iPhone 13 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2016)
Shop iPhone
iPhone 13 Pro Max
Starting at
£418.75£1,049.00 new
iPhone SE (2016)
Starting at
£192.40What's the difference between the iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone SE (2016)?
iPhone 13 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2016) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone SE (2016) starts at £192.40, £226.35 less than the iPhone 13 Pro Max.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 13 Pro Max, Apple A9 (14 nm) on the iPhone SE (2016).
- The iPhone 13 Pro Max has more RAM: 6 GB vs 2 GB.
- The iPhone 13 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 4352 mAh vs 1624 mAh.
iPhone 13 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2016) specs
The iPhone 13 Pro Max and the iPhone SE (2016) cater to different needs and preferences. The iPhone 13 Pro Max suits users who want a larger screen, longer battery life, and advanced performance with more RAM and a newer chipset. The iPhone SE (2016) is ideal for those who prefer a smaller, lighter device with a simpler design and fewer features, suitable for everyday use. It has a physical SIM and a headphone jack, which some may prefer. Both phones have similar main camera resolutions but differ in front camera detail and camera setup. Your choice depends on whether you value modern features and size or a compact, straightforward phone.
iPhone 13 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2016) price
Colour
iPhone 13 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2016) battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and operating system versions.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 13 Pro Max has a 4352 mAh battery which supports longer use between charges, suitable for heavy or all-day use. The iPhone SE (2016) has a 1624 mAh battery, which is sufficient for everyday tasks but may require more frequent charging with intensive use.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 13 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2016) performance
Performance depends on chipset, RAM, and storage options, influencing how smoothly the phone handles apps and multitasking.
Chipset and RAM
The iPhone 13 Pro Max features the Apple A15 Bionic chipset built on a 5 nm process and comes with 6 GB of RAM. This combination suits users who run multiple apps or demanding software. The iPhone SE (2016) uses the Apple A9 chipset with 2 GB of RAM, fitting everyday use where fewer apps run simultaneously.
Storage Options
The iPhone 13 Pro Max offers a wide range of storage options from 128GB up to 1TB, catering to users who need space for large files, apps, or media. The iPhone SE (2016) is available with 64GB, suitable for those with lighter storage needs.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 13 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2016) screen
Screen quality affects viewing experience, with differences in size, resolution, and display type impacting video, reading, and general use comfort.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 13 Pro Max has a 6.7 inch screen with a resolution of 2778x1284, offering a large and sharp display ideal for watching videos, browsing, and gaming. The iPhone SE (2016) has a 4 inch screen with 640x1136 resolution, which suits users who prefer a compact phone that is easy to handle one-handed.
Screen Type
The iPhone 13 Pro Max's OLED screen delivers deeper blacks and higher contrast, enhancing image quality and colour vibrancy. The iPhone SE (2016) has an IPS LCD screen which provides good colour accuracy and viewing angles suitable for everyday use.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 13 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2016) camera
Audiovisual features focus on camera capabilities and front-facing camera detail, important for photography, video calls, and selfies.
Camera Setup
The iPhone 13 Pro Max includes a triple camera system, offering versatility for different photography styles and improved image capture. The iPhone SE (2016) has a single main camera, delivering consistent quality for standard photo needs.
Front Camera Resolution
The iPhone 13 Pro Max has a 12 megapixel front camera, capturing more detailed selfies and clearer video calls. The iPhone SE (2016) has a 1.2 megapixel front camera, which suits everyday video chatting and basic selfies.
Main Camera Resolution
Both devices feature a 12 megapixel main camera, allowing for detailed photos appropriate for most users.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 13 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2016) size and design
Miscellaneous specifications cover size, weight, network capabilities, SIM options, and connectors, affecting portability and connectivity preferences.
Size and Weight
The iPhone 13 Pro Max measures 160.8 mm in height, 78.1 mm in width, and 7.7 mm in depth, weighing 240 g. This larger size suits users comfortable with bigger phones. 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 fits well in smaller hands or pockets.
Network and SIM
The iPhone 13 Pro Max supports 5G networks and has dual physical SIM capability, providing more flexibility for users who need multiple lines. The iPhone SE (2016) supports 4G and uses a single physical SIM.
Connectors
Both phones use a Lightning connector for charging and accessories. The iPhone SE (2016) also includes a 3.5 mm headphone jack, which is convenient for users with wired headphones.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 13 Pro Max or iPhone SE (2016): which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 13 Pro Max if
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4352 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, £226.35 less than the iPhone 13 Pro Max
- you want a lighter build (113 g vs 240 g)
- you want a headphone jack
What our customers say
Customers who bought the iPhone 13 Pro Max often mention the phone looks and feels like new, with excellent battery life and sharp camera quality. Many appreciate that it runs smoothly and supports the latest iOS, making the experience feel close to a brand-new device. Users highlight the phone's performance, display, and unlocked SIM functionality as positive points. Some customers remark on excellent condition even when buying phones in good or fair condition and recommend it to others.
Buyers of the iPhone SE (2016) appreciate the phone's value for money and straightforward operation. Many note the phone is suitable for everyday use and that it runs smoothly for their needs. The size and lighter weight are often mentioned positively. Battery life is generally seen as solid although some mention it can require a power bank with heavier use. Customers acknowledge the phone's simplicity and appreciate that it comes with features like the headphone jack.
Overall, the iPhone 13 Pro Max suits users looking for a larger, more powerful phone with advanced features, while the iPhone SE (2016) fits those who want a compact, reliable phone for essential tasks and prefer a lower priced option.
iPhone 13 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2016) FAQs
iPhone 13 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2016) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 13 Pro Max, Apple A9 (14 nm) on the iPhone SE (2016). The iPhone 13 Pro Max has more RAM: 6 GB vs 2 GB.
The iPhone SE (2016) is cheaper refurbished, from £192.40 compared with £418.75 for the iPhone 13 Pro Max.
The iPhone 13 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 4352 mAh vs 1624 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 13 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.
Refurbished, the iPhone 13 Pro Max comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, and the iPhone SE (2016) in 64GB.
