iPhone 16e vs iPhone SE 3 and SE 2: A Specification Comparison

Apple Introduces iPhone 16e: A Significant Upgrade from the SE Series

On February 19, 2025, Apple unveiled the iPhone 16 lineup, introducing the iPhone 16e as the new entry-level model. This new iteration essentially replaces the iPhone SE 3rd generation, marking a departure from its classic design and the traditional Home button. For current iPhone SE users contemplating an upgrade, let’s explore how the iPhone 16e stacks up against its predecessors, the SE 3 and SE 2, in terms of specifications.

What’s New in Design and Performance?

The transition from iPhone SE 3 to iPhone 16e marks a notable shift in design philosophy. The iconic Home button and oversized bezels are eliminated, giving way to a modern all-screen design featuring a slim notch that houses the advanced TrueDepth camera systems used for FaceID.

The iPhone SE 3 — iPhone SE 3rd gen (and 2nd gen)

Under the hood, the iPhone 16e is powered by the A18 processor, which offers enhanced performance and energy efficiency. This chip also supports Apple’s innovative features, including AI functionalities. Furthermore, the device introduces the first-ever in-house C1 modem, boasting both 5G connectivity and satellite communication capabilities.

Upgraded Features for Enhanced User Experience

For those migrating from older iPhone models, the iPhone 16e brings several coveted upgrades:

Replacing the Lightning port with a more versatile USB-C port.
Significantly improved battery life, promising up to 12 additional hours of video playback.
Expanded storage options and a sophisticated 48MP camera system that provides enhanced features, albeit still in a single-lens configuration.
Introduction of a customizable Action Button, taking the place of the traditional Mute Switch.

Key Changes Overview

Here’s a brief rundown of the crucial upgrades:

Fresh all-new design with sharp edges and a full-screen display.
Removal of the Home button and large bezels.
Transition from TouchID to FaceID.
Adoption of a larger OLED display with a notch.
Replacement of the Mute Switch with an Action Button.
Enhanced A18 processor with Apple Intelligence features.
Increased storage availability.
The introduction of the Apple C1 modem enabling satellite connectivity.
Switch to USB-C connectivity.
Physical SIM card slot has been replaced with eSIM only.
48MP rear camera with improved capabilities, along with a 12MP front camera.
Improved water and dust resistance with IP68 rating.
Increased pricing structure.

Comparative Specifications

The following table highlights the key specifications of the iPhone 16e compared to the iPhone SE 3 and iPhone SE 2, emphasizing the most significant advancements:

iPhone 16e	iPhone SE 3	iPhone SE 2
Display	6.1″Super Retina XDR OLED 2, 532 x 1, 170 (460 ppi) 800 nits max brightness 1, 200 nits HDR brightness 2M:1 contrast ratio Wide Color P3 True Tone	4.7″IPS Retina HD, 1, 334×750 (326 ppi) 625 nits max brightness 1400:1 contrast ratio True Tone Wide Color P3
Dimensions	5.78 x 2.82 x 0.31″5.88oz 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm 167g	5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29″5.08oz / 5.22oz 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm 144g / 148g
Physical controls	Power Button Volume ButtonAction Button	Power Button Volume Button Home Button Mute Switch
Security	FaceID	TouchID
CPU	Apple A18 6-core CPU (2P, 4E) 4-core GPU 16-core NPU	Apple A15 Bionic 6-core CPU (2P, 4E) 4-core GPU 16-core NPU	Apple A13 Bionic 6-core CPU (2P, 4E) 4-core GPU 8-core NPU
Apple Intelligence	Supported	Not supported
RAM	? GB (likely 8 GB)	4 GB	3 GB
Storage	128GB, 256GB, 512GB	64GB, 128GB, 256GB.	64GB, 128GB.
Network	Apple C1 modem 5G (sub-6 and mmWave) FDD-LTE and TD-LTE UMTS/HSPA+ GSM/EDGE Wi-Fi 6 Bluetooth 5.3	5G (sub-6 only), LTE-Advanced, UMTS/HSPA, and GSM/EDGE.	LTE, UMTS/HSPA, CDMA, LTE, GSM/EDGE.
SIM	eSIM-only Two active eSIM	Dual-SIM support. Single nano-SIM and single eSIM (simultaneous).
Rear Camera	2-in-1 camera system Single-lens 48MP camera with f/1.6 aperture and optical image stabilization	Single-lens wide 12-megapixel camera with f/1.8 aperture and optical image stabilization.
Features	Portrait mode with Depth Control and six lighting effectsSmart HDR 5 Photographic styles True Tone FlashPhotonic Engine Deep FusionNight Mode	Portrait mode with Depth Control and six lighting effects Smart HDR 4 Photographic styles True Tone Flash Deep Fusion	Portrait mode with Depth Control and six lighting effects Smart HDR 2 True Tone Flash
Video	4K Dolby Vision at 60 FPS 1080 Dolby Vision at 60 FPS Slow-mo at 1080p 240 FPS Night mode time-lapseAudio Zoom Spatial AudioAudio Mix Wind Noise Reduction	4K and Full HD video 60 FPS Slow-mo at 1080p with 120 or 240 FPS Night mode time-lapse Stereo recording	4K and Full HD video 60 FPS Slow-mo at 1080p with 120 or 240 FPS Stereo recording
Front Camera	12MP TrueDepth Camera with f/1.9 aperture and Retina Flash	7-megapixel FaceTime HD camera with f/2.2 aperture and Retina Flash.
Battery	Unknown mAh (? Wh)Fast charging via USB-C Qi wireless charging	2, 018 mAh (6.96 Wh) Fast charging via the Lightning port Qi wireless charging.	1821 mAh (6.96 Wh) Fast charging support via the Lightning port. Qi wireless charging.
Battery life	Up to 26 hours of video playback	Up to 15 hours of video playback.	Up to 13 hours of video playback.
Protection	IP68 water and dust-resistant	IP67 water and dust-resistant
Colors	White, Black	Starlight, Midnight, Product Red.	Black, White, Product Red.
Price	$599+	$429+	$399+

Availability and User Feedback

The iPhone 16e is set to be available for preorder starting February 21, 2025, with shipments commencing on February 28, 2025.

Are you considering purchasing the iPhone 16e, or do you prefer to explore options with older models like the iPhone 15 or 14? We invite you to share your thoughts on this latest offering from Apple in the comments section below.

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