Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Apple iPhone SE (2020)

Our verdict: Contract-wise, the Apple iPhone SE (2020) undercuts the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max by £752.40 over the full term. Screen lovers will prefer the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and its 6.9" display running at 458 PPI. Snap-happy users may prefer the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and its 48MP rear camera. If selfies matter, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max leads with a 12MP front-facing lens.

Expert Rating
4.4
11 reviews
4.2
25 reviews
Screen
6.9" 4.7"
Display
LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED Retina HD display
Resolution
1320 x 2868 1334 x 750
Pixels Per Inch
458 326
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 7 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A18 Pro Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+)
Storage
256GB, 512GB, 1TB 64GB, 128GB, 256GB
OS
Apple iOS Apple iOS
SIM Type
nano-SIM and e-SIM Nano SIM
Connectivity
Up to 5G Up to 4G
Wi-Fi
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax
Bluetooth
5.3, A2DP, LE 5.0 with A2DP, LE
Dimensions
163 x 77.6 x 8.3 mm 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm
Weight
227 grams 148 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes IP67 - Dust and water resistant
Contracts
£41.79/mo (£29.00 upfront) £7.99/mo (£69.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£664.00 £62.00
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Apple iPhone SE (2020) Apple iPhone SE (2020)
Expert Rating 4.4
11 reviews
4.2
25 reviews
Screen 6.9" 4.7"
Display LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED Retina HD display
Resolution 1320 x 2868 1334 x 750
Pixels Per Inch 458 326
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 7 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A18 Pro Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+)
Storage 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 64GB, 128GB, 256GB
OS Apple iOS Apple iOS
SIM Type nano-SIM and e-SIM Nano SIM
Connectivity Up to 5G Up to 4G
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax
Bluetooth 5.3, A2DP, LE 5.0 with A2DP, LE
Dimensions 163 x 77.6 x 8.3 mm 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm
Weight 227 grams 148 grams
Water Resistance IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes IP67 - Dust and water resistant
Contracts £41.79/mo
£29.00 upfront
£7.99/mo
£69.00 upfront
SIM-free £664.00 £62.00
Deals Deals

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or Apple iPhone SE (2020) cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone SE (2020) is cheaper on contract at £279.56 over the life of the deal from £7.99 per month with £69.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or Apple iPhone SE (2020)?

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the Apple iPhone SE (2020)'s 4.7", the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max has the sharper display at 458 pixels per inch versus 326, and the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max uses a LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Apple iPhone SE (2020) has a Retina HD display.

Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or Apple iPhone SE (2020)?

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max features a 48 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 16 Pro Max or Apple iPhone SE (2020)?

The Apple iPhone SE (2020) is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £62.00.

What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Apple iPhone SE (2020)?

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Apple iPhone SE (2020) comes in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB.

What processors do the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Apple iPhone SE (2020) use?

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A18 Pro, while the Apple iPhone SE (2020) uses the Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or Apple iPhone SE (2020)?

The Apple iPhone SE (2020) is the more portable of the two — it's 79g lighter at 148 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm, and is slimmer at 7.3mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max or Apple iPhone SE (2020)?

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes, while the Apple iPhone SE (2020) is rated IP67 - Dust and water resistant.

What operating system do the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Apple iPhone SE (2020) run?

Both phones run Apple iOS.