DATA-DRIVEN PHONE COMPARE

iPhone 16 vs iPhone SE (3rd generation)

39 source-backed differences · 4 fields the same. Official sources below.

✓Both records verified · latest Aug 26, 2026

Pick two phones to see a source-backed comparison.

Comparing shared product base specs.

VS
iPhone SE (3rd generation) product viewPHONE B

iPhone SE (3rd generation)

No fresh verified price

Full specs →

Direct answer

iPhone 16 has advantages in battery, performance, rear cameras, while iPhone SE (3rd generation) has advantages in design & dimensions.

Top Differences

Prioritize what matters to you, then expand the full shared field set.

✓43 registry fields

Outdoor brightness2,000 nits outdoor → 625 nits typical
Video playback22 hours → 15 hours
Streamed video hours18 → 10
HdrYes → Unknown
Display size6.1 in → 4.7 in

What Changed

Deterministic differences from the verified structured records.

Outdoor brightnessDifferent, with no automatic winner

2,000 nits outdoor compared with 625 nits typical

Video playbackiPhone 16

22 hours compared with 15 hours

Streamed video hoursiPhone 16

18 compared with 10

HdrDifferent, with no automatic winner

Yes compared with Unknown

Display sizeDifferent, with no automatic winner

6.1 in compared with 4.7 in

Full Comparison

Expand every verified field and inspect the complete side-by-side data.

✓43 registry fields

FieldiPhone 16iPhone SE (3rd generation)Why it matters
Ultra Wide cameraMarginal difference1 official source12 MPUnknownHigher resolution can preserve more detail in wide scenes.
Main cameraMarginal difference2 official sources48 MP12 MPResolution is one part of camera detail and crop flexibility.
Front cameraMinor difference2 official sources12 MP7 MPFront camera changes affect selfies and video calls.
ApertureMarginal difference2 official sourcesƒ/1.9 apertureƒ/2.2 apertureNo universal winner; decide based on your use case.
TypeMarginal difference2 official sources12MP camera7MP cameraNo universal winner; decide based on your use case.
ZoomMarginal difference1 official source2x optical zoom in, 2x optical zoom out; 4x optical zoom rangeUnknownNo universal winner; decide based on your use case.
VideoMarginal difference1 official source4K Dolby Vision video recording at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps, or 60 fpsUnknownNo universal winner; decide based on your use case.
FieldiPhone 16iPhone SE (3rd generation)Why it matters
Display sizeMarginal difference2 official sources6.1 in4.7 inMore screen space changes reading and media comfort.
Outdoor brightnessMajor difference2 official sources2,000 nits outdoor625 nits typicalHigher outdoor brightness improves sunlight readability.
HdrMeaningful difference1 official sourceYesUnknownNo universal winner; decide based on your use case.
ResolutionMarginal difference2 official sources2556-by-1179-pixel resolution at 460 ppi1334-by-750-pixel resolution at 326 ppiNo universal winner; decide based on your use case.
TechnologyMarginal difference2 official sourcesSuper Retina XDR displayRetina HD displayNo universal winner; decide based on your use case.
FieldiPhone 16iPhone SE (3rd generation)Why it matters
ChipMarginal difference2 official sourcesA18A15 BionicNewer silicon generally extends performance headroom.
Gpu coresMarginal difference2 official sources54No universal winner; decide based on your use case.
FieldiPhone 16iPhone SE (3rd generation)Why it matters
Video playbackMeaningful difference2 official sources22 hours15 hoursApple’s common playback test gives a comparable endurance signal.
Fast chargeMarginal difference2 official sourcesUp to 50% charge in around 30 minutes 6 with 20W adapter or higher (available separately) paired with USB-C charging cable, or 30W adapter or higher paired with MagSafe Charger (both available separately)Up to 50% charge in 30 minutes 11 with 20W adapter or higher (sold separately)Shorter top-up time matters during travel and busy days.
Audio playback hoursMarginal difference2 official sources8050No universal winner; decide based on your use case.
Streamed video hoursMeaningful difference2 official sources1810No universal winner; decide based on your use case.
FieldiPhone 16iPhone SE (3rd generation)Why it matters
WeightMarginal difference2 official sources170 g144 gWeight affects long sessions and one-handed comfort.
Depth mmMarginal difference2 official sources7.87.3No universal winner; decide based on your use case.
Height mmMarginal difference2 official sources147.6138.4No universal winner; decide based on your use case.
Width mmMarginal difference2 official sources71.667.3No universal winner; decide based on your use case.
ColorsMarginal difference1 official sourceBlack, White, Pink, Teal, UltramarineUnknownNo universal winner; decide based on your use case.
MaterialsMarginal difference1 official sourceAluminum design, Ceramic Shield front, Color-infused glass back (Black, Pink, Teal, Ultramarine)UnknownNo universal winner; decide based on your use case.
FieldiPhone 16iPhone SE (3rd generation)Why it matters
Storage optionsMarginal difference2 official sources128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GBAvailable capacities determine local media and app headroom.
ContentsMarginal difference2 official sourcesiPhone 16, USB-C Charge Cable (1 m), Documentation, We encourage you to use any compatible USB-C power adapter. If you need a new Apple power adapter or headphones, they are available for purchase.iPhone SE, USB-C to Lightning Cable, Documentation, We encourage you to re-use your current USB-A to Lightning cables, power adapters, and headphones which are compatible with this iPhone. But if you need any new Apple power adapters or headphones, they are available for purchase.No universal winner; decide based on your use case.
RatingMarginal difference2 official sourcesRated IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes) under IEC standard 60529Rated IP67 (maximum depth of 1 meter up to 30 minutes) under IEC standard 60529No universal winner; decide based on your use case.
ReleaseYearMarginal difference2 official sources20242022No universal winner; decide based on your use case.
ListMarginal difference2 official sourcesFace ID, Barometer, High dynamic range gyro, High-g accelerometer, Proximity sensor, Dual ambient light sensorsTouch ID fingerprint sensor, Barometer, Three-axis gyro, Accelerometer, Proximity sensor, Ambient light sensorNo universal winner; decide based on your use case.
FieldiPhone 16iPhone SE (3rd generation)Why it matters
BluetoothMarginal difference2 official sourcesBluetooth 5.3Bluetooth 5.0The generation can affect accessory capabilities.
UwbMarginal difference1 official sourceYesUnknownNo universal winner; decide based on your use case.
WifiMarginal difference2 official sourcesWi-Fi 7 (802.11be)Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)No universal winner; decide based on your use case.
FieldiPhone 16iPhone SE (3rd generation)Why it matters
U.S. SIMMarginal difference2 official sourcesDual eSIM onlyDual SIMSIM format determines carrier setup and travel flexibility.
FieldiPhone 16iPhone SE (3rd generation)Why it matters
Magsafe wMarginal difference1 official source25UnknownNo universal winner; decide based on your use case.
Qi2 wMarginal difference1 official source25UnknownNo universal winner; decide based on your use case.
FieldiPhone 16iPhone SE (3rd generation)Why it matters
CellularMarginal difference2 official sources5G sub-6 GHz and mmWave5G sub-6 GHzNo universal winner; decide based on your use case.
FieldiPhone 16iPhone SE (3rd generation)Why it matters
ConnectorMarginal difference2 official sourcesUSB-CLightningNo universal winner; decide based on your use case.
Usb speedMarginal difference1 official sourceUSB 2 (up to 480Mb/s)UnknownNo universal winner; decide based on your use case.
FieldiPhone 16iPhone SE (3rd generation)Why it matters
Fresh ordinary priceMarginal difference1 official source$829 · 128GBUnavailableOrdinary unlocked prices avoid presenting carrier-dependent discounts as universal.

What’s the same

Cpu cores6
Neural engine cores16
NfcYes
OsiOS

Which should you buy?

iPhone 16 and iPhone SE (3rd generation) trade strengths: iPhone 16 leads in Battery, Performance and Camera, while iPhone SE (3rd generation) leads in Design.

CHOOSE IPHONE 16
  • Choose iPhone 16 if you prioritize battery, performance and camera.
CHOOSE IPHONE SE (3RD GENERATION)
  • Choose iPhone SE (3rd generation) if you prioritize design.

Category-by-category

BATTERY · iPhone 16

Leads in battery.

PERFORMANCE · iPhone 16

Leads in performance.

REAR CAMERAS · iPhone 16

Leads in camera.

DESIGN & DIMENSIONS · iPhone SE (3rd generation)

Leads in design.

DISPLAY · Comparable

Comparable across display.

OTHER · Comparable

Comparable across other.

CONNECTIVITY · Comparable

Comparable across connectivity.

REGIONAL VARIANTS · Comparable

Comparable across regional.

CHARGING · Comparable

Comparable across charging.

CELLULAR · Comparable

Comparable across cellular.

PORTS · Comparable

Comparable across ports.

PRICE · Comparable

Comparable across price.

FIELD-LEVEL PROVENANCE

3 official sources

Every compared field traces to an official product source. No model-generated specs, prices or winners.

Related comparisons

iPhone 16 vs iPhone 16 PlusgenerationiPhone 16 vs iPhone 16 ProgenerationiPhone 16 vs iPhone 16 Pro Maxgeneration