Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Apple iPhone SE 4
Compare Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Apple iPhone SE 4 side by side: Apple A19 Pro vs Apple A18 (3nm), 48MP vs 48MP camera, 4823mAh vs 3279mAh battery, $699 vs…
Apple
iPhone 17 Pro Max
$699
11categories won
Apple
iPhone SE 4
$499
5categories won
5 categories tied · 21 scored in total · add a third phone
Which one wins?
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max takes the overall win
The Apple iPhone 17 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 17 Pro Max leads with sharper imaging, while battery endurance leans towards the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Choose the iPhone 17 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.
iPhone 17 Pro Max wins on endurance with 4,823 mAh and 42W fast charging.
iPhone 17 Pro Max leads gaming and raw performance powered by the Apple A19 Pro and 12GB RAM.
iPhone 17 Pro Max wins photography with 48MP main imaging and 4x dedicated optical zoom.
iPhone SE 4 wins on budget and value at $499 compared to $699.
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 17 Pro Max vs iPhone SE 4: specifications compared
Display
| Specification | iPhone 17 Pro Max | iPhone SE 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.9" | 6.06" |
| Resolution | 1320 x 2868Winner | 1170 x 2532 |
| Pixel density | 458 ppi | 460 ppi |
| Refresh rate | 120 HzWinner | 60 Hz |
| Peak brightness | 3000 nitsWinner | 1200 nits |
Performance
| Specification | iPhone 17 Pro Max | iPhone SE 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A19 Pro | Apple A18 (3nm) |
| Process node | 3 nm | 3 nm |
| AnTuTu score | 2,400,000 | 2,400,000 |
| Geekbench multi | 8900 | 8900 |
| Maximum RAM | 12 GBWinner | 8 GB |
| Maximum storage | 2TBWinner | 128GB |
Camera
| Specification | iPhone 17 Pro Max | iPhone SE 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Main sensor | 48 MP | 48 MP |
| Rear cameras | 3Winner | 1 |
| Optical zoom | 4xWinner | 1x |
| Ultrawide | 48 MP | — |
| Selfie camera | 18 MPWinner | 12 MP |
| Max video | 8K at 30fps / 4K at 120fps | 8K at 30fps / 4K at 120fps |
Battery and charging
| Specification | iPhone 17 Pro Max | iPhone SE 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4,823 mAhWinner | 3,279 mAh |
| Wired charging | 42 WWinner | 20 W |
| Wireless charging | 25 WWinner | 15 W |
Design
| Specification | iPhone 17 Pro Max | iPhone SE 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 233 g | 165 gWinner |
| Thickness | 8.75 mm | 7.8 mmWinner |
| Water resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Build | Aluminum unibody, Ceramic Shield 2 front | Aerospace aluminum frame, glass front and back |
Software and support
| Specification | iPhone 17 Pro Max | iPhone SE 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | iOS iOS 26 | iOS 18 |
| OS updates | 6 years | 7 yearsWinner |
| Security updates | 6 years | 7 yearsWinner |
Connectivity and value
| Specification | iPhone 17 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 | $699 | $499Winner |
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is a massive 6.9-inch flagship suited for power users and mobile videographers. With its new A19 Pro 3nm chipset, 12GB of RAM, and a complete triple 48MP camera system, it delivers top-tier performance, though its 233g aluminum build makes it exceptionally heavy.
- Display
- 6.9"
- Chipset
- Apple A19 Pro
- Main camera
- 48MP
- Battery
- 4,823mAh
Apple iPhone SE 4
The iPhone SE 4 transforms Apple’s budget lineup: the home button and thick bezels are replaced with a 6.1-inch OLED, Face ID, USB-C, 48MP camera, and full Apple Intelligence capability for under $500.
- Display
- 6.06"
- Chipset
- Apple A18 (3nm)
- Main camera
- 48MP
- Battery
- 3,279mAh