iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2020)
Shop iPhone
iPhone 17 Pro Max
Starting at
£1,209.00
iPhone SE (2020)
Starting at
£75.11£289.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone SE (2020)?
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2020) comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Refurbished, the iPhone SE (2020) starts at £75.11, £1133.89 less than the iPhone 17 Pro Max. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
Main camera
- Chipset: Apple A19 Pro on the iPhone 17 Pro Max, Apple A13 Bionic on the iPhone SE (2020).
- The iPhone 17 Pro Max has more RAM: 12 GB vs 3 GB.
- The iPhone 17 Pro Max has a bigger screen: 6.9 inch vs 4.7 inch.
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2020) specs
The iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone SE (2020) differ in size, screen quality, camera capabilities, memory, and connectivity. The iPhone 17 Pro Max offers a much larger and higher resolution screen, more RAM, and higher megapixel counts on both front and main cameras, making it suited to users who want a more immersive display and detailed photos. It also supports 5G and uses a USB-C connector. The iPhone SE (2020) is smaller with a more compact screen and fewer megapixels on its cameras, making it a practical choice for everyday use and those preferring a lighter device.
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2020) price
Colour
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2020) battery life and software updates
Both offer the same options for SIM cards.
SIM Options
Each device supports a physical SIM card and eSIM, giving you flexibility in how you manage your mobile connections.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2020) performance
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2020) screen
Screen size and resolution affect how much you see and the detail your display shows. The iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone SE (2020) differ notably in these areas, as well as in screen technology.
Screen Size
The iPhone 17 Pro Max has a 6.9 inch screen, offering a much larger viewing area that suits watching videos, gaming, and multitasking. The iPhone SE (2020) has a 4.7 inch screen, which is easier to use one-handed and fits comfortably in smaller pockets.
Resolution
With a resolution of 2868x1320, the iPhone 17 Pro Max provides a sharper and more detailed image, which benefits users who value crisp text and vibrant visuals. The iPhone SE (2020) has a resolution of 750x1334, which is suitable for everyday tasks but shows less detail compared to the larger model.
Screen Technology
The iPhone 17 Pro Max features a Super Retina XDR display, known for deep blacks and bright highlights, enhancing contrast and colour vibrancy. The iPhone SE (2020) uses a Retina IPS LCD, which delivers consistent colour and brightness but with less contrast than the Super Retina XDR.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2020) camera
Camera quality and front-facing camera resolution are important for photos, video calls, and selfies. The iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone SE (2020) differ in megapixel counts for both cameras.
Main Camera Megapixels
The iPhone 17 Pro Max has a 48 megapixel main camera that captures more detail and allows for high-resolution photos. The iPhone SE (2020) has a 12 megapixel main camera, suitable for everyday photography but with fewer pixels to capture fine detail.
Front Camera Megapixels
For selfies and video calls, the iPhone 17 Pro Max offers an 18 megapixel front camera, providing clearer and more detailed images. The iPhone SE (2020) has a 7 megapixel front camera, which works well for standard use.
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2020) size and design
Connectivity, physical design, and storage options can influence how you use your device day to day. The iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone SE (2020) differ in these key areas.
Mobile Network
The iPhone 17 Pro Max supports 5G, enabling faster mobile data speeds where 5G networks are available. The iPhone SE (2020) supports 4G, which is widespread and reliable for most daily mobile internet needs.
Connector Type
Charging and connecting accessories differ between the two. The iPhone 17 Pro Max uses a USB-C connector, which is common for many modern devices. The iPhone SE (2020) uses the Lightning connector, familiar to many Apple users.
Weight
The iPhone 17 Pro Max weighs 233 grams, reflecting its larger size and features. The iPhone SE (2020) is lighter at 148 grams, making it easier to carry and hold for extended periods.
Storage Options
You can choose from 256GB up to 2TB on the iPhone 17 Pro Max, suitable if you need a lot of space for apps, photos, and videos. The iPhone SE (2020) offers storage from 64GB to 256GB, fitting everyday storage needs and simpler use.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
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Width
iPhone 17 Pro Max or iPhone SE (2020): which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 17 Pro Max if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 3 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 4.7 inch)
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
Buy the iPhone SE (2020) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £75.11, £1133.89 less than the iPhone 17 Pro Max
- you want a lighter build (148 g vs 233 g)
What our customers say
Customers who buy the iPhone 17 Pro Max often comment on how the phone looks like new and works perfectly. Many mention the device's speed and quality, with one noting it keeps apps open well thanks to its memory. Some users appreciate how easy it is to move apps to this iPhone, and battery health is frequently described as excellent. A few customers mention minor issues with call drops, but most praise the phone's condition and performance.
For the iPhone SE (2020), customers frequently say the phone works perfectly and looks spotless, with battery health often reported as good. It is popular as a first phone for children or older family members, appreciated for its practical size and ease of use. Many buyers find it a good value for the price and a reliable everyday device. Some note small cosmetic wear or non-original batteries, but these do not affect overall satisfaction.
In summary, the iPhone 17 Pro Max suits those wanting a larger screen, more storage, and higher camera detail, while the iPhone SE (2020) appeals to users seeking a simpler, lighter phone for everyday use with fewer advanced features.
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2020) FAQs
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2020) comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Chipset: Apple A19 Pro on the iPhone 17 Pro Max, Apple A13 Bionic on the iPhone SE (2020). The iPhone 17 Pro Max has more RAM: 12 GB vs 3 GB.
The iPhone SE (2020) is cheaper refurbished, from £75.11 compared with £1209 for the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
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. The iPhone SE (2020) is still supported and can run iOS 27.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max adds more RAM (12 GB vs 3 GB), a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 4.7 inch) and a higher-resolution main camera (48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels). Refurbished, it costs £1133.89 more (from £1209 vs £75.11).
Refurbished, the iPhone 17 Pro Max comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB, and the iPhone SE (2020) in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB.
