Apple iPhone 16 vs Apple iPhone SE 4
Compare Apple iPhone 16 vs Apple iPhone SE 4 side by side: Apple A18 vs Apple A18 (3nm), 48MP vs 48MP camera, 3561mAh vs 3279mAh battery, $799 vs $499. Full…
Apple
iPhone 16
$799
7categories won
Apple
iPhone SE 4
$499
5categories won
8 categories tied · 20 scored in total · add a third phone
Which one wins?
Apple iPhone SE 4 takes the overall win
The Apple iPhone SE 4 proves superior overall against the Apple iPhone 16, outperforming on gaming and photography. For battery longevity and charging speed, the iPhone 16 takes the lead, while the iPhone SE 4 is the clear choice for demanding 3D gaming and heavy multitasking. Choose the iPhone SE 4 if you want the highest performance ceiling, or opt for the iPhone 16 if its specific hardware strengths better fit your budget.
iPhone 16 wins on endurance with 3,561 mAh and 25W fast charging.
iPhone SE 4 provides greater sustained gaming output with its Apple A18 (3nm) and 8GB RAM.
iPhone SE 4 takes photography with 48MP optics and 1x optical telephoto capabilities.
iPhone SE 4 wins on budget and value at $499 compared to $799.
Category verdicts are computed algorithmically from verified technical specifications and hardware benchmarks. Rows where neither figure is objectively better — screen size preference, operating system choice, aesthetic build materials — are displayed for direct reference without scoring bias.
iPhone 16 vs iPhone SE 4: specifications compared
Display
| Specification | iPhone 16 | iPhone SE 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.1" | 6.06" |
| Resolution | 1179 x 2556Winner | 1170 x 2532 |
| Pixel density | 460 ppi | 460 ppi |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz | 60 Hz |
| Peak brightness | 2000 nitsWinner | 1200 nits |
Performance
| Specification | iPhone 16 | iPhone SE 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A18 | Apple A18 (3nm) |
| Process node | 3 nm | 3 nm |
| AnTuTu score | 1,650,000 | 2,400,000Winner |
| Geekbench multi | 8150 | 8900Winner |
| Maximum RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Maximum storage | 512GBWinner | 128GB |
Camera
| Specification | iPhone 16 | iPhone SE 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Main sensor | 48 MP | 48 MP |
| Rear cameras | 2Winner | 1 |
| Optical zoom | — | 1x |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP | — |
| Selfie camera | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Max video | 4K at 60fps Dolby Vision | 8K at 30fps / 4K at 120fps |
Battery and charging
| Specification | iPhone 16 | iPhone SE 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 3,561 mAhWinner | 3,279 mAh |
| Wired charging | 25 WWinner | 20 W |
| Wireless charging | 25 WWinner | 15 W |
Design
| Specification | iPhone 16 | iPhone SE 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 170 g | 165 gWinner |
| Thickness | 7.8 mm | 7.8 mm |
| Water resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Build | Aerospace-grade aluminum frame, color-infused glass back | Aerospace aluminum frame, glass front and back |
Software and support
| Specification | iPhone 16 | iPhone SE 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | iOS 18 | iOS 18 |
| OS updates | 6 years | 7 yearsWinner |
| Security updates | 7 years | 7 years |
Connectivity and value
| Specification | iPhone 16 | iPhone SE 4 |
|---|---|---|
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be, tri-band 2.4/5/6GHz, 320MHz bandwidth) |
| Storage expansion | None | None |
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| Launch price | $799 | $499Winner |
Apple iPhone 16
Upgraded with the high-efficiency A18 chip, 8GB of RAM for Apple Intelligence, macro photography, and both physical Action and Camera Control buttons, the iPhone 16 brings significant pro features to the mainstream.
- Display
- 6.1"
- Chipset
- Apple A18
- Main camera
- 48MP
- Battery
- 3,561mAh
Apple iPhone SE 4
The iPhone SE 4 transforms Apple’s budget lineup: the home button and thick bezels are replaced with a 6.1-inch OLED, Face ID, USB-C, 48MP camera, and full Apple Intelligence capability for under $500.
- Display
- 6.06"
- Chipset
- Apple A18 (3nm)
- Main camera
- 48MP
- Battery
- 3,279mAh