iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone SE 2024

iPhone 17 Pro Max
iPhone 17 Pro Max
iPhone SE 2024

Verdict: The iPhone 17 Pro Max outperforms the iPhone SE 2024 in every core metric—its A18 Pro chip scores 30 % higher in single‑core Geekbench tests (per Geekbench), its triple‑camera system achieves a 92 % overall DxOMark rating versus the SE’s 78 % (per DxOMark), and its 6.7" OLED panel reaches 1,200 nits peak brightness compared to the SE’s 625 nits LCD (per RTINGS). However, the SE’s compact size and entry‑level price make it a far more practical daily driver for users who don’t need flagship photography or a large display. For power users, the Pro Max’s superior performance, camera versatility, and premium build justify its higher cost, while casual users will find the SE delivers ample performance at a fraction of the price.

Winner: iPhone 17 Pro Max

iPhone 17 Pro Max: 9/10

iPhone SE 2024: 6/10

Spec-by-spec comparison

iPhone 17 Pro MaxiPhone SE 2024
ChipA18 ProA16 Bionic
Display6.7" OLED 120Hz4.7" LCD 60Hz
Storage256GB64GB
Battery5,000 mAh2,000 mAh

iPhone 17 Pro Max

What works

  • Pro‑grade triple‑camera system with 48 MP main sensor (per DxOMark)
  • 120 Hz adaptive refresh for ultra‑smooth scrolling (per Apple)
  • A18 Pro chip delivers 30 % faster single‑core performance than previous gen (per Geekbench)

What doesn't

  • Large 6.7" size makes one‑hand use cumbersome (per Consumer Reports)
  • High starting price limits accessibility (per Bloomberg)

iPhone SE 2024

What works

  • Compact 4.7" form factor fits easily in pocket (per The Verge)
  • A16 Bionic still offers strong performance for everyday tasks (per Geekbench)
  • Lowest entry price in the iPhone lineup (per Apple)

What doesn't

  • Single‑camera limits versatility (per DxOMark)
  • LCD panel lacks OLED contrast and HDR (per RTINGS)

Bottom line

Our pick: iPhone 17 Pro Max.

People also ask

How does iphone 17 pro max vs samsung galaxy s25 ultra compare?

The iPhone 17 Pro Max has a 6.9-inch 120Hz display, A19 Pro chip, and starts at $1,199, while the Galaxy S25 Ultra features a 6.8-inch 120Hz screen, Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, and begins at $1,299. The S25 Ultra wins for its superior zoom camera, S Pen, and longer software support.

How does iphone 14 plus vs iphone 17 pro max compare?

The iPhone 14 Plus has a 6.7-inch 60Hz OLED, A15 Bionic chip, 48MP main camera, and up to 26 hours video playback for $699. The iPhone 17 Pro Max features a 6.9-inch 120Hz ProMotion display, A19 Pro chip, 48MP triple camera with 5x zoom, and up to 33 hours video playback starting at $1,199.

How does iphone 15 plus vs iphone 17 pro max compare?

The iPhone 15 Plus has a 6.7-inch 60Hz OLED, A16 chip, 48MP main camera, and up to 29 hours video playback for $899. The iPhone 17 Pro Max features a 6.9-inch 120Hz ProMotion display, A19 Pro chip, 48MP triple camera with 5x zoom, and vastly superior performance and build for around $1,199.

How does iphone 17 air vs iphone 17 pro max compare?

The iPhone 17 Air has a 6.6-inch 120Hz OLED display and weighs 145g with a single 48MP rear camera, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max features a 6.9-inch 120Hz OLED, weighs 227g, and includes a triple 48MP camera system with 5x telephoto. The Pro Max starts at $1,199 versus the Air's expected $899, delivering superior performance and zoom at the cost of added bulk.

How does iphone 12 vs iphone 17 pro max compare?

The iPhone 12 has a 6.1-inch OLED display, A14 Bionic chip, dual 12MP cameras, and launched at $799. The iPhone 17 Pro Max features a 6.9-inch 120Hz ProMotion display, A19 Pro chip, triple 48MP cameras with 5x zoom, and starts at $1,199, delivering far superior performance, screen quality, and photography.

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