iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2022)
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iPhone 17 Pro Max
Starting at
£1,209.00
iPhone SE (2022)
Starting at
£113.85£429.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone SE (2022)?
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2022) comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Refurbished, the iPhone SE (2022) starts at £113.85, £1095.15 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 A15 Bionic on the iPhone SE (2022).
- The iPhone 17 Pro Max has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.
- The iPhone 17 Pro Max has a bigger screen: 6.9 inch vs 4.7 inch.
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2022) specs
The iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone SE (2022) differ in size, screen quality, memory, camera resolution, and connectors, making each suitable for different preferences. The iPhone 17 Pro Max offers a larger and higher resolution screen, more RAM, and higher megapixel cameras, suiting those who want a spacious display and detailed photos. The iPhone SE (2022) is more compact and lighter, with a simpler screen and cameras, fitting buyers who prefer a smaller phone for everyday use.
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2022) price
Colour
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2022) battery life and software updates
Neither device is foldable.
Software Compatibility
This means you can keep your phone secure and access new features as Apple releases them, regardless of which model you choose.
Design and Build
Neither phone is foldable, so both offer a traditional smartphone form. The iPhone 17 Pro Max was released in 2025, while the iPhone SE (2022) came out in 2022.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2022) performance
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2022) screen
Screen quality is a key difference between these phones, affecting how you view content. The iPhone 17 Pro Max provides a larger, sharper screen with a different display technology, while the iPhone SE (2022) offers a smaller screen with a classic Retina IPS LCD.
Screen Size
The iPhone 17 Pro Max has a 6.9 inch screen, which provides a lot of space for watching videos, browsing, and multitasking. The iPhone SE (2022) has a 4.7 inch screen, which is easier to handle with one hand and fits more easily in pockets.
Resolution and Display Type
With a resolution of 2868x1320, the iPhone 17 Pro Max offers a sharper and more detailed image than the iPhone SE (2022), which has a resolution of 750x1334. The iPhone 17 Pro Max uses a Super Retina XDR display, offering vibrant colours and deep contrast, while the iPhone SE (2022) uses a Retina IPS LCD, which provides good clarity and colour accuracy for everyday use.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2022) camera
Camera quality is another area where these two phones differ significantly. Both have front and main cameras but with different megapixel counts, which influences photo and video detail.
Front Camera
The iPhone 17 Pro Max has an 18 megapixel front camera, ideal if you take many selfies or make video calls and want higher detail. The iPhone SE (2022) has a 7 megapixel front camera, sufficient for everyday video chats and casual selfies.
Main Camera
With a 48 megapixel main camera, the iPhone 17 Pro Max captures more detail in photos compared to the 12 megapixel main camera on the iPhone SE (2022). This difference will be noticeable in photo clarity and when cropping images.
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2022) size and design
Other differences include size, weight, connectors, and storage options, all of which impact daily use and convenience.
Connector Type
The iPhone 17 Pro Max uses a USB-C connector, which is common for many modern devices and can allow faster charging and data transfer. The iPhone SE (2022) uses a Lightning connector, which is standard for many Apple accessories and chargers.
Dimensions and Weight
The iPhone 17 Pro Max measures 163.4 mm in height, 78 mm in width, and has a depth of 8.8 mm, weighing 233 g. The iPhone SE (2022) is smaller at 130 mm height, 60 mm width, and 7.3 mm depth, and lighter at 144 g. The SE is easier to carry and handle with one hand due to its compact size and lighter weight.
Storage Options
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is available in a wide range of storage capacities from 256GB up to 2TB, supporting users with large apps, photos, and files. The iPhone SE (2022) is stocked with 64GB, suitable for everyday tasks and moderate storage needs.
Network and SIM
Both phones support 5G networks and offer physical SIM and eSIM options, providing flexibility for mobile connectivity.
Carrier Compatibility
Both devices are unlocked, giving you the freedom to use them with any compatible network in the UK or abroad.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
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Width
iPhone 17 Pro Max or iPhone SE (2022): which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 17 Pro Max if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 4 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 (2022) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £113.85, £1095.15 less than the iPhone 17 Pro Max
- you want a lighter build (144 g vs 233 g)
What our customers say
Customers say the iPhone 17 Pro Max looks and works like new, with many noting it is easy to set up and transfer apps. Its large screen and good quality condition are appreciated, as well as the battery health. Some users mention occasional call issues, but overall it is recommended for those wanting a high-quality refurbished device with plenty of storage options.
The iPhone SE (2022) is praised for its good condition and smooth operation. Customers find it easy to set up, especially when upgrading from earlier iPhones. The compact size and 5G support meet the needs of those who prefer a smaller phone for everyday use. Some note the battery health can vary, but most are happy with the phone's performance and condition.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max suits buyers looking for a large, feature-rich device with high storage and camera detail. The iPhone SE (2022) appeals to those wanting a smaller, lighter phone for daily tasks with fewer features and a simpler screen.
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2022) FAQs
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2022) comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Chipset: Apple A19 Pro on the iPhone 17 Pro Max, Apple A15 Bionic on the iPhone SE (2022). The iPhone 17 Pro Max has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone SE (2022) is cheaper refurbished, from £113.85 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 (2022) is still supported and can run iOS 27.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max adds more RAM (12 GB vs 4 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 £1095.15 more (from £1209 vs £113.85).
Refurbished, the iPhone 17 Pro Max comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB, and the iPhone SE (2022) in 64GB.
