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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerApple iPhone 16 vs Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
The Apple iPhone 16 is the premium option here, boasting a powerful A18 chip and a stunning 48MP camera that’s perfect for photography enthusiasts. In real-world use, the iPhone 16's 3561mAh battery delivers up to 22 hours of video playback,.
📱 Display: 6.1" vs 4.7"🔋 Battery: 3561 mAh vs 2018 mAh⚖️ Weight: 6.00 oz vs 5.08 oz
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Apple iPhone 16
★4.8
(219)•Best Buy
Operating System:iOS
Software Support:Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Processor:Apple A18 (6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Graphics:Apple 5-core GPU (A18)
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Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
★4.5
(225)•Best Buy
Operating System:iOS
Software Support:Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2022)
Processor:Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
Graphics:Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
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Key spec differences
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
Apple iPhone 16
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Apple iPhone 16
6.1" (6.12" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less)Winner
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
4.7"
Refresh Rate
Apple iPhone 16
60 Hz
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
60Hz
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Apple iPhone 16
Apple A18 (6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
RAMKey
Apple iPhone 16
8 GBWinner
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
4GB
Storage
Apple iPhone 16
128GB / 256GB / 512GB (NVMe)Winner
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
64GB / 128GB / 256GB NVMe
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Apple iPhone 16
48MP Fusion (26 mm, f/1.6), sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels, support for super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP)Winner
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
12MP Wide, f/1.8, OIS, Digital Zoom up to 5x
Ultra-Wide Camera
Apple iPhone 16
12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° field of view), 100% Focus Pixels, Macro photography support
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
No (Not supported)
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Apple iPhone 16
3561 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 22 hours video playbackWinner
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
2,018mAh (Approximate)
Wireless Charging
Apple iPhone 16
MagSafe up to 25W (with 30W+ adapter); Qi2 up to 15W; Qi up to 7.5W
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
7.5W Qi Wireless (No MagSafe magnetic alignment)
Design2 specs
Weight
Apple iPhone 16
6.00 oz (170 g)
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
5.09 oz (144 g)Winner
Dimensions
Apple iPhone 16
5.81" x 2.82" x 0.31" (147.6 x 71.6 x 7.80 mm)
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 in (138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm)
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Apple iPhone 16
5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) with 4x4 MIMO; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 5.3; Ultra Wideband (Second-generation); Thread networking technology; NFC with reader mode
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
5G (Sub-6 GHz only - No mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Apple iPhone 16 vs Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
Apple iPhone 16
★4.8(219)Best Buy
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
★4.5(225)Best Buy
| Criterion | Apple iPhone 16 | Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.8(219)Best Buy | ★4.5(225)Best Buy |
Operating System | iOS | iOS |
Software Support | Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades | Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2022) |
Processor | Apple A18 (6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine) | Apple A15 Bionic (5nm) |
Graphics | Apple 5-core GPU (A18) | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) |
RAM | 8 GB | 4GB |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB (NVMe) | 64GB / 128GB / 256GB NVMe |
Display Size | 6.1" (6.12" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less) | 4.7" |
Screen Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | Retina HD LCD (IPS) |
Resolution | 2556 x 1179 pixels (460 ppi) | 1334 x 750 pixels (326 ppi) |
Refresh Rate | 60 Hz | 60Hz |
Peak Brightness | 1000 nits max (typical); 1600 nits peak (HDR); 2000 nits peak (outdoor); 1 nit minimum | 625 nits (Typical) |
Main Camera | 48MP Fusion (26 mm, f/1.6), sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels, support for super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP) | 12MP Wide, f/1.8, OIS, Digital Zoom up to 5x |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° field of view), 100% Focus Pixels, Macro photography support | No (Not supported) |
Telephoto Camera | No dedicated telephoto lens; 12MP 2x Telephoto enabled by 48MP Fusion sensor (52 mm, f/1.6), sensor-shift OIS | No (Not supported) |
Optical Zoom | 0.5x, 1x, 2x optical-quality zoom steps (4x optical zoom range) | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 10x | Up to 5x |
Video Recording | 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps; Cinematic mode up to 4K HDR at 30 fps; Action mode up to 2.8K at 60 fps | 4K @ 60fps; 1080p @ 60fps; Slo-mo 1080p @ 240fps |
Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth (f/1.9), autofocus with Focus Pixels, 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps | 7MP FaceTime HD, f/2.2, 1080p @ 30fps |
Battery | 3561 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 22 hours video playback | 2,018mAh (Approximate) |
Wired Charging | USB-C; Up to 50% charge in ~30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher | 20W Fast Charging (50% in 30 min) via Lightning |
Wireless Charging | MagSafe up to 25W (with 30W+ adapter); Qi2 up to 15W; Qi up to 7.5W | 7.5W Qi Wireless (No MagSafe magnetic alignment) |
Connectivity | 5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) with 4x4 MIMO; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 5.3; Ultra Wideband (Second-generation); Thread networking technology; NFC with reader mode | 5G (Sub-6 GHz only - No mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC |
USB | USB-C connector with USB 2 speeds (up to 480 Mb/s); Native DisplayPort output | Lightning Connector (USB 2.0 speeds) |
Durability | IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield front (latest generation); Aerospace-grade aluminum; Color-infused glass back | IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Ion-strengthened glass |
Dimensions | 5.81" x 2.82" x 0.31" (147.6 x 71.6 x 7.80 mm) | 5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 in (138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm) |
Weight | 6.00 oz (170 g) | 5.09 oz (144 g) |
Biometrics | Face ID | Touch ID (Fingerprint sensor in Home button) |
Extras | Apple Intelligence support; Camera Control button; Action button; Dynamic Island; Dual eSIM (US models); Emergency SOS via satellite; Crash Detection; Roadside Assistance via satellite | Stereo speakers, Dual SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM), Dual eSIM support |
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Apple iPhone 16
Rating:★4.8(219)Best Buy
Operating System:iOS
Software Support:Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Processor:Apple A18 (6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Graphics:Apple 5-core GPU (A18)
RAM:8 GB
Storage:128GB / 256GB / 512GB (NVMe)
Display Size:6.1" (6.12" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less)
Screen Type:Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution:2556 x 1179 pixels (460 ppi)
Refresh Rate:60 Hz
Peak Brightness:1000 nits max (typical); 1600 nits peak (HDR); 2000 nits peak (outdoor); 1 nit minimum
Main Camera:48MP Fusion (26 mm, f/1.6), sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels, support for super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP)
Ultra-Wide Camera:12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° field of view), 100% Focus Pixels, Macro photography support
Telephoto Camera:No dedicated telephoto lens; 12MP 2x Telephoto enabled by 48MP Fusion sensor (52 mm, f/1.6), sensor-shift OIS
Optical Zoom:0.5x, 1x, 2x optical-quality zoom steps (4x optical zoom range)
Digital Zoom:Up to 10x
Video Recording:4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps; Cinematic mode up to 4K HDR at 30 fps; Action mode up to 2.8K at 60 fps
Front Camera:12MP TrueDepth (f/1.9), autofocus with Focus Pixels, 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps
Battery:3561 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 22 hours video playback
Wired Charging:USB-C; Up to 50% charge in ~30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher
Wireless Charging:MagSafe up to 25W (with 30W+ adapter); Qi2 up to 15W; Qi up to 7.5W
Connectivity:5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) with 4x4 MIMO; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 5.3; Ultra Wideband (Second-generation); Thread networking technology; NFC with reader mode
USB:USB-C connector with USB 2 speeds (up to 480 Mb/s); Native DisplayPort output
Durability:IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield front (latest generation); Aerospace-grade aluminum; Color-infused glass back
Dimensions:5.81" x 2.82" x 0.31" (147.6 x 71.6 x 7.80 mm)
Weight:6.00 oz (170 g)
Biometrics:Face ID
Extras:Apple Intelligence support; Camera Control button; Action button; Dynamic Island; Dual eSIM (US models); Emergency SOS via satellite; Crash Detection; Roadside Assistance via satellite
✓ Pros:
- • A18 chip with 8GB RAM specifically optimized for Apple Intelligence
- • 48MP Fusion camera enables optical-quality 2x telephoto crop
- • Added Macro photography support to the non-Pro lineup
- • MagSafe charging speed increased to 25W (requires 30W adapter)
- • New physical Camera Control and Action buttons added
✗ Cons:
- • Display limited to 60 Hz (no ProMotion 120 Hz)
- • USB-C port limited to USB 2.0 data transfer speeds (480 Mb/s)
- • No dedicated telephoto lens (zoom beyond 2x is digital)
- • Always-On display feature is omitted
- • No physical SIM tray in US models (eSIM only)
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Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
Rating:★4.5(225)Best Buy
Operating System:iOS
Software Support:Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2022)
Processor:Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
Graphics:Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
RAM:4GB
Storage:64GB / 128GB / 256GB NVMe
Display Size:4.7"
Screen Type:Retina HD LCD (IPS)
Resolution:1334 x 750 pixels (326 ppi)
Refresh Rate:60Hz
Peak Brightness:625 nits (Typical)
Main Camera:12MP Wide, f/1.8, OIS, Digital Zoom up to 5x
Ultra-Wide Camera:No (Not supported)
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported)
Optical Zoom:No (Not supported)
Digital Zoom:Up to 5x
Video Recording:4K @ 60fps; 1080p @ 60fps; Slo-mo 1080p @ 240fps
Front Camera:7MP FaceTime HD, f/2.2, 1080p @ 30fps
Battery:2,018mAh (Approximate)
Wired Charging:20W Fast Charging (50% in 30 min) via Lightning
Wireless Charging:7.5W Qi Wireless (No MagSafe magnetic alignment)
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6 GHz only - No mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC
USB:Lightning Connector (USB 2.0 speeds)
Durability:IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Ion-strengthened glass
Dimensions:5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 in (138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm)
Weight:5.09 oz (144 g)
Biometrics:Touch ID (Fingerprint sensor in Home button)
Extras:Stereo speakers, Dual SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM), Dual eSIM support
✓ Pros:
- • Most affordable entry point into the new iPhone ecosystem
- • Compact and lightweight design is easy to use with one hand
- • A15 Bionic chip provides flagship-level performance for the price
- • Retains the classic Touch ID Home button (preferred by some users)
- • IP67 water resistance rating is rare in the budget category
✗ Cons:
- • Dated design with thick top and bottom bezels
- • Small 4.7-inch LCD screen lacks the vibrancy of OLED competitors
- • Base storage starts at a low 64GB
- • No Night Mode for the camera (struggles in low light)
- • Lacks 5G mmWave support (Sub-6 GHz only) unlike main iPhone models
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Which one is better?
The Apple iPhone 16 is the better buy for most people - its 48MP camera crushes the 12MP offered by the SE.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple iPhone 16 if: you need the best camera for photography, want a longer-lasting battery for daily use, or appreciate a larger and more vibrant display. (6.1" display, 3561 mAh battery)
Choose the Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) if: you want a compact design that fits easily in your hand, need a budget-friendly option, or prefer the classic Touch ID feature. (4.7" display, 2018 mAh battery)
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Apple iPhone 16 excels if you value a18 chip with 8gb ram specifically optimized for apple intelligence. Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) is better if you prioritize most affordable entry point into the new iphone ecosystem. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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