 – 256 GB | 128 – 512 GB |
| Launch price — Base configuration at launch, in US dollars. | 429 dollars | 599 dollars, 170 dollars more |
| Released | Mar 2022 | Feb 2025 |
| Status | Discontinued | 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 23 g (0.81 oz) heavier than the iPhone SE (3rd gen). 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). 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).
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Questions about these phones
How much bigger is the iPhone 16e than the iPhone SE (3rd gen)?
The iPhone 16e is 8.3 mm taller and 4.2 mm wider than the iPhone SE (3rd gen). It also weighs 23 grams more.
What is the screen size difference between these phones?
The iPhone 16e has a 6.1-inch display while the iPhone SE (3rd gen) has a 4.7-inch display. This makes the iPhone 16e screen about 1.4 inches larger.
Which phone is easier to use with one hand?
The iPhone SE (3rd gen) is easier to use with one hand than the iPhone 16e. It is better suited for small hands due to its smaller dimensions.
Will these phones fit 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. The iPhone 16e is larger and may feel bulkier.
Is the weight difference between the two phones noticeable?
The iPhone 16e weighs 23 grams more than the iPhone SE (3rd gen). The page verdicts state that this weight difference is noticeable.
Is upgrading from the iPhone SE (3rd gen) to the iPhone 16e worth it for size alone?
Whether the upgrade is worth it for size alone depends on personal needs. The iPhone 16e provides a bigger screen but adds height and weight.