iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2020)
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iPhone 12 Pro Max
Starting at
£332.70£1,079.00 new
iPhone SE (2020)
Starting at
£75.11£289.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone SE (2020)?
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2020) comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Refurbished, the iPhone SE (2020) starts at £75.11, £257.59 less than the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
Front camera
- Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic on the iPhone 12 Pro Max, Apple A13 Bionic on the iPhone SE (2020).
- The iPhone 12 Pro Max has more RAM: 6 GB vs 3 GB.
- The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a bigger screen: 6.7 inch vs 4.7 inch.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2020) specs
The iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone SE (2020) offer different experiences suited to different users. The iPhone 12 Pro Max features a larger and higher resolution OLED screen, more RAM, 5G connectivity and more storage options, making it suitable for those who want a spacious display, higher performance and faster mobile networks. The iPhone SE (2020) has a smaller screen and less RAM but is lighter and more compact, making it a good choice for everyday use or as a first iPhone. Your choice depends on whether you prefer a larger, more capable device or a smaller phone for everyday tasks.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2020) price
Colour
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2020) battery life and software updates
Durability covers software support and build features that affect how long the device stays current and reliable.
Software Updates
This means you can expect current software features and security patches on either phone, which is important for ongoing usability and protection.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2020) performance
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2020) screen
Screen quality influences your viewing experience for videos, games and daily use. The iPhone 12 Pro Max offers a larger and sharper display with a different screen technology compared to the iPhone SE (2020).
Screen Size
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a 6.7 inch screen, offering a large viewing area ideal for watching videos, browsing and multitasking. The iPhone SE (2020) has a 4.7 inch screen, which suits those who prefer a smaller phone that is easier to handle and fits comfortably in one hand.
Screen Resolution
With a resolution of 1284 x 2778, the iPhone 12 Pro Max displays sharper and more detailed images, enhancing clarity especially for high-definition content. The iPhone SE (2020) has a resolution of 750 x 1334, which is adequate for everyday use but less detailed compared to the 12 Pro Max.
Screen Type
The iPhone 12 Pro Max uses a Super Retina XDR OLED screen, providing deeper blacks and more vibrant colours, which benefits video watching and photo viewing. The iPhone SE (2020) has a Retina IPS LCD screen, which delivers good colour accuracy and brightness suited for general use.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2020) camera
Audiovisual features focus on the cameras and front-facing capabilities, important for photography, video calls and selfies. Both phones share the same main camera resolution but differ on the front camera.
Main Camera
Both the iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone SE (2020) offer a 12 megapixel main camera. This means you can expect similar detail levels in photos taken with the primary lens on either phone.
Front Camera
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a 12 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail for selfies and video calls. The iPhone SE (2020) has a 7 megapixel front camera, which is suitable for everyday video chatting and selfies but with less resolution.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2020) size and design
Other important features include network compatibility, storage options, weight and connections, which affect convenience and daily handling.
Mobile Network
The iPhone 12 Pro Max supports 5G networks, which allows access to faster mobile data where available. The iPhone SE (2020) supports 4G, which remains widely available and suitable for everyday internet use.
Storage Options
The iPhone 12 Pro Max comes in storage sizes of 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, giving you more space for apps, photos and media. The iPhone SE (2020) offers 64GB, 128GB and 256GB options, which cover typical usage but with a lower maximum capacity.
Weight
The iPhone 12 Pro Max weighs 226 g, which reflects its larger size and screen. The iPhone SE (2020) is lighter at 148 g, making it easier to carry and hold for extended periods.
Connectivity
Both phones use the Lightning connector and are unlocked. They each support both physical SIM and eSIM cards, offering flexibility for your mobile setup.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 Pro Max or iPhone SE (2020): which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 Pro Max if
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 3 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 4.7 inch)
- you want an OLED screen
Buy the iPhone SE (2020) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £75.11, £257.59 less than the iPhone 12 Pro Max
- you want a lighter build (148 g vs 228 g)
What our customers say
Customers of the iPhone 12 Pro Max often highlight how the device looks and feels like new, with many praising the long-lasting battery and elegant design. The large screen and storage options satisfy those needing extra space and a premium display. Some customers report minor cosmetic marks that are not very noticeable and appreciate the overall performance and reliability after purchase.
Buyers of the iPhone SE (2020) note that the phone works perfectly for everyday tasks and looks spotless. It is popular as a first phone or gift, with users appreciating its size and price point. Some mention that battery health is good, though a few have seen notifications about battery replacement. The included charger is a welcome extra for some customers.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max suits those who want a large, high-quality screen and more storage, while the iPhone SE (2020) is well suited for users seeking a smaller, easier to handle phone for daily use or as a first device.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2020) FAQs
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2020) comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic on the iPhone 12 Pro Max, Apple A13 Bionic on the iPhone SE (2020). The iPhone 12 Pro Max has more RAM: 6 GB vs 3 GB.
The iPhone SE (2020) is cheaper refurbished, from £75.11 compared with £332.70 for the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is still supported and can run iOS 27. The iPhone SE (2020) is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 Pro Max comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone SE (2020) in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB.
