Apple iPhone 16 Plus vs Apple iPhone SE (4th generation)
Both phones share Apple's A18 chip and iOS 18, ensuring solid performance for everyday tasks. Display quality differs significantly—the iPhone 16 Plus offers a larger 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR with 2000 nits peak brightness versus the SE's 6.1-inch panel at 1200 nits, making the Plus noticeably superior for outdoor visibility and content consumption. Camera capabilities are nearly identical with matching 48MP main and 12MP front sensors, though the Plus adds Dolby Vision video recording. Battery capacity heavily favors the Plus (4674 mAh vs 3279 mAh), delivering substantially better endurance and faster 25W MagSafe wireless charging compared to the SE's 7.5W. At $400 less, the iPhone SE 4 delivers exceptional value for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize core functionality over screen real estate and battery longevity. For users prioritizing larger display, premium brightness, extended battery life, and faster charging, the iPhone 16 Plus justifies its premium. Choose the SE for value; choose the Plus for overall experience.
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPhone 16 Plus | Apple iPhone SE (4th generation) |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 18 | iOS 18 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 199 g | 167 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame | Aluminum frame |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8 mm | 138.7 x 67.3 x 7.9 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 48 MP | 48 MP |
| Front camera | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Video | 4K@60fps Dolby Vision | 4K@60fps |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP | — |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 4674 mAh | ~3279 mAh |
| Charging | 20W wired | 20W wired |
| Wireless charging | 25W MagSafe | 7.5W Qi |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.7 inches | 6.1 inches |
| Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Resolution | 2796 x 1290 | 2532 x 1170 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 2000 | 1200 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Hexa-core | Hexa-core |
| GPU | Apple GPU (5-core) | Apple GPU (5-core) |
| Chipset | Apple A18 | Apple A18 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 2.0 | USB-C 2.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple iPhone 16 Plus
Pros
- Excellent battery life from large 4674 mAh cell
- A18 chip supports Apple Intelligence
- New Camera Control button
- Bright 2000-nit display
- More affordable than Pro Max
Cons
- Still locked to 60Hz refresh rate
- No telephoto camera
- USB-C limited to USB 2.0 speeds
- No always-on display
Apple iPhone SE (4th generation)
Pros
- First SE with an OLED display, a generational leap over prior LCD
- A18 chip enables Apple Intelligence at the entry price point
- Face ID replaces Touch ID with modern full-screen front design
- USB-C replaces Lightning for universal compatibility
- Most affordable iPhone with A18 performance
Cons
- No telephoto or ultrawide camera — single rear lens only
- Capped at 60Hz with no ProMotion
- No Dynamic Island; uses standard notch
- No MagSafe support, only standard Qi wireless
- Modest battery life compared to standard iPhone 16
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Explore more in phones, see all Apple products or all Apple products. View full details for the Apple iPhone 16 Plus or the Apple iPhone SE (4th generation).

