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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. 

Key Specifications

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

Design and Build

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

Camera Comparison

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

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

Software and Features

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

Price Comparison

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.

Verdict: Which iPhone Should You Buy

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. 

Advantages of Shopping with Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card

Purchasing your iPhone 16 Pro Max or iPhone SE can be easier and more affordable with the Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card. Here are some benefits: 

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FAQs

What is the major difference between iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone SE?

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. 

Is iPhone 16 Pro Max worth more than iPhone SE?

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.

Is the iPhone 16 Pro Max's battery life significantly better than the iPhone SE?

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. 

How does the display quality of the iPhone 16 Pro Max compare to the iPhone SE?

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.

Are there any new features in the iPhone 16 Pro Max not available in the iPhone SE?

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.

Is the iPhone 16 Pro Max worth the upgrade from 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. 

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