iPhone SE (3rd gen) vs iPhone 18 Pro Max
Quick answer
The iPhone 18 Pro Max is 10.7 millimetres0.42 inches wider and 105 grams3.70 ounces heavier than the iPhone SE (3rd gen).
The iPhone SE (3rd gen) on Amazon (paid link) remains a budget buy still running the latest iOS, but the iPhone 18 Pro Max (paid link) arrives new with much faster performance and battery life that outlasts it by far. You pay a premium for the Max, and it adds noticeable weight to your pocket. Pick the SE for simplicity and value, or the Max if you need endurance and speed.
Paid link.
Easier one-handed: iPhone SE (3rd gen)
Pocket: iPhone SE (3rd gen)
Weight difference: Noticeable
iPhone SE (3rd gen)
from $429 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 (3rd gen): 138.4 by 67.3 by 7.3 millimetres, 144 grams. iPhone 18 Pro Max: 163.4 by 78 by 8.75 millimetres, 249 grams.
SE (3rd gen), 18 Pro Max shown at 2.1 pixels per millimetre.
iPhone SE (3rd gen)
from $429 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 (3rd gen) 138.4 millimetres, 18 Pro Max 163.4 millimetres.Height: SE (3rd gen) 5.45 inches, 18 Pro Max 6.43 inches.Width: SE (3rd gen) 67.3 millimetres, 18 Pro Max 78.0 millimetres.Width: SE (3rd gen) 2.65 inches, 18 Pro Max 3.07 inches.Depth: SE (3rd gen) 7.30 millimetres, 18 Pro Max 8.75 millimetres.Depth: SE (3rd gen) 0.29 inches, 18 Pro Max 0.34 inches.Weight: SE (3rd gen) 144 grams, 18 Pro Max 249 grams.Weight: SE (3rd gen) 5.08 ounces, 18 Pro Max 8.78 ounces.
Specifications
| Specification | SE (3rd 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 | 144 grams5.08 ounces | 249 grams, 105 grams more8.78 ounces, 3.70 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 | A15 Bionic | A20 Pro |
| Video playback — Apple's rated hours of video playback. Apple does not publish battery capacity. | 15 hrs | 45 hrs |
| Port | USB-C | USB-C |
| Wireless | 5G · Wi-Fi · Bluetooth | 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. | 429 dollars | 1,299 dollars, 870 dollars more |
| Released | Mar 2022 | Sep 2026 |
| Status | Discontinued | 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 105 g (3.70 oz) heavier than the iPhone SE (3rd gen). The iPhone SE (3rd gen) measures 138.4 × 67.3 × 7.30 mm (5.45 × 2.65 × 0.29 in) and weighs 144 g (5.08 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 taller is the iPhone 18 Pro Max than the iPhone SE (3rd gen)?
The iPhone 18 Pro Max is 25 mm taller than the iPhone SE (3rd gen). It stands at 163.4 mm in height versus 138.4 mm.
What is the screen size difference between the iPhone 18 Pro Max and iPhone SE (3rd gen)?
The iPhone 18 Pro Max has a 6.9 inch display, which is 2.2 inches larger than the 4.7 inch screen on the iPhone SE (3rd gen).
How much heavier is the iPhone 18 Pro Max compared to the iPhone SE (3rd gen)?
The iPhone 18 Pro Max weighs 249 g, making it 105 g heavier than the iPhone SE (3rd gen) at 144 g.
Which phone is better for one-handed use?
The iPhone SE (3rd gen) is better for small hands and easier to use one-handed. The iPhone 18 Pro Max is larger and heavier, making one-handed operation more challenging.
Do these phones fit in a typical men's jeans pocket?
Both phones fit in a typical men's jeans pocket according to measured sizes. The iPhone SE (3rd gen) is considered more pocketable due to its smaller footprint.
Is upgrading from the iPhone SE (3rd gen) to the iPhone 18 Pro Max worth the size increase?
The iPhone 18 Pro Max offers a significantly larger screen and more features but adds 25 mm in height and 105 g in weight. Whether this size upgrade is worth it depends on your preference for screen real estate versus portability.