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iPhone SE (3rd gen) 128GB (Black) — A15 · iOS · 128GB · Black
Apple

iPhone SE (3rd gen) 128GB (Black)

A15 · iOS · 128GB · Black

78
/ 100
From $429
VS
iPhone XS Max 256GB — A12 · iOS · 256GB
Apple

iPhone XS Max 256GB

A12 · iOS · 256GB

78
/ 100
From $1,199
Specdex verdict

Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.

In our weighted Specdex score, iPhone SE (3rd gen) 128GB (Black) lands at 78 and iPhone XS Max 256GB at 78. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.

Pick iPhone SE (3rd gen) 128GB (Black) if…

  • ✓iOS ecosystem
  • ✓Long update support
  • ✓Polished hardware

Pick iPhone XS Max 256GB if…

  • ✓iOS ecosystem
  • ✓Long update support
  • ✓Polished hardware
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Photography

Tie

Stills and video quality across lenses

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Battery life

Tie

Screen-on time and charging

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Performance

Tie

Chipset speed for gaming and heavy apps

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Display

Tie

Panel quality, brightness, refresh rate

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Value for money

iPhone SE (3rd gen) 128GB (Black)

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

iPhone SE (3rd gen) 128GB (Black) more score per dollar ($429 vs $1,199).

iPhone SE (3rd gen) 128GB (Black) 78
vs
78 iPhone XS Max 256GB

Score breakdown

iPhone SE (3rd gen) 128GB (Black)
78
cpu 78
gpu 76
camera 77
battery 72
display 75
design 78
iPhone XS Max 256GB
78
cpu 78
gpu 76
camera 77
battery 72
display 75
design 78

Specs side-by-side

iPhone SE (3rd gen) 128GB (Black) versus iPhone XS Max 256GB — full spec comparison
Spec iPhone SE (3rd gen) 128GB (Black) iPhone XS Max 256GB
Chipset
A15
A12
Storage
128GB
▲ 256GB
OS
iOS 16
iOS 12
Release year
2022
2018

iPhone SE (3rd gen) 128GB (Black)

Pros
  • +iOS ecosystem
  • +Long update support
  • +Polished hardware
Cons
  • −Premium pricing
  • −Limited customization
  • −Lightning/USB-C split across generations

iPhone XS Max 256GB

Pros
  • +iOS ecosystem
  • +Long update support
  • +Polished hardware
Cons
  • −Premium pricing
  • −Limited customization
  • −Lightning/USB-C split across generations

FAQ: iPhone SE (3rd gen) 128GB (Black) vs iPhone XS Max 256GB

Which is better, iPhone SE (3rd gen) 128GB (Black) or iPhone XS Max 256GB? +

Both score 78 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is iPhone SE (3rd gen) 128GB (Black) worth the price? +

At $429, iPhone SE (3rd gen) 128GB (Black) delivers a Specdex score of 78 — strongest in cpu.

Is iPhone XS Max 256GB worth the price? +

At $1,199, iPhone XS Max 256GB delivers a Specdex score of 78 — strongest in cpu.

Does iPhone SE (3rd gen) 128GB (Black) or iPhone XS Max 256GB last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is the better value, iPhone SE (3rd gen) 128GB (Black) or iPhone XS Max 256GB? +

iPhone SE (3rd gen) 128GB (Black) — more score per dollar ($429 vs $1,199). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.