iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2020)
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iPhone 15 Pro Max
Starting at
£577.65£1,199.00 new
iPhone SE (2020)
Starting at
£75.11£289.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone SE (2020)?
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2020) comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Refurbished, the iPhone SE (2020) starts at £75.11, £502.54 less than the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The iPhone 15 Pro Max is the newer model, released in 2023.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
Main camera
- Chipset: Apple A17 Pro (3 nm) on the iPhone 15 Pro Max, Apple A13 Bionic on the iPhone SE (2020).
- The iPhone 15 Pro Max has more RAM: 8 GB vs 3 GB.
- The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a bigger screen: 6.7 inch vs 4.7 inch.
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2020) specs
The iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone SE (2020) cater to different needs and preferences. The iPhone 15 Pro Max offers a larger, higher-resolution OLED screen that suits users who prioritise immersive viewing and detailed visuals. It also has more RAM and higher megapixel cameras for smoother multitasking and sharper photos. The iPhone SE (2020) is smaller and lighter, with a simpler screen and fewer camera megapixels, making it ideal for everyday use or those who prefer a compact phone. Your choice depends on whether you want a phone with more advanced features or a device focused on straightforward, reliable use.
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2020) price
Colour
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2020) battery life and software updates
Durability includes software compatibility and basic design factors. Both operate on iOS.
Operating System Support
This means you can expect ongoing software improvements and security updates regardless of which model you choose.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2020) performance
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2020) screen
Screen quality covers size, resolution and type, which affect how content looks and feels on each phone. The iPhone 15 Pro Max offers a larger and sharper OLED screen, while the iPhone SE (2020) has a smaller LCD screen.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a 6.7 inch screen with a resolution of 1290 x 2796, providing more space and finer detail for watching videos or browsing. The iPhone SE (2020) has a 4.7 inch screen with 750 x 1334 resolution, which suits users who prefer a compact device that fits easily in one hand.
Screen Type
The iPhone 15 Pro Max features an LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED screen, which offers deeper contrast and more vibrant colours. The iPhone SE (2020) uses a Retina IPS LCD screen, offering good clarity and colour accuracy for everyday use.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2020) camera
Audiovisual specs focus on camera quality and front camera resolution, affecting photo and video clarity as well as video calls.
Main Camera Megapixels
The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a 48 megapixel main camera, capturing more detail in photos. The iPhone SE (2020) has a 12 megapixel main camera, which suits everyday photography needs and casual use.
Front Camera Megapixels
The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a 12 megapixel front camera, offering sharper selfies and clearer video calls. The iPhone SE (2020) features a 7 megapixel front camera, which is sufficient for simple video chats and self-portraits.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2020) size and design
Other differences include connectivity, network technology, physical size and storage options. These affect how you connect, use mobile data, and carry the device.
Network and Connector
The iPhone 15 Pro Max supports 5G for faster mobile data where available, and uses a USB-C connector for charging and accessories. The iPhone SE (2020) supports 4G and uses a Lightning connector.
Weight
The iPhone 15 Pro Max weighs 221 g, which reflects its larger screen and battery. The iPhone SE (2020) weighs 148 g, making it lighter and easier to hold for longer periods.
Storage Options
The iPhone 15 Pro Max offers storage options from 256GB up to 1TB, ideal for users needing ample space for apps, media and files. The iPhone SE (2020) is available with 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB, fitting everyday use or lighter storage needs.
SIM and Carrier Compatibility
Both devices come unlocked and support a physical SIM plus an eSIM, giving flexibility in choosing or switching mobile carriers.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 15 Pro Max or iPhone SE (2020): which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 15 Pro Max if
- you want more RAM (8 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, £502.54 less than the iPhone 15 Pro Max
- you want a lighter build (148 g vs 221 g)
What our customers say
Customers describe the iPhone 15 Pro Max as looking and feeling like new, with many reporting minimal or no scratches and strong battery health around 85% to 92%. They appreciate the excellent camera quality and smooth performance, with enough memory to keep multiple apps open. Some mention the phone warming slightly during initial setup but stabilising afterwards. The large, clear screen and strong battery life are also highlighted, making it suitable for users who value advanced features and high performance.
The iPhone SE (2020) is praised for being spotless or nearly so, with battery health often reported around 95%. Reviewers find it perfect for everyday use, especially as a first phone for children or older family members. Its compact size and straightforward design are appreciated, alongside reliable performance for basic tasks. Some users note minor screen imperfections or battery alerts, but these do not affect daily use for many.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max suits those who want a large, high-resolution display and more powerful cameras for photography and multitasking. The iPhone SE (2020) is well suited to buyers seeking a smaller, lighter phone with essential features for everyday activities.
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2020) FAQs
iPhone 15 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2020) comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Chipset: Apple A17 Pro (3 nm) on the iPhone 15 Pro Max, Apple A13 Bionic on the iPhone SE (2020). The iPhone 15 Pro Max has more RAM: 8 GB vs 3 GB.
The iPhone SE (2020) is cheaper refurbished, from £75.11 compared with £577.65 for the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
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. The iPhone SE (2020) is still supported and can run iOS 27.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max adds more RAM (8 GB vs 3 GB), a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 4.7 inch) and an OLED screen. Refurbished, it costs £502.54 more (from £577.65 vs £75.11).
Refurbished, the iPhone 15 Pro Max comes in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, and the iPhone SE (2020) in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB.
