Ah, the age-old question: Do you go for the shiny, semi-new kid on the block or the reliable budget warrior who’s been holding it down for years? Apple just had to make our lives complicated again, because now we have the iPhone 16e (probably e for “entry-level” but let’s pretend it stands for extra-confusing) going up against the iPhone SE 3, the last surviving member of Apple’s beloved but ignored budget lineup.
So, what’s the hot now? Should you splurge on the iPhone 16e or stick with the iPhone SE 3 and keep your wallet happy? Well, let me tell you something:
Table of Contents
iPhone 16e vs iPhone SE 3: The Verdict
Here’s the quick breakdown if you want the too long, didn’t read version before we dive into the details:
- Best for performance: iPhone 16e – With a more advanced chipset, the iPhone 16e ensures smoother performance, better multitasking, and longer software support compared to the SE 3’s still-powerful but slightly older A15 Bionic chip.
- Best for price: iPhone SE 3 – If you just need a no-frills iPhone that works without breaking the bank, the SE 3 is unbeatable. It’s the cheapest way to get into Apple’s ecosystem.
- Best for battery life: iPhone 16e – Apple is expected to give the 16e a more efficient chip and a bigger battery, making it the better option for all-day usage. The SE 3’s battery is okay, but nothing special.
- Best for camera: iPhone 16e – With a rumored dual-camera system and Night Mode, the 16e will outperform the SE 3’s single-camera setup, which struggles in low light.
- Best overall: iPhone 16e – It’s got a better design, improved battery, stronger performance, and a more modern display. But if you’re all about affordability and don’t mind an older design, the SE 3 still holds its own.
Now that we got that out of the way, let’s go category by category and really see where these two stack up.
iPhone 16e vs iPhone SE 3: Detailed Comparison
| Feature | iPhone 16e | iPhone SE 3 |
| Design | Design closer to iPhone 14 series, more modern, and bezel-less. No Home button, Face ID. | Classic iPhone 8 design, bezels, Home button. |
| Performance | Expected to have A16 or A17 Bionic, better efficiency, longer software support, slightly faster performance. | A15 Bionic, super powerful for a budget phone. |
| Camera | Dual-camera setup, improved computational photography, Night Mode. | Single 12MP rear camera, struggles in low light, no Night Mode. |
| Battery Life | Much larger battery, better power efficiency. | Fine, not great, not terrible. |
| Display | Larger 6.1-inch OLED display, better colors, deeper blacks, better viewing experience. | 4.7-inch Retina LCD display, looks outdated. |
| Price | Likely more expensive (probably around $599 or higher). | Most affordable iPhone, often under $429. |
Design & Build Quality
- The iPhone SE 3 has that classic iPhone 8 design, which is another way of saying it looks like it’s been stuck in a time loop since 2017. Bezels? Check. Home button? Still there. Some people love it, some people think it’s ancient history.
- The iPhone 16e is rumored to have a design closer to the iPhone 14 series, meaning a more modern, bezel-less look. No home button, but you get Face ID instead.
- If you’re someone who still enjoys the feel of a smaller phone and really loves the home button, the SE 3 wins. Otherwise, the 16e is just better in every way.
Winner: iPhone 16e (because nobody wants bezels in 2025)
Performance & Chipset
- The iPhone SE 3 is rocking the A15 Bionic, which is still super powerful for a budget phone. It’s the same chip found in the iPhone 13 series, so it’s no slouch.
- The iPhone 16e, however, is expected to have an upgraded chipset—most likely the A16 or A17 Bionic, meaning better efficiency, longer software support, and slightly faster performance.
- For daily use, both will be smooth, but if you’re into gaming, multitasking, or just flexing on your friends, the 16e will age better.
Winner: iPhone 16e
Camera
- The iPhone SE 3 has a single 12MP rear camera, which does a decent job but struggles in low light. No Night Mode, which in 2025 feels like Apple just being petty.
- The iPhone 16e is expected to have a dual-camera setup, likely with improved computational photography and—yes—Night Mode.
- If you care about social media-worthy photos or just don’t want your night shots looking like they were taken with a potato, the 16e is the way to go.
Winner: iPhone 16e
Battery Life
Battery life on the iPhone SE 3 is… fine. Not great, not terrible. Its small 2018 mAh battery and older design mean you’ll likely need a recharge before the day is over, especially with heavy use like streaming or gaming.
The iPhone 16e, however, should feature a much larger battery (likely 3,000+ mAh), plus a more efficient A17/A18 chip, extending usage time significantly. Expect better battery management, adaptive charging, and improved power-saving features. If you hate carrying a charger, the 16e is the smarter choice.
Winner: iPhone 16e
Display
- The iPhone SE 3 has a 4.7-inch Retina LCD display, which is… fine, but compared to modern OLEDs, it looks outdated.
- The iPhone 16e is expected to have a larger 6.1-inch OLED display, meaning better colors, deeper blacks, and an all-around better viewing experience.
- If you stream a lot or just want a better-looking screen, there’s no competition.
Winner: iPhone 16e
Price
- The SE 3 is the most affordable iPhone Apple sells. You can often find it for under $429, making it a great deal for those who just want an iPhone without breaking the bank.
- The iPhone 16e will likely be more expensive—probably around $599 or higher.
- If you’re trying to save money and still want iOS, the SE 3 is unbeatable.
Winner: iPhone SE 3 (because not everyone wants to spend that much on a phone)
Top Accessories for iPhone 16e and iPhone SE 3
1. Titan – The World’s First eSIM Connected Earbuds
These aren’t just earbuds. They’re eSIM-connected, meaning you can take calls and stream music without your phone nearby. Perfect for workouts, commuting, or pretending you’re in a sci-fi movie.
2. PopSocket or MagSafe Grip
For those who still fear the drop of doom, a PopSocket or MagSafe for iPhone 16e, which grip, makes holding your iPhone way easier.
3. Wireless Charging Stand
Both phones support wireless charging, so why not make life easier? A good stand makes charging effortless and keeps your desk looking clean.
Conclusion
If you want a modern design, better cameras, and overall longer-lasting value, the iPhone 16e is a no-brainer. But if you’re looking for the cheapest way to get iOS without too many compromises, the iPhone SE 3 is still a solid pick.
At the end of the day, the choice comes down to what you prioritize. If budget is THE priority, the SE 3 wins. If you want a phone that won’t feel outdated in a couple of years, the iPhone 16e is the better investment.
Yours truly,
S, XOXO
