iPhone 18 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2nd gen)
Quick answer
The iPhone SE (2nd gen) is 10.7 millimetres0.42 inches narrower and 101 grams3.56 ounces lighter than the iPhone 18 Pro Max.
The iPhone SE (2nd gen) on Amazon (paid link) is sold renewed at a discount, but it runs the oldest supported chip so it is likely next to lose updates. The iPhone 18 Pro Max (paid link) launched recently with modern silicon and all-day endurance. Choose based on whether you need a cheap pocket companion or a flagship to last.
Paid link.
Easier one-handed: iPhone SE (2nd gen)
Pocket: iPhone SE (2nd gen)
Weight difference: Noticeable
iPhone 18 Pro Max
from $1,299 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon (paid link)iPhone SE (2nd gen)
from $399 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)
Paid link.
TRUE SCALE · 1.3 PX/MM
TRUE SCALE · 2.1 PX/MM
Hand: US Army ANSUR II, 2012 (sex-balanced median). Pockets: The Pudding, 2018. Card: ISO/IEC 7810 ID-1.
iPhone 18 Pro Max: 163.4 by 78 by 8.75 millimetres, 249 grams. iPhone SE (2nd gen): 138.4 by 67.3 by 7.3 millimetres, 148 grams.
18 Pro Max, SE (2nd gen) shown at 2.1 pixels per millimetre.
iPhone 18 Pro Max
from $1,299 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon (paid link)iPhone SE (2nd gen)
from $399 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)
Paid link.
Height: 18 Pro Max 163.4 millimetres, SE (2nd gen) 138.4 millimetres.Height: 18 Pro Max 6.43 inches, SE (2nd gen) 5.45 inches.Width: 18 Pro Max 78.0 millimetres, SE (2nd gen) 67.3 millimetres.Width: 18 Pro Max 3.07 inches, SE (2nd gen) 2.65 inches.Depth: 18 Pro Max 8.75 millimetres, SE (2nd gen) 7.30 millimetres.Depth: 18 Pro Max 0.34 inches, SE (2nd gen) 0.29 inches.Weight: 18 Pro Max 249 grams, SE (2nd gen) 148 grams.Weight: 18 Pro Max 8.78 ounces, SE (2nd gen) 5.22 ounces.
Specifications
| Specification | 18 Pro Max | SE (2nd gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 163.4 millimetres6.43 inches | 138.4 millimetres, 25.0 millimetres less5.45 inches, 0.98 inches less |
| Width | 78.0 millimetres3.07 inches | 67.3 millimetres, 10.7 millimetres less2.65 inches, 0.42 inches less |
| Depth | 8.75 millimetres0.34 inches | 7.30 millimetres, 1.45 millimetres less0.29 inches, 0.06 inches less |
| Weight | 249 grams8.78 ounces | 148 grams, 101 grams less5.22 ounces, 3.56 ounces less |
| Volume | 111.5 cubic centimetres6.81 cubic inches | 68.0 cubic centimetres, 43.5 cubic centimetres less4.15 cubic inches, 2.66 cubic inches less |
| Screen-to-body — Active display area over body area. Our own estimate, not an Apple figure. | 91 percent | 65 percent, 25 percent less |
| Display size — Screen size is always quoted in inches. | 6.9 inches | 4.7 inches, 2.2 inches less |
| Resolution | 1320 × 2868 | 750 × 1334 |
| Pixel density | 460 pixels per inch | 326 pixels per inch, 134 pixels per inch less |
| Cutout | Dynamic Island | None |
| Rear main | 48MP Fusion, variable aperture f/1.48-f/4.0 | 48MP |
| Rear ultra-wide | 48MP Fusion f/2.2 | — |
| Rear telephoto | 48MP Fusion 100mm (4x optical, 8x optical-quality) | — |
| Front camera | 18MP Center Stage f/1.9 | 12MP |
| Chip | A20 Pro | A13 Bionic |
| Video playback — Apple's rated hours of video playback. Apple does not publish battery capacity. | 45 hrs | 13 hrs |
| Port | USB-C | Lightning |
| Wireless | 5G · Wi-Fi 7 · Bluetooth 6 · Apple C2 modem | 5G · Wi-Fi 6 · Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Water resistance | IP68 (6m for 30 min) | IP68 (6m for 30 min) |
| Storage | 256 GB – 2 TB | 64 – 256 GB |
| Launch price — Base configuration at launch, in US dollars. | 1,299 dollars | 399 dollars, 900 dollars less |
| Released | Sep 2026 | Apr 2020 |
| Status | Current | Legacy |
Dimensions
The iPhone SE (2nd gen) is 25.0 mm (0.98 in) shorter, 10.7 mm (0.42 in) narrower, 1.45 mm (0.06 in) thinner and 101 g (3.56 oz) lighter than the iPhone 18 Pro Max. The iPhone 18 Pro Max measures 163.4 × 78.0 × 8.75 mm (6.43 × 3.07 × 0.34 in) and weighs 249 g (8.78 oz). The iPhone SE (2nd gen) measures 138.4 × 67.3 × 7.30 mm (5.45 × 2.65 × 0.29 in) and weighs 148 g (5.22 oz).
Also compared with iPhone 18 Pro Max
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Questions about these phones
How much taller is the iPhone 18 Pro Max compared to the iPhone SE (2nd gen)?
The iPhone 18 Pro Max is 25 mm taller and 10.7 mm wider than the iPhone SE (2nd gen). It also has a larger volume and depth.
Which phone is lighter, the iPhone 18 Pro Max or the iPhone SE (2nd gen)?
The iPhone SE (2nd gen) is 101 grams lighter than the iPhone 18 Pro Max. This weight difference is noticeable during daily use.
Is one phone easier to use with one hand?
The iPhone SE (2nd gen) is easier to use with one hand for an average adult hand. The iPhone 18 Pro Max is larger and generally requires two hands.
Do these phones fit in a typical men's jeans pocket?
Both the iPhone 18 Pro Max and the iPhone SE (2nd gen) fit in a typical men's jeans pocket. The iPhone SE (2nd gen) is more pocketable because it is smaller.
What is the screen size difference between the iPhone 18 Pro Max and the iPhone SE (2nd gen)?
The iPhone 18 Pro Max has a 6.9 inch screen that is 2.2 inches larger than the iPhone SE (2nd gen).
Is upgrading to the iPhone 18 Pro Max worth it for size?
Upgrading to the iPhone 18 Pro Max for size alone depends on whether you prefer larger screens. The iPhone SE (2nd gen) offers a more compact device if that is what you want.