iPhone 11 vs iPhone SE (2016)
Shop iPhone
iPhone 11
Starting at
£163.65£489.00 new
iPhone SE (2016)
Starting at
£192.40What's the difference between the iPhone 11 and iPhone SE (2016)?
iPhone 11 vs iPhone SE (2016) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 11 starts at £163.65, £28.75 less than the iPhone SE (2016). The iPhone 11 is the newer model, released in 2019.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A13 Bionic on the iPhone 11, Apple A9 (14 nm) on the iPhone SE (2016).
- The iPhone 11 has more RAM: 4 GB vs 2 GB.
- The iPhone 11 has a bigger battery: 3110 mAh vs 1624 mAh.
iPhone 11 vs iPhone SE (2016) specs
The iPhone 11 and iPhone SE (2016) differ clearly to suit different needs. The iPhone 11 has a larger 6.1 inch screen with higher resolution and more memory, making it a better choice if you want more space for videos and apps. The iPhone SE (2016) is smaller and lighter, with a compact 4 inch screen and a headphone jack, ideal if you prefer a pocket-friendly device and wired audio. Both have 4G and unlocked carriers, but the iPhone 11 offers a physical SIM plus eSIM. Your choice depends on whether you want a roomier display and newer features or a simpler, smaller phone for everyday use.
iPhone 11 vs iPhone SE (2016) price
Colour
iPhone 11 vs iPhone SE (2016) battery life and software updates
Battery capacity and software updates play a key role in how long each phone lasts between charges and how current its software remains. These differences affect daily use and the device's lifespan.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 11 has a 3110 mAh battery, which offers more power for longer use during the day. This suits users who rely on their phone for extended periods without frequent charging. The iPhone SE (2016) has a 1624 mAh battery, which works well for lighter daily use or shorter periods between charges.
Software Updates
This is ideal if you want a device that stays current over time.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 11 vs iPhone SE (2016) performance
Processor power, memory, and storage options affect how smoothly each phone runs apps and handles multitasking. These differences determine the kind of daily tasks each device suits.
Processor and RAM
The iPhone 11 uses the Apple A13 Bionic chipset with 4 GB of RAM, which supports smoother multitasking and faster app performance. This is beneficial if you use many apps at once or run demanding software. The iPhone SE (2016) has the Apple A9 chipset with 2 GB of RAM, making it suitable for everyday tasks and simpler app use.
Storage Options
The iPhone 11 is available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB storage options, letting you choose how much space you need for photos, apps, and media. The iPhone SE (2016) comes with 64GB storage, which fits basic app and media storage needs.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 11 vs iPhone SE (2016) screen
Screen size and resolution impact how much you can see and how clear images and text appear. These differences shape your experience watching videos, browsing, and reading.
Screen Size
The iPhone 11 has a 6.1 inch screen, providing a larger viewing area that suits watching videos and browsing content comfortably. The iPhone SE (2016) features a 4 inch screen, which is more compact and easier to handle with one hand.
Resolution
With a resolution of 828 by 1792, the iPhone 11 offers sharper images and more detail on screen. The iPhone SE (2016) has a resolution of 640 by 1136, which is clear for everyday use but shows fewer pixels overall.
Screen Type
Both phones use IPS LCD technology, with the iPhone 11 offering a Liquid Retina IPS LCD screen that provides consistent colours and good visibility from different angles. The iPhone SE (2016) has a standard IPS LCD screen.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 11 vs iPhone SE (2016) camera
Camera quality affects how much detail your photos and selfies capture. Front and main camera differences reflect the device's focus on photography.
Front Camera
The iPhone 11 has a 12 megapixel front camera, capturing detailed selfies and video calls. This suits anyone who values higher quality front-facing photos. The iPhone SE (2016) has a 1.2 megapixel front camera, suitable for basic selfies and video chatting.
Main Camera
Both the iPhone 11 and iPhone SE (2016) have 12 megapixel main cameras, which provide good quality photos for everyday photography.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 11 vs iPhone SE (2016) size and design
Other practical differences include physical size, connectors, SIM card options, and weight, which influence comfort, compatibility with accessories, and network use.
Physical Size and Weight
The iPhone 11 measures 150.9 mm in height, 75.7 mm in width, and 8.3 mm in depth, weighing 194 g. Its larger size fits well for those who prefer a bigger screen and don't mind a heavier device. The iPhone SE (2016) is smaller and lighter, at 123.8 mm high, 58.6 mm wide, 7.6 mm deep, and 113 g in weight, which suits those wanting a compact and easy-to-handle phone.
Connector Types
The iPhone 11 uses a Lightning connector for charging and accessories. The iPhone SE (2016) offers both a Lightning connector and a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is useful if you prefer wired headphones without needing an adapter.
SIM Card Options
The iPhone 11 supports a physical SIM and an eSIM, allowing flexibility in mobile network use. The iPhone SE (2016) supports a physical SIM only.
Carrier Compatibility and Network
Both phones are unlocked and support 4G networks, giving you freedom to choose your network provider.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 11 or iPhone SE (2016): which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 11 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £163.65, £28.75 less than the iPhone SE (2016)
- you want more RAM (4 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3110 mAh vs 1624 mAh)
Buy the iPhone SE (2016) if
- you want a lighter build (113 g vs 194 g)
- you want a headphone jack
What our customers say
Customers say the iPhone 11 looks like new, with many praising its smooth performance and excellent battery health on refurbished models. Users appreciate the large screen and find it well suited for everyday use and multimedia. Some mention minor screen imperfections but still report overall satisfaction. The iPhone 11's battery life and performance meet expectations for those wanting a device that handles more demanding tasks.
The iPhone SE (2016) appeals to customers looking for a smaller, simpler phone that suits everyday needs. Many find it good value and in clean condition, with battery life that lasts through typical daily use. Some buyers note its compact size and straightforward performance, making it a practical choice for users who prefer a lighter device. A few mention the smaller screen and basic features, fitting the phone's simpler design.
Both devices suit different types of users: the iPhone 11 fits those who want a larger screen and stronger performance, while the iPhone SE (2016) suits those who want a smaller, more compact phone for essential tasks.
iPhone 11 vs iPhone SE (2016) FAQs
iPhone 11 vs iPhone SE (2016) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A13 Bionic on the iPhone 11, Apple A9 (14 nm) on the iPhone SE (2016). The iPhone 11 has more RAM: 4 GB vs 2 GB.
The iPhone 11 is cheaper refurbished, from £163.65 compared with £192.40 for the iPhone SE (2016).
The iPhone 11 has a bigger battery: 3110 mAh vs 1624 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 11 is still supported and can run iOS 27. Updates for the iPhone SE (2016) ended in Mar 2025. Its last version is iOS 15.
The iPhone 11 adds more RAM (4 GB vs 2 GB), a bigger battery (3110 mAh vs 1624 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.1 inch vs 4 inch). Refurbished, it costs £28.75 less (from £163.65 vs £192.40).
Refurbished, the iPhone 11 comes in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB, and the iPhone SE (2016) in 64GB.
