Galaxy S8+ vs iPhone SE (2016)
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S8+
Starting at
£99.25£305.00 new
iPhone SE (2016)
Starting at
£192.40What's the difference between the Galaxy S8+ and iPhone SE (2016)?
Galaxy S8+ vs iPhone SE (2016) comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy S8+ starts at £99.25, £93.15 less than the iPhone SE (2016). The Galaxy S8+ is the newer model, released in 2017.
Refurbished from
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Front camera
- The Galaxy S8+ has more RAM: 4 GB vs 2 GB.
- The Galaxy S8+ has a bigger battery: 3500 mAh vs 1624 mAh.
- The Galaxy S8+ has a bigger screen: 6.2 inch vs 4 inch.
Galaxy S8+ vs iPhone SE (2016) specs
The Galaxy S8+ and iPhone SE (2016) offer different strengths suited to different users. The Galaxy S8+ has a larger, higher resolution Super AMOLED screen and more RAM, making it better for those who want a spacious display and smoother multitasking. It also supports expandable storage via microSDXC and uses USB-C. The iPhone SE (2016) has a smaller screen and simpler hardware but runs iOS with a compact design that is easier to handle with one hand. Your choice depends on whether you prefer a bigger, more feature-rich phone or a smaller device for everyday use.
Galaxy S8+ vs iPhone SE (2016) price
Colour
Galaxy S8+ vs iPhone SE (2016) battery life and software updates
Durability covers software updates, operating system, and build features that affect how the phones handle everyday use.
Operating System
The Galaxy S8+ runs Android, which offers a different user experience and app ecosystem from the iPhone SE (2016) that runs iOS. Your choice here depends on which system you prefer or are more familiar with.
Software Updates
This means both devices run older versions of their operating systems, which may affect app compatibility and security features over time.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S8+ vs iPhone SE (2016) performance
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S8+ vs iPhone SE (2016) screen
Screen quality impacts how you see content, from videos to web browsing. The two devices differ substantially in screen size, resolution, and technology, which affects clarity, colour, and viewing space.
Screen Size
The Galaxy S8+ has a 6.2 inch screen, offering a much larger viewing area ideal for watching videos and multitasking. The iPhone SE (2016) has a 4 inch screen, which suits those who want a compact phone that fits easily in one hand or pocket.
Resolution and Clarity
With a resolution of 1440 x 2960, the Galaxy S8+ delivers sharper images and text, making it better for detailed viewing and reading. The iPhone SE (2016) has a resolution of 640 x 1136, which provides clear visuals but on a smaller, less detailed scale.
Screen Technology
The Galaxy S8+ uses a Super AMOLED screen, known for vibrant colours and deep blacks, enhancing media consumption. The iPhone SE (2016) has an IPS LCD screen that provides good colour accuracy and viewing angles suitable for everyday use.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S8+ vs iPhone SE (2016) camera
Audiovisual features include the cameras and how well each device captures photos and video. Both phones have the same main camera resolution but differ in front camera capabilities.
Front Camera
The Galaxy S8+ has an 8 megapixel front camera, making it better for selfies and video calls with more detail. The iPhone SE (2016) offers a 1.2 megapixel front camera, which is suitable for basic video chats and selfies.
Main Camera
Both the Galaxy S8+ and the iPhone SE (2016) have a 12 megapixel main camera. This means each can capture photos with similar resolution, suitable for everyday photography.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S8+ vs iPhone SE (2016) size and design
This section covers additional features like connectivity, size, and storage options that might influence your daily use and convenience with the phone.
Storage Expansion
The Galaxy S8+ supports microSDXC cards for expandable storage, which means you can increase your available space for apps, photos, and media. The iPhone SE (2016) does not have this feature, so storage is fixed at the capacity you buy.
Physical Size and Weight
The Galaxy S8+ measures 159.5 mm in height and 73.4 mm in width, weighing 173 g. It is larger and heavier, suitable if you want a bigger display and don't mind extra size. The iPhone SE (2016) is smaller and lighter at 123.8 mm tall, 58.6 mm wide, and 113 g, which fits comfortably in one hand and pocket.
Connectors
The Galaxy S8+ uses USB-C and keeps a 3.5mm headphone jack, offering modern charging with familiar headphones. The iPhone SE (2016) uses a Lightning connector along with a 3.5mm jack, which suits users with Apple accessories or those who prefer that standard.
Network and Carrier
Both phones support 4G mobile networks and are unlocked, meaning you can use them with a variety of carriers and plans in the UK.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S8+ or iPhone SE (2016): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S8+ if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £99.25, £93.15 less than the iPhone SE (2016)
- you want more RAM (4 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3500 mAh vs 1624 mAh)
Buy the iPhone SE (2016) if
- you want a lighter build (113 g vs 173 g)
What our customers say
Customers using the Galaxy S8+ appreciate its condition and larger screen, mentioning it works well for everyday tasks and media. Some note issues with the front camera and occasional touch screen response, and a few report the biometric sensors do not function as expected. Battery performance and speed receive mixed feedback, with some customers satisfied with the phone's performance and others finding it slow. Overall, many are pleased with the phone's features and condition, especially as a replacement or gift.
Reviews of the iPhone SE (2016) highlight its value for money, compact size, and smooth operation for basic use. Customers mention it meets their needs well despite its smaller screen and simpler specs. Some note battery life is solid but may require attention in the future. The phone is praised for running smoothly and being a good fit for those looking for an affordable Apple device. A few find the size too small for their needs, but many appreciate the phone's balance of price and performance.
Overall, the Galaxy S8+ is suited to users who want a larger, more feature-rich phone and are comfortable with its size. The iPhone SE (2016) appeals to those who prefer a smaller, simpler phone focused on everyday use and affordability.
Galaxy S8+ vs iPhone SE (2016) FAQs
Galaxy S8+ vs iPhone SE (2016) comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. The Galaxy S8+ has more RAM: 4 GB vs 2 GB. The Galaxy S8+ has a bigger battery: 3500 mAh vs 1624 mAh.
The Galaxy S8+ is cheaper refurbished, from £99.25 compared with £192.40 for the iPhone SE (2016).
The Galaxy S8+ has a bigger battery: 3500 mAh vs 1624 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy S8+ ended in Apr 2021. Updates for the iPhone SE (2016) ended in Mar 2025. Its last version is iOS 15.
Both come in 64GB refurbished.
