The iPhone 16 is here, and while it doesn’t carry the SE name, it follows the same playbook that made the SE lineup such a fan favorite: flagship-level performance wrapped in a familiar, no-frills design.
Introduction
The iPhone SE I previously used lasted nearly five years and is still going strong. One major reason was that it launched with Apple’s latest processor at the time. That, combined with Apple’s strong track record for long-term iOS support, made it a phone with real staying power. It’s a formula I’ve come to call the SE recipe—top-tier internals inside a tried-and-tested exterior.
This year, Apple didn’t release a new SE. Instead, we get the iPhone 16. And although the name has changed, the approach remains familiar: the latest A18 chip, packaged inside the shell of an iPhone 14.
The price, however, has shifted. At $599, it’s more expensive than the SE models that came before. Some are even joking that the “E” in 16E stands for expensive. But the value depends on what you’re getting—so here’s a breakdown.
Packaging
The iPhone 16 ships in a minimalist, ultra-thin box. Included in the package are the phone itself, a SIM ejector tool, and a USB-C cable. That’s it. No paperwork, no Apple stickers—continuing Apple’s move toward a stripped-down unboxing experience.
Design and Hardware
The device features a 6.1-inch OLED display on the front, with a 12-megapixel front-facing camera and the usual sensor array packed neatly around the earpiece. There’s no home button here—Face ID handles authentication.
Its flat aluminum sides echo the design language introduced with the iPhone 12. There’s no mute switch this time around; in its place is a customizable Action Button. On the left are the volume buttons and SIM tray, while the right side houses the power button. The Lightning port is officially gone, replaced by a USB-C port at the bottom alongside the microphone and speaker.
The rear panel is made of frosted glass, giving it a premium feel while enabling wireless charging. However, MagSafe support is missing, which might disappoint users who’ve grown accustomed to Apple’s magnetic ecosystem. That said, MagSafe can be added manually with third-party accessories or DIY mods—something worth considering.
The rear camera setup features a 48-megapixel sensor, accompanied by a microphone and flash. It’s a straightforward but capable module, consistent with Apple’s reliable image quality.
Final Thoughts
The iPhone 16 might not offer the bells and whistles of Apple’s Pro-tier phones, but it sticks to what matters most: performance, build quality, and longevity. With the A18 chip at its core, it’s positioned to stay fast and relevant for years to come.
This phone continues the SE philosophy even without the SE branding. It’s a device that prioritizes real-world usability and long-term support over cutting-edge novelty. For many, that’s more than enough.
Is it a worthy successor to the SE? It depends on what you value—but for those who appreciate solid internals, proven design, and a phone built to last, the iPhone 16 delivers.