iPhone 16e • Unlocked vs iPhone SE (2022) • Locked Verizon

The iPhone 16E, released in early 2025, and the iPhone SE (3rd generation), launched in early 2022, represent Apple's approaches to offering accessible smartphone options. While the iPhone SE 2022 maintains a classic design with a physical home button, the iPhone 16E adopts a more contemporary, all-screen aesthetic. These devices primarily differ in their display technology, processing power, and camera capabilities, reflecting their respective release timelines and target user experiences.

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and Apple's software support policies are key factors. The iPhone 16E, being a more recent release, offers a longer expected period of software updates compared to the iPhone SE 2022.

• Release Timeline: The iPhone 16E was introduced in February 2025, while the iPhone SE 2022 was released in March 2022. This three-year difference in launch dates directly impacts their remaining software support lifespan.
• Software Longevity: Apple typically provides iOS updates for 5-7 years from a device's release. The iPhone 16E, launching with iOS 18.3 and currently running iOS 26.4 as of March 2026, is expected to receive updates for several more years than the iPhone SE 2022, which launched with iOS 15.4 and is upgradeable to iOS 17.2. Users prioritizing the longest possible software support will find the iPhone 16E more suitable.
• Physical Durability: The iPhone 16E features Ceramic Shield protection on the front and tough back glass, along with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, allowing submersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes. The iPhone SE 2022 uses durable glass on both the front and back, similar to the back glass of the iPhone 13, and has an IP67 rating, protecting against submersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.

The internal components of both iPhones dictate their responsiveness and ability to handle various applications. A significant difference lies in their processing units, which influences overall system speed and efficiency.

• Processing Power: The iPhone 16E is equipped with a more recent-generation processor, providing enhanced performance for demanding applications and multitasking. This allows for smoother operation and quicker app loading times compared to the iPhone SE 2022. The iPhone SE 2022, powered by a previous-generation processor, still offers robust performance for everyday tasks and many modern applications, though it may show its age with future, more intensive software.
• Multitasking and Storage: The iPhone 16E includes 8 GB of RAM, which contributes to more fluid multitasking and app retention in memory. It offers storage options up to 512 GB. The iPhone SE 2022 comes with 4 GB of RAM and storage options up to 256 GB, which is sufficient for many users but may require more frequent app reloading when switching between multiple demanding applications.
• Battery Behavior: The iPhone 16E features a larger battery capacity, translating to extended usage times, with up to 26 hours of video playback. The iPhone SE 2022 has a smaller battery, offering up to 15 hours of video playback, meaning heavy users might find themselves charging it more frequently throughout the day.

The visual experience on these two devices presents a clear distinction, primarily due to their differing display technologies and physical designs.

• Display Technology and Size: The iPhone 16E features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, providing deep blacks, vibrant colors, and a high contrast ratio. This edge-to-edge design offers a more immersive viewing experience. In contrast, the iPhone SE 2022 has a 4.7-inch Retina HD IPS LCD display, which offers good color accuracy but does not achieve the same level of contrast or black levels as an OLED panel.
• Resolution and Brightness: The iPhone 16E boasts a resolution of 2532 x 1170 pixels at 460 ppi, resulting in sharp and detailed visuals. It also offers higher peak brightness for HDR content and better visibility in bright outdoor conditions. The iPhone SE 2022 has a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels at 326 ppi, which is clear for its size but less dense than the 16E. Its maximum brightness is 625 nits, which is adequate for most indoor and some outdoor use.
• Design and Interaction: The iPhone 16E's all-screen design, while retaining a notch for its camera system, provides a larger viewing area in a similar physical footprint to older models. The iPhone SE 2022 retains the classic iPhone design with prominent bezels and a physical home button that integrates Touch ID.

The camera systems on the iPhone 16E and iPhone SE 2022 offer different capabilities, impacting the quality and versatility of photos and videos captured.

• Rear Camera System: The iPhone 16E is equipped with a 48 MP Fusion main camera, which includes optical-quality 2x telephoto capabilities. This allows for more detailed images and improved zoom performance. The iPhone SE 2022 features a 12 MP wide camera with optical image stabilization, capable of capturing good quality photos in well-lit conditions.
• Photography Features: The iPhone 16E benefits from more advanced computational photography features due to its newer processor, including enhanced low-light performance and potentially more sophisticated image processing. The iPhone SE 2022 includes features like Smart HDR 4, Deep Fusion, and Portrait mode, but it notably lacks Night Mode, which can limit its performance in very dim environments.
• Front Camera and Video: The iPhone 16E has a 12 MP front camera, offering higher resolution for selfies and video calls. Both devices support 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second. The iPhone SE 2022 has a 7 MP front camera, which is suitable for standard video calls and selfies.