iPhone 16e vs iPhone SE (3rd gen)

Phone 1

Phone 2

Winner

Apple iPhone 16e

Lifespan decides this one: the iPhone 16e is supported until Feb 2032 at $8.74 per month of safe use, while the iPhone SE (3rd gen) runs out in Mar 2029 ($3.02/month). On a which-lasts-longer question, that's not a tie — it's the whole answer.

Value Score: iPhone 16e 63 · iPhone SE (3rd gen) 56 — methodology

The lifespan decider

When specs are close, support length decides it — this is what each phone costs per month of safe use.

Apple iPhone 16e $599

Safe to buy$8.74/mo

2025◆ Buy-by Feb 20302032

Apple iPhone SE (3rd gen) $100

Buy with care$3.02/mo

2022◆ Buy-by Mar 20272029

Category by category

Display

iPhone 16e 50iPhone SE (3rd gen) 50

Both displays are effectively the same class.

Performance

iPhone 16e 92iPhone SE (3rd gen) 74

The iPhone 16e's Apple A18 is simply the faster chip.

Camera

iPhone 16e 50iPhone SE (3rd gen) 40

The iPhone 16e has the stronger camera system — same lens count, higher-grade sensors.

Battery

iPhone 16e 60iPhone SE (3rd gen) 20

4,005mAh vs 2,018mAh — the iPhone 16e lasts longer between charges.

Software longevity

iPhone 16e 82iPhone SE (3rd gen) 39

The iPhone 16e is supported until Feb 2032 — 35 months longer than the iPhone SE (3rd gen).

Value

iPhone 16e 63iPhone SE (3rd gen) 56

Overall value goes to the iPhone 16e at $8.74 per month of safe use.

Full spec table

Spec	iPhone 16e	iPhone SE (3rd gen)
Price (street)	$599	$100
Display	6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 60Hz	4.7-inch Retina HD LCD, 60Hz
Chipset	Apple A18	Apple A15 Bionic
RAM	8GB	4GB
Storage	128GB/256GB/512GB	64GB/128GB/256GB
Battery	4,005 mAh	2,018 mAh
Charging	Wired fast charge with 20W+ adapter; Qi wireless up to 7.5W (no MagSafe)	20W wired, Qi wireless 7.5W
Rear cameras	48MP main	12MP main
Dimensions	146.7 × 71.5 × 7.8 mm	138.4 × 67.3 × 7.3 mm
Weight	167 g	144 g
Water resistance	IP68	IP67
Supported until	Feb 2032	Mar 2029

iPhone 16e full verdict →iPhone SE (3rd gen) full verdict →Longevity master board →

Scores and verdicts are computed from our verified database — see exactly how. Specs from manufacturer documentation; prices reflect major US retailers.