Apple iPhone 16 vs Apple iPhone SE (2020)

Our verdict: Contract-wise, the Apple iPhone SE (2020) undercuts the Apple iPhone 16 by £406.00 over the full term. Screen lovers will prefer the Apple iPhone 16 and its 6.1" display running at 461 PPI. Camera resolution goes to the Apple iPhone 16 with its 48MP rear shooter. Selfie fans take note: the Apple iPhone 16 has a 12MP front camera.

Expert Rating
4.2
12 reviews
4.2
25 reviews
Screen
6.1" 4.7"
Display
Super Retina XDR OLED Retina HD display
Resolution
2556 x 1179 1334 x 750
Pixels Per Inch
461 326
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 7 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A18 (3 nm) Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+)
Storage
128GB, 256GB, 512GB 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
5.3, A2DP, LE 5.0 with A2DP, LE
Dimensions
147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm
Weight
170 grams 148 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP67 - Dust and water resistant
Contracts
£26.99/mo (£19.00 upfront) £7.99/mo (£69.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£482.00 £65.00
Apple iPhone 16 Apple iPhone 16 Apple iPhone SE (2020) Apple iPhone SE (2020)
Expert Rating 4.2
12 reviews
4.2
25 reviews
Screen 6.1" 4.7"
Display Super Retina XDR OLED Retina HD display
Resolution 2556 x 1179 1334 x 750
Pixels Per Inch 461 326
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 7 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A18 (3 nm) Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+)
Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB 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 5.3, A2DP, LE 5.0 with A2DP, LE
Dimensions 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm
Weight 170 grams 148 grams
Water Resistance IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP67 - Dust and water resistant
Contracts £26.99/mo
£19.00 upfront
£7.99/mo
£69.00 upfront
SIM-free £482.00 £65.00
Deals Deals

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple iPhone 16 or Apple iPhone SE (2020) cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone SE (2020) is cheaper on contract at £274.56 over the life of the deal from £7.99 per month with £69.00 upfront.

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

The Apple iPhone 16 has the bigger screen at 6.1" compared to the Apple iPhone SE (2020)'s 4.7", the Apple iPhone 16 has the sharper display at 461 pixels per inch versus 326, and the Apple iPhone 16 uses a 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 or Apple iPhone SE (2020)?

The Apple iPhone 16 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 or Apple iPhone SE (2020)?

The Apple iPhone SE (2020) is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £65.00.

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

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

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

The Apple iPhone 16 is powered by the Apple A18 (3 nm), while the Apple iPhone SE (2020) uses the Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+).

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

The Apple iPhone SE (2020) is the more portable of the two — it's 22g 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 or Apple iPhone SE (2020)?

The Apple iPhone 16 is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Apple iPhone SE (2020) is rated IP67 - Dust and water resistant.

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

Both phones run Apple iOS.