iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2020)
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iPhone 16 Pro Max
Starting at
£840.13£1,399.00 new
iPhone SE (2020)
Starting at
£75.11£289.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone SE (2020)?
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2020) comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Refurbished, the iPhone SE (2020) starts at £75.11, £765.02 less than the iPhone 16 Pro Max. The iPhone 16 Pro Max is the newer model, released in 2024.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
Main camera
- Chipset: Apple A18 Pro on the iPhone 16 Pro Max, Apple A13 Bionic on the iPhone SE (2020).
- The iPhone 16 Pro Max has more RAM: 8 GB vs 3 GB.
- The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a bigger screen: 6.9 inch vs 4.7 inch.
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2020) specs
The iPhone 16 Pro Max and the iPhone SE (2020) differ in screen size, resolution, and camera capabilities, making each suitable for different needs. The iPhone 16 Pro Max offers a larger and sharper display with an advanced OLED screen, ideal for watching videos or detailed work. It also has more RAM and higher resolution cameras, which benefit those who use their phone for multitasking and photography. The iPhone SE (2020) is more compact and lighter, with a simpler screen and cameras, making it a good choice for everyday use or for those who prefer a smaller device.
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2020) price
Colour
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2020) battery life and software updates
Durability covers software support and physical design aspects important for everyday use.
Operating System Compatibility
This means both devices receive current features and security updates, suiting users who value software longevity.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2020) performance
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2020) screen
Screen quality affects how you view content, play games, or work on your phone. The two devices differ significantly in size, resolution, and screen technology, which influences clarity and colour depth.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a large 6.9 inch screen with a high resolution of 1320 by 2868 pixels. This makes it well suited for watching videos or multitasking where more screen space is helpful. The iPhone SE (2020) has a smaller 4.7 inch screen with a resolution of 750 by 1334 pixels, fitting those who want a compact phone that is easier to use with one hand.
Screen Technology
The iPhone 16 Pro Max uses an LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED screen, which offers deeper blacks and more vibrant colours. This is useful if you want rich visuals for media or photo viewing. The iPhone SE (2020) has a Retina IPS LCD screen, which provides clear and consistent colours but with less contrast compared to OLED.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2020) camera
Camera resolution influences photo and video detail. Front camera quality affects selfies and video calls. Each device caters to different needs in these areas.
Main Camera Detail
The iPhone 16 Pro Max features a 48 megapixel main camera, capturing more detail in photos and videos. This benefits users who often take high-quality pictures or want more flexibility in editing. The iPhone SE (2020) has a 12 megapixel main camera, suitable for everyday photography and simpler use.
Front Camera Quality
The front camera on the iPhone 16 Pro Max is 12 megapixels, which provides sharper selfies and clearer video calls. The iPhone SE (2020) has a 7 megapixel front camera, which is enough for general video chatting and casual selfies.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2020) size and design
Other features include connectivity options, network support, and physical aspects like weight. These differences influence how you use the phone daily and which accessories you might need.
Mobile Network and SIM Options
The iPhone 16 Pro Max supports 5G networks and uses an eSIM only, which suits users wanting faster mobile data and digital SIM management. The iPhone SE (2020) supports 4G networks and includes both a physical SIM and eSIM, offering flexibility for those who prefer a traditional SIM card or dual SIM setup.
Connector Type
The iPhone SE (2020) uses a Lightning connector, common on earlier iPhones and accessories.
Weight and Portability
Weighing 227 g, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is noticeably heavier than the iPhone SE (2020), which weighs 148 g. The lighter SE suits users who prefer a device that feels less bulky in hand or pocket.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 16 Pro Max or iPhone SE (2020): which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 16 Pro Max if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 3 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (6.9 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, £765.02 less than the iPhone 16 Pro Max
- you want a lighter build (148 g vs 227 g)
What our customers say
Customers of the iPhone 16 Pro Max praise its condition, noting that it looks like new with no scratches and excellent battery health often near or at 100 percent. Many highlight how responsive and smooth the touchscreen is, and how the phone feels premium and well cared for. The battery performance is mentioned as excellent, with some users noting very low charge cycles. Overall, customers appreciate the device's performance, screen quality, and condition, describing it as worth the price and a great option for a refurbished phone.
For the iPhone SE (2020), customers appreciate its suitability as a first phone for younger users or family members, valuing its affordability and Apple ecosystem compatibility. The phone is described as spotless or in perfect condition by many, with battery life often reported around 95 percent or higher. Users mention it works perfectly for everyday use, with some noting small screen imperfections only visible without a protector. The SE is seen as a reliable, simple device that meets basic needs well.
Overall, the iPhone 16 Pro Max appeals to those wanting a large, feature-rich device in excellent condition, while the iPhone SE (2020) suits buyers looking for a compact, straightforward phone for everyday use or first-time Apple users.
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2020) FAQs
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2020) comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Chipset: Apple A18 Pro on the iPhone 16 Pro Max, Apple A13 Bionic on the iPhone SE (2020). The iPhone 16 Pro Max has more RAM: 8 GB vs 3 GB.
The iPhone SE (2020) is cheaper refurbished, from £75.11 compared with £840.13 for the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
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. The iPhone SE (2020) is still supported and can run iOS 27.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max adds more RAM (8 GB vs 3 GB), a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 4.7 inch) and an OLED screen. Refurbished, it costs £765.02 more (from £840.13 vs £75.11).
Refurbished, the iPhone 16 Pro Max comes in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, and the iPhone SE (2020) in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB.
