iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2016)
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iPhone 17 Pro Max
Starting at
£1,209.00
iPhone SE (2016)
Starting at
£192.40What's the difference between the iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone SE (2016)?
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2016) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone SE (2016) starts at £192.40, £1016.60 less than the iPhone 17 Pro Max. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A19 Pro on the iPhone 17 Pro Max, Apple A9 (14 nm) on the iPhone SE (2016).
- The iPhone 17 Pro Max has more RAM: 12 GB vs 2 GB.
- Battery: 4823 mAh, 5088 mAh on the iPhone 17 Pro Max, 1624 mAh on the iPhone SE (2016).
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2016) specs
The iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone SE (2016) suit very different needs. The iPhone 17 Pro Max offers a much larger and sharper screen, higher memory and storage options, and advanced cameras, making it ideal if you want a spacious, versatile device for demanding tasks and detailed photos. The iPhone SE (2016) is simpler with a smaller screen, lower memory, and fewer features, fitting well for everyday use or as a compact, easy-to-carry phone. Battery capacities and network capabilities also differ, with the 17 Pro Max supporting 5G and larger batteries, while the SE uses smaller batteries and 4G.
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2016) price
Colour
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2016) battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size, software updates, and operating system. Both phones run iOS but differ in battery capacity and update support, which affects daily use and longevity.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 17 Pro Max has a much larger battery, with options of 4823 mAh or 5088 mAh, which supports longer use between charges. The iPhone SE (2016) has a 1624 mAh battery, suitable for lighter use or shorter periods away from charging. If you need a phone that lasts longer on a single charge, the 17 Pro Max is better suited.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2016) performance
Performance depends on chipset power, memory, and storage options. These affect how smoothly apps run, multitasking ability, and how much data you can keep on your device.
Chipset and RAM
The iPhone 17 Pro Max features the Apple A19 Pro chipset and 12 GB of RAM, supporting smooth multitasking and demanding apps. The iPhone SE (2016) has an Apple A9 chipset and 2 GB of RAM, which is suitable for everyday tasks but handles fewer apps at once. Choose the 17 Pro Max if you want high performance for multiple or intensive apps.
Storage Options
You can get the iPhone 17 Pro Max in large storage sizes from 256GB to 2TB, which suits users who store many photos, videos, or apps. The iPhone SE (2016) comes with 64GB, fitting users who need less space for everyday use.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2016) screen
Screen quality affects how well you see content, watch videos, and interact with apps. Size, resolution, and screen type all contribute to the viewing experience.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 17 Pro Max has a large 6.9 inch screen with a high resolution of 2868 by 1320 pixels, offering a roomy and sharp display for video and detailed content. The iPhone SE (2016) has a 4 inch screen with 640 by 1136 pixels, which is more compact and easier to use with one hand but offers less space for viewing content.
Screen Type
The iPhone 17 Pro Max uses a Super Retina XDR screen, which provides vibrant colours and deep contrast, enhancing the viewing experience. The iPhone SE (2016) uses an IPS LCD screen, which is clear and reliable for everyday use but does not offer the same depth of colour or contrast.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2016) camera
Camera quality matters if you take photos or video calls often. Front and main camera megapixels indicate the level of detail you can capture.
Front Camera
The iPhone 17 Pro Max has an 18 megapixel front camera, which is suitable for detailed selfies and clearer video calls. The iPhone SE (2016) has a 1.2 megapixel front camera, which works well for basic video calls and selfies but captures fewer details.
Main Camera
The iPhone 17 Pro Max features a 48 megapixel main camera, allowing for highly detailed photos and more cropping room. The iPhone SE (2016) uses a 12 megapixel main camera, which takes good photos for everyday use but with less detail.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2016) size and design
Other features include network support, connectors, physical size, SIM options, and weight. These impact how you use the phone daily and what accessories fit.
Network and SIM
The iPhone 17 Pro Max supports 5G networks, offering faster mobile data where available, and includes both a physical SIM and eSIM. The iPhone SE (2016) supports 4G and uses a physical SIM only. If you want newer network speeds or dual SIM functionality, the 17 Pro Max suits you.
Connectors
The iPhone 17 Pro Max uses a USB-C connector, which is common for modern devices. The iPhone SE (2016) has a Lightning connector and a 3.5mm headphone jack, which suits those with older headphones or accessories needing a standard jack.
Size and Weight
The iPhone 17 Pro Max measures 163.4 mm in height, 78 mm in width, and 8.8 mm in depth, weighing 233 g. The iPhone SE (2016) is smaller and lighter, at 123.8 mm height, 58.6 mm width, 7.6 mm depth, and 113 g weight. The SE fits more easily in pockets and can be used comfortably with one hand.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 17 Pro Max or iPhone SE (2016): which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 17 Pro Max if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 4 inch)
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
Buy the iPhone SE (2016) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £192.40, £1016.60 less than the iPhone 17 Pro Max
- you want a lighter build (113 g vs 233 g)
- you want a headphone jack
What our customers say
Customers of the iPhone 17 Pro Max often highlight its excellent condition and battery health, describing it as looking like new and performing well with smooth app transfers. Many appreciate the quality and service, though some mention occasional call issues. The device suits those who want a large, high-performance phone with detailed cameras and the latest iOS support.
Users of the iPhone SE (2016) find it a good value for everyday use, praising its solid battery life and adequate performance for basic tasks. They note it is small and easy to carry, with some light cosmetic wear expected from a fair condition refurb. The phone works well for those who want a simple device without needing the latest features or a large screen.
Overall, the iPhone 17 Pro Max fits buyers who want advanced features and a spacious display, while the iPhone SE (2016) suits those looking for a compact, straightforward phone for daily essentials.
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2016) FAQs
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2016) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A19 Pro on the iPhone 17 Pro Max, Apple A9 (14 nm) on the iPhone SE (2016). The iPhone 17 Pro Max has more RAM: 12 GB vs 2 GB.
The iPhone SE (2016) is cheaper refurbished, from £192.40 compared with £1209 for the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max has 4823 mAh, 5088 mAh and the iPhone SE (2016) has 1624 mAh.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 17 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 17 Pro Max adds more RAM (12 GB vs 2 GB), a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 4 inch) and a higher-resolution main camera (48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels). Refurbished, it costs £1016.60 more (from £1209 vs £192.40).
Refurbished, the iPhone 17 Pro Max comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB, and the iPhone SE (2016) in 64GB.
