iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2016)
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iPhone 12 Pro Max
Starting at
£332.70£1,079.00 new
iPhone SE (2016)
Starting at
£192.40What's the difference between the iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone SE (2016)?
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2016) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone SE (2016) starts at £192.40, £140.30 less than the iPhone 12 Pro Max. The iPhone 12 Pro Max is the newer model, released in 2020.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic on the iPhone 12 Pro Max, Apple A9 (14 nm) on the iPhone SE (2016).
- The iPhone 12 Pro Max has more RAM: 6 GB vs 2 GB.
- The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 3687 mAh vs 1624 mAh.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2016) specs
The iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone SE (2016) offer different experiences suited to different needs. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a much larger, higher resolution OLED screen and more RAM, making it better for those who want a more detailed display and smoother multitasking. The SE (2016) has a smaller screen and simpler camera setup but is lighter and easier to handle. The choice depends on whether you prefer a larger, more advanced device or a compact phone for everyday use with straightforward features.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2016) price
Colour
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2016) battery life and software updates
Battery capacity, software updates and physical dimensions affect how the two iPhones last and feel in daily use. Both use iOS but differ in battery size and software compatibility.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a battery capacity of 3687 mAh, which supports longer use between charges. The iPhone SE (2016) has a smaller 1624 mAh battery, which suits lighter daily use or shorter periods away from charging.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2016) performance
Chipset, RAM and storage capacity influence speed and how many apps you can keep open. These two iPhones differ notably in these areas.
Processor
The iPhone 12 Pro Max uses the Apple A14 Bionic chipset, which provides strong performance for demanding apps and multitasking. The iPhone SE (2016) has the Apple A9 (14 nm) chipset, suitable for everyday tasks and simpler app use.
RAM
With 6 GB of RAM, the iPhone 12 Pro Max can keep more apps active in the background and handle heavier multitasking. The iPhone SE (2016) has 2 GB of RAM, which is enough for basic app use and simpler workflows.
Storage Options
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is available with 128GB, 256GB or 512GB of storage, allowing space for many apps, photos and videos. The iPhone SE (2016) comes with 64GB, which suits users with lighter storage needs.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2016) screen
Screen size, resolution and technology affect how the display looks and feels. These iPhones offer very different experiences in screen quality and size.
Screen Size
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a large 6.7 inch screen, providing a lot of space for watching videos and browsing. The iPhone SE (2016) has a smaller 4 inch screen, making it more compact and easier to use with one hand.
Resolution and Screen Type
The iPhone 12 Pro Max features a Super Retina XDR OLED screen with a resolution of 1284 x 2778, which offers vibrant colours and sharp detail. The iPhone SE (2016) has an IPS LCD screen with a resolution of 640 x 1136, suitable for everyday viewing with simpler display needs.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2016) camera
Camera setups and front camera resolution differ between the two iPhones, affecting photo and video quality as well as video calls and selfies.
Camera Setup
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a triple main camera system, giving more options for photography including wide and telephoto shots. The iPhone SE (2016) has a single main camera, focusing on simplicity and ease of use.
Camera Resolution
Both phones have a 12 megapixel main camera, capable of capturing detailed photos. The front camera on the iPhone 12 Pro Max is 12 megapixels, offering clearer selfies and video calls compared to the iPhone SE (2016)'s 1.2 megapixel front camera.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2016) size and design
Other features like network compatibility, physical size and connectors influence everyday convenience and connectivity.
Network Compatibility
The iPhone 12 Pro Max supports 5G networks for faster mobile data, along with physical SIM and eSIM options. The iPhone SE (2016) supports 4G and uses a physical SIM only.
Physical Dimensions and Weight
The iPhone 12 Pro Max measures 160.8 mm in height, 78.1 mm in width, 7.4 mm in depth and weighs 226 g, making it a larger and heavier device. The iPhone SE (2016) is smaller and lighter at 123.8 mm height, 58.6 mm width, 7.6 mm depth and 113 g weight, which suits those wanting a compact phone.
Connectors
Both use the Lightning connector for charging and accessories. The iPhone SE (2016) also includes a 3.5 mm headphone jack, which suits users with wired headphones.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 Pro Max or iPhone SE (2016): which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 Pro Max if
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3687 mAh vs 1624 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 4 inch)
Buy the iPhone SE (2016) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £192.40, £140.30 less than the iPhone 12 Pro Max
- you want a lighter build (113 g vs 228 g)
- you want a headphone jack
What our customers say
Customers who chose the iPhone 12 Pro Max often remark on its like-new condition and strong battery life. Many say the device performs perfectly and the battery lasts all day. Its large screen and elegant colour options also receive praise. Some buyers appreciate the storage options and report smooth multitasking. A few mention minor cosmetic marks, but these do not affect use. Overall, users are satisfied with the combination of performance, size and battery endurance.
Reviews for the iPhone SE (2016) highlight its suitability for straightforward daily use and lighter needs. Buyers note it works well for basic tasks and appreciate its smaller size and lighter weight. Several customers mention solid battery life for its category, while some suggest a power bank for extended use. The phone is considered good value for its price and condition. Users like that it does what they need without extra features.
Both devices suit different users well: the iPhone 12 Pro Max fits those who want a larger screen, advanced cameras and longer battery life. The iPhone SE (2016) fits people who want a compact, simpler phone for everyday use with essential features.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2016) FAQs
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2016) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic on the iPhone 12 Pro Max, Apple A9 (14 nm) on the iPhone SE (2016). The iPhone 12 Pro Max has more RAM: 6 GB vs 2 GB.
The iPhone SE (2016) is cheaper refurbished, from £192.40 compared with £332.70 for the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 3687 mAh vs 1624 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is still supported and can run iOS 27. Updates for the iPhone SE (2016) ended in Mar 2025. Its last version is iOS 15.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max adds more RAM (6 GB vs 2 GB), a bigger battery (3687 mAh vs 1624 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 4 inch). Refurbished, it costs £140.30 more (from £332.70 vs £192.40).
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 Pro Max comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone SE (2016) in 64GB.
