iPhone 13 mini vs iPhone SE (2016)
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iPhone 13 mini
Starting at
£230.09£649.00 new
iPhone SE (2016)
Starting at
£192.40What's the difference between the iPhone 13 mini and iPhone SE (2016)?
iPhone 13 mini vs iPhone SE (2016) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone SE (2016) starts at £192.40, £37.69 less than the iPhone 13 mini. The iPhone 13 mini is the newer model, released in 2021.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 13 mini, Apple A9 (14 nm) on the iPhone SE (2016).
- The iPhone 13 mini has more RAM: 4 GB vs 2 GB.
- The iPhone 13 mini has a bigger battery: 2438 mAh vs 1624 mAh.
iPhone 13 mini vs iPhone SE (2016) specs
The iPhone 13 mini and the iPhone SE (2016) cater to different needs with their distinct features. The iPhone 13 mini offers a larger, higher resolution OLED screen and a more advanced dual camera setup, suited for those valuing display quality and photography. The iPhone SE (2016) has a smaller screen and simpler camera but includes a 3.5mm headphone jack and a lighter weight, ideal for buyers seeking a compact phone for everyday use with classic features. Storage options also differ, with the 13 mini providing larger capacities to store more apps and media.
iPhone 13 mini vs iPhone SE (2016) price
Colour
iPhone 13 mini vs iPhone SE (2016) battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and physical design. These factors influence how long each device can last in daily use and how well it adapts over time.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 13 mini has a 2438 mAh battery, which is larger than the iPhone SE (2016) battery of 1624 mAh. This means the 13 mini is better suited for longer use between charges, which benefits users who rely on their phone throughout the day without frequent recharging.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 13 mini vs iPhone SE (2016) performance
Performance relates to chipsets, RAM, and storage capacities. These influence how smoothly the device runs apps and handles multitasking, as well as how much data and media can be stored.
Chipset and RAM
The iPhone 13 mini is equipped with the Apple A15 Bionic chipset and 4 GB of RAM, offering stronger processing power and the ability to keep more apps open simultaneously. The iPhone SE (2016) features the Apple A9 chipset and 2 GB of RAM, which suits everyday use like calls and messaging without complex multitasking.
Storage Options
The iPhone 13 mini comes in three storage sizes: 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, providing ample space for apps, photos, and videos. The iPhone SE (2016) is available with 64GB, which meets basic storage needs and works well for users with fewer media files or who use cloud storage.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 13 mini vs iPhone SE (2016) screen
Screen quality affects how you view content like videos and photos. Differences in size, resolution, and panel type shape the visual experience on each device.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 13 mini has a 5.4 inch screen with a resolution of 1080 x 2340, offering a larger and sharper display than the iPhone SE (2016) which has a 4 inch screen and 640 x 1136 resolution. This makes the 13 mini better suited for watching videos and browsing with more detail and room.
Screen Technology
The iPhone 13 mini uses a Super Retina XDR OLED screen, which typically offers deeper contrast and richer colours. The iPhone SE (2016) has an IPS LCD screen, providing consistent and clear visuals at a smaller size, ideal for basic viewing needs.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 13 mini vs iPhone SE (2016) camera
Audiovisual features include cameras and front-facing sensors. These impact photography, video calls, and selfies, with differences in camera counts and resolution.
Camera Setup
The iPhone 13 mini has a dual (2x) main camera, which gives more flexibility for photos such as wide and ultra-wide shots. The iPhone SE (2016) features a single main camera, focusing on straightforward photography needs.
Front Camera Resolution
The iPhone 13 mini has a 12 megapixel front camera, capturing higher detail for selfies and video calls. The iPhone SE (2016) has a 1.2 megapixel front camera, suitable for basic video chatting and simple self-portraits.
Main Camera Resolution
Both phones have a 12 megapixel main camera, allowing for similar detail levels in standard photos.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 13 mini vs iPhone SE (2016) size and design
Miscellaneous features include network compatibility, physical dimensions, and connectors. These details affect everyday convenience, device handling, and accessory use.
Mobile Network and SIM
The iPhone 13 mini supports 5G networks and offers both a physical SIM and an eSIM, making it suitable for those who want faster mobile data and flexible SIM options. The iPhone SE (2016) supports 4G and has a physical SIM only, fitting users with basic network needs.
Connector Types
Both devices use the Lightning connector for charging and accessories. The iPhone SE (2016) also includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, useful for users who prefer wired headphones without adapters.
Size and Weight
The iPhone SE (2016) is smaller and lighter at 123.8 mm height, 58.6 mm width, and 113 g weight, making it easy to carry and use one-handed. The iPhone 13 mini measures 131.5 mm by 64.2 mm and weighs 140 g, offering a slightly larger footprint that fits a bigger screen and battery.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 13 mini or iPhone SE (2016): which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 13 mini if
- you want more RAM (4 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (2438 mAh vs 1624 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (5.4 inch vs 4 inch)
Buy the iPhone SE (2016) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £192.40, £37.69 less than the iPhone 13 mini
- you want a lighter build (113 g vs 140 g)
- you want a headphone jack
What our customers say
Customers who bought the iPhone 13 mini are generally very pleased with its condition, often noting it looks like new even in fair or good grades. The phone's battery health and screen quality receive praise, and users appreciate the compact size combined with larger storage options. Many highlight the phone's speed and smooth operation, mentioning ease of setup and satisfaction with the camera and colour choices. The 13 mini suits those wanting a small but capable phone with modern features and good battery life.
Reviews for the iPhone SE (2016) show customers value it as a reliable device that meets everyday needs. Buyers mention good battery life and smooth performance for basic tasks. The SE's compact size and lower price appeal to those who want a straightforward phone with a headphone jack. Some note light scratches and moderate battery performance, but overall, it is seen as good value for its price and purpose.
The iPhone 13 mini is more suitable for users wanting up-to-date software, larger screen and storage, and advanced cameras. The iPhone SE (2016) fits those looking for a smaller, lighter phone with basic features and a headphone jack, suitable for everyday communication and media use.
iPhone 13 mini vs iPhone SE (2016) FAQs
iPhone 13 mini vs iPhone SE (2016) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 13 mini, Apple A9 (14 nm) on the iPhone SE (2016). The iPhone 13 mini has more RAM: 4 GB vs 2 GB.
The iPhone SE (2016) is cheaper refurbished, from £192.40 compared with £230.09 for the iPhone 13 mini.
The iPhone 13 mini has a bigger battery: 2438 mAh vs 1624 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 13 mini 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 13 mini adds more RAM (4 GB vs 2 GB), a bigger battery (2438 mAh vs 1624 mAh) and a bigger screen (5.4 inch vs 4 inch). Refurbished, it costs £37.69 more (from £230.09 vs £192.40).
Refurbished, the iPhone 13 mini comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone SE (2016) in 64GB.
