iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2016)
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iPhone 16 Pro Max
Starting at
£840.13£1,399.00 new
iPhone SE (2016)
Starting at
£192.40What's the difference between the iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone SE (2016)?
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2016) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone SE (2016) starts at £192.40, £647.73 less than the iPhone 16 Pro Max. The iPhone 16 Pro Max is the newer model, released in 2024.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A18 Pro on the iPhone 16 Pro Max, Apple A9 (14 nm) on the iPhone SE (2016).
- The iPhone 16 Pro Max has more RAM: 8 GB vs 2 GB.
- The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 4685 mAh vs 1624 mAh.
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2016) specs
The iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone SE (2016) suit very different needs. The iPhone 16 Pro Max offers a larger, sharper display, more memory, advanced cameras, and 5G connectivity, making it suitable for those who want a premium experience with plenty of power and room for apps and media. The iPhone SE (2016) is smaller and simpler, with a lower screen resolution and fewer cameras, offering a straightforward phone for everyday use, especially for those who prefer a compact device or a lower price. Battery capacity and software updates also differ, which affects long-term use and performance.
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2016) price
Colour
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2016) battery life and software updates
Durability involves how long the phone lasts on a charge, software updates it can run, and basic build features. These factors influence daily reliability and how long the phone stays useful.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a 4685 mAh battery, which supports longer use between charges, ideal if you use your phone heavily throughout the day. The iPhone SE (2016) has a smaller 1624 mAh battery, suitable for lighter or less frequent use, or for those who carry a charger or power bank.
Operating System
The iPhone SE (2016) uses iOS, which fits users comfortable with an older iOS experience.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2016) performance
Performance covers the chipset, memory, and storage options, affecting how smoothly the phone runs apps, handles multitasking, and stores files.
Chipset Power
The iPhone 16 Pro Max uses the Apple A18 Pro chipset, which provides high performance for demanding apps and multitasking. The iPhone SE (2016) has the Apple A9 (14 nm) chipset, suitable for everyday tasks and basic app use.
Memory Capacity
The iPhone 16 Pro Max comes with 8 GB of RAM, which helps keep multiple apps open and running smoothly. The iPhone SE (2016) has 2 GB of RAM, fitting users who mainly use basic apps and do not require extensive multitasking.
Storage Options
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is available in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB options, offering ample space for apps, photos, and videos. The iPhone SE (2016) comes with 64GB, which works for users with fewer storage needs or who rely on cloud services.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2016) screen
Screen quality influences viewing comfort and image clarity. Size, resolution, and screen type all affect how you see photos, videos, and text.
Screen Size
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a large 6.9 inch screen, providing a roomy display for video, gaming, and reading. The iPhone SE (2016) has a smaller 4 inch screen, which fits well in a pocket and suits users who prefer a compact device.
Resolution
The iPhone 16 Pro Max offers a resolution of 1320 x 2868, which delivers sharp detail and clearer images. The iPhone SE (2016) has a resolution of 640 x 1136, suitable for simpler tasks and basic viewing.
Screen Type
The iPhone 16 Pro Max features an LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED screen, known for vivid colours and deep blacks. The iPhone SE (2016) uses an IPS LCD screen, which offers good colour accuracy and brightness for everyday use.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2016) camera
Audiovisual features affect how you capture and share photos and videos, and how you look in selfies or video calls.
Camera Setup
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a triple main camera system, allowing for versatile photography options. The iPhone SE (2016) has a single main camera, which covers basic photo needs.
Main Camera Megapixels
The iPhone 16 Pro Max's main camera has 48 megapixels, capturing more detail and sharper images. The iPhone SE (2016) has a 12 megapixel main camera, suitable for everyday snapshots.
Front Camera Quality
The iPhone 16 Pro Max features a 12 megapixel front camera, which supports clearer selfies and video calls. The iPhone SE (2016) has a 1.2 megapixel front camera, appropriate for basic video calls and selfies.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2016) size and design
Other differences include connectivity, size, and weight, which influence how the phones fit in daily life and connect to networks and accessories.
Network and SIM
The iPhone 16 Pro Max supports 5G networks and uses an eSIM, which suits users wanting faster mobile data and digital SIM management. The iPhone SE (2016) supports 4G and uses a physical SIM card, fitting users with simpler network needs.
Connector Types
The iPhone SE (2016) uses a Lightning connector and includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, which works with a wide range of existing headphones.
Size and Weight
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is larger and heavier at 163 mm tall, 77.6 mm wide, 8.3 mm deep, and weighing 227 g, suited for users preferring a bigger phone. The iPhone SE (2016) is smaller and lighter at 123.8 mm tall, 58.6 mm wide, 7.6 mm deep, and 113 g, fitting those who want a compact device.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 16 Pro Max or iPhone SE (2016): which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 16 Pro Max if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4685 mAh vs 1624 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 4 inch)
Buy the iPhone SE (2016) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £192.40, £647.73 less than the iPhone 16 Pro Max
- you want a lighter build (113 g vs 227 g)
- you want a headphone jack
What our customers say
Customers who chose the iPhone 16 Pro Max often highlight its like-new appearance and battery health near 100 percent, which keeps the phone working well over time. Many mention the smooth, responsive touchscreen and premium feel, along with excellent screen quality. Users appreciate the phone's performance and camera capabilities, finding it matches or exceeds expectations for a refurbished device. Some note the phone's size and weight as part of the experience.
Buyers of the iPhone SE (2016) value its smaller size and straightforward performance for everyday tasks. They report good battery life for their needs and are satisfied with the phone's condition and value. While some find the device simple compared to newer models, it suits users looking for a practical and affordable phone. A few mention the smaller screen and basic features but accept this as part of the device's design.
Overall, the iPhone 16 Pro Max fits customers who want a large, feature-rich phone with strong performance and camera options. The iPhone SE (2016) suits those who prefer a compact, easy-to-use device for basic communication and lighter app use.
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2016) FAQs
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2016) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A18 Pro on the iPhone 16 Pro Max, Apple A9 (14 nm) on the iPhone SE (2016). The iPhone 16 Pro Max has more RAM: 8 GB vs 2 GB.
The iPhone SE (2016) is cheaper refurbished, from £192.40 compared with £840.13 for the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 4685 mAh vs 1624 mAh.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 16 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 16 Pro Max adds more RAM (8 GB vs 2 GB), a bigger battery (4685 mAh vs 1624 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 4 inch). Refurbished, it costs £647.73 more (from £840.13 vs £192.40).
Refurbished, the iPhone 16 Pro Max comes in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, and the iPhone SE (2016) in 64GB.
