iPhone 16e vs. iPhone SE 3: Top 5 Upgrades That Make It a Game-Changer
Apple has officially introduced its smallest iPhone for 2025, but it's not the long-rumoured iPhone SE 4. Instead, the company has introduced the iPhone 16e, an additional addition to the iPhone 16 lineup.
Priced at Rs 59,900, the iPhone 16e is more expensive than the previous SE model, but it also offers significant improvements in design, performance, and features. So, how does it compare to the iPhone SE 3? Let's find out the top reasons that make the iPhone 16e a suitable successor.
1. Modern Design With a Larger Display & Face ID
The iPhone 16e ditches the outdated design of the iPhone SE 3 for a more modern look.
🔹 6.1-inch display: Bigger and better than the 4.7-inch screen on the SE 3.
🔹 No more Touch ID: The traditional home button is gone, and Face ID takes its place.
🔹 Premium flat aluminum frame: Inspired by recent iPhone models, making it feel more high-end.
🔹 Better water and dust resistance: Upgraded to IP68 (vs. IP67 on the SE 3).
The color options are limited to black and white, but the sleek redesign makes the iPhone 16e look and feel like a premium device.
2. A18 Chip for Faster Performance & Longer Battery Life
Apple has equipped the iPhone 16e with the same powerful A18 chip found in the iPhone 16. As a result:
✅ Blazing-fast performance: The A18 chip, paired with 8GB RAM and a 4-core GPU, ensures smooth multitasking and gaming.
✅ Massive battery improvement: Apple promises up to 26 hours of video playback—a huge jump from the 15-hour battery life of the SE 3.
✅ Smarter 5G connectivity: Apple’s in-house C1 5G modem improves network efficiency and battery life.
The combination of better power management and a more efficient chip ensures that the iPhone 16e last much longer than its predecessor.
3. Apple Intelligence Brings Advanced AI Features
Apple relies completely on AI, and the iPhone 16e is packed with Apple intelligence features, which sets it apart from the SE 3.
💡 Visual Intelligence: Identify objects in real time using the camera.
💡 AI-powered enhancements: Smarter Siri responses, text generation, and photo editing tools.
💡 Future-proof software updates: Unlike the SE 3, which lacks AI capabilities, the iPhone 16e will receive AI-driven upgrades for years to come.
With AI shaping the future of smartphones, the iPhone 16e make sure you won’t be left behind.
4. Action Button for Customizable Shortcuts
Apple has replaced the traditional mute switch with the action button, which was first introduced on the iPhone 15 Pro.
🎯 Customizable controls: Use it to quickly launch apps, activate Siri, or turn on the flashlight.
🎯 Seamless integration with Apple Intelligence: The Action Button now supports AI-driven shortcuts.
While it lacks the camera control button found on the iPhone 16, the action buttons are a welcome upgrade for quick access to essential functions
5. Upgraded 48MP Camera With 2x Telephoto Zoom
The camera gets a big boost, making the iPhone 16e a huge improvement over the iPhone SE 3..
📸 48MP primary camera: A big jump from the 12MP sensor on the SE 3.
📸 2x telephoto zoom: Take high-quality zoom shots without losing detail.
📸 Improved low-light photography: Better night mode and HDR capabilities.
📸 Shoot in 24MP and full 48MP modes for stunning clarity.
The only drawback? There's no ultra-wide camera, but for most users, the main sensor upgrade alone makes a huge difference.
Final Verdict: Is the iPhone 16e Worth It?
With a modern design, top-tier A18 chip, extended battery life, Apple intelligence features, and an improved camera, the iPhone 16e is a huge step forward from the iPhone SE
📌 Pros:
✔️ Bigger, modern design with Face ID
✔️ Flagship-level performance with A18 chip
✔️ Longer battery life (26 hours of video playback)
✔️ AI-powered Apple Intelligence features
✔️ High-resolution 48MP camera with 2x telephoto zoom
📌 Cons:
❌ No ultra-wide camera
❌ Priced close to the iPhone 15
Priced at Rs 59,900, the iPhone 16e isn’t the cheapest iPhone, but its future-proof AI features and premium build make it a solid investment.
Also Read :- Apple could copy Android phones by bringing vapour cooling chamber to iPhone 17 Pro.
Would you choose the iPhone 16e over the iPhone 15? Let us know in the comments!