iPhone 16e vs iPhone SE 3: comparison, differences and our opinion

With the iPhone 16th, Apple signed the Iphone SE death stop. The latest model in this range will therefore have been the iPhone SE 3, published in 2022. Despite its design already very late for its time, the phone had managed to seduce a large audience: all those who did not want to spend more than 600 euros in a new iPhone, half of the features were useless. But from the iPhone 16th, the time of the iPhone has been over.

The iPhone 16th was launched at € 719 and displayed as an “essential” version of the iPhone 16. Apple made some compromise on its standard smartphone of the past year, while retaining several of its strengths. The iPhone 16thNo longer has much to do with the iPhone SE 3, and this comparison is there to prove it.

Read also:

• iPhone 16 vs iPhone 16e, what is the economical model worth in the original?
• iPhone 16e vs iPhone 15: the complete comparison (common points, differences, price, our opinion)

Comparison of technical sheets

Design & screen

A first point is obvious by looking at the iPhone 16th: its design. Apple has changed everything on this model compared to the SE range. The phone notably abandons the Touch ID and its huge borders.Place with the notch at the top of the phone, with Face ID. A new version of the iPhone, far from its ancestor.

In terms of the screen too, this iPhone is nothing of its predecessors. In addition to drastically changing a look, it changes his component. The iPhone 16th has an OLED panel, a first for a device of this kind. As such, it is much closer to the iPhone 16, released in September 2024, than the iPhone SE. A resemblance that perhaps explains its name change.

In the figures, the gap between the iPhone SE of 3 generation and the iPhone 16th is indisputable. The resolution of the screen goes from 1,334 x 750 pixels to 2,532 x 1,170 pixels. Regarding the brightness, the iPhone 16th reaches 1,200 nits against only 625 on the iPhone SE of 3rd generation.

Camera & video

If the design of the phone has changed well, an element has remained the same:The photo block. Indeed, Apple keeps a single sensor on the back of its device. The apple brand nevertheless makes efforts, going from 12 to 48 Mpx. But for telephoto and ultra-large angle, you have to turn to other more expensive models. Another nuance, the iPhone 16th has an X2 optical zoom, which is not the case on the 3rd generation iPhone SE.

This single sensor nevertheless makes it possible to draw very beautiful shots (see above), but also to film magnificent videos. The iPhone 16th is thus capable of capturing moments in Dolby Vision 4K up to 60 frames per second. For comparison, the 3rd generation iPhone SE manages to film in 4K / 60 frames per second, without however supporting the Dolby Vision standard.

Dimensions and weights

Here is a short comparison of the dimensions and weight of the machines:

• iPhone 16e :146.7 mm in height, 71.5 mm wide and 7.8 mm thick for 167 grams
• iPhone se 3:138.4 mm in height, 67.3 mm wide and 7.3 mm thick all for 144 grams

The iPhone 16th is larger and heavier than the iPhone SE 3, a change of housing requires.

Performance

In addition to the photo, another very important point makes it possible to dinstigate the two phones.This is the performance level.

As with design, the two devices have no common point there. The 3rd generation iPhone SE has an A15 processor while the iPhone 16th is entitled to the A18 chip, compatible with Apple Intelligence. It is the same chip as that of the iPhone 16 (with one less heart for the GPU part all the same).

The iPhone 16th even benefits from an unprecedented component: a 5G modem designed in Cupertino laboratories: “C1”. He replaces the modems provided by Qualcomm for iPhone since 2020.

Connectors & Autonomy

Finally, with regard to connection and autonomy, the two phones have, once, nothing in common. The iPhone 16th is equipped with aprise USB-C. The 3rd generation iPhone SE has the right to a Lightning socket, the owner port of Apple. Special mention, too, for theDorsal wireless recharge present on iPhone 16thand absent from the iPhone SE 3.

Finally, with regard to autonomy, the iPhone 16th largely surpasses its ancestor. The phone can last 26 hours on a single load. The iPhone is unable to exceed 15 hours in “video reading” mode. A figure well below current standards which may pose many problems for use.

Price and colors

To date, the iPhone 16th costs respectively719 €, 849 € et 1099 €. For its part, the 3rd generation iPhone SE is no longer for sale, but it can be found on second -hand sites or at reconditioned specialists between 200 and 300 €.

Regarding colors, the iPhone 16th is only available in black and white. Apple has been sober and efficient, the apple brand knows very well that these devices will end up under a protective shell in all cases. The iPhone has the merit of being available in one more color: the red “productred”.

The iPhone 16th is aVery good smartphone, totally in tune with the times. Its compatibility with Apple Intelligence as well as its excellent autonomy makes itclever choice, rational. But with a sale price above 700 euros,It is not an economical solution.

However, the iPhone SE 3, much cheaper, is not without defect. It is difficult to find it in Europe and its proper functioning is no longer guaranteed in the long term. If the device can still install iOS 18, it will quickly show its limits with its low storage capacity with 64 GB (for the basic model). Despite everything, its tiny price can seduce.

However, if you can push around 300/400 €, we would rather advise you toTurn to iPhone 13 or 14 in second hand or reconditioned. These have the ID face and a power in calculations and photo/video much superior to the iPhone SE 3.

Finally, for 500 to 600 €, it is possible to turn to the iPhone 15 Pro. Or, wait for the first big promotions for the iPhone 16th. Finally, for € 700,The iPhone 16th at Apple prices remains a great deal.