Choosing between the iPhone 16 Pro Max vs iPhone SE depends on your preferences for performance, design, camera capabilities, and budget. The iPhone 16 Pro Max represents Apple’s latest flagship with cutting-edge technology and premium features, while the iPhone SE offers a compact, budget-friendly option with reliable performance. This detailed comparison will help you decide which iPhone suits your needs best.
Both the iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone SE offer distinct specifications that cater to different user demands. Below is a detailed comparison of their key technical specs:
Specification |
iPhone 16 Pro Max |
iPhone SE |
Display |
6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 2868x1320 pixels, 460 ppi, ProMotion 120Hz |
4.7-inch Retina HD LCD, 1334x750 pixels, 326 ppi |
Processor |
A18 Pro chip |
A15 Bionic chip |
Storage Options |
256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
Rear Camera |
Triple 48MP (Wide, Ultra Wide, Telephoto) |
Single 12MP Wide |
Front Camera |
12MP TrueDepth |
7MP FaceTime HD |
Battery Life (Video Playback) |
Up to 33 hours |
Up to 15 hours |
Connectivity |
5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Ultra Wideband (UWB) |
5G, Wi-Fi 6 |
Dimensions |
163 x 77.6 x 8.25 mm, 227g |
138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm, 144g |
Water Resistance |
IP68 |
IP67 |
Operating System |
iOS 18 |
iOS 15 |
Apple’s design philosophy is evident in both phones, but they cater to different user preferences. The iPhone 16 Pro Max offers a premium titanium build with a larger and more immersive display featuring rounded corners and Dynamic Island, while the iPhone SE retains a more classic iPhone design.
Feature |
iPhone 16 Pro Max |
iPhone SE |
Build Material |
Titanium frame, Ceramic Shield front, textured matte glass back |
Aluminum frame, glass front and back |
Finish Options |
Black Titanium, White Titanium, Natural Titanium, Desert Titanium |
Midnight, Starlight, Product Red |
Dimensions (mm) |
163 (H) x 77.6 (W) x 8.25 (D) mm |
138.4 (H) x 67.3 (W) x 7.3 (D) mm |
Weight |
227 grams |
144 grams |
Display Protection |
Latest-generation Ceramic Shield |
Ion-strengthened glass |
Water Resistance |
IP68 (up to 6m for 30 mins) |
IP67 (up to 1m for 30 mins) |
Buttons |
Side button, Action button, Volume buttons |
Home button with Touch ID, Volume buttons |
The iPhone 16 Pro Max’s camera system is vastly superior with multiple lenses, advanced computational photography features, and professional-grade video capabilities. The iPhone SE offers a capable single-lens camera suitable for casual photography but lacks advanced features like Night mode and ultra-wide shots.
Camera Feature |
iPhone 16 Pro Max |
iPhone SE |
Rear Cameras |
Triple 48MP (Wide ƒ/1.78, Ultra Wide ƒ/2.2, Telephoto ƒ/2.8) with LiDAR scanner |
Single 12MP Wide ƒ/1.8 |
Front Camera |
12MP TrueDepth ƒ/1.9 with autofocus, Night mode |
7MP ƒ/2.2, Portrait Lighting equipped with six effects |
Video Recording |
4K Dolby Vision HDR up to 60fps, Cinematic mode, ProRes video |
4K video up to 60fps, Cinematic video stabilisation |
Features |
Photonic Engine, Deep Fusion, Smart HDR 5, Night mode, Portrait mode with advanced bokeh and depth control |
Smart HDR 4, Portrait mode (human subjects only), Deep Fusion, no Night mode or Cinematic mode |
Flash |
Adaptive True Tone flash |
True Tone flash, slow sync |
Performance and battery life are key differentiators between these models. The iPhone 16 Pro Max delivers significantly better performance with the latest A18 Pro chip. Its battery life supports up to 33 hours of video playback, over double that of the iPhone SE.
Feature |
iPhone 16 Pro Max |
iPhone SE |
Chipset |
A18 Pro chip |
A15 Bionic chip |
Video Playback Battery Life |
Up to 33 hours |
Up to 15 hours |
Charging |
MagSafe wireless charging up to 25W, Fast charging with 30W adapter or more |
Wireless charging with Qi chargers, Fast charging with 20W adapter or more |
Both iPhones run Apple’s iOS ecosystem but differ in software features due to hardware capabilities. The iPhone 16 Pro Max offers a more modern user experience with Face ID and new iOS 18 features. The iPhone SE sticks to the traditional Home button with Touch ID and lacks some of the newer hardware-enabled features.
Feature |
iPhone 16 Pro Max |
iPhone SE |
Operating System |
iOS 18 |
iOS 15 |
Biometric Security |
Face ID with TrueDepth camera |
Touch ID with Home button |
Display Features |
Always-On display, ProMotion 120Hz, Dynamic Island |
Multi‑Touch display, Retina HD LCD, no ProMotion |
Connectivity |
5G, Wi-Fi 7, Ultra Wideband (UWB), Satellite connectivity |
5G, Wi-Fi 6, no UWB |
Exclusive Features |
Camera Control button, Action button customisation, Advanced safety features |
Standard iOS features |
The iPhone SE is positioned as a budget-friendly option with a significantly lower price point, making it accessible for users who want an iPhone experience without the premium cost. The iPhone 16 Pro Max, as a flagship, carries a premium price reflecting its advanced features and build quality.
Model |
Storage |
Price |
iPhone SE |
64GB |
₹47,600 |
iPhone SE |
128GB |
₹52,600 |
iPhone 16 Pro Max |
256GB |
₹1,44,900 |
iPhone 16 Pro Max |
512GB |
₹1,64,900 |
iPhone 16 Pro Max |
1TB |
₹1,84,900 |
Disclaimer: Prices mentioned are approximate and may vary as per configuration, region, and available offers. Please check Apple’s official website for up-to-date pricing.
If you prioritise sharper technology, standout camera performance, a larger immersive display, and an enhanced battery life, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is the clear choice. It is ideal for power users who want the latest Apple innovations and are willing to invest in a premium device.
On the other hand, if you prefer a compact, lightweight phone with reliable performance, a classic design, and a budget-friendly price, the iPhone SE remains a compelling option. Your decision should align with your specific needs, usage patterns, and budget considerations.
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The iPhone 16 Pro Max offers a larger OLED display, advanced triple-camera system, A18 Pro chip, and longer battery life, while the iPhone SE features a smaller LCD screen, single 12MP camera, A15 chip, and a classic design with a Home button.
Yes, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is a premium flagship with cutting-edge features and a higher price tag, whereas the iPhone SE is a budget-friendly model with essential features.
Yes, the iPhone 16 Pro Max supports up to 33 hours of video playback, over double the iPhone SE’s 15 hours, thanks to a more advanced battery and optimised power management.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max features a 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with ProMotion 120Hz and HDR support, offering superior brightness, color accuracy, and smoothness compared to the iPhone SE’s 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD.
Yes, the iPhone 16 Pro Max includes Dynamic Island, Always-On display, LiDAR scanner, advanced camera controls, MagSafe wireless charging, and satellite connectivity, which are absent in the iPhone SE.
If you seek better performance, camera capabilities, display quality, and battery life, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is a worthwhile upgrade. However, for basic use and budget constraints, the iPhone SE remains a solid choice.