Iphone Se 2016 Vs 2020 Is The Newer Model Really Worth The Upgrade 3

For users still clinging to the iPhone SE 2016, the decision to upgrade isn’t always straightforward. Apple’s 2020 version brought significant internal improvements while preserving the compact design that made the original so beloved. But does a faster processor and better camera justify the cost for someone already satisfied with their older device? This deep dive compares both models across key categories—design, performance, camera, battery life, and software support—to help you decide if the 2020 upgrade delivers real-world value.

Design and Build: Familiar Form, Slight Refinements

The most striking similarity between the iPhone SE 2016 and 2020 is their physical design. Both feature a 4.7-inch display, Touch ID home button, and compact aluminum frame ideal for one-handed use. However, subtle upgrades in the 2020 model improve durability and usability.

The 2020 SE uses the same aerospace-grade aluminum as the iPhone 8, offering slightly better structural integrity. It also includes improved water and dust resistance (IP67), meaning it can survive submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes—an absent feature in the 2016 model. While neither phone has a modern edge-to-edge screen, the retained headphone jack and lack of Face ID make both appealing to traditionalists.

Tip: If you rely on wired headphones daily, the continued inclusion of the 3.5mm jack in both models remains a major advantage over newer iPhones.

Performance: A Quantum Leap in Speed

Under the hood, the difference between these two phones couldn't be starker. The 2016 SE runs on the A9 chip with 2GB of RAM, which was powerful in its time but now struggles with multitasking and newer iOS versions. In contrast, the 2020 SE features the A13 Bionic chip—the same processor found in the iPhone 11 series—paired with 3GB of RAM.

Benchmarks show the A13 delivering nearly **three times** the CPU performance and **five times** the graphics power of the A9. Real-world impact includes faster app launches, smoother scrolling, and reliable performance in graphics-intensive games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile. More importantly, the A13 ensures longer software support; the 2020 SE will likely receive iOS updates through at least 2025, while the 2016 model stopped receiving major updates after iOS 15.

“Hardware longevity is just as important as software support. A fast chip today means fewer frustrations tomorrow.” — David Kim, Mobile Performance Analyst at TechPulse Insights

Camera Comparison: From Decent to Competitive

The 2016 SE’s 12MP rear camera was solid for its era, producing natural colors and reliable low-light shots thanks to Focus Pixels. However, it lacks optical image stabilization, portrait mode, and advanced computational photography.

The 2020 SE improves dramatically here. While it retains a single 12MP sensor, it inherits the A13’s image signal processor and machine learning capabilities. This enables features like Smart HDR, extended dynamic range for video, and Portrait Mode with depth control—all previously unavailable. Front-facing video jumps from 720p to 1080p HD, making FaceTime calls significantly sharper.

In practical terms, the 2020 SE captures more balanced exposures, handles backlit scenes better, and produces pleasing bokeh effects in portraits. It may not match flagship dual-camera systems, but it outperforms the 2016 model in nearly every lighting condition.

Detailed Feature Comparison Table

Feature	iPhone SE (2016)	iPhone SE (2020)
Display Size	4.7 inches (LCD)	4.7 inches (Retina HD LCD)
Processor	A9 with 2GB RAM	A13 Bionic with 3GB RAM
Rear Camera	12MP, f/2.2, no OIS	12MP, f/1.8, OIS, Smart HDR
Front Camera	1.2MP, 720p video	7MP, 1080p video, Retina Flash
Battery Life	Up to 13 hours talk time	Up to 14 hours talk time
Water Resistance	None	IP67 (1m for 30 mins)
Storage Options	16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB	64GB, 128GB, 256GB
iOS Support Window	Ended with iOS 15	Expected through iOS 18+
Starting Price (Launch)	$399	$399

Real-World Example: Maria’s Upgrade Journey

Maria, a freelance photographer based in Portland, used her iPhone SE 2016 for six years. She appreciated its pocketability and long-term reliability but began noticing issues: apps crashed frequently, editing photos in Lightroom became sluggish, and newer versions of Instagram wouldn’t install. After hesitating due to budget concerns, she upgraded to the 2020 SE.

Within days, she noticed immediate improvements. Her photo editing workflow sped up dramatically. She could shoot in higher resolution and apply filters without lag. Even simple tasks like switching between messaging apps felt smoother. “It’s like I got a new brain for my old favorite body,” she said. “I didn’t realize how much slower my phone had become until I used the 2020 model.”

Is the Upgrade Worth It? A Step-by-Step Decision Guide

If you're still unsure whether to upgrade, follow this evaluation process:

1. Assess current performance: Does your 2016 SE freeze often, take long to open apps, or fail to update to the latest iOS?
2. Evaluate usage needs: Do you use navigation, mobile banking, or social media heavily? These benefit from faster processing.
3. Check camera demands: Are you taking photos regularly, especially in low light or for professional use?
4. Consider security: Older devices no longer receive critical security patches—this poses privacy risks.
5. Calculate long-term value: Spending $399 now might save you from buying a new phone in two years if your current one fails.

Tip: Trade-in programs from Apple or carriers can reduce the effective cost of the 2020 SE, sometimes bringing it below $250.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone SE 2016 still run common apps in 2024?

Many basic apps still function, but newer versions of platforms like TikTok, Google Maps, and Zoom have dropped support for iOS 15 and earlier. Some apps may refuse installation or crash unexpectedly.

Does the iPhone SE 2020 feel noticeably faster?

Yes. Everyday actions—unlocking, launching apps, browsing Safari—are perceptibly snappier. Multitasking between camera, messages, and music feels fluid compared to the 2016 model’s increasing delays.

Is there any reason to keep the 2016 model instead of upgrading?

If you use your phone minimally—calls, texts, occasional web browsing—and don’t need new apps or security updates, the 2016 SE may suffice. However, diminishing app compatibility makes this increasingly difficult.

Final Verdict: Who Should Upgrade?

The iPhone SE 2020 isn’t just an incremental update—it revitalizes the classic SE formula with modern internals. For anyone using the 2016 model daily, especially those relying on productivity tools, photography, or secure communications, the upgrade offers tangible benefits.

The combination of the A13 chip, extended software support, superior camera, and IP67 rating makes the 2020 SE a compelling choice. It preserves everything users loved about the original—compact size, Touch ID, headphone jack—while eliminating performance bottlenecks.

If you’ve held onto your 2016 SE out of loyalty or frugality, consider this: technology evolves not just in features, but in safety, efficiency, and usability. Staying current doesn’t mean chasing trends—it means ensuring your device keeps up with your life.

💬 Have you upgraded from the iPhone SE 2016 to the 2020 model? Share your experience, tips, or questions in the comments below—your insights could help others make a confident decision!