iPhone 16E vs iPhone SE 4: Apple always kept its SE series for budget-friendly iPhones, which offered new hardware power along with the old design. But this time the story is a little different. What we were hearing as “iPhone SE 4” never came to the market – in its place Apple introduced a new name – iPhone 16E. Basically, if we talk about design, features, and hardware, then this is the same phone that was in the rumors of SE 4, but now Apple has made it a part of its iPhone 16 series. The name is different, but the concept is absolutely modern.
Design & Style
Earlier SE models had a Touch ID home button, thick bezels, and the design looked like the iPhone 8. But the iPhone 16E changed the whole scene. Now the design is as modern as the iPhone 14 – thin bezels, 6.1-inch full-screen notch display, Face ID support and premium aluminium-glass finish. Apple has removed the old mute switch and given a new Action Button, which can be customized and used for different tasks. This change definitely gives the phone a 2025 feel, not 2017.
Display & Visuals
The iPhone 16E has a Super Retina XDR OLED display, which is smaller than the flagship iPhones in terms of colors and brightness. The size is 6.1-inch, which means watching movies, gaming or scrolling – all give a very smooth experience. The earlier SE models had LCD screens, which were decent but looked a bit dull in comparison to OLED. Now Face ID sensors and front camera are fitted inside the notch, which gives both modern look and convenience.
Performance & Processor
Apple has fitted its latest A18 Bionic chip inside the iPhone 16E, which was launched along with the flagship iPhones. There is no compromise in performance – apps open lightning-fast, multitasking is smooth, and there are no frame drops even in gaming. It also supports “Apple Intelligence” which brings AI-driven features like smart photo edits, natural voice interactions, and personalised suggestions. Older SE models were limited to the A15 chip, so the upgrade here is huge.
Camera Setup
The 16E has taken a big leap in the camera department too. Earlier SE models used to have a single 12MP rear camera, but now you get a 48MP Fusion camera which delivers flagship-level clarity and detail. Portrait shots, night mode, HDR – everything looks extremely sharp and vibrant. There is a 12MP TrueDepth camera on the front, which also works as Face ID unlock along with selfies. The rumored SE 4 also came with this setup, but now it is officially available in 16E.
Features & Tech
Apple has made a lot of changes to make 16E completely modern. USB-C port has finally arrived, which gives the option of fast data transfer and universal charging. Features like 5G connectivity, improved speakers, and water-dust resistance make it an all-round package. Action Button is an extra touch, which gives you the option to customize your daily usage – whether you want to open the camera instantly, record a voice memo, or turn on the torch.
Battery & Charging
The 16E is also ahead of the previous SE in battery life. Apple has increased its size, which gives the most backup till now in the SE/E series. According to the official rating, it can give up to 26 hours of video playback. Meaning, in casual use, it will easily last more than a day. Fast charging and MagSafe wireless charging support is also available, which was missing in the earlier SE models.
Price & Variants
The starting price of iPhone 16E in India starts from ₹59,900 for the 128GB model. The 256GB variant is priced at ₹69,900, and if you want the full luxury of storage, the 512GB model is available for ₹89,900. This price is definitely higher than the old SE, but the gap in features and performance is so big that it justifies it.
What Real Users Say
For those who were using the old SE models, the 16E seems to be a massive upgrade. The design and display are getting the most praise, as now finally the SE/E series phone has come with a flagship look. Users are also highly rating the performance and camera. Some people say that the price is a bit high for a “budget iPhone”, but the majority agree that it is worth its value.
Final Verdict
If you are thinking of buying the iPhone SE 4 or waiting for it, then there is no need to be confused now – that model has now become the iPhone 16E. The name may be different, but you are getting a modern design, flagship-level performance, better camera, and future-proof features. Although the budget is a bit high, this phone is definitely for those who want a relatively affordable iPhone without compromising on modern looks and speed.
