iPhone 13 vs iPhone SE (2016)
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iPhone 13
Starting at
£249.06£599.00 new
iPhone SE (2016)
Starting at
£192.40What's the difference between the iPhone 13 and iPhone SE (2016)?
iPhone 13 vs iPhone SE (2016) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone SE (2016) starts at £192.40, £56.66 less than the iPhone 13. The iPhone 13 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, Apple A9 (14 nm) on the iPhone SE (2016).
- The iPhone 13 has more RAM: 4 GB vs 2 GB.
- The iPhone 13 has a bigger battery: 3240 mAh vs 1624 mAh.
iPhone 13 vs iPhone SE (2016) specs
The iPhone 13 and iPhone SE (2016) serve different needs based on their specifications. The iPhone 13 offers a larger, higher-resolution OLED screen, stronger performance with more RAM and a newer chipset, and a bigger battery suitable for heavier daily use. It supports 5G and dual SIM options, appealing to those who want more connectivity and storage choices. The iPhone SE (2016) is smaller with a simpler display and provides a compact design and a traditional headphone jack. It suits buyers looking for a straightforward phone for everyday tasks at a lower price point.
iPhone 13 vs iPhone SE (2016) price
Colour
iPhone 13 vs iPhone SE (2016) battery life and software updates
Battery size and operating system are key durability factors that differ between these two iPhones. These affect how long the phone runs and the software experience you get.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 13 has a 3240 mAh battery, which is twice the capacity of the iPhone SE (2016) at 1624 mAh. This means the iPhone 13 is suited to users needing longer battery life for extended use without frequent charging. The iPhone SE (2016) fits those with lighter daily use or who prefer a smaller device that can be charged more often.
Operating System Version
The iPhone 13 runs iOS 15, offering a more recent version of Apple's software. The iPhone SE (2016) runs iOS.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 13 vs iPhone SE (2016) performance
Performance varies significantly between these two iPhones, affecting speed, multitasking, and storage capacity. This section helps identify which device matches your usage needs.
Chipset
The iPhone 13 is powered by the Apple A15 Bionic chipset manufactured on a 5 nm process, whereas the iPhone SE (2016) uses the Apple A9 chipset on a 14 nm process. The iPhone 13's newer chipset provides faster processing and more efficiency, ideal for users running demanding apps or multitasking regularly. The SE suits everyday tasks and simpler app use.
RAM
With 4 GB of RAM, the iPhone 13 keeps more apps open and handles multitasking better than the iPhone SE (2016), which has 2 GB. This makes the iPhone 13 preferable for users who switch frequently between apps or run memory-heavy applications.
Storage Options
The iPhone 13 is available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage sizes. The iPhone SE (2016) comes with 64GB storage. If you store many photos, videos, or apps, the iPhone 13 offers more flexibility. The SE's storage fits users with lighter storage needs.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 13 vs iPhone SE (2016) screen
Screen quality is a major difference between these devices, influencing viewing experience for videos, photos, and daily use.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 13 features a 6.1 inch screen with a resolution of 1170 x 2532, providing a larger and sharper display. The iPhone SE (2016) has a 4 inch screen with a resolution of 640 x 1136. The iPhone 13 suits those who want a spacious display for media and reading, while the SE suits users who prefer a smaller, more compact screen.
Screen Type
The iPhone 13 uses OLED screen technology, delivering higher contrast and deeper blacks for vivid visuals. The iPhone SE (2016) has an IPS LCD screen, which provides accurate colours but with less contrast. Buyers prioritising vibrant and rich display quality will prefer the iPhone 13.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 13 vs iPhone SE (2016) camera
Camera and front-facing camera specs influence how you capture photos and video calls. Both phones have the same main camera resolution but differ in front camera quality.
Front Camera
The iPhone 13 has a 12 megapixel front camera, compared to 1.2 megapixels on the iPhone SE (2016). The higher megapixel count on the iPhone 13 means clearer and more detailed selfies and video calls. This is suitable for users who prioritise front camera quality.
Main Camera
Both the iPhone 13 and iPhone SE (2016) have a 12 megapixel main camera. This means both phones can capture photos with similar resolution, so the main camera suits users who want good photo quality regardless of device choice.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 13 vs iPhone SE (2016) size and design
Additional features such as network compatibility, connectors, size, and weight differ between the two devices, affecting daily convenience and connectivity.
Network and SIM Options
The iPhone 13 supports 5G mobile networks and offers both a physical SIM and eSIM. The iPhone SE (2016) supports 4G and has a physical SIM only. Users wanting faster network speeds and dual SIM flexibility will find the iPhone 13 meets those needs.
Connector and Headphone Jack
Both phones use a Lightning connector. The iPhone SE (2016) also includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing connection of standard wired headphones without an adapter. This suits users preferring traditional headphones. The iPhone 13 does not have the headphone jack.
Size and Weight
The iPhone SE (2016) is smaller and lighter, measuring 123.8 mm in height, 58.6 mm in width, and weighing 113 g. The iPhone 13 is larger and heavier at 146.7 mm height, 71.5 mm width, and 174 g. Users wanting a compact, lightweight phone may prefer the SE, while the iPhone 13 offers a larger device.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 13 or iPhone SE (2016): which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 13 if
- you want more RAM (4 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3240 mAh vs 1624 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.1 inch vs 4 inch)
Buy the iPhone SE (2016) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £192.40, £56.66 less than the iPhone 13
- you want a lighter build (113 g vs 173 g)
- you want a headphone jack
What our customers say
Customers appreciate the iPhone 13 for its excellent condition and reliable performance. Many mention the phone looks like new and runs well, with battery health often noted as strong especially when a new battery is fitted. The larger screen and fast setup are highlighted, and users find it good value for money. Some customers bought it for family members and report satisfaction with its condition and ease of use.
Reviews of the iPhone SE (2016) reflect satisfaction with its value and functionality for everyday needs. Users note it works well for simple use and is suitable for those looking for a smaller phone. Battery life is generally seen as solid and the phone is described as clean and in good condition. Some mention it is good for those with lighter requirements or as a replacement device.
The iPhone 13 suits buyers who want a larger, more powerful phone with newer features and better battery life. The iPhone SE (2016) suits those who prefer a compact, straightforward phone for regular tasks and who appreciate its smaller size and traditional headphone jack.
iPhone 13 vs iPhone SE (2016) FAQs
iPhone 13 vs iPhone SE (2016) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 13, Apple A9 (14 nm) on the iPhone SE (2016). The iPhone 13 has more RAM: 4 GB vs 2 GB.
The iPhone SE (2016) is cheaper refurbished, from £192.40 compared with £249.06 for the iPhone 13.
The iPhone 13 has a bigger battery: 3240 mAh vs 1624 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 13 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 adds more RAM (4 GB vs 2 GB), a bigger battery (3240 mAh vs 1624 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.1 inch vs 4 inch). Refurbished, it costs £56.66 more (from £249.06 vs £192.40).
Refurbished, the iPhone 13 comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone SE (2016) in 64GB.
