Apple iPhone 16 Pro vs Apple iPhone SE (2020)

Our Verdict: These two split their strengths, but Apple iPhone 16 Pro stands out for the larger 6.3" screen, the sharper 458 PPI display, and a higher-resolution 48MP rear camera. Apple iPhone SE (2020) pushes back with a lighter 148g body. Apple iPhone SE (2020) has the clearer SIM-free price advantage at £64.95, around £535 under Apple iPhone 16 Pro. Use Apple iPhone 16 Pro as the default shortlist choice, then switch to Apple iPhone SE (2020) if its advantages solve your bigger needs.

If you'd rather pay up front, the SE (2020) is the cheaper buy at £66 SIM-free.

Expert Rating
4.2
11 reviews
4.2
25 reviews
Screen
6.3" 4.7"
Display
LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED Retina HD display
Resolution
1206 x 2622 1334 x 750
Pixels Per Inch
458 326
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 7 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A18 Pro Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+)
Battery
3,582 mAh 1,821 mAh
Storage
128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 64GB, 128GB, 256GB
OS
Apple iOS Apple iOS
SIM Type
nano-SIM and e-SIM Nano SIM
Connectivity
Up to 5G Up to 4G
Wi-Fi
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax
Bluetooth
5.2, A2DP, LE 5.0 with A2DP, LE
Dimensions
149.6 x 71.5 x 8.3 mm 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm
Weight
199 grams 148 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes IP67 - Dust and water resistant
Contracts
£37.29/mo (£29.00 upfront) -
SIM-free
£588.00 £66.00

Prices updated 27 July 2026

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Apple iPhone 16 Pro Apple iPhone SE (2020) Apple iPhone SE (2020)
Expert Rating 4.2
11 reviews
4.2
25 reviews
Screen 6.3" 4.7"
Display LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED Retina HD display
Resolution 1206 x 2622 1334 x 750
Pixels Per Inch 458 326
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 7 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A18 Pro Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+)
Battery 3,582 mAh 1,821 mAh
Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 64GB, 128GB, 256GB
OS Apple iOS Apple iOS
SIM Type nano-SIM and e-SIM Nano SIM
Connectivity Up to 5G Up to 4G
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax
Bluetooth 5.2, A2DP, LE 5.0 with A2DP, LE
Dimensions 149.6 x 71.5 x 8.3 mm 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm
Weight 199 grams 148 grams
Water Resistance IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes IP67 - Dust and water resistant
Contracts £37.29/mo
£29.00 upfront
-
SIM-free £588.00 £66.00
Prices updated 27 July 2026
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Apple iPhone 16 Pro
Apple iPhone 16 Pro

24 Months

128GB

Desert Titanium

Refurbished

10GB

Data

£37.29 per month, £29 upfront.

Apple iPhone SE (2020)
Apple iPhone SE (2020)

64GB

Black

Refurbished

From £66

Related Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro or Apple iPhone SE (2020)?

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro has the bigger screen at 6.3" compared to the Apple iPhone SE (2020)'s 4.7", the Apple iPhone 16 Pro has the sharper display at 458 pixels per inch versus 326, and the Apple iPhone 16 Pro uses a LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Apple iPhone SE (2020) has a Retina HD display.

Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro or Apple iPhone SE (2020)?

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Apple iPhone SE (2020) has a 12 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.

Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro or Apple iPhone SE (2020)?

The Apple iPhone SE (2020) is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £66.00.

What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 16 Pro and Apple iPhone SE (2020)?

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Apple iPhone SE (2020) comes in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB.

What processors do the Apple iPhone 16 Pro and Apple iPhone SE (2020) use?

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro is powered by the Apple A18 Pro, while the Apple iPhone SE (2020) uses the Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro or Apple iPhone SE (2020)?

The Apple iPhone SE (2020) is the more portable of the two: it's 51g lighter at 148 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm, and is slimmer at 7.3mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro or Apple iPhone SE (2020)?

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes, while the Apple iPhone SE (2020) is rated IP67 - Dust and water resistant.

What operating system do the Apple iPhone 16 Pro and Apple iPhone SE (2020) run?

Both phones run Apple iOS.