Is it worth trading in an iPhone SE 3 (2022) for an iPhone 16e? Yes, and here is the answer
An iPhone SE is no longer a part of Apple’s products. It has transitioned into the iPhone 16e, a device that was launched with little hype about its advanced features. This is one of Apple’s most budget-friendly phones in years—and while they didn’t make much buzz about it, it is indeed quite different from its predecessors.
The SE replacement, the iPhone 16e, is not a minor hardware update; it is an overhauled device—this is the most radical overhaul to Apple’s base phone since the first SE came out in 2016. For people who own older SE models, the decision to upgrade is simple. But for those who are still on the fence, here is a detailed comparison of the two devices.
iPhone 16e vs iPhone SE 3 (2022): Price, Design, and Display
What’s New?
- Updated, modernized design
- Only available in black and white
- Increased base price of £599
New and advanced design accompanies the more expensive price tag. These two models differ greatly in their designs, allowing manufacturers to charge different prices. The iPhone 16e is more powerful and impressive, boasting a 6.1 inch OLED display that includes edge to edge pixels. The colors, contrast and brightness are distinctly better than the previous models of the iPhone. The new model also features a Ceramic Shield glass which protects the device from scratches and minor damage.
The SE 3 (2022) is much less advanced and suffers from a diminutive screen, large borders and substantially duller brightness and sharpness detail.
| Feature | iPhone 16e | iPhone SE (2022) |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 6.1 inches | 4.7 inches |
| Resolution | 1,170 x 2,532 | 750 x 1,334 |
| Pixel Density | 457 ppi | 326 ppi |
| Panel Type | OLED | IPS |
| Peak Brightness | 1,200 nits | 625 nits |
| Screen Protection | Ceramic Shield Glass | Ion-strengthened Glass |
The iPhone 16e carries an overall better appeal to it. The edges of the phone appear to be flat, giving the device a sleeker look compared to the older models. The body of the phone is rough with rounded sides unlike the SE and helps further improve the look of the device.
Like all new models of the iPhone, The Apple touch ID and home button are no longer functional which has been replaced with Face ID and personalized Action Button. The seamless working of Face ID works better as it is highly user friendly.
One of the downside includes the price which has increased to £599 from £429 (£170 increase from the SE 3). It, additionally, now only comes in white and black.
Verdict: iPhone 16e wins by a mile.
Performance, Battery Life, and Charging
Key Upgrades
- Much faster processor
- Better efficiency and battery life
- Charging speeds remain unchanged
As it has been noted, Apple used to intentionally design the SE’s range of products to be one step behind the other counterparts. In this case, however, the 16E is fully updated and comes with the A18 chip – the same one with the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus. This is a massive upgrade from the SE’s A15 given the additional RAM and storage.
| Feature | iPhone 16e | iPhone SE (2022) |
| Processor | Apple A18 | Apple A15 |
| RAM | 8GB | 6GB |
| Battery Life (Video Playback) | 26 hours | 15 hours |
| Wired Charging | 50% in 30 mins (20W) | 50% in 30 mins (20W) |
| Wireless Charging | 7.5W Qi | 7.5W Qi |
Along with sheer performance increases, the A18 chip is also more efficient, increasing the overall battery life. Apple estimates 16E lasts a minimum of 12 hours more than the SE – which was one of the many ways the SE struggled.
The only aspect that remains unchanged is charging speeds. 20W wired charging is suupported, reaching 50 percent in 30 minutes, with wireless remaining at 7.5W. However, changing the charging port from Lightning to USB-C is a much welcome change.
Verdict: iPhone 16e leads the way.
Cameras and Video Capabilities
Notable Improvements
- Apple’s latest Fusion Camera tech featuring 48-megapixel camera
- 4K Dolby Vision recording
- Lack of ultrawide and optical zoom features
16e has an improved camera software. Apple calls the 16e’s primary camera a two in one, describing it as a 48 megapixel camera that can take pictures in the default resolution of 24 megas pixels and also has the ability to take telephoto pictures at 12 mega pixel with 2x zoom. It supports video recording in Dolby vision.
| Feature | iPhone 16e | iPhone SE (2022) |
| Rear Camera | 48MP (f/1.6) | 12MP (f/1.8) |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP | 7MP |
| Video Capabilities | 4K Dolby Vision | Standard 4K |
The SE model still uses a 12 megapixel camera which is outdated for modern image processing and the front camera is not as powerful as the 16e’s camera.
Apple should have included an ultrawide or optical zoom lens for the 16e, as well as Apple’s higher end products, which is a missed opportunity compared to other competitors like Google Pixel 8a.
Verdict: iPhone 16e is a clear winner.
Final Verdict
16e still remains to be fully tested, but the SE 2022 version has completely lost to the 16e in every possible score. The display, design, battery life, performance, and camera are better in the 16e, giving it an effortless upperhand from every angle.
When pitted against one another, the 16e has the SE on the ropes within the first round, without it needing to land any punches. This new model is significantly better in every single aspect, the only issue being the £599 price tag.
If you are still using an iPhone SE model, upgrading to iPhone 16e is a great option to spend your money on.
