BeastCompare

iPhone 11 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (1st generation): Which One Should You Buy?

iPhone 11 Pro Max edges ahead with a BeastScore of 64.2/100 — but the right choice depends on what matters to you.

Head-to-head
Comparing 2 devicesSwipe ⇄
Apple · 2019

iPhone 11 Pro Max

iPhone 11 Pro Max
64/ 100
Launch price$1,099
Apple · 2016

iPhone SE (1st generation)

iPhone SE (1st generation)
64/ 100
Launch price$399
Head-to-head

iPhone 11 Pro Max wins 4 of 7 categories

Here's exactly where each phone is stronger.

iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPhone 11 Pro Max
4 wins
iPhone SE (1st generation)
iPhone SE (1st generation)
1 win
At a glance

Bigger shape = better phone.

SpeedCameraSelfieBatteryDisplayConnectivityValue
iPhone 11 Pro MaxiPhone SE (1st generation)
Category winners

Scores out of 100. How we score

  • SpeediPhone 11 Pro Max
    64
    60
  • CameraiPhone 11 Pro Max
    75
    68
  • VideoNot enough data
  • SelfieiPhone 11 Pro Max
    60
    40
  • BatteryTie
    58
    58
  • DisplayTie
    62
    62
  • ConnectivityiPhone 11 Pro Max
    63
    45
  • SecurityNot enough data
  • ValueiPhone SE (1st generation)
    55
    80
Key differences
  • iPhone 11 Pro Max has the bigger battery3,969 mAh vs 1,624 mAh
  • iPhone 11 Pro Max charges faster18W vs 5W
  • iPhone 11 Pro Max has the bigger screen6.5" vs 4"
  • iPhone SE (1st generation) is lighter113 g vs 226 g
  • iPhone SE (1st generation) launched cheaper$399 vs $1,099
  • iPhone 11 Pro Max has a sharper selfie camera12 MP vs 1.2 MP
  • iPhone 11 Pro Max has newer Bluetooth5 vs 4.2
  • iPhone 11 Pro Max has more RAM4 GB vs 2 GB
  • iPhone 11 Pro Max has faster Wi-FiWi-Fi 6 vs Wi-Fi 5
See all specs ↓

Why buy each phone

Swipe ⇄
Reasons to buy iPhone 11 Pro Max
  • ✓Bigger 3,969 mAh battery (+2,345 mAh)
  • ✓12 MP main camera
  • ✓6.5" display at 60 Hz
Reasons to buy iPhone SE (1st generation)
  • ✓113 g lighter (113 g vs 226 g), easier to hold
  • ✓$700 cheaper at launch ($399 vs $1,099)
  • ✓12 MP main camera

Full specifications

Swipe ⇄
SpecificationiPhone 11 Pro MaxiPhone SE (1st generation)
1. Display & Screen
Screen typeSuper Retina XDR OLEDLED-backlit IPS LCD Retina
Screen Size6.5"4"
Resolution & Density2688x1242 (458 ppi)1136x640 (326 ppi)
Refresh Rate60 Hz60 Hz
Brightness800 nits peak500 nits peak
Screen ProtectionNot listedNot listed
2. Platform & Performance🏆 iPhone 11 Pro Max Wins Performance
Chipset / ProcessorNot listed Not listed
CPU CoresNot listedNot listed
GPU GraphicsNot listedNot listed
Operating SystemiOS 13iOS 9
3. Memory & Storage
RAM Memory4 GB LPDDR2 GB LPDDR
Internal Storage64GB / 256GB / 512GB16GB / 32GB / 64GB / 128GB
Storage SpeedNot listedNot listed
Card SlotNoNo
4. Main Camera Optics🏆 iPhone 11 Pro Max Wins Camera
Primary Camera12 MP, f/1.8, OIS12 MP, f/2.2
Telephoto Zoom12 MP (2x optical zoom), f/2, OISNone (digital zoom only)
Ultrawide Camera12 MP, f/2.4N/A
LiDAR / DepthNoneNone
5. Video
Main Camera Video
Not listed
Not listed
Front Video
Not listed
Not listed
6. Selfie Camera
Selfie Lens12 MP, f/2.21.2 MP, f/2.4
7. Body & Dimensions🏆 iPhone SE (1st generation) Lightest Chassis
Dimensions158 x 77.8 x 8.1 mm123.8 x 58.6 x 7.6 mm
Weight226 g113 g
Build MaterialsNot listedNot listed
SIM TypeNot listedNot listed
Water ResistanceIP68Not listed
8. Battery & Charging
Battery Capacity3,969 mAh1,624 mAh
Wired Fast Charging18W wired fast charging5W wired fast charging
Wireless Charging15W wireless chargingNot listed
Reverse ChargingNot listedNot listed
9. Sound & Audio
LoudspeakerNot listedNot listed
3.5mm Headphone JackNoNo
10. Connectivity
Wi-Fi StandardWi-Fi 6Wi-Fi 5
Bluetooth5.04.2
USB Port & SpeedLightningLightning
NFCYes (contactless payment)Yes (contactless payment)
11. Sensors & Security
SensorsNot listedNot listed
Satellite FeaturesNot listedNot listed
12. Colors & Overview
ColorsNot listedNot listed
Launch Price$1,099$399
Our verdict

iPhone 11 Pro Max wins — BeastScore 64.2/100

The iPhone 11 Pro Max is the better pick for most people thanks to its bigger battery (3,969 mAh vs 1,624 mAh) and faster charging (18W vs 5W). The iPhone SE (1st generation) is worth a look if you prefer its lighter body (113 g vs 226 g).

Buy iPhone 11 Pro Max if you want

Larger battery: 3,969 mAh vs 1,624 mAh · Faster wired charging: 18W vs 5W

Buy iPhone SE (1st generation) if you want

Lighter: 113 g vs 226 g (113 g less) · Lower launch price: $399 vs $1,099

Common questions

Which is better: iPhone 11 Pro Max or iPhone SE (1st generation)?

The iPhone 11 Pro Max is the better pick for most people thanks to its bigger battery (3,969 mAh vs 1,624 mAh) and faster charging (18W vs 5W). The iPhone SE (1st generation) is worth a look if you prefer its lighter body (113 g vs 226 g). BeastScore: iPhone 11 Pro Max 64.2/100, iPhone SE (1st generation) 64.0/100.

What are the main battery and display differences between iPhone 11 Pro Max and iPhone SE (1st generation)?

iPhone 11 Pro Max has a 6.5-inch display and 3969 mAh battery. iPhone SE (1st generation) has a 4-inch display and 1624 mAh battery.

How do iPhone 11 Pro Max and iPhone SE (1st generation) compare for speed?

iPhone 11 Pro Max scores 64/100 for performance; iPhone SE (1st generation) scores 60/100.

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