iPhone SE (2016) vs iPhone XS Max
Shop iPhone
iPhone SE (2016)
Starting at
£192.40
iPhone XS Max
Starting at
£168.09£459.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone SE (2016) and iPhone XS Max?
iPhone SE (2016) vs iPhone XS Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone XS Max starts at £168.09, £24.31 less than the iPhone SE (2016). The iPhone XS Max is the newer model, released in 2018.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A9 (14 nm) on the iPhone SE (2016), Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max.
- The iPhone XS Max has more RAM: 4 GB vs 2 GB.
- The iPhone XS Max has a bigger battery: 3174 mAh vs 1624 mAh.
iPhone SE (2016) vs iPhone XS Max specs
The iPhone SE (2016) and iPhone XS Max differ in size, performance, and features, catering to different user preferences. The iPhone SE (2016) is smaller with a 4 inch screen and simpler specifications, suitable for everyday use and those who prefer a compact phone. The iPhone XS Max offers a much larger 6.5 inch screen, more memory, and a higher capacity battery. It also includes an eSIM option and advanced screen technology. Choose the iPhone SE (2016) for a straightforward, pocket-friendly device or the iPhone XS Max for a larger, more feature-rich smartphone experience.
iPhone SE (2016) vs iPhone XS Max price
Colour
iPhone SE (2016) vs iPhone XS Max battery life and software updates
Battery size and software updates are key durability factors that affect how long each device can keep running and stay current.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone SE (2016) has a 1624 mAh battery, which suits users with lighter daily use or those who carry a charger or power bank. The iPhone XS Max has a 3174 mAh battery, offering longer usage between charges, which benefits users with heavy or extended phone use.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone SE (2016) vs iPhone XS Max performance
Performance depends on the chipset, memory, and storage options, all of which impact how smoothly the device runs apps and multitasks.
Processing Power
The iPhone SE (2016) uses the Apple A9 chipset with 2 GB of RAM, suitable for everyday tasks and simpler apps. The iPhone XS Max features the Apple A12 Bionic chipset with 4 GB of RAM, supporting more demanding apps and smoother multitasking.
Storage Options
The iPhone SE (2016) is available with 64GB of storage, fitting users who need space for apps and media. The iPhone XS Max offers 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB options, catering to those who require more room for files, photos, and apps.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone SE (2016) vs iPhone XS Max screen
Screen size, resolution, and type affect how you view content. The two devices have notably different screens that suit different viewing preferences.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone SE (2016) has a 4 inch screen with a resolution of 640 x 1136, which suits users who prefer a compact and easily handled phone. The iPhone XS Max offers a much larger 6.5 inch screen with 1242 x 2688 resolution, making it better for watching videos or multitasking.
Screen Technology
The iPhone SE (2016) uses an IPS LCD screen, providing clear and consistent colours. The iPhone XS Max features a Super Retina OLED screen, which delivers deeper blacks and more vibrant colours, enhancing visual detail and contrast.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone SE (2016) vs iPhone XS Max camera
Camera quality varies primarily on the front camera, impacting selfies and video calls. Both devices have the same main camera resolution.
Front Camera
The iPhone SE (2016) has a 1.2 megapixel front camera, which is suited for basic selfies and video calls. The iPhone XS Max offers a 7 megapixel front camera, capturing more detail and sharper images for selfies and video chats.
Main Camera
Both devices have a 12 megapixel main camera, making them capable of taking photos with the same resolution, suitable for everyday photography needs.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone SE (2016) vs iPhone XS Max size and design
Other differences include connectors, physical size, SIM options, and weight, all of which affect daily convenience and handling.
Connectors and SIM
The iPhone SE (2016) includes a Lightning connector plus a 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing use of traditional wired headphones without adapters. The iPhone XS Max has a Lightning connector but no headphone jack and supports both a physical SIM and an eSIM, offering flexible mobile network options.
Size and Weight
The iPhone SE (2016) is smaller and lighter at 123.8 mm tall, 58.6 mm wide, 7.6 mm deep, and weighing 113 g, ideal for users seeking a compact and lightweight phone. The iPhone XS Max is larger and heavier at 157.5 mm tall, 77.4 mm wide, 7.7 mm deep, and 208 g, which suits users who prioritise a bigger device.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone SE (2016) or iPhone XS Max: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone SE (2016) if
- you want a lighter build (113 g vs 208 g)
- you want a headphone jack
Buy the iPhone XS Max if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £168.09, £24.31 less than the iPhone SE (2016)
- you want more RAM (4 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3174 mAh vs 1624 mAh)
What our customers say
Customers of the iPhone SE (2016) appreciate its smaller size and simpler functionality, finding it suitable for everyday use, especially as a replacement or for younger users. Many note the phone runs smoothly and has solid battery life for its size. Some mention light scratches and the need for a power bank for longer use, reflecting its battery capacity. The device suits those who want a reliable, compact iPhone without the latest software support.
Users of the iPhone XS Max highlight its larger screen and excellent condition, often describing the phone as looking brand new. The higher front camera quality and screen size receive positive remarks. Some customers experienced shorter battery life or minor setup issues, but overall they find the device capable and valuable for its price. The dual SIM option and newer software support appeal to users needing more advanced features.
The iPhone SE (2016) is a good choice for users wanting a smaller, straightforward phone at a lower price point. The iPhone XS Max suits those who prefer a larger display, more memory, and extended software updates for a richer smartphone experience.
iPhone SE (2016) vs iPhone XS Max FAQs
iPhone SE (2016) vs iPhone XS Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A9 (14 nm) on the iPhone SE (2016), Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max. The iPhone XS Max has more RAM: 4 GB vs 2 GB.
The iPhone XS Max is cheaper refurbished, from £168.09 compared with £192.40 for the iPhone SE (2016).
The iPhone XS Max has a bigger battery: 3174 mAh vs 1624 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
Updates for the iPhone SE (2016) ended in Mar 2025. Its last version is iOS 15. Updates for the iPhone XS Max ended in Apr 2026. Its last version is iOS 18.
The iPhone XS Max adds more RAM (4 GB vs 2 GB), a bigger battery (3174 mAh vs 1624 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.5 inch vs 4 inch). Refurbished, it costs £24.31 less (from £168.09 vs £192.40).
Refurbished, the iPhone SE (2016) comes in 64GB, and the iPhone XS Max in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB.
