iPhone SE (2nd gen) vs iPhone 18 Pro Max
Quick answer
The iPhone 18 Pro Max is 10.7 millimetres0.42 inches wider and 101 grams3.56 ounces heavier than the iPhone SE (2nd gen).
The SE on Amazon (paid link) runs current software but sits on the oldest supported silicon, so it will likely be the first to lose updates. The iPhone 18 Pro Max (paid link) is brand new, supports Apple Intelligence, and lasts multiple days on a charge. You choose between a tiny budget buy or a premium that will last.
Paid link.
Easier one-handed: iPhone SE (2nd gen)
Pocket: iPhone SE (2nd gen)
Weight difference: Noticeable
iPhone SE (2nd gen)
from $399 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)iPhone 18 Pro Max
from $1,299 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon (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 SE (2nd gen): 138.4 by 67.3 by 7.3 millimetres, 148 grams. iPhone 18 Pro Max: 163.4 by 78 by 8.75 millimetres, 249 grams.
SE (2nd gen), 18 Pro Max shown at 2.1 pixels per millimetre.
iPhone SE (2nd gen)
from $399 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon Renewed (paid link)iPhone 18 Pro Max
from $1,299 at launch.
Launch price, not a live Amazon price.
Check price on Amazon (paid link)
Paid link.
Height: SE (2nd gen) 138.4 millimetres, 18 Pro Max 163.4 millimetres.Height: SE (2nd gen) 5.45 inches, 18 Pro Max 6.43 inches.Width: SE (2nd gen) 67.3 millimetres, 18 Pro Max 78.0 millimetres.Width: SE (2nd gen) 2.65 inches, 18 Pro Max 3.07 inches.Depth: SE (2nd gen) 7.30 millimetres, 18 Pro Max 8.75 millimetres.Depth: SE (2nd gen) 0.29 inches, 18 Pro Max 0.34 inches.Weight: SE (2nd gen) 148 grams, 18 Pro Max 249 grams.Weight: SE (2nd gen) 5.22 ounces, 18 Pro Max 8.78 ounces.
Specifications
| Specification | SE (2nd gen) | 18 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 138.4 millimetres5.45 inches | 163.4 millimetres, 25.0 millimetres more6.43 inches, 0.98 inches more |
| Width | 67.3 millimetres2.65 inches | 78.0 millimetres, 10.7 millimetres more3.07 inches, 0.42 inches more |
| Depth | 7.30 millimetres0.29 inches | 8.75 millimetres, 1.45 millimetres more0.34 inches, 0.06 inches more |
| Weight | 148 grams5.22 ounces | 249 grams, 101 grams more8.78 ounces, 3.56 ounces more |
| Volume | 68.0 cubic centimetres4.15 cubic inches | 111.5 cubic centimetres, 43.5 cubic centimetres more6.81 cubic inches, 2.66 cubic inches more |
| Screen-to-body — Active display area over body area. Our own estimate, not an Apple figure. | 65 percent | 91 percent, 25 percent more |
| Display size — Screen size is always quoted in inches. | 4.7 inches | 6.9 inches, 2.2 inches more |
| Resolution | 750 × 1334 | 1320 × 2868 |
| Pixel density | 326 pixels per inch | 460 pixels per inch, 134 pixels per inch more |
| Cutout | None | Dynamic Island |
| Rear main | 48MP | 48MP Fusion, variable aperture f/1.48-f/4.0 |
| Rear ultra-wide | — | 48MP Fusion f/2.2 |
| Rear telephoto | — | 48MP Fusion 100mm (4x optical, 8x optical-quality) |
| Front camera | 12MP | 18MP Center Stage f/1.9 |
| Chip | A13 Bionic | A20 Pro |
| Video playback — Apple's rated hours of video playback. Apple does not publish battery capacity. | 13 hrs | 45 hrs |
| Port | Lightning | USB-C |
| Wireless | 5G · Wi-Fi 6 · Bluetooth 5.0 | 5G · Wi-Fi 7 · Bluetooth 6 · Apple C2 modem |
| Water resistance | IP68 (6m for 30 min) | IP68 (6m for 30 min) |
| Storage | 64 – 256 GB | 256 GB – 2 TB |
| Launch price — Base configuration at launch, in US dollars. | 399 dollars | 1,299 dollars, 900 dollars more |
| Released | Apr 2020 | Sep 2026 |
| Status | Legacy | Current |
Dimensions
The iPhone 18 Pro Max is 25.0 mm (0.98 in) taller, 10.7 mm (0.42 in) wider, 1.45 mm (0.06 in) thicker and 101 g (3.56 oz) heavier than the iPhone SE (2nd gen). 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). 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).
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Questions about these phones
How much bigger is the iPhone 18 Pro Max than 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 1.45 mm more depth.
Is the iPhone 18 Pro Max heavier than the iPhone SE (2nd gen)?
Yes, the iPhone 18 Pro Max weighs 249 grams while the iPhone SE (2nd gen) weighs 148 grams. The difference is 101 grams.
How much larger is the screen on the iPhone 18 Pro Max?
The iPhone 18 Pro Max has a 6.9 inch display compared to the 4.7 inch screen on the iPhone SE (2nd gen). This is a difference of 2.2 inches.
Which phone is better for one-handed use?
The iPhone SE (2nd gen) is easier to use with one hand. It is better suited for small hands than the iPhone 18 Pro Max.
Do these phones fit in jeans pockets?
Both phones fit in a typical men's jeans pocket but not a typical women's jeans pocket. The iPhone SE (2nd gen) is more pocketable due to its smaller size.
Is upgrading for size only worth it?
Whether upgrading from the iPhone SE (2nd gen) to the iPhone 18 Pro Max for size alone is worth it depends on your needs. The iPhone 18 Pro Max offers a much larger screen and battery life.