iPhone 7 Plus vs iPhone SE (2016)
Shop iPhone
iPhone 7 Plus
Starting at
£106.15£139.00 new
iPhone SE (2016)
Starting at
£192.40What's the difference between the iPhone 7 Plus and iPhone SE (2016)?
iPhone 7 Plus vs iPhone SE (2016) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 7 Plus starts at £106.15, £86.25 less than the iPhone SE (2016).
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A10 Fusion (16 nm) on the iPhone 7 Plus, Apple A9 (14 nm) on the iPhone SE (2016).
- The iPhone 7 Plus has more RAM: 3 GB vs 2 GB.
- The iPhone 7 Plus has a bigger battery: 2900 mAh vs 1624 mAh.
iPhone 7 Plus vs iPhone SE (2016) specs
The iPhone 7 Plus and the iPhone SE (2016) were both released in 2016 and share the iOS operating system but they cater to different needs. The iPhone 7 Plus offers a larger screen and higher resolution, more RAM, and a more powerful chipset, making it suitable for users who want more from their phone in performance and viewing experience. It also has a bigger battery and dual main cameras. The iPhone SE (2016) is smaller and lighter, with a simpler screen and single main camera, fitting those who prefer a compact device for everyday use. Storage options also differ, with the 7 Plus available in 32GB and 128GB, while the SE comes with 64GB.
iPhone 7 Plus vs iPhone SE (2016) price
Colour
iPhone 7 Plus vs iPhone SE (2016) battery life and software updates
Battery capacity and software support are key durability factors. Battery size influences how long each device can last on a charge.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 7 Plus has a 2900 mAh battery which suits users who need longer usage between charges, such as heavy phone users or those often away from power sources. The iPhone SE (2016) has a 1624 mAh battery which fits users with lighter daily use or who prefer a smaller phone.
Operating System Support
Both devices run iOS, so they offer similar software features within their compatible versions.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Year of release
iPhone 7 Plus vs iPhone SE (2016) performance
Performance depends on processing power, memory, and storage options. The iPhone 7 Plus offers stronger hardware for more demanding tasks and multitasking, while the SE (2016) suits everyday use with balanced performance.
Chipset and RAM
The iPhone 7 Plus uses the Apple A10 Fusion chipset with 3 GB of RAM, making it better for running multiple apps and handling more intensive tasks smoothly. The iPhone SE (2016) has the Apple A9 chipset with 2 GB of RAM, which performs well for everyday activities like browsing, messaging, and streaming.
Storage Options
The iPhone 7 Plus is available in 32GB and 128GB versions, giving you the choice between lighter or more extensive storage needs. The iPhone SE (2016) comes with 64GB, offering a moderate amount of space suitable for typical media and app storage.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 7 Plus vs iPhone SE (2016) screen
Screen size and resolution affect viewing comfort and clarity. The iPhone 7 Plus provides a larger and sharper display for media and multitasking. The iPhone SE (2016) suits users who prefer a compact screen for simpler use.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 7 Plus has a 5.5 inch screen with a resolution of 1080 x 1920, ideal for watching videos, gaming, and reading with more detail and space. The iPhone SE (2016) features a 4 inch screen with 640 x 1136 resolution, which makes it easier to use one-handed and fits users who want a smaller device.
Screen Type
Both devices use IPS LCD technology, with the iPhone 7 Plus having a Retina IPS LCD screen. This means both offer good colour and viewing angles, but the larger screen and higher resolution of the 7 Plus deliver a richer visual experience.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 7 Plus vs iPhone SE (2016) camera
Camera and front camera specifications shape your photo and video capabilities. The iPhone 7 Plus offers more advanced photography features with its dual main cameras and higher front camera resolution.
Main Camera Setup
The iPhone 7 Plus has a double (2x) 12 megapixel camera system, which allows for more versatility such as optical zoom or portrait effects. The iPhone SE (2016) has a single 12 megapixel camera, suitable for everyday photography without extra features.
Front Camera Quality
The iPhone 7 Plus features a 7 megapixel front camera, making it well suited for clearer selfies and video calls. The iPhone SE (2016) has a 1.2 megapixel front camera, which works for simple video calls and casual selfies.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 7 Plus vs iPhone SE (2016) size and design
Other practical differences include size, weight, and connectors. These affect portability, comfort, and accessory compatibility.
Physical Size and Weight
The iPhone 7 Plus measures 158.2 mm in height, 77.9 mm in width, and 7.3 mm in depth, weighing 188 g. It suits users comfortable with a larger phone. The iPhone SE (2016) is smaller at 123.8 mm tall, 58.6 mm wide, and 7.6 mm deep, weighing 113 g, ideal for those who want a compact and lightweight device.
Connector Types
The iPhone 7 Plus uses a Lightning connector. The iPhone SE (2016) offers both a Lightning connector and a 3.5mm headphone jack, which can be convenient if you prefer wired headphones without needing an adapter.
Carrier and Network
Both phones are unlocked and compatible with 4G mobile networks, providing flexibility in carrier choice and reliable network connectivity.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 7 Plus or iPhone SE (2016): which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 7 Plus if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £106.15, £86.25 less than the iPhone SE (2016)
- you want more RAM (3 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (2900 mAh vs 1624 mAh)
Buy the iPhone SE (2016) if
- you want a lighter build (113 g vs 188 g)
- you want a headphone jack
What our customers say
Customers of the iPhone 7 Plus often praise its condition and performance. Many say the phone looks like new and works perfectly, with battery life lasting well for its age. The larger screen and extra features are appreciated, especially for those using it daily or gifting it. Some customers note that it does not support the latest iOS update, but most find it meets their needs reliably.
For the iPhone SE (2016), customers highlight its compact size and good battery life for normal use. It suits those looking for a simpler phone that still performs well for everyday tasks. Many mention the phone's clean condition and that it runs smoothly enough for their needs. Some users find the smaller screen and front camera fitting for light use or as a replacement device.
Overall, the iPhone 7 Plus appeals to users who want a larger screen and stronger performance, while the iPhone SE (2016) works well for those who prefer a smaller, lighter phone with straightforward features.
iPhone 7 Plus vs iPhone SE (2016) FAQs
iPhone 7 Plus vs iPhone SE (2016) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A10 Fusion (16 nm) on the iPhone 7 Plus, Apple A9 (14 nm) on the iPhone SE (2016). The iPhone 7 Plus has more RAM: 3 GB vs 2 GB.
The iPhone 7 Plus is cheaper refurbished, from £106.15 compared with £192.40 for the iPhone SE (2016).
The iPhone 7 Plus has a bigger battery: 2900 mAh vs 1624 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
Updates for the iPhone 7 Plus ended in Mar 2025. Its last version is iOS 15. Updates for the iPhone SE (2016) ended in Mar 2025. Its last version is iOS 15.
Refurbished, the iPhone 7 Plus comes in 32GB and 128GB, and the iPhone SE (2016) in 64GB.
