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iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone SE (2016)

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iPhone 16 Plus

Starting at

£588.00£799.00 new
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iPhone SE (2016)

Starting at

£192.40
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(317 reviews)
(569 reviews)

What's the difference between the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone SE (2016)?

iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone SE (2016) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone SE (2016) starts at £192.40, £395.60 less than the iPhone 16 Plus. The iPhone 16 Plus is the newer model, released in 2024.

Refurbished from

£588£192.40

Chipset

Apple A18Apple A9 (14 nm)

RAM

8 GB2 GB

Battery

4674 mAh1624 mAh

Screen size

6.7 inch4 inch

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLEDIPS LCD
  • Chipset: Apple A18 on the iPhone 16 Plus, Apple A9 (14 nm) on the iPhone SE (2016).
  • The iPhone 16 Plus has more RAM: 8 GB vs 2 GB.
  • The iPhone 16 Plus has a bigger battery: 4674 mAh vs 1624 mAh.

iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone SE (2016) specs

The iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone SE (2016) differ significantly in size, performance, and features. The iPhone 16 Plus offers a much larger screen and higher resolution, making it well suited for immersive video and multitasking. It also has a more powerful chipset and more RAM, which helps keep apps running smoothly. The iPhone 16 Plus supports iOS 18 and 5G networks, appealing to users who want newer software and faster connectivity. The iPhone SE (2016) is smaller and lighter, with simpler performance and fewer features, making it a practical choice for everyday use or those who prefer a more compact phone. Storage options for the 16 Plus start at 128GB, while the SE comes with 64GB. Both phones are unlocked.

iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone SE (2016) price

iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone SE (2016) battery life and software updates

Durability covers battery size, operating system updates, and physical sturdiness. These affect how long the phone lasts each day, how long it stays supported, and how it handles wear and tear.

Battery Capacity

The iPhone 16 Plus has a 4674 mAh battery, which suits users who need longer daily use without recharging. The iPhone SE (2016) has a 1624 mAh battery, fitting those who use their phone less intensively or have easier access to charging throughout the day.

Battery

4674 mAh1624 mAh

Foldable

NoNo

Ip rating

IP68N/A

OS at launch

iOS 18N/A

Software updates

Supported, up to iOS 27Ended Mar 2025, last iOS 15

Wireless charging

YesN/A

Year of release

20242016

iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone SE (2016) performance

Performance focuses on the processor, memory, and storage options, which influence how smoothly the phone runs apps and handles multitasking.

Chipset Technology

The iPhone 16 Plus uses the Apple A18 chipset built on 3 nm technology, offering efficient and powerful processing. The iPhone SE (2016) uses the Apple A9 on 14 nm, providing reliable performance for everyday tasks and simpler apps.

Memory Capacity

With 8 GB of RAM, the iPhone 16 Plus keeps multiple apps open and running smoothly, ideal for users who multitask or use demanding applications. The iPhone SE (2016) has 2 GB RAM, suitable for basic app use and less intensive multitasking.

Storage Options

The iPhone 16 Plus offers 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage options, fitting users who store many apps, photos, and videos. The iPhone SE (2016) comes with 64GB, which works well for users with lighter storage needs.

Chipset

Apple A18Apple A9 (14 nm)

RAM

8 GB2 GB

iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone SE (2016) screen

Screen quality affects how images and text appear, as well as the size of the display area for media and apps.

Screen Size and Resolution

The iPhone 16 Plus has a 6.7 inch screen with a resolution of 1290 x 2796 pixels, providing a large and sharp display that suits watching videos and browsing. The iPhone SE (2016) has a 4 inch screen with 640 x 1136 pixels, compact and easier to use with one hand.

Screen Type

The iPhone 16 Plus features a Super Retina XDR OLED screen, offering deeper colours and higher contrast for richer images. The iPhone SE (2016) uses an IPS LCD screen, which displays clear and accurate colours with good brightness for everyday use.

Refresh rate

60 HzN/A

Resolution

1290 x 2796640 x 1136

Screen size

6.7 inch4 inch

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLEDIPS LCD

iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone SE (2016) camera

Audiovisual features include cameras that affect photo and video quality from front and rear perspectives.

Front Camera Resolution

The iPhone 16 Plus has a 12 megapixel front camera, suitable for high-quality selfies and video calls. The iPhone SE (2016) has a 1.2 megapixel front camera, which captures simpler images and is suited for basic video calls.

Main Camera Detail

The iPhone 16 Plus features a 48 megapixel main camera, capturing highly detailed photos and videos. The iPhone SE (2016) has a 12 megapixel main camera, which works well for everyday photography needs.

Camera type

N/ASingle (1x)

Front camera

12 megapixels1.2 megapixels

Main camera

48 megapixels12 megapixels

iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone SE (2016) size and design

Miscellaneous differences include network compatibility, physical size, connectors, and SIM options, which affect how the phone fits in daily life and connects to other devices.

Network and SIM

The iPhone 16 Plus supports 5G and offers both a physical SIM and eSIM, suited for users wanting faster mobile data and flexible SIM management. The iPhone SE (2016) supports 4G with a physical SIM only, fitting those with simpler network needs.

Physical Dimensions and Weight

The iPhone 16 Plus measures 160.9 mm in height, 77.8 mm in width, and 7.8 mm in depth, weighing 199 g. This larger size suits users who prefer a bigger display and don't mind extra weight. The iPhone SE (2016) is smaller and lighter at 123.8 mm height, 58.6 mm width, 7.6 mm depth, and 113 g, ideal for those wanting a compact, easy-to-hold phone.

Connector Types

The iPhone SE (2016) has a Lightning connector plus a 3.5mm headphone jack, convenient for users with wired headphones without needing an adapter.

Carrier compatibility

UnlockedUnlocked

Connector

USB-CLightning + Jack 3.5mm

Depth

7.8 mm7.6 mm

Height

160.9 mm123.8 mm

Mobile network

5G4G

Release date

20 September 2024N/A

SD card slot

NoNo

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIMPhysical SIM

Weight

199 g113 g

Width

77.8 mm58.6 mm

iPhone 16 Plus or iPhone SE (2016): which should you buy?

Buy the iPhone 16 Plus if

  • you want more RAM (8 GB vs 2 GB)
  • you want a bigger battery (4674 mAh vs 1624 mAh)
  • you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 4 inch)

Buy the iPhone SE (2016) if

  • you want to spend less: it starts at £192.40, £395.60 less than the iPhone 16 Plus
  • you want a lighter build (113 g vs 199 g)
  • you want a headphone jack

What our customers say

Customers who chose the iPhone 16 Plus often highlight its condition, describing it as looking and feeling like new, even with multiple purchases from PhoneMart. Many appreciate the battery life and performance, noting it lasts twice as long as other phones and that it runs apps smoothly. Some mention the experience of updating to the latest iOS and occasional minor glitches, but overall they enjoy the phone's larger size, camera quality, and modern features.

Buyers of the iPhone SE (2016) appreciate its value and suitability for everyday use. Many say the phone works well for basic needs with good battery life and smooth operation. Its smaller size and lighter weight appeal to those who prefer a compact device. Some mention minor scratches or battery wear, but this fits their expectations. Customers find the SE a reliable choice for simple tasks and appreciate it as a practical replacement phone.

The iPhone 16 Plus suits users wanting a large, feature-rich phone with modern connectivity and strong performance. The iPhone SE (2016) fits buyers looking for a simpler, smaller device for basic daily use at a lower price point.

iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone SE (2016) FAQs

iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone SE (2016) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A18 on the iPhone 16 Plus, Apple A9 (14 nm) on the iPhone SE (2016). The iPhone 16 Plus has more RAM: 8 GB vs 2 GB.

The iPhone SE (2016) is cheaper refurbished, from £192.40 compared with £588 for the iPhone 16 Plus.

The iPhone 16 Plus has a bigger battery: 4674 mAh vs 1624 mAh.

The iPhone 16 Plus has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.

The iPhone 16 Plus 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 16 Plus adds more RAM (8 GB vs 2 GB), a bigger battery (4674 mAh vs 1624 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 4 inch). Refurbished, it costs £395.60 more (from £588 vs £192.40).

Refurbished, the iPhone 16 Plus comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone SE (2016) in 64GB.

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