iPhone 8 vs iPhone SE (2016)
Shop iPhone
iPhone 8
Starting at
£90.00£399.00 new
iPhone SE (2016)
Starting at
£192.40What's the difference between the iPhone 8 and iPhone SE (2016)?
iPhone 8 vs iPhone SE (2016) comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the iPhone 8 starts at £90, £102.40 less than the iPhone SE (2016). The iPhone 8 is the newer model, released in 2017.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Front camera
- Chipset: Apple A11 Bionic on the iPhone 8, Apple A9 (14 nm) on the iPhone SE (2016).
- The iPhone 8 has a bigger battery: 1821 mAh vs 1624 mAh.
- The iPhone 8 has a bigger screen: 4.7 inch vs 4 inch.
iPhone 8 vs iPhone SE (2016) specs
The iPhone 8 and iPhone SE (2016) differ in several key areas that suit different users. The iPhone 8 offers a larger 4.7 inch screen with higher resolution and a more powerful Apple A11 Bionic chipset, making it better for users who want a spacious display and stronger performance. The SE (2016) has a smaller 4 inch screen and a simpler Apple A9 chipset, suited for everyday use or those preferring a compact phone. The iPhone 8 has a higher capacity battery, a better front camera, and more storage options. The SE (2016) keeps a 3.5mm headphone jack, which benefits those who want wired headphones without an adapter. Both phones run iOS and support 4G networks, with similar RAM and physical SIM cards, making them solid choices depending on priorities like screen size, camera quality, or audio needs.
iPhone 8 vs iPhone SE (2016) price
Colour
iPhone 8 vs iPhone SE (2016) battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size, software updates, and general build features. Both phones run iOS and support physical SIM cards, but their battery capacities differ, affecting how long they last between charges.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 8 has a 1821 mAh battery, which is larger than the 1624 mAh battery in the iPhone SE (2016). This means the iPhone 8 can generally provide longer usage time before needing a recharge, which suits users who rely on their phone throughout the day without frequent charging.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 8 vs iPhone SE (2016) performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options. Both phones have 2 GB of RAM, but their processors and storage capacities differ, influencing speed and space for apps and media.
Processor
The iPhone 8 uses the Apple A11 Bionic chipset, which is more powerful than the Apple A9 in the iPhone SE (2016). This makes the iPhone 8 better suited for more demanding apps, smoother multitasking, and longer usability with newer apps.
Storage Options
The iPhone 8 is available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB options, giving you more room to store apps, photos, and videos. The iPhone SE (2016) comes with 64GB storage, which suits users with lighter storage needs or who use cloud services.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 8 vs iPhone SE (2016) screen
Screen quality affects how you view content and interact with your phone. The iPhone 8 and iPhone SE (2016) differ in size, resolution and screen type, influencing clarity and space for videos or browsing.
Screen Size
The iPhone 8 has a 4.7 inch screen, offering more room for watching videos, browsing, and typing. The iPhone SE (2016) has a smaller 4 inch screen, which is easier to handle with one hand and fits better in smaller pockets.
Resolution and Display
With a resolution of 750 x 1334, the iPhone 8 provides sharper and clearer images compared to the 640 x 1136 resolution of the iPhone SE (2016). The iPhone 8 uses a Retina IPS LCD, which delivers vibrant and accurate colours, while the SE (2016) has an IPS LCD that also offers good image quality but at a lower resolution.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 8 vs iPhone SE (2016) camera
Audiovisual features include camera capabilities and audio connectors, affecting photography and listening experiences.
Front Camera
The iPhone 8 has a 7 megapixel front camera, providing more detailed selfies and better video calls compared to the 1.2 megapixel front camera on the iPhone SE (2016). This makes the iPhone 8 a good choice if you use the front camera often.
Main Camera
Both phones have a 12 megapixel main camera, so you can expect similar photo detail when using the rear camera for everyday photography or video.
Audio Connector
The iPhone SE (2016) includes a 3.5mm headphone jack along with the Lightning connector, allowing you to use wired headphones without an adapter. The iPhone 8 uses only the Lightning connector, meaning you will need an adapter for traditional headphones.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 8 vs iPhone SE (2016) size and design
Miscellaneous features cover physical size, weight, network compatibility and other practical details that affect daily use and comfort.
Size and Weight
The iPhone 8 measures 138.4 mm in height, 67.3 mm in width, and 7.3 mm in depth, weighing 148 g. The iPhone SE (2016) is smaller and lighter at 123.8 mm tall, 58.6 mm wide, 7.6 mm thick, and 113 g in weight. The SE (2016) suits those looking for a compact and lightweight device.
Network and SIM
Both devices support 4G mobile networks and use physical SIM cards. They are unlocked, so you can use them with any compatible UK network.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 8 or iPhone SE (2016): which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 8 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £90, £102.40 less than the iPhone SE (2016)
- you want a bigger battery (1821 mAh vs 1624 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (4.7 inch vs 4 inch)
Buy the iPhone SE (2016) if
- you want a lighter build (113 g vs 148 g)
- you want a headphone jack
What our customers say
Customers who chose the iPhone 8 appreciate that it looks like new and has a battery that holds up well. Many highlight its solid performance and larger storage options, with some noting it runs smoothly and suits everyday or work use. The higher quality front camera and screen size also receive positive mention. Some customers mention minor cosmetic imperfections or the need to charge by evening on heavy use, but overall the phone is praised for reliability and condition.
For the iPhone SE (2016), customers value its price and compact size. Many say it works well for everyday tasks and is good value for money. Some mention battery life as solid or needing a power bank for longer use. The smaller screen and simpler performance suit those who want a straightforward phone without extra features. Customers also note good condition despite some light scratches.
The iPhone 8 suits users who want a larger screen, better front camera, and more storage for apps and media. The iPhone SE (2016) suits those who prefer a smaller, lighter phone for basic use at a lower price.
iPhone 8 vs iPhone SE (2016) FAQs
iPhone 8 vs iPhone SE (2016) comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Chipset: Apple A11 Bionic on the iPhone 8, Apple A9 (14 nm) on the iPhone SE (2016). The iPhone 8 has a bigger battery: 1821 mAh vs 1624 mAh.
The iPhone 8 is cheaper refurbished, from £90 compared with £192.40 for the iPhone SE (2016).
The iPhone 8 has a bigger battery: 1821 mAh vs 1624 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
Updates for the iPhone 8 ended in Mar 2025. Its last version is iOS 16. Updates for the iPhone SE (2016) ended in Mar 2025. Its last version is iOS 15.
The iPhone 8 adds a bigger battery (1821 mAh vs 1624 mAh), a bigger screen (4.7 inch vs 4 inch) and a higher-resolution front camera (7 megapixels vs 1.2 megapixels). Refurbished, it costs £102.40 less (from £90 vs £192.40).
Refurbished, the iPhone 8 comes in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB, and the iPhone SE (2016) in 64GB.
