Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max vs Apple iPhone SE 4

Compare Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max vs Apple iPhone SE 4 side by side: Apple A14 Bionic vs Apple A18 (3nm), 12MP vs 48MP camera, 3687mAh vs 3279mAh battery, $1099…

Apple

iPhone SE 4

$499

7categories won

6 categories tied · 21 scored in total · add a third phone

Information Gain

Which one wins?

MxMob Algorithmic Verdict

Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max takes the overall win

Overall Pick

The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max claims the overall win over the Apple iPhone SE 4, delivering a stronger technical package across gaming and photography. In camera testing, the iPhone 12 Pro Max leads with sharper imaging, while battery endurance leans towards the iPhone 12 Pro Max. Choose the iPhone 12 Pro Max if you want the highest performance ceiling, or opt for the iPhone SE 4 if its lower retail price better fit your budget.

🔋 BatteryiPhone 12 Pro Max

iPhone 12 Pro Max wins on endurance with 3,687 mAh and 20W fast charging.

🎮 GamingiPhone 12 Pro Max

iPhone 12 Pro Max leads gaming and raw performance powered by the Apple A14 Bionic and 6GB RAM.

📸 CameraiPhone 12 Pro Max

iPhone 12 Pro Max wins photography with 12MP main imaging and 2.5x dedicated optical zoom.

🏷️ ValueiPhone SE 4

iPhone SE 4 wins on budget and value at $499 compared to $1099.

Category verdicts are computed algorithmically from verified technical specifications and hardware benchmarks. Rows where neither figure is objectively better — screen size preference, operating system choice, aesthetic build materials — are displayed for direct reference without scoring bias.

iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone SE 4: specifications compared

Display

Display comparison between the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max, Apple iPhone SE 4
Specification	iPhone 12 Pro Max	iPhone SE 4
Screen size	6.7"	6.06"
Resolution	1284 x 2778Winner	1170 x 2532
Pixel density	457 ppi	460 ppi
Refresh rate	60 Hz	60 Hz
Peak brightness	1200 nits	1200 nits

Performance

Performance comparison between the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max, Apple iPhone SE 4
Specification	iPhone 12 Pro Max	iPhone SE 4
Chipset	Apple A14 Bionic	Apple A18 (3nm)
Process node	5 nm	3 nmWinner
AnTuTu score	3,200,000Winner	2,400,000
Geekbench multi	10800Winner	8900
Maximum RAM	6 GB	8 GBWinner
Maximum storage	512GBWinner	128GB

Camera

Camera comparison between the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max, Apple iPhone SE 4
Specification	iPhone 12 Pro Max	iPhone SE 4
Main sensor	12 MP	48 MPWinner
Rear cameras	3Winner	1
Optical zoom	2.5xWinner	1x
Ultrawide	12 MP	—
Selfie camera	12 MP	12 MP
Max video	4K at 60fps Dolby Vision	8K at 30fps / 4K at 120fps

Battery and charging

Battery and charging comparison between the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max, Apple iPhone SE 4
Specification	iPhone 12 Pro Max	iPhone SE 4
Capacity	3,687 mAhWinner	3,279 mAh
Wired charging	20 W	20 W
Wireless charging	15 W	15 W

Design

Design comparison between the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max, Apple iPhone SE 4
Specification	iPhone 12 Pro Max	iPhone SE 4
Weight	228 g	165 gWinner
Thickness	7.4 mmWinner	7.8 mm
Water resistance	IP68	IP68
Build	Ceramic Shield front, textured matte glass back, stainless steel design	Aerospace aluminum frame, glass front and back

Software and support

Software and support comparison between the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max, Apple iPhone SE 4
Specification	iPhone 12 Pro Max	iPhone SE 4
Operating system	iOS 14.1, upgradable to iOS 18	iOS 18
OS updates	6 years	7 yearsWinner
Security updates	6 years	7 yearsWinner

Connectivity and value

Connectivity and value comparison between the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max, Apple iPhone SE 4
Specification	iPhone 12 Pro Max	iPhone SE 4
5G	Yes	Yes
Wi-Fi	Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be, tri-band 2.4/5/6GHz, 320MHz bandwidth)	Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be, tri-band 2.4/5/6GHz, 320MHz bandwidth)
Storage expansion	None	None
3.5mm jack	No	No
Launch price	$1,099	$499Winner