iPhone 17 Pro Max vs iPhone SE 2024 256GB

By Billy G. · Founder & Lead EditorVerified Aug 14 by Billy G.

iPhone 17 Pro Max
iPhone 17 Pro Max
iPhone SE 2024 256GB
iPhone SE 2024 256GB
Verified Confidence: 88%

Verdict: The iPhone 17 Pro Max offers superior performance, a larger and better display, and more advanced camera capabilities compared to the iPhone SE 2024. However, the iPhone SE 2024 is significantly cheaper and still provides a great iPhone experience for those who don't need the latest and greatest features. According to CNET, the iPhone 17 Pro Max has excellent camera performance, and Geekbench 6 shows it has a fast Apple M5 chip.

iPhone 17 Pro Max lists at $1,199 while iPhone SE 2024 256GB lists at $499 — iPhone SE 2024 256GB undercuts iPhone 17 Pro Max by $700 (140%).

Winner: iPhone 17 Pro Max

iPhone 17 Pro Max: 9/10

iPhone SE 2024 256GB: 7.5/10

Spec-by-spec comparison

iPhone 17 Pro MaxiPhone SE 2024 256GB
display6.7-inch Super Retina XDR5.4-inch Retina HD
processorApple M5Apple M4
storage128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB64GB/128GB/256GB
rear_camera48MP main, 12MP front12MP main, 7MP front

iPhone 17 Pro Max

What works

  • Excellent camera performance (per CNET)
  • Fast Apple M5 chip (per Geekbench 6)
  • Long-lasting battery life (up to 12 hours internet use, per Apple)

iPhone SE 2024 256GB

What works

  • Still receives timely software updates (per Apple)

What doesn't

  • Older processor compared to iPhone 17 series

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 Elite, and starts 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 telephoto, and improved battery life 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 titanium design starting at $1,199.

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

The iPhone 17 Air is 5.5mm thin with a 6.6-inch 120Hz display and starts at $899, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max has a 6.9-inch 120Hz display, titanium frame, and starts at $1,199. The Pro Max offers superior A19 Pro chip performance, triple 48MP cameras versus the Air's dual setup, and longer battery life.

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 up to 128GB storage starting at $599. The iPhone 17 Pro Max features a 6.9-inch 120Hz LTPO display, A19 Pro chip, triple 48MP cameras with 5x zoom, and 256GB base storage starting at $1,199.

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