Buyer's Guide to the Apple iPhone SE 4 in Singapore - Re-opt

The iPhone SE series has always been a favorite among users who want the premium features of an iPhone without the flagship price tag. Now officially renamed the Apple iPhone 16E, the latest model in the SE lineup continues this legacy offering flagship-level performance and features at a much more accessible cost.

Launched on February 21, 2025, the iPhone 16E runs on iOS 18 and is powered by the advanced Apple A18 chip, delivering smooth performance and energy efficiency. It features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, a 48MP rear camera, and a 12MP TrueDepth front camera, making it a solid upgrade for users focused on photography, streaming, and daily performance. With a 3961mAh battery, 8GB of RAM, and storage options ranging from 128GB to 512GB, the iPhone 16E is built for power users on a budget.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from pricing and display enhancements to camera upgrades and ideal user profiles so you can decide if the iPhone 16E is the right upgrade for you.

Apple iPhone 16E (iPhone SE 4) Release Date and Pricing

The Apple iPhone 16E, formerly known as the iPhone SE 4, officially launched on February 21, 2025, further strengthening Apple’s lineup of budget-friendly smartphones.

In Singapore, the iPhone 16E starts at S$949 for the 128GB base model. Despite its affordable positioning, it delivers premium features like the A18 chip, Face ID, and full 5G connectivity, making it one of the most value-packed iPhones available today. For users who want flagship performance without the flagship price, the iPhone 16E is a compelling choice.

Apple iPhone SE History

iPhone 16E (iPhone SE 4) Specifications and Features

iPhone 16E (iPhone SE4 ) Specification

Display

The iPhone 16E features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, a significant upgrade from the 4.7-inch Retina display found on the iPhone SE 3. This larger display delivers a more immersive viewing experience. It’s perfect for everything from web browsing to gaming and video streaming.

Here’s what makes the iPhone 16E’s screen stand out:

• Display Type: Super Retina XDR (FHD+)

• Resolution: 1170 × 2532 pixels

• Peak Brightness: 1200 nits

• HBM Brightness: 800 nits

• Refresh Rate: 60Hz

• Pixel Density: 457 ppi

• Aspect Ratio: 19.5:9

• HDR Support: Yes (HDR10 / HDR+)

• Screen-to-Body Ratio: 86.89%

• Bezel-less Display: Yes, with notch

• Screen Protection: Yes (unspecified glass type)

These display improvements provide excellent sharpness, color accuracy, and brightness levels even in outdoor lighting conditions. Whether you're scrolling through social media or watching HDR content, the iPhone 16E delivers a smooth and vibrant experience.

Design

The iPhone 16E showcases a modern aesthetic inspired by the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 design language, delivering a sleeker, more refined look compared to earlier SE models. With thinner bezels, a notched display, and premium materials, it offers a polished and elevated feel without the premium price tag.

Build & Dimensions:

• Height: 146.7 mm

• Width: 71.5 mm

• Thickness: 7.80 mm

• Weight: 167 grams

• Build Material: Mineral glass back with an aluminum frame

• Water Resistance: IP68-certified (up to 30 minutes at 6 meters depth)

• Ruggedness: Dustproof

The glass front and back create an elegant finish, while the aluminum frame keeps the phone lightweight and durable. With IP68 water resistance, the iPhone 16E is built to withstand everyday spills, dust, and even short submersions, making it a practical choice for users on the go.

Processor and Performance

The iPhone 16E is powered by Apple’s A18 chipset, built on a cutting-edge 3nm process delivering exceptional performance, energy efficiency, and future-proof capabilities for years to come.

Performance Highlights:

• Chipset: Apple A18

• CPU: Hexa-core (Dual-core at 4.04 GHz + Quad-core at 2.2 GHz)

• Architecture: 64-bit

• Fabrication: 3nm

• GPU: Apple GPU (four-core graphics)

• RAM: 8GB LPDDR5

This combination ensures buttery-smooth multitasking, fast app launches, and lag-free gaming even with graphics-intensive titles. The A18 also improves machine learning tasks, making features like Face ID, Siri, and photo enhancements faster and more responsive.

With LPDDR5 memory, the iPhone 16E handles multitasking and background app usage more efficiently, making it a great fit for users who demand speed and reliability without jumping to Pro-tier iPhones.

Apple iPhone 16E (iPhone SE 4) vs SE 3: Key Differences

While the iPhone SE 3 was a reliable and affordable entry into the Apple ecosystem, the newly launched iPhone 16E brings multiple modern upgrades that make it a significantly more future-ready device.

Display Upgrade

One of the most noticeable changes is the display. The iPhone SE 3 featured a compact 4.7-inch Retina HD display, whereas the iPhone 16E offers a much larger and more vibrant 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen. With higher brightness (up to 1200 nits), better contrast, and support for HDR10, the iPhone 16E delivers a more immersive experience for video, games, and multitasking.

Processor Performance

The SE 3 runs on the A15 Bionic, which is still a capable chip. However, the iPhone 16E is powered by the A18 chipset, built on a 3nm process, with a Hexa-core CPU and LPDDR5 RAM. It offers faster performance, enhanced graphics, and better energy efficiency for demanding apps, gaming, and future iOS updates.

5G Connectivity

Both models support 5G, but the iPhone 16E features improved antenna bands and power efficiency, enhancing performance on today’s growing 5G networks.

Face ID

Unlike the SE 3’s Touch ID home button, the iPhone 16E has transitioned to Face ID for biometric authentication, aligning with the design language of newer iPhones. This offers improved security and hands-free convenience.

Charging & Battery

Battery life also gets a boost,from ~2,018mAh in the SE 3 to 3961mAh in the 16E, nearly doubling screen-on time. Charging also shifts from Lightning to USB-C, along with Qi wireless charging.

Feature Comparison: iPhone SE 3 vs iPhone 16E

Who Should Buy the iPhone 16E (iPhone SE 4)?

The Apple iPhone 16E is ideal for users who want a modern iPhone experience—fast performance, 5G, Face ID, and high-quality cameras—without paying flagship prices like those of the iPhone 15 or Pro Max series.

Here are the people who will benefit most from this model:

✅ Budget-Conscious Buyers

If you're looking for an affordable yet powerful iPhone, the iPhone 16E hits the sweet spot. Starting at S$949 in Singapore, it delivers flagship-level performance with the A18 chip, Face ID, and Super Retina display—making it one of the best-value iPhones currently available.

🔄 Users Upgrading from Older iPhones

Still using an iPhone 7, 8, or even an SE 2/3? The iPhone 16E offers a massive leap forward. With its larger 6.1" OLED display, 5G connectivity, and Face ID, it modernizes your iPhone experience without the sticker shock of high-end models.

⚡ Those Seeking 5G + Face ID at a Lower Cost

If you want fast mobile speeds and secure unlocking but aren’t ready to spend $1,500+ on an iPhone 15 Pro, the 16E is your answer. It brings core flagship features—like fast app performance, smoother gaming, and next-gen connectivity—to a broader audience.

The iPhone 16E brings together performance, design, and value in a way that few Apple models have before. Whether you’re upgrading, switching from Android, or simply want a modern iPhone without breaking the bank, the 16E is a highly compelling choice.

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FAQs

When was the iPhone 16E (iPhone SE 4) released?

The iPhone 16E officially launched on February 21, 2025.

How much does the iPhone 16E (iPhone SE 4) cost?

In Singapore, the iPhone 16E starts from S$949 for the 128GB base model.

What are the main differences between the iPhone 16E and iPhone SE 3?

The iPhone 16E features a larger 6.1-inch OLED display, a faster A18 chip, a 48MP rear camera, USB-C charging, and Face ID—all major upgrades from the SE 3’s smaller screen, A15 chip, and Touch ID.

Does the iPhone 16E support 5G?

Yes, the iPhone 16E supports full 5G connectivity for faster downloads, streaming, and low-latency performance.

Will the iPhone 16E have Face ID?

Yes, the iPhone 16E includes Face ID for secure facial recognition and hands-free unlocking.

What kind of camera does the iPhone 16E have?

The iPhone 16E has a 48MP rear camera with 2x optical-quality zoom, plus a 12MP TrueDepth front camera with Night mode and 4K video support.

Who should buy the iPhone 16E?

The iPhone 16E is ideal for budget-conscious buyers, users upgrading from older models, and anyone who wants flagship features like 5G and Face ID without paying flagship prices.