iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2016)
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iPhone 15 Pro Max
Starting at
£577.65£1,199.00 new
iPhone SE (2016)
Starting at
£192.40What's the difference between the iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone SE (2016)?
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2016) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone SE (2016) starts at £192.40, £385.25 less than the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The iPhone 15 Pro Max is the newer model, released in 2023.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A17 Pro (3 nm) on the iPhone 15 Pro Max, Apple A9 (14 nm) on the iPhone SE (2016).
- The iPhone 15 Pro Max has more RAM: 8 GB vs 2 GB.
- The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 4441 mAh vs 1624 mAh.
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2016) specs
The iPhone 15 Pro Max and the iPhone SE (2016) differ in key areas that suit different needs. The iPhone 15 Pro Max offers a much larger screen ideal for video and gaming, a powerful chipset with more RAM for smoother multitasking, and advanced camera systems for detailed photos and video. The iPhone SE (2016) has a smaller screen and fewer features, making it a practical choice for everyday use or those who prefer a compact phone.
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2016) price
Colour
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2016) battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and design aspects that affect daily use. The two iPhones show clear differences in battery size and update support, which shape how long each device can be used comfortably throughout the day and receive software improvements.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a battery capacity of 4441 mAh, which supports longer usage between charges, suitable for active users or those who use many apps. The iPhone SE (2016) has a smaller 1624 mAh battery, fitting users with lighter phone use or those who charge more frequently.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2016) performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options. These affect how smoothly apps run and how much data the phone can hold for daily tasks and media.
Processor and RAM
The iPhone 15 Pro Max includes the Apple A17 Pro chipset with 8 GB RAM, which keeps everyday apps running smoothly and supports multitasking with ease. The iPhone SE (2016) has the Apple A9 chipset and 2 GB RAM, fitting users who use their phone mainly for basic tasks.
Storage Options
The iPhone 15 Pro Max is available in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage sizes, offering ample space for apps, photos, and videos. The iPhone SE (2016) comes with 64GB storage, which suits users with lighter storage needs or fewer media files.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2016) screen
Screen quality influences how content looks and how comfortable the phone is to use for media and daily tasks. Differences in size, resolution, and screen type affect clarity and viewing experience.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a 6.7 inch screen with a resolution of 1290 x 2796, providing a spacious and sharp display suitable for watching videos and browsing. The iPhone SE (2016) has a smaller 4 inch screen with 640 x 1136 resolution, ideal for users who prefer a compact phone with a straightforward display.
Screen Technology
The iPhone 15 Pro Max uses an LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED screen, which offers vibrant colours and deep contrast for a rich viewing experience. The iPhone SE (2016) features an IPS LCD screen, delivering clear and consistent colours suitable for everyday use.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2016) camera
Audiovisual features include cameras and front camera resolution, which affect photography, video recording, and video calling quality.
Camera System
The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a triple camera system with a 48 megapixel main camera, enabling detailed and versatile photo and video capture. The iPhone SE (2016) has a single 12 megapixel camera, which is suitable for everyday photography needs.
Front Camera
The iPhone 15 Pro Max offers a 12 megapixel front camera, enhancing selfie and video call quality. The iPhone SE (2016) has a 1.2 megapixel front camera, which works well for basic video calls and selfies.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2016) size and design
Miscellaneous features cover connectivity, size, weight, and other physical characteristics that influence daily handling and network options.
Network and SIM Support
The iPhone 15 Pro Max supports 5G networks and includes both a physical SIM and an eSIM, offering flexible connectivity options. The iPhone SE (2016) supports 4G networks with a physical SIM, fitting users with standard network needs.
Connector Types
The iPhone 15 Pro Max uses a USB-C connector, which is common for charging and accessories. The iPhone SE (2016) includes a Lightning connector plus a 3.5mm headphone jack, convenient for users who prefer wired headphones.
Physical Dimensions and Weight
The iPhone 15 Pro Max measures 159.9 mm in height, 76.7 mm in width, and 8.3 mm in depth, weighing 221 g. This size suits users who prefer a larger phone. The iPhone SE (2016) is smaller at 123.8 mm height, 58.6 mm width, and 7.6 mm depth, weighing 113 g, ideal for those wanting a compact and lighter device.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 15 Pro Max or iPhone SE (2016): which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 15 Pro Max if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4441 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, £385.25 less than the iPhone 15 Pro Max
- you want a lighter build (113 g vs 221 g)
- you want a headphone jack
What our customers say
Customers who chose the iPhone 15 Pro Max frequently mention it looks like new with no scratches and good battery health, often above 85%. They appreciate the clear screen, excellent camera quality, and smooth performance even when installing many apps. Many note the battery lasts all day, supporting heavy use, and the phone feels like a high-end model without the new purchase price. Some also mention the phone can get warm briefly during initial setup but works normally afterward.
Customers buying the iPhone SE (2016) often highlight its suitability for everyday use and value for money. The phone is described as compact and clean, with solid battery life for normal use. Some mention light scratches on the body but a screen in good condition. Users appreciate it for basic tasks and as a practical replacement device. A few note the battery may need more frequent charging or a power bank for longer use.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max suits those wanting a larger screen, advanced cameras, and strong performance for multitasking and media. The iPhone SE (2016) suits users seeking a simpler, smaller phone for daily tasks or as a cost-conscious choice.
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2016) FAQs
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2016) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A17 Pro (3 nm) on the iPhone 15 Pro Max, Apple A9 (14 nm) on the iPhone SE (2016). The iPhone 15 Pro Max has more RAM: 8 GB vs 2 GB.
The iPhone SE (2016) is cheaper refurbished, from £192.40 compared with £577.65 for the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 4441 mAh vs 1624 mAh.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 15 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 15 Pro Max adds more RAM (8 GB vs 2 GB), a bigger battery (4441 mAh vs 1624 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 4 inch). Refurbished, it costs £385.25 more (from £577.65 vs £192.40).
Refurbished, the iPhone 15 Pro Max comes in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, and the iPhone SE (2016) in 64GB.
