iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2022)
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iPhone 16 Pro Max
Starting at
£840.13£1,399.00 new
iPhone SE (2022)
Starting at
£113.85£429.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone SE (2022)?
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2022) comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Refurbished, the iPhone SE (2022) starts at £113.85, £726.28 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 A15 Bionic on the iPhone SE (2022).
- The iPhone 16 Pro Max has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
- The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a bigger screen: 6.9 inch vs 4.7 inch.
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2022) specs
The iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone SE (2022) are both unlocked 5G phones running iOS, but they suit different needs. The iPhone 16 Pro Max offers a much larger, higher-resolution OLED screen, more RAM, and advanced cameras, making it ideal for users who want a premium display and photography experience. Its USB-C connector and eSIM support fit users who prefer newer technology and a bigger device. The iPhone SE (2022) has a smaller screen with Retina IPS LCD and a physical SIM slot alongside eSIM, suiting those seeking a compact phone for everyday use with simpler features and lower storage capacity.
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2022) price
Colour
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2022) battery life and software updates
Durability includes software support and design factors that affect long-term use.
Latest iOS Compatibility
This means each phone receives current software improvements and security patches, helping maintain performance and security over time.
Design Features
Neither device is foldable, so both offer a traditional smartphone form. The iPhone 16 Pro Max was released in 2024, while the iPhone SE (2022) came out in 2022, placing them within a close generation range for build and software support.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2022) performance
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2022) screen
Screen quality affects viewing comfort and image clarity. The two devices differ notably in size, resolution, and screen technology, which shapes how you experience media and daily use.
Screen Size
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a 6.9 inch screen, providing a spacious display for watching videos, browsing, and multitasking. The iPhone SE (2022) has a more compact 4.7 inch screen, which suits users who prefer a smaller phone that is easier to hold and pocket.
Screen Resolution
With a resolution of 1320 x 2868, the iPhone 16 Pro Max delivers a sharper and more detailed picture than the iPhone SE (2022), which has a resolution of 750 x 1334. This difference enhances clarity and detail in images and text on the larger screen.
Screen Technology
The iPhone 16 Pro Max uses an LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED screen, offering deep blacks and vibrant colours. The iPhone SE (2022) has a Retina IPS LCD screen, which provides accurate colours and good viewing angles. The OLED screen is especially noticeable in dark environments and for high-contrast content.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2022) camera
Camera quality and front-facing camera resolution affect how well your phone captures photos and video calls. These two iPhones have different camera specifications that suit different photography and video needs.
Main Camera
The iPhone 16 Pro Max features a 48 megapixel main camera, which captures images with more detail and clarity. The iPhone SE (2022) has a 12 megapixel main camera, which performs well for everyday photos but with fewer megapixels for fine detail.
Front Camera
The iPhone 16 Pro Max comes with a 12 megapixel front camera, offering sharper selfies and video calls. The iPhone SE (2022) has a 7 megapixel front camera, suitable for video chats and selfies with lower resolution.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2022) size and design
Other features such as network, connectors, size, and SIM options can affect convenience and compatibility. These differences help determine which phone fits your lifestyle.
Connector Type
The iPhone SE (2022) uses a Lightning connector, common on many Apple devices but with different cable compatibility.
SIM Card Options
The iPhone 16 Pro Max supports eSIM only, which means you can activate mobile plans digitally without a physical SIM card. The iPhone SE (2022) supports both a physical SIM and eSIM, offering flexibility to use a physical SIM card if preferred.
Size and Weight
The iPhone 16 Pro Max measures 163 mm in height, 77.6 mm in width, and 8.3 mm in depth, weighing 227 g. This larger size suits users comfortable with a substantial device. The iPhone SE (2022) is smaller at 130 mm tall, 60 mm wide, and 7.3 mm deep, weighing 144 g, making it easier to carry and use one-handed.
Storage Options
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is available in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage capacities, fitting users who need ample space for apps, photos, and media. The iPhone SE (2022) comes with 64GB storage, which suits users with lighter storage needs or who use cloud services.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 16 Pro Max or iPhone SE (2022): which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 16 Pro Max if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 4.7 inch)
- you want an OLED screen
Buy the iPhone SE (2022) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £113.85, £726.28 less than the iPhone 16 Pro Max
- you want a lighter build (144 g vs 227 g)
What our customers say
Customers say the iPhone 16 Pro Max looks like new with no scratches and a very responsive touchscreen. Many mention excellent battery health, often close to or at 100%, with some noting very low charge cycles. The phone feels premium and performs perfectly in daily use. The larger screen and smooth performance appeal to those who want a high-end experience. Some customers highlight the phone's condition as better than expected and describe it as almost like new.
For the iPhone SE (2022), customers report good condition and smooth operation matching the website description. It is praised for easy setup and connectivity, with users appreciating the 5G support and smaller size. Some note minor scratches consistent with refurbishment grades, but overall the phone works well for everyday tasks. Battery health reports vary, with most satisfied but one customer mentioning a discrepancy in battery health readings.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max suits users looking for a larger, feature-rich device with advanced cameras and storage options. The iPhone SE (2022) suits those preferring a smaller phone with essential features and simpler storage, making both solid choices depending on your priorities.
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2022) FAQs
iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2022) comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Chipset: Apple A18 Pro on the iPhone 16 Pro Max, Apple A15 Bionic on the iPhone SE (2022). The iPhone 16 Pro Max has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone SE (2022) is cheaper refurbished, from £113.85 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 (2022) is still supported and can run iOS 27.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max adds more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB), a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 4.7 inch) and an OLED screen. Refurbished, it costs £726.28 more (from £840.13 vs £113.85).
Refurbished, the iPhone 16 Pro Max comes in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, and the iPhone SE (2022) in 64GB.
