Apple announced a new entry-level model, the iPhone 16e, on February 20, 2025. This model is positioned as the successor to the previous iPhone SE (3rd generation), and is equipped with the latest A18 processor, with a price starting at 99,800 yen for the 128GB model. On the other hand, the higher-end model, the iPhone 16, is more powerful and has a higher price.
This article compares the three models iPhone 16e, iPhone 16, and iPhone SE (3rd generation). I hope it will be helpful for those who are wondering which one to choose.
table of contents
What to choose based on design and ease of use?
What if you were to choose based on performance and features?
Storage Capacity & Price
Which model should you choose?
summary
What to choose based on design and ease of use?
Screen size and operation
iPhone 16e / iPhone 16: Equipped with a 6.1-inch OLED display, perfect for those who want to enjoy games and videos on a large screen!
*The iPhone 16 is the only model among these three that comes with the Dynamic Island, a sub-display that can show various information, and the Camera Control button. For those who want smoother notifications, app operation, and camera operation, the iPhone 16 is recommended.
The 16e does not have a camera control button, but it does have an action button on the left side above the volume buttons that can be used to launch the camera and mute the device.
iPhone SE (3rd generation): Equipped with a 4.7-inch LCD display and home button (with fingerprint authentication). If you prefer one-handed operation, have difficulty authenticating with Face ID, or value a compact design, we recommend the iPhone SE (3rd generation).
Tip: If you want a large screen, we recommend the iPhone 16e or iPhone 16. If you prefer a smaller model, we recommend the iPhone SE (3rd generation). If you want a large screen and the Dynamic Island experience, we recommend the iPhone 16.
Body design
iPhone 16e: Available in two colors, black and white, with a simple design. Recommended for those who like calm designs! The body is made of glass (matte texture) on the back and aluminum on the sides.
iPhone 16: A wide variety of colors and a pop design! Perfect for those who want to choose based on their fashion sense! The back is made of color-infused glass with a matte texture, and the sides are aluminum.
iPhone SE (3rd generation): Classic design and a size that fits comfortably in your hand. Perfect for people who love the old-fashioned iPhone! The back is made of glass (glossy texture) and the sides are made of aluminum.
Tip: If you're looking for a simple and calm design, choose the iPhone 16e; if you want a wide range of colors and a unique design, choose the iPhone 16; if you value the classic iPhone look, choose the iPhone SE (3rd generation).
What if you were to choose based on performance and features?
Processing chip & AI compatible
iPhone 16e / iPhone 16: The higher the number, the more powerful the processing chip that is the brains of the iPhone. The 16 and 16e are equipped with the latest A18 chip and support Apple Intelligence, so if you want to take full advantage of the latest AI features, these two models are recommended.
iPhone SE (3rd generation): Equipped with A15 Bionic chip, it is sufficient for daily use, but it is inferior to the latest chips and does not support AI functions. If you are satisfied with stable operation, you will be satisfied with SE3.
Key point: If you're looking for a balance between high-speed processing and cost-effectiveness, choose the iPhone 16e; if you want even higher performance, choose the iPhone 16.
Camera performance
iPhone 16e: Equipped with a 48-megapixel main camera! However, it does not have an ultra-wide-angle lens. It is perfect for those who mainly take everyday photos and do not take many landscape photos.
iPhone 16: Equipped with dual cameras (main + ultra-wide angle)! You can take beautiful photos of people and landscapes. If you value camera performance, you should choose the iPhone 16!
iPhone SE (3rd generation): Single camera (12 megapixels) with simple functions. If you just want to take pictures of your daily life, the SE3 is fine.
Tip: The iPhone 16e is sufficient for everyday photography, but if you want to take more serious photos and are interested in the new "spatial photography" technology, we recommend the iPhone 16.
Battery and Charging
iPhone 16e: iPhone 16e: Boasts up to 26 hours of battery life with video playback, but it doesn't have MagSafe and only supports basic Qi wireless charging.
iPhone 16: Video playback time is up to 22 hours, about four hours less than the iPhone 16e, but it supports MagSafe , which expands accessory compatibility.
iPhone SE (3rd generation): Battery life is shorter than the other two models and supports wireless charging but not MagSafe.
Tip: If you want a long-lasting battery and convenient charging (MagSafe), we recommend the iPhone 16.
Storage Capacity & Price
| Model | iPhone 16e | iPhone 16 | iPhone SE3 * |
| 64GB | – | – | 62,800 yen |
| 128GB | 99,800 yen | 124,800 yen | 69,800 yen |
| 256GB | 114,800 yen | 139,800 yen | 84,800 yen |
| 512GB | 144,800 yen | 169,800 yen | – |
*SE3 is no longer available at the Apple Store. You can purchase it at any Apple Authorized Reseller.
Tip: If you want the latest model while keeping the price down, choose the iPhone 16e.
Conclusion: Which model should you choose?
Tip: If you want the latest model while keeping the price down, choose the iPhone 16e.
| Recommended for: | Which model to choose |
| I want a high-performance model that is cost-effective | iPhone 16e |
| I don't care about the camera features | |
| I want an iPhone with good battery life | |
| I want an iPhone with a high-performance camera | iPhone 16 |
| I want to use spatial photography | |
| I want to use MagSafe | |
| I like small and simple models | iPhone SE (3rd generation) |
| I want to choose based on price rather than specs | |
| I want to use fingerprint authentication |
summary
The iPhone 16e is a relatively affordable model with excellent cost performance, while still being equipped with the latest chips and high-performance cameras. If you want cutting-edge features, the iPhone 16 is a good choice, and if you value small size and simple usability, the iPhone SE (3rd generation) is a good choice. The important thing is to choose the model that suits you. Use this article as a reference to choose the best iPhone and enjoy a comfortable smartphone life.
*If you would like to know more about the specifications of the iPhone 16e, iPhone 16, and iPhone SE3, please see the table below.
| Model | iPhone 16e | iPhone 16 | iPhone SE3 |
| Storage | 128GB 256GB 512GB |
128GB 256GB 512GB |
64GB 128GB 256GB |
| Screen size | 6.1 inch (OLED) | 6.1 inch (OLED) | 4.7 inch (LCD) |
| Product size | Height: 146.7mm Width: 71.5mm Thickness: 7.8mm |
Height: 147.6mm Width: 71.6mm Thickness: 7.8mm |
Height: 138.4mm Width: 67.3mm Thickness: 7.3mm |
| Weight | 167g | 170g | 144g |
| Rear camera | 48MP | Main: 48MP Fusion Ultra-wide angle: 12MP |
12MP |
| Front camera | 12MP | 12MP | 12MP |
| battery | Video playback: up to 26 hours Streaming: up to 21 hours Audio playback: up to 90 hours | Video playback: up to 22 hours Streaming: up to 18 hours Audio playback: up to 80 hours | Video playback: up to 15 hours Streaming: up to 10 hours Audio playback: up to 50 hours |
| Fast charging | Charges up to 50% in about 30 minutes | Charges up to 50% in about 30 minutes | Charges up to 50% in about 30 minutes |
| CPU | A18 chip | A18 chip | A15 Bionic |
| certification | Face ID | Face ID | Touch ID fingerprint authentication |
| waterproof | IP68 rated | IP68 rated | IP67 rating |
| Terminals | USB-C Connector | USB-C Connector | Lightning |
| color | Black White | Ultramarine Teal Pink White Black | (PRODUCT) RED Starlight Midnight |
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