iPhone 16 • Unlocked vs iPhone SE (2022) • Locked AT&T

The iPhone 16, released in September 2024, represents Apple's current flagship smartphone, offering a modern design and advanced features. In contrast, the iPhone SE (2022), launched in March 2022, provides a more compact form factor with a classic design. The primary distinctions lie in their display technology, camera systems, and overall processing power, catering to different user preferences and needs within the iOS ecosystem.

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release dates and Apple's software support policies are key factors. The iPhone 16, being a newer model, benefits from a significantly longer expected period of software updates and security patches compared to the iPhone SE (2022).

• Software Longevity: The iPhone 16, released in September 2024, is guaranteed to receive software support for a minimum of five years, extending at least until September 2029, and likely longer based on Apple's historical patterns, potentially until 2031. The iPhone SE (2022), released in March 2022, was discontinued in February 2025 and will receive updates for a shorter duration, typically around 5-7 years from its release, meaning its support window will close sooner.
• Physical Durability: Both devices feature robust builds. The iPhone 16 incorporates a Ceramic Shield front and an aluminum frame, offering IP68 dust and water resistance, allowing submersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes. The iPhone SE (2022) uses ion-strengthened glass and an aluminum frame, with an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, protecting it in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.
• Repairability: While specific repairability scores can vary, both iPhones are designed with Apple's ecosystem in mind. The availability of parts and service for the iPhone SE (2022) may diminish sooner than for the more recently released iPhone 16, which will have parts readily available for a longer period.

The performance capabilities of the iPhone 16 and iPhone SE (2022) are primarily driven by their respective chipsets and RAM configurations, influencing how smoothly they handle applications and multitasking.

• Processing Power: The iPhone 16 is equipped with the A18 chip, featuring a 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine, providing a substantial boost in processing power and efficiency. The iPhone SE (2022) utilizes the A15 Bionic chip, which includes a 6-core CPU, 4-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine, still offering robust performance for everyday tasks and many demanding applications.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: With 8GB of RAM, the iPhone 16 handles extensive multitasking and graphically intensive applications with greater ease, ensuring a fluid user experience even under heavy load. The iPhone SE (2022) comes with 4GB of RAM, which is sufficient for smooth operation across most common apps and light multitasking, though it may show limitations with numerous demanding applications running simultaneously.
• Storage Options: Both models offer various internal storage capacities. The iPhone 16 is available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB configurations. The iPhone SE (2022) is offered with 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB of storage, providing options for different user storage needs.

The visual experience on these two iPhones differs significantly due to their display technologies, sizes, and design approaches.

• Display Technology and Size: The iPhone 16 features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, offering deep blacks, vibrant colors, and a modern edge-to-edge design with the Dynamic Island. The iPhone SE (2022) has a smaller 4.7-inch Retina HD IPS LCD display, characterized by its traditional bezels and a physical Home button.
• Resolution and Brightness: The iPhone 16 provides a sharper viewing experience with a 2556x1179 pixel resolution (460 ppi) and impressive brightness levels, reaching up to 1000 nits typical and 2000 nits peak for outdoor visibility. The iPhone SE (2022) offers a 1334x750 pixel resolution (326 ppi) and a maximum brightness of 625 nits, which is adequate for most indoor conditions but can be less visible in direct sunlight.
• Refresh Rate: Both devices feature a standard 60Hz refresh rate. This means the on-screen motion and scrolling will appear consistent between the two, though neither offers the smoother experience found on devices with higher refresh rates.

The camera systems on the iPhone 16 and iPhone SE (2022) reflect different generations of Apple's photographic advancements, with the newer model offering a more versatile and advanced setup.

• Rear Camera System: The iPhone 16 boasts an advanced dual-camera system, including a 48MP Fusion Main camera with sensor-shift optical image stabilization and a 12MP Ultra Wide camera capable of macro photography. Its cameras are vertically aligned, enabling spatial video capture. The iPhone SE (2022) features a single 12MP Main camera with optical image stabilization.
• Computational Photography: The iPhone 16 benefits from Smart HDR 5, Deep Fusion, and the Photonic Engine, enhancing image quality across various lighting conditions and offering next-generation portraits. It also includes an Action Button for quick camera controls. The iPhone SE (2022) utilizes Smart HDR 4 and Deep Fusion, providing good image processing, but lacks features like Night mode and the advanced capabilities of the Photonic Engine.
• Video Recording and Front Camera: Both phones support 4K video recording up to 60 frames per second. The iPhone 16 further enhances video with Cinematic mode up to 4K Dolby Vision at 30 fps and spatial video recording. Its front camera is a 12MP sensor with autofocus. The iPhone SE (2022) has a 7MP front camera and supports 1080p HD video recording.