Apple iPhone 16e vs Apple iPhone SE (2022)
Compare Apple iPhone 16e vs Apple iPhone SE (2022) side by side: Apple A18 (3 nm, 16-core Neural Engine) vs Apple A15 Bionic (4-core GPU), 48MP vs 12MP…
Apple
iPhone 16e
$599
11categories won
Apple
iPhone SE (2022)
$429
6categories won
3 categories tied · 20 scored in total · add a third phone
Which one wins?
Apple iPhone 16e takes the overall win
The Apple iPhone 16e claims the overall win over the Apple iPhone SE (2022), delivering a stronger technical package across battery endurance and core hardware. For battery longevity and charging speed, the iPhone 16e takes the lead, while the iPhone SE (2022) is the clear choice for demanding 3D gaming and heavy multitasking. Choose the iPhone 16e if you want the highest performance ceiling, or opt for the iPhone SE (2022) if its lower retail price better fit your budget.
iPhone 16e wins on endurance with 3,960 mAh and 25W fast charging.
iPhone SE (2022) provides greater sustained gaming output with its Apple A15 Bionic (4-core GPU) and 4GB RAM.
iPhone 16e wins photography with 48MP main imaging.
iPhone SE (2022) wins on budget and value at $429 compared to $599.
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 16e vs iPhone SE (2022): specifications compared
Display
| Specification | iPhone 16e | iPhone SE (2022) |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.1" | 4.7" |
| Resolution | 1170 x 2532Winner | 750 x 1334 |
| Pixel density | 457 ppiWinner | 326 ppi |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz | 60 Hz |
| Peak brightness | 2000 nitsWinner | 625 nits |
Performance
| Specification | iPhone 16e | iPhone SE (2022) |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A18 (3 nm, 16-core Neural Engine) | Apple A15 Bionic (4-core GPU) |
| Process node | 3 nmWinner | 5 nm |
| AnTuTu score | 1,650,000 | 3,200,000Winner |
| Geekbench multi | 8120 | 10800Winner |
| Maximum RAM | 8 GBWinner | 4 GB |
| Maximum storage | 128GB | 256GBWinner |
Camera
| Specification | iPhone 16e | iPhone SE (2022) |
|---|---|---|
| Main sensor | 48 MPWinner | 12 MP |
| Rear cameras | 1 | 1 |
| Selfie camera | 12 MPWinner | 7 MP |
| Max video | 4K@60fps Dolby Vision HDR | 4K at 60fps |
Battery and charging
| Specification | iPhone 16e | iPhone SE (2022) |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 3,960 mAhWinner | 2,018 mAh |
| Wired charging | 25 WWinner | 20 W |
| Wireless charging | 15 WWinner | 7.5 W |
Design
| Specification | iPhone 16e | iPhone SE (2022) |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 167 g | 144 gWinner |
| Thickness | 7.8 mm | 7.3 mmWinner |
| Water resistance | IP68 | IP67 |
| Build | Aerospace-grade aluminum frame, Ceramic Shield front, color-infused glass back | Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame |
Software and support
| Specification | iPhone 16e | iPhone SE (2022) |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | iOS 18.3 | iOS 15.4, upgradable to iOS 18 |
| OS updates | 6 years | 6 years |
| Security updates | 7 yearsWinner | 6 years |
Connectivity and value
| Specification | iPhone 16e | iPhone SE (2022) |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | $599 | $429Winner |
Apple iPhone 16e
The iPhone 16e brings Apple's apex 3nm A18 silicon and full Apple Intelligence generative AI support to a sub-$600 form factor. Featuring an upgraded 48MP 2-in-1 Fusion camera with 2x lossless telephoto cropping, Face ID, USB-C, and class-leading battery endurance, it replaces both legacy SE models and previous base offerings.
- Display
- 6.1"
- Chipset
- Apple A18 (3 nm, 16-core Neural Engine)
- Main camera
- 48MP
- Battery
- 3,960mAh
Apple iPhone SE (2022)
The Apple iPhone SE (2022) combined the blisteringly fast Apple A15 Bionic processor, 5G wireless connectivity, and iOS 18 capability with the beloved classic 4.7-inch Touch ID home button form factor.
- Display
- 4.7"
- Chipset
- Apple A15 Bionic (4-core GPU)
- Main camera
- 12MP
- Battery
- 2,018mAh