Choosing between the iPhone 13 Pro Max and the iPhone SE can be tricky. They cater to different needs and come at very different price points. The iPhone 13 Pro Max offers top-of-the-line features and a large display, while the iPhone SE provides a more compact and affordable option with a familiar design. Let's break down their key differences to help you decide which iPhone is right for you.
Here's a quick look at the core specifications of both models:
Feature |
iPhone 13 Pro Max |
iPhone SE (3rd Gen) |
Display |
6.7-inch Super Retina XDR with ProMotion |
4.7-inch Retina IPS LCD |
Processor |
A15 Bionic |
A15 Bionic |
Rear Cameras |
Triple 12MP (Wide, Ultra Wide, Telephoto) |
Single 12MP (Wide) |
Front Camera |
12MP TrueDepth |
7MP FaceTime HD |
Storage Options |
128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
Battery Life |
Up to 28 hours video playback |
Up to 15 hours video playback |
Water Resistance |
IP68 |
IP67 |
5G Support |
Yes |
Yes |
Operating System |
iOS 15 (at launch) |
iOS 15 (at launch) |
The physical appearance and build quality differ significantly between these two iPhones. The iPhone 13 Pro Max boasts a modern design with a larger screen and premium materials, while the iPhone SE retains a classic look with a smaller form factor.
Feature |
iPhone 13 Pro Max |
iPhone SE (3rd Gen) |
Materials |
Stainless steel frame, textured matte glass back |
Aluminum frame, glass back |
Front Design |
Ceramic Shield front cover, notch |
Retina display with Home button |
Size |
160.8 x 78.1 x 7.7 mm |
138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm |
Weight |
240 grams |
144 grams |
Color Options |
Sierra Blue, Graphite, Gold, Silver, Alpine Green |
Midnight, Starlight, (PRODUCT)RED |
Photography enthusiasts will notice a major difference in the camera systems. The iPhone 13 Pro Max offers a versatile triple-lens setup for more creative control, whereas the iPhone SE has a single, capable main camera.
Feature |
iPhone 13 Pro Max |
iPhone SE (3rd Gen) |
Main Camera |
12MP Wide (ƒ/1.5) |
12MP Wide (ƒ/1.8) |
Ultra Wide |
12MP Ultra Wide (ƒ/1.8) |
Not Available |
Telephoto |
12MP Telephoto (ƒ/2.8), 3x optical zoom in, 2x optical zoom out, 6x optical zoom range |
Not Available |
Front Camera |
12MP TrueDepth (ƒ/2.2) |
7MP FaceTime HD (ƒ/2.2) |
Photographic Styles |
Yes |
Yes |
Cinematic Mode |
Yes (up to 4K HDR at 30 fps) |
Not Available |
ProRes Video |
Yes (up to 4K at 30 fps) |
Not Available |
Both phones are powered by the same powerful A15 Bionic chip, ensuring excellent performance. However, battery life differs significantly due to the size and efficiency demands of their respective displays.
Feature |
iPhone 13 Pro Max |
iPhone SE (3rd Gen) |
Chip |
A15 Bionic |
A15 Bionic |
CPU |
6-core |
6-core |
GPU |
5-core |
4-core |
RAM |
6GB |
4GB |
Battery Life |
Excellent |
Good |
Both iPhones run on the same iOS software, providing access to the latest features and updates. However, some hardware-dependent features are exclusive to the iPhone 13 Pro Max.
Feature |
iPhone 13 Pro Max |
iPhone SE (3rd Gen) |
Operating System |
Latest iOS Updates |
Latest iOS Updates |
Face ID |
Yes |
No (Touch ID) |
ProMotion |
Yes (Adaptive Refresh Rate up to 120Hz) |
No |
Night Mode on all Cameras |
Yes |
Main Camera Only |
Spatial Audio |
Yes |
Yes |
Price is a major differentiating factor. The iPhone SE is significantly more affordable than the iPhone 13 Pro Max. The exact prices vary depending on storage configuration and retailer. Generally, you can expect to pay a premium for the advanced features and larger display of the iPhone 13 Pro Max.
Choose the iPhone 13 Pro Max if: You prioritize a large, high-refresh-rate display, a versatile and advanced camera system, longer battery life, and premium design. You are willing to pay a higher price for these top-tier features.
Choose the iPhone SE if: You prefer a more compact and lightweight phone with a familiar design and a physical Home button. You want excellent performance for everyday tasks and gaming at a more affordable price point. While the camera is capable, it lacks the versatility of the Pro Max.
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The major differences lie in the display size and technology, camera system capabilities, design, battery life, and price. The iPhone 13 Pro Max offers a larger, more advanced display and a more versatile camera system, while the iPhone SE is more compact and affordable with a simpler camera.
It depends on individual needs and priorities. The iPhone 13 Pro Max offers significantly more features and advanced technology, justifying its higher price for users who value these aspects. However, the iPhone SE provides excellent performance for its price point and is a great value for budget-conscious buyers.
Yes, the iPhone 13 Pro Max generally offers significantly longer battery life compared to the iPhone SE due to its larger battery capacity and more efficient display technology.
The iPhone 13 Pro Max has a superior display. It features a larger Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion technology (adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz) for smoother scrolling and visuals, higher brightness, and better contrast compared to the iPhone SE's Retina IPS LCD display.
Yes, several features are exclusive to the iPhone 13 Pro Max, including the triple-lens camera system with Telephoto lens, Cinematic mode for video recording, ProRes video recording, Face ID, ProMotion display, and Night mode on all cameras.
Upgrading from the iPhone SE to the iPhone 13 Pro Max is a significant jump in terms of features, display size, camera capabilities, and battery life. Whether it's worth it depends on how much you value these improvements and your budget. If you desire a larger screen, a much more versatile camera, and longer battery life, then the upgrade could be worthwhile.