Both the iPhone SE and iPhone 16E have aluminum frames, with the larger size of the 16E giving it a bit more weight: 167 grams, versus the SE's 144g. The iPhone SE has an IP67 rating for water resistance, while the 16E bumps that to an IP68 rating. The iPhone SE comes in black, white and Product RED. The iPhone 16E comes in black and white.

One important addition to the 16e is FaceID, used to unlock the phone as well as for security in apps and for payment. The iPhone SE was the last handset to still use Touch ID, which scans your fingerprint. However, this is still also used by all iPads with the exception of the iPad Pro models, as well as MacBooks.