Galaxy Note9 vs iPhone SE (2016)
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy Note9
Starting at
£142.00
iPhone SE (2016)
Starting at
£192.40What's the difference between the Galaxy Note9 and iPhone SE (2016)?
Galaxy Note9 vs iPhone SE (2016) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy Note9 starts at £142, £50.40 less than the iPhone SE (2016). The Galaxy Note9 is the newer model, released in 2018.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Exynos 9810, Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 on the Galaxy Note9, Apple A9 (14 nm) on the iPhone SE (2016).
- The Galaxy Note9 has more RAM: 6 GB vs 2 GB.
- The Galaxy Note9 has a bigger battery: 4000 mAh vs 1624 mAh.
Galaxy Note9 vs iPhone SE (2016) specs
The Galaxy Note9 and iPhone SE (2016) offer very different experiences suited to different needs. The Galaxy Note9 has a much larger and higher resolution screen with more RAM and a bigger battery, making it a good choice if you want a spacious display and powerful multitasking. The iPhone SE (2016) is smaller, lighter, and simpler, with a compact screen and lower RAM, suited for everyday use or those who prefer a smaller phone.
Galaxy Note9 vs iPhone SE (2016) price
Colour
- BlackSold out
- BlueSold out
Storage
- 128GBSold out
Galaxy Note9 vs iPhone SE (2016) battery life and software updates
Battery capacity, operating system, and other durability factors affect how long each phone can be used between charges and the software experience you get.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy Note9 has a 4000 mAh battery, which offers a longer usage time between charges for heavy users or those who rely on their phone all day. The iPhone SE (2016) has a smaller 1624 mAh battery, suitable for lighter or occasional use where charging can be more frequent.
Operating System
The Galaxy Note9 runs Android, while the iPhone SE (2016) runs iOS. Your choice depends on which OS you prefer, as this influences app availability and overall experience.
Battery
Foldable
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy Note9 vs iPhone SE (2016) performance
Performance depends on chipset, RAM, and storage. These affect speed, multitasking, and how much data you can keep on your device.
Processor and RAM
The Galaxy Note9 is powered by either the Exynos 9810 or Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset with 6 GB of RAM, which provides strong performance for multitasking and demanding apps. The iPhone SE (2016) has the Apple A9 chipset and 2 GB of RAM, suited to everyday tasks and lighter app use.
Storage Capacity
The Galaxy Note9 comes with 128GB of storage, offering more space for apps, photos, and videos. The iPhone SE (2016) has 64GB, enough for moderate use or if you manage content carefully.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy Note9 vs iPhone SE (2016) screen
Screen size, resolution, and type affect how visual content appears and how comfortable the device is to hold and use for media or reading.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy Note9 features a large 6.4 inch screen with a resolution of 1440 x 2960, providing a spacious and sharp display ideal for watching videos, browsing, or multitasking. The iPhone SE (2016) has a smaller 4 inch screen at 640 x 1136 resolution, suited for easy one-handed use and simple viewing.
Screen Type
The Galaxy Note9 uses a Super AMOLED screen, which generally offers vibrant colours and deep blacks. The iPhone SE (2016) has an IPS LCD screen, providing accurate colours and good visibility in various lighting conditions.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy Note9 vs iPhone SE (2016) camera
Camera quality and front camera resolution impact photography and video calls. Both phones have the same main camera resolution but differ in front camera detail.
Front Camera Resolution
The Galaxy Note9 has an 8 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail for selfies and video calls. The iPhone SE (2016) has a 1.2 megapixel front camera, suitable for basic video calls and casual selfies.
Main Camera
Both phones feature a 12 megapixel main camera, giving similar detail levels for everyday photos and videos.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy Note9 vs iPhone SE (2016) size and design
Other factors like size, weight, SIM options, and storage expandability influence how you carry and use your phone daily.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy Note9 measures 161.9 mm in height, 76.4 mm in width, and 8.8 mm in depth, weighing 201 g. It is larger and heavier, suited to those who prefer a bigger phone. The iPhone SE (2016) is smaller at 123.8 mm height, 58.6 mm width, and 7.6 mm depth, weighing 113 g, making it easier to carry and use with one hand.
SIM and Storage Expansion
The Galaxy Note9 supports dual physical SIM cards and includes a microSDXC slot for extra storage, allowing flexible network and storage options. The iPhone SE (2016) supports one physical SIM and does not have expandable storage.
Carrier Compatibility and Network
Both phones are unlocked and support 4G networks, giving freedom to choose your mobile provider and standard data speeds.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy Note9 or iPhone SE (2016): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy Note9 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £142, £50.40 less than the iPhone SE (2016)
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4000 mAh vs 1624 mAh)
Buy the iPhone SE (2016) if
- you want a lighter build (113 g vs 201 g)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the Galaxy Note9 often praise its condition, describing it as looking brand new or mint with no scratches. Many appreciate its features and performance, highlighting it as a good product with great price and reliable function. Some mention the battery as an issue that may need replacement, and a few note that the Android version is not the latest, affecting app compatibility. Overall, the Galaxy Note9 is seen as suitable for users who want a powerful phone with a large screen and solid features.
The iPhone SE (2016) is valued by customers for its size and price, fitting well for those who want a simpler device or a smaller phone that is easy to carry. Reviews mention it working smoothly for everyday needs, with battery life holding up well for normal use. Some customers find it fast after updating, and others appreciate its good condition despite some minor scratches. The iPhone SE (2016) suits users who prefer iOS and want a straightforward phone for basic tasks.
Both phones attract buyers looking for cost-effective refurbished options. The Galaxy Note9 appeals to those wanting a larger, more feature-rich device, while the iPhone SE (2016) fits those seeking a compact and practical phone for everyday use.
Galaxy Note9 vs iPhone SE (2016) FAQs
Galaxy Note9 vs iPhone SE (2016) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Exynos 9810, Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 on the Galaxy Note9, Apple A9 (14 nm) on the iPhone SE (2016). The Galaxy Note9 has more RAM: 6 GB vs 2 GB.
The Galaxy Note9 is cheaper refurbished, from £142 compared with £192.40 for the iPhone SE (2016).
The Galaxy Note9 has a bigger battery: 4000 mAh vs 1624 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy Note9 ended in Jul 2022. Updates for the iPhone SE (2016) ended in Mar 2025. Its last version is iOS 15.
Refurbished, the Galaxy Note9 comes in 128GB, and the iPhone SE (2016) in 64GB.
