Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max vs Apple iPhone SE (2020)
Our Verdict: The iPhone SE (2020) is 2008 years newer than the iPhone 12 Pro Max, and it shows in the specs. The 12 Pro Max supports 5G while the SE (2020) tops out at 4G, and the 12 Pro Max packs the bigger battery, 3687mAh against 1821mAh, which usually means longer between charges. The 12 Pro Max has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.7" against 4.7" and sharper at 457 PPI, and the 12 Pro Max offers up to 512GB of storage versus 256GB on the SE (2020). If you're on the 12 Pro Max, the SE (2020) is a real step up, but only worth it if the changes above matter to you.
Buying outright, the SE (2020) starts at £66 SIM-free.
10 reviews 4.2
25 reviews
Prices updated 27 July 2026
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max
|
Apple iPhone SE (2020)
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.3 10 reviews |
4.2 25 reviews |
| Screen | 6.7" | 4.7" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Retina HD display |
| Resolution | 1284 x 2778 | 1334 x 750 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 457 | 326 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 7 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic | Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+) |
| Battery | 3,687 mAh | 1,821 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| OS | iOS14 | Apple iOS |
| SIM Type | Nano SIM | Nano SIM |
| Connectivity | Up to 5G | Up to 4G |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0 with A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.4 mm | 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm |
| Weight | 228 grams | 148 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP67 - Dust and water resistant |
| Contracts | - | - |
| SIM-free | £239.99 | £66.00 |
| Prices updated 27 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or Apple iPhone SE (2020)?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Apple iPhone SE (2020)'s 4.7", the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max has the sharper display at 457 pixels per inch versus 326, and the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Apple iPhone SE (2020) has a Retina HD display.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or Apple iPhone SE (2020)?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Apple iPhone SE (2020) has a 12 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.
Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or Apple iPhone SE (2020)?
The Apple iPhone SE (2020) is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £66.00.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max and Apple iPhone SE (2020)?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Apple iPhone SE (2020) comes in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max and Apple iPhone SE (2020) use?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic, while the Apple iPhone SE (2020) uses the Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or Apple iPhone SE (2020)?
The Apple iPhone SE (2020) is the more portable of the two: it's 80g lighter at 148 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or Apple iPhone SE (2020)?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Apple iPhone SE (2020) is rated IP67 - Dust and water resistant.
What operating system do the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max and Apple iPhone SE (2020) run?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max runs iOS14 and the Apple iPhone SE (2020) runs Apple iOS. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.