iPhone SE (2016) vs iPhone XR
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iPhone SE (2016)
Starting at
£192.40
iPhone XR
Starting at
£130.30£399.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone SE (2016) and iPhone XR?
iPhone SE (2016) vs iPhone XR comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone XR starts at £130.30, £62.10 less than the iPhone SE (2016). The iPhone XR is the newer model, released in 2018.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A9 (14 nm) on the iPhone SE (2016), Apple A12 Bionic (7 nm) on the iPhone XR.
- The iPhone XR has more RAM: 3 GB vs 2 GB.
- The iPhone XR has a bigger battery: 2942 mAh vs 1624 mAh.
iPhone SE (2016) vs iPhone XR specs
The iPhone SE (2016) and iPhone XR differ in size, performance, battery, and camera details. The iPhone SE has a smaller 4 inch screen with lower resolution and a 1.2 megapixel front camera, suiting those who prefer a compact phone for everyday use or a lower priced option. The iPhone XR offers a much larger 6.1 inch screen with higher resolution and a 7 megapixel front camera, better for users who want a roomier display and sharper selfies. Performance wise, the iPhone XR has more RAM and a newer chipset, helping with faster and smoother multitasking. Battery capacity is larger in the iPhone XR, supporting longer usage between charges. Storage options are broader with the iPhone XR, allowing more space for apps and media. These differences help you pick a device that fits your needs for size, speed, screen, and storage.
iPhone SE (2016) vs iPhone XR price
Colour
iPhone SE (2016) vs iPhone XR battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software support, and basic design features.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone SE (2016) has a 1624 mAh battery, while the iPhone XR has a larger 2942 mAh battery. This means the iPhone XR supports longer use between charges, suitable if you need more endurance throughout the day. The iPhone SE's smaller battery suits lighter users or those with easy access to charging.
Software Updates
Choose the iPhone XR if staying updated is important to you.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone SE (2016) vs iPhone XR performance
Performance depends on chipset, RAM, and storage options. These influence speed, multitasking, and how much data you can keep on the device.
Chipset and RAM
The iPhone SE (2016) uses an Apple A9 chipset with 2 GB RAM, while the iPhone XR features a newer Apple A12 Bionic chipset and 3 GB RAM. The iPhone XR's combination helps it run apps and multitask more smoothly, which benefits users who run several apps or want faster response times. The iPhone SE works well for everyday tasks and lighter use.
Storage Options
The iPhone SE (2016) comes with 64GB storage. The iPhone XR offers 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB options, allowing you to choose more space for apps, photos, and media. If you store a lot on your phone, the iPhone XR's larger capacities provide greater flexibility.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone SE (2016) vs iPhone XR screen
Screen quality includes size, resolution, and type. These affect how much you see and how sharp images and text appear.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone SE (2016) has a 4 inch screen with 640 x 1136 resolution, making it compact and easy to use with one hand. The iPhone XR has a much larger 6.1 inch screen with 828 x 1792 resolution, offering a more spacious display that suits watching videos or reading. Choose the SE for portability and the XR for a bigger viewing area.
Screen Type
The iPhone SE (2016) uses an IPS LCD screen, while the iPhone XR features a Liquid Retina IPS LCD screen. The XR's screen type provides a refined display experience with accurate colours and brightness, which enhances viewing quality during daily use.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone SE (2016) vs iPhone XR camera
Audiovisual features cover the cameras and their quality, key for photography and video calls.
Camera Specifications
Both phones have a 12 megapixel main camera, suitable for good quality photos. The front camera differs: the iPhone SE (2016) has a 1.2 megapixel front camera, while the iPhone XR has a 7 megapixel front camera. The XR's front camera provides sharper selfies and clearer video calls, ideal if you often use the front camera.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone SE (2016) vs iPhone XR size and design
Other features include physical dimensions, connectivity, and SIM options that impact daily comfort and use.
Size and Weight
The iPhone SE (2016) is smaller and lighter, measuring 123.8 mm by 58.6 mm and weighing 113 g. The iPhone XR is larger and heavier at 150.9 mm by 75.7 mm and 194 g. If you prefer a phone that fits easily in one hand or pocket, the SE is suitable. The XR offers a bigger device for those comfortable with a larger phone.
Connector and SIM
The iPhone SE (2016) includes a Lightning port plus a 3.5mm headphone jack, which suits users who want to use wired headphones without an adapter. The iPhone XR has only a Lightning connector. Regarding SIM cards, the iPhone SE (2016) supports a physical SIM, while the iPhone XR supports both a physical SIM and eSIM, giving more flexibility for multiple numbers or carriers.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone SE (2016) or iPhone XR: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone SE (2016) if
- you want a lighter build (113 g vs 194 g)
- you want a headphone jack
Buy the iPhone XR if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £130.30, £62.10 less than the iPhone SE (2016)
- you want more RAM (3 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (2942 mAh vs 1624 mAh)
What our customers say
Customers who choose the iPhone SE (2016) appreciate its compact size and smooth performance for everyday tasks. They often mention good battery life for the price and value the phone as a practical replacement or a simpler device. Some note the smaller screen and front camera but find it suits their needs well. Light scratches and small imperfections are common but do not affect functionality. The SE is popular with those looking for a clean, manageable phone that fits easily in the hand or pocket.
Users of the iPhone XR praise its larger screen and sharper front camera, which enhance viewing and video calling. Many customers say the phone looks like new and performs quickly. The varied storage options and dual SIM support appeal to different needs. The XR is chosen for its balance of size and power, suitable for those who want a roomier display and smoother multitasking. Battery life is generally strong, though some mention third-party battery replacements.
Each phone suits different preferences: the SE for those who want a smaller, simpler device with enough power for everyday use, and the XR for users who value a bigger screen, more storage options, and slightly faster performance.
iPhone SE (2016) vs iPhone XR FAQs
iPhone SE (2016) vs iPhone XR comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A9 (14 nm) on the iPhone SE (2016), Apple A12 Bionic (7 nm) on the iPhone XR. The iPhone XR has more RAM: 3 GB vs 2 GB.
The iPhone XR is cheaper refurbished, from £130.30 compared with £192.40 for the iPhone SE (2016).
The iPhone XR has a bigger battery: 2942 mAh vs 1624 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
Updates for the iPhone SE (2016) ended in Mar 2025. Its last version is iOS 15. Updates for the iPhone XR ended in Apr 2026. Its last version is iOS 18.
The iPhone XR adds more RAM (3 GB vs 2 GB), a bigger battery (2942 mAh vs 1624 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.1 inch vs 4 inch). Refurbished, it costs £62.10 less (from £130.30 vs £192.40).
Refurbished, the iPhone SE (2016) comes in 64GB, and the iPhone XR in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB.
