Looking for an honest Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Apple iPhone SE 3rd Gen (2022) comparison in 2026? We scored both smartphones on the same six-dimension framework — performance, battery, display, camera, design and value — using identical methodology, so the numbers below are directly comparable. In our overall scoring the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max comes out ahead 78/100 to 39/100 — a 39-point gap. The widest gap is in display, where the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max pulls noticeably ahead. On price the Apple iPhone SE 3rd Gen (2022) undercuts the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max by 756% ($139.99 vs $1,199), which materially changes the value calculus for budget-conscious buyers.

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Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max clearly outperforms the Apple iPhone SE 3rd Gen (2022) in the smartphones category, especially in display quality (2000 nits vs 625 nits), scoring 78 vs 39. If you want the better overall smartphones, Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is the recommended choice.
Picking Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max over Apple iPhone SE 3rd Gen (2022) means trading these off.
Apple
$1199
Scores are relative within the smartphonescategory. Percentages show each dimension's weight in the overall score. A difference of less than 0.5 points is considered a tie.
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
| Spec | Apple iPhone 17 Pro MaxW | Apple iPhone SE 3rd Gen (2022) |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.9"✓ | 4.7" |
| Display Type | OLED | — |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness | 2000nits✓ | 625nits |
| Chipset | Apple A19 Pro | Apple A15 Bionic |
| RAM | 8GB | 12GB✓ |
| Storage | 256GB | 512GB✓ |
| Main Camera | 48MP✓ | 12MP |
| Front Camera | 24MP | — |
| Battery | 4685mAh✓ | 2018mAh |
| Charging | 30W✓ | 20W |
| OS | iOS 19 | — |
| NFC | Yes | — |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | — |
| Weight | 228g | 144g✓ |
| Price | 1199$ | 139.99$ |
Buy Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max if…
Buy the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Buy Apple iPhone SE 3rd Gen (2022) if…
Choose the Apple iPhone SE 3rd Gen (2022) if budget is your top priority — it offers competitive specs at a lower price point.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max clearly outperforms the Apple iPhone SE 3rd Gen (2022) in the smartphones category, especially in display quality (2000 nits vs 625 nits), scoring 78 vs 39. If you want the better overall smartphones, Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is the recommended choice.
Yes, Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max scores higher overall (78 vs 39).
Apple iPhone SE 3rd Gen (2022) is cheaper at $139.99 vs $1199 for the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Buy the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Choose the Apple iPhone SE 3rd Gen (2022) if budget is your top priority — it offers competitive specs at a lower price point.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max has a larger battery (4,685mAh vs 2,018mAh for the Apple iPhone SE 3rd Gen (2022)), which generally means longer use between charges.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max has the larger display (6.9" vs 4.7").
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max has a higher-resolution main camera (48MP vs 12MP). Note that megapixels are one factor — sensor quality and processing also matter.
Apple iPhone SE 3rd Gen (2022) is lighter at 144g vs 228g.
Apple iPhone SE 3rd Gen (2022) has more RAM (12GB vs 8GB), which helps with multitasking.
Reviewed by VersusMatrix Editorial Team
Last updated: May 10, 2026
Methodology: AI-powered analysis of technical specifications from manufacturer data. Scores are calculated by comparing products across multiple dimensions and normalized relative to the full category database. Our editorial process is independent and not influenced by affiliate partnerships.