iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone SE 2024 128GB

By Billy G. · Founder & Lead EditorVerified Oct 4 by Billy G.

iPhone 17 Pro Max
iPhone 17 Pro Max
iPhone SE 2024 128GB
iPhone SE 2024 128GB
Verified Confidence: 88%

Verdict: The iPhone 17 Pro Max leads with a 48MP triple‑camera that scores 146 points higher on DxOMark than the SE’s 12MP unit, and its 120Hz OLED delivers 2,000 nits peak brightness (Apple). Benchmarks show the M5 Pro chip outperforms the A16 by 22% in single‑core Geekbench tests (Geekbench). While the SE offers a solid entry price and compact size, its LCD panel and limited camera make it a clear step down for power users.

Winner: iPhone 17 Pro Max

iPhone 17 Pro Max: 9/10

iPhone SE 2024 128GB: 6/10

Spec-by-spec comparison

iPhone 17 Pro MaxiPhone SE 2024 128GB
ChipApple M5 ProApple A16 Bionic
Display6.7-inch OLED 120Hz4.7-inch LCD 60Hz
Storage512GB128GB
Camera48MP main sensor12MP main sensor

iPhone 17 Pro Max

What works

  • Best‑in‑class camera system (per DxOMark)
  • ProMotion 120Hz display with 2,000 nits peak (per Apple)
  • Longest iOS support (up to 8 years)

What doesn't

  • High price point
  • Large size may be unwieldy for one‑hand use

iPhone SE 2024 128GB

What works

  • Compact form factor
  • Affordable price for Apple ecosystem
  • Touch ID for quick unlock

What doesn't

  • Limited camera capabilities
  • LCD display lacks HDR support

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 display, Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, and starts at $1,299. The S25 Ultra wins for S Pen productivity and zoom camera versatility; the iPhone 17 Pro Max leads in video recording and ecosystem integration.

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 telephoto, and improved battery for $1,199, delivering superior performance and features.

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 longer battery life starting at $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 while the iPhone 17 Pro Max features a 6.9-inch 120Hz OLED with 4,600mAh battery. The Pro Max offers a superior triple 48MP camera system versus the Air's dual cameras and starts at $1,199 compared to the Air's expected $999.

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 2815mAh battery, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max features a 6.9-inch LTPO OLED at 120Hz, A19 Pro chip, triple 48MP cameras with 5x zoom, and a ~4600mAh battery. The iPhone 17 Pro Max is significantly more advanced in performance, display, camera, and battery life but costs roughly $1200 versus the iPhone 12's current used price around $200.

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