iPhone SE (2016) vs iPhone SE (2022)
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iPhone SE (2016)
Starting at
£192.40
iPhone SE (2022)
Starting at
£113.85£429.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone SE (2016) and iPhone SE (2022)?
iPhone SE (2016) vs iPhone SE (2022) comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Refurbished, the iPhone SE (2022) starts at £113.85, £78.55 less than the iPhone SE (2016). The iPhone SE (2022) is the newer model, released in 2022.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
Front camera
- Chipset: Apple A9 (14 nm) on the iPhone SE (2016), Apple A15 Bionic on the iPhone SE (2022).
- The iPhone SE (2022) has more RAM: 4 GB vs 2 GB.
- The iPhone SE (2022) has a bigger screen: 4.7 inch vs 4 inch.
iPhone SE (2016) vs iPhone SE (2022) specs
The iPhone SE 2016 and the iPhone SE 2022 differ mainly in screen size, camera quality, performance, and connectivity. The 2016 model has a smaller 4 inch screen and 2 GB of RAM, making it suitable for everyday use and those who prefer a compact phone. The 2022 model offers a larger 4.7 inch screen with higher resolution, twice the RAM, and 5G connectivity, which suits users who want a more capable device for apps and faster mobile networks. The 2016 SE keeps the 3.5mm headphone jack, appealing to those who use wired headphones.
iPhone SE (2016) vs iPhone SE (2022) price
iPhone SE (2016) vs iPhone SE (2022) battery life and software updates
Durability covers software updates and basic physical design features. These affect how long a device stays current and how it handles daily wear.
Software Support
This difference suits users who want longer software support and newer features.
Physical Design
Both devices use iOS, providing a familiar operating system experience. Their release years are different but do not affect daily use directly.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone SE (2016) vs iPhone SE (2022) performance
Chipset
RAM
iPhone SE (2016) vs iPhone SE (2022) screen
Screen quality impacts how you view content and interact with your phone. The two iPhone SE models differ in size, resolution, and display type.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone SE 2016 has a 4 inch screen with a resolution of 640 by 1136 pixels, making it compact and easy to use with one hand. The iPhone SE 2022 features a larger 4.7 inch screen with a resolution of 750 by 1334 pixels, offering more room for video, reading, and apps. This suits users who prefer a bigger display.
Screen Type
The iPhone SE 2016 uses an IPS LCD screen, while the iPhone SE 2022 uses a Retina IPS LCD. The Retina display typically provides sharper and clearer images, which benefits users who value screen clarity and detail.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone SE (2016) vs iPhone SE (2022) camera
Audiovisual features include cameras that affect photos and video calls. These differences matter for capturing images and video quality.
Front Camera
The iPhone SE 2016 has a 1.2 megapixel front camera, suitable for basic selfies and video calls. The iPhone SE 2022 offers a 7 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail and better quality images for selfies and video chats. This suits users who take more self-portraits or use video calling frequently.
Main Camera
Both models have a 12 megapixel main camera, offering similar photo resolution for everyday photography.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone SE (2016) vs iPhone SE (2022) size and design
Miscellaneous features cover physical dimensions, connectivity, and headphone options, which affect comfort, network use, and audio accessories.
Network and SIM Options
The iPhone SE 2016 supports 4G mobile networks and uses a physical SIM card. The iPhone SE 2022 supports 5G networks and offers both a physical SIM and an eSIM, providing flexibility for mobile plans and faster internet where 5G is available.
Headphone Connector
The iPhone SE 2016 includes both a Lightning connector and a 3.5mm headphone jack, which suits users with wired headphones. The iPhone SE 2022 has only a Lightning connector, so wired headphones require an adapter.
Size and Weight
The iPhone SE 2016 is smaller and lighter, measuring 123.8 mm in height, 58.6 mm in width, 7.6 mm in depth, and weighing 113 g. The iPhone SE 2022 is slightly larger and heavier at 130 mm tall, 60 mm wide, 7.3 mm deep, and 144 g. The smaller size of the 2016 SE suits users who want a compact phone that fits easily in a pocket.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone SE (2016) or iPhone SE (2022): which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone SE (2016) if
- you want a lighter build (113 g vs 144 g)
- you want a headphone jack
Buy the iPhone SE (2022) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £113.85, £78.55 less than the iPhone SE (2016)
- you want more RAM (4 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (4.7 inch vs 4 inch)
What our customers say
Customers appreciate the iPhone SE 2016 for its size and price. Many mention it works well for everyday tasks and is suitable for users who want a smaller phone. The battery life is generally reported as solid but some note it may need replacing eventually. The screen condition is often praised, with some light scratches on the body but reliable performance overall. This model suits those looking for a straightforward device that does what is needed without extras.
For the iPhone SE 2022, customers highlight the smooth operation and condition of the phone, often describing it as almost like new. They appreciate the ease of setup and the 5G connectivity, which is seen as a benefit for future use. The improved front camera and software capabilities are noted, with some users happy with the balance of size and features. Battery health is mostly good but a few mention concerns about accuracy of the battery indicator. This model suits users wanting a more capable device with recent software support and improved connectivity.
Overall, the iPhone SE 2016 fits buyers who want a compact and simple phone at a lower price. The iPhone SE 2022 suits those looking for a larger screen, better front camera, and longer software support with 5G connectivity.
iPhone SE (2016) vs iPhone SE (2022) FAQs
iPhone SE (2016) vs iPhone SE (2022) comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Chipset: Apple A9 (14 nm) on the iPhone SE (2016), Apple A15 Bionic on the iPhone SE (2022). The iPhone SE (2022) has more RAM: 4 GB vs 2 GB.
The iPhone SE (2022) is cheaper refurbished, from £113.85 compared with £192.40 for the iPhone SE (2016).
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
Updates for the iPhone SE (2016) ended in Mar 2025. Its last version is iOS 15. The iPhone SE (2022) is still supported and can run iOS 27.
The iPhone SE (2022) adds more RAM (4 GB vs 2 GB), a bigger screen (4.7 inch vs 4 inch) and a higher-resolution front camera (7 megapixels vs 1.2 megapixels). Refurbished, it costs £78.55 less (from £113.85 vs £192.40).
Both come in 64GB refurbished.
