iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2022)
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iPhone 12 Pro Max
Starting at
£332.70£1,079.00 new
iPhone SE (2022)
Starting at
£113.85£429.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone SE (2022)?
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2022) comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Refurbished, the iPhone SE (2022) starts at £113.85, £218.85 less than the iPhone 12 Pro Max. The iPhone SE (2022) is the newer model, released in 2022.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
Front camera
- Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic on the iPhone 12 Pro Max, Apple A15 Bionic on the iPhone SE (2022).
- The iPhone 12 Pro Max has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
- The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a bigger screen: 6.7 inch vs 4.7 inch.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2022) specs
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is larger with a 6.7 inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen and 6 GB RAM, offering a more spacious display and smoother multitasking. It also features a higher resolution and a 12 megapixel front camera for detailed selfies. The iPhone SE (2022) is smaller at 4.7 inches with a Retina IPS LCD screen and 4 GB RAM, suited for those who prefer a compact phone for everyday use. Storage options differ, with the 12 Pro Max available up to 512GB and the SE stocked at 64GB. Both phones support 5G and are unlocked, but size and screen type are the main considerations when choosing between them.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2022) price
Colour
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2022) battery life and software updates
Durability covers software compatibility and basic physical features.
Operating System
Both devices run iOS, ensuring a consistent user experience familiar to Apple users. This means your apps and services will work similarly across both phones.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2022) performance
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2022) screen
Screen quality affects how you view content and interact with your phone. The iPhone 12 Pro Max offers a larger and higher resolution display with a different screen technology compared to the iPhone SE (2022).
Screen Size
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a 6.7 inch screen which gives you more space for videos, browsing, and typing. The iPhone SE (2022) has a 4.7 inch screen, making it easier to use one-handed and fit into smaller pockets.
Screen Resolution
With a resolution of 1284 by 2778, the iPhone 12 Pro Max delivers sharper and more detailed images than the iPhone SE (2022), which has a resolution of 750 by 1334. This difference is most noticeable when watching high-definition videos or viewing photos.
Screen Type
The iPhone 12 Pro Max uses a Super Retina XDR OLED screen, which typically offers better contrast and deeper blacks. The iPhone SE (2022) has a Retina IPS LCD screen, which provides accurate colours and good viewing angles but with a different visual feel.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2022) camera
Audiovisual features focus on the cameras which affect photo quality and video calls. Both phones share the same main camera resolution but differ in front camera detail.
Front Camera
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a 12 megapixel front camera, capturing more detail in selfies and video calls compared to the iPhone SE (2022)'s 7 megapixel front camera. This matters most if you take frequent selfies or use video chat often.
Main Camera
Both the iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone SE (2022) have a 12 megapixel main camera. This means their primary photo capabilities are similar in resolution, suitable for everyday photography.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2022) size and design
Miscellaneous specs cover size, network, storage, and other practical features that shape everyday use and convenience.
Size and Weight
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is noticeably larger and heavier, measuring 160.8 mm tall, 78.1 mm wide and weighing 226 g. The iPhone SE (2022) is smaller and lighter at 130 mm tall, 60 mm wide and 144 g. This makes the SE easier to carry and handle with one hand, while the 12 Pro Max offers a bigger physical presence.
Storage Options
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is available in larger storage capacities with options of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. The iPhone SE (2022) we stock comes with 64GB, suited for everyday use but with less space for large files or apps.
Mobile Network and SIM
Both phones support 5G networks and have a Physical SIM plus eSIM, providing flexibility for mobile plans and faster network speeds.
Connector Type
Both devices use a Lightning connector, so your existing accessories using this connector will work with either phone.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 Pro Max or iPhone SE (2022): which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 Pro Max if
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 4.7 inch)
- you want an OLED screen
Buy the iPhone SE (2022) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £113.85, £218.85 less than the iPhone 12 Pro Max
- you want a lighter build (144 g vs 228 g)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the iPhone 12 Pro Max often praise its condition and battery life, noting that many phones look and work like new. Some mention minimal cosmetic marks that do not affect use, and the larger screen and storage options suit those needing more space and a bigger display. However, some customers have experienced issues with screen responsiveness and battery health, highlighting variability in refurbished condition.
For the iPhone SE (2022), customers appreciate the phone's good condition, ease of setup, and smooth running. The smaller size appeals to those replacing smaller iPhones or who want a compact 5G phone. Some mention battery health concerns but overall report satisfaction with performance and value. The 64GB storage suits everyday use and those not needing large storage capacities.
Both devices suit different needs: the iPhone 12 Pro Max is for users who want a larger screen, more storage, and a higher resolution front camera, while the iPhone SE (2022) fits those preferring a smaller, lighter phone for everyday tasks.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2022) FAQs
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2022) comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic on the iPhone 12 Pro Max, Apple A15 Bionic on the iPhone SE (2022). The iPhone 12 Pro Max has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone SE (2022) is cheaper refurbished, from £113.85 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 (2022) is still supported and can run iOS 27.
The iPhone SE (2022) adds a lighter build (144 g vs 228 g). Refurbished, it costs £218.85 less (from £113.85 vs £332.70).
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 Pro Max comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone SE (2022) in 64GB.
