Apple iPhone 16e vs Apple iPhone SE 4
Compare Apple iPhone 16e vs Apple iPhone SE 4 side by side: Apple A18 (3 nm, 16-core Neural Engine) vs Apple A18 (3nm), 48MP vs 48MP camera, 3960mAh vs…
Apple
iPhone 16e
$599
3categories won
Apple
iPhone SE 4
$499
4categories won
13 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 16e, outperforming on gaming and photography. For battery longevity and charging speed, the iPhone 16e 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 16e if its specific hardware strengths better fit your budget.
iPhone 16e wins on endurance with 3,960 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 $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 4: specifications compared
Display
| Specification | iPhone 16e | iPhone SE 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.1" | 6.06" |
| Resolution | 1170 x 2532 | 1170 x 2532 |
| Pixel density | 457 ppi | 460 ppi |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz | 60 Hz |
| Peak brightness | 2000 nitsWinner | 1200 nits |
Performance
| Specification | iPhone 16e | iPhone SE 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A18 (3 nm, 16-core Neural Engine) | Apple A18 (3nm) |
| Process node | 3 nm | 3 nm |
| AnTuTu score | 1,650,000 | 2,400,000Winner |
| Geekbench multi | 8120 | 8900Winner |
| Maximum RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Maximum storage | 128GB | 128GB |
Camera
| Specification | iPhone 16e | iPhone SE 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Main sensor | 48 MP | 48 MP |
| Rear cameras | 1 | 1 |
| Optical zoom | — | 1x |
| Selfie camera | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Max video | 4K@60fps Dolby Vision HDR | 8K at 30fps / 4K at 120fps |
Battery and charging
| Specification | iPhone 16e | iPhone SE 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 3,960 mAhWinner | 3,279 mAh |
| Wired charging | 25 WWinner | 20 W |
| Wireless charging | 15 W | 15 W |
Design
| Specification | iPhone 16e | iPhone SE 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 167 g | 165 g |
| Thickness | 7.8 mm | 7.8 mm |
| Water resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Build | Aerospace-grade aluminum frame, Ceramic Shield front, color-infused glass back | Aerospace aluminum frame, glass front and back |
Software and support
| Specification | iPhone 16e | iPhone SE 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | iOS 18.3 | iOS 18 |
| OS updates | 6 years | 7 yearsWinner |
| Security updates | 7 years | 7 years |
Connectivity and value
| Specification | iPhone 16e | 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 | $599 | $499Winner |
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 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