iPhone 11 Pro Max vs iPhone 12
Shop iPhone
iPhone 11 Pro Max
Starting at
£215.40£749.00 new
iPhone 12
Starting at
£170.00£649.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 11 Pro Max and iPhone 12?
iPhone 11 Pro Max vs 12 comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the iPhone 12 starts at £170, £45.40 less than the iPhone 11 Pro Max. The iPhone 12 is the newer model, released in 2020.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen size
Mobile network
Weight
- Chipset: Apple A13 Bionic on the iPhone 11 Pro Max, Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12.
- The iPhone 11 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 3969 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
- The iPhone 11 Pro Max has a bigger screen: 6.5 inch vs 6.1 inch.
iPhone 11 Pro Max vs iPhone 12 specs
The iPhone 11 Pro Max and iPhone 12 differ in size, weight, battery capacity, camera setup, chipset, and mobile network support. The iPhone 11 Pro Max has a larger screen and battery, making it suitable for those who want more screen space and longer battery life. The iPhone 12 is lighter and supports 5G, appealing to buyers who prioritise newer network technology and a more compact device. Both run iOS and offer similar RAM and front camera quality, so everyday performance and app use will feel familiar on both. Your choice depends on whether you prefer a bigger phone with a triple camera or a lighter phone with 5G connectivity.
iPhone 11 Pro Max vs iPhone 12 price
Colour
iPhone 11 Pro Max vs iPhone 12 battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size, software updates, and physical design. Differences here reflect how long the phone can last between charges and basic compatibility.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 11 Pro Max has a larger 3969 mAh battery compared to the iPhone 12's 2815 mAh. This means the 11 Pro Max may run longer between charges, which suits users who need extended battery life during the day.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 11 Pro Max vs iPhone 12 performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options. Both phones offer smooth app use but differ in processor and storage configurations.
Chipset and RAM
The iPhone 12 features the Apple A14 Bionic chipset built on a 5 nm process, while the iPhone 11 Pro Max uses the Apple A13 Bionic. Both devices have 4 GB of RAM, which supports multitasking for everyday apps. The newer chipset in the iPhone 12 may offer efficiency and speed benefits for tasks like gaming or photo editing.
Storage Options
The iPhone 11 Pro Max comes in 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB variants, ideal if you want higher storage capacity. The iPhone 12 offers 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB, which may suit users who prefer mid-range storage sizes without the highest option.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 11 Pro Max vs iPhone 12 screen
Screen quality focuses on size, resolution, refresh rate, and display technology. Both use OLED with the same refresh rate but differ in size and resolution.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 11 Pro Max has a 6.5 inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen with a resolution of 1242 by 2688. This larger, higher resolution screen is well suited to watching videos or multitasking on a roomy display. The iPhone 12 offers a 6.1 inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen at 1170 by 2532 resolution, which is a bit more compact and easier to hold for one-handed use.
Refresh Rate
Both devices have a 60 Hz refresh rate. This standard refresh rate provides smooth visuals for everyday activities like scrolling and video playback.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 11 Pro Max vs iPhone 12 camera
Audiovisual differences affect photography and video capabilities, focusing on camera counts and specifications.
Camera Setup
The iPhone 11 Pro Max has a triple main camera system, offering three lenses to capture a wider range of photos and zoom options. This suits users who want flexibility for different photography styles. The iPhone 12 has a dual main camera setup, which still delivers quality images but with fewer lenses. Both have 12 megapixel front and main cameras, so selfie and standard photo quality is comparable.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 11 Pro Max vs iPhone 12 size and design
Miscellaneous features include connectivity, size, weight and network support. These affect daily handling and future-proofing.
Mobile Network
The iPhone 12 supports 5G mobile networks, which provides faster data speeds where 5G coverage is available. This suits users who want access to newer network technology. The iPhone 11 Pro Max supports 4G, which remains widely available and reliable.
Size and Weight
The iPhone 11 Pro Max measures 158 mm in height, 77.8 mm in width, and 8.1 mm in depth, weighing 226 g. Its larger size may appeal if you prefer a bigger screen and do not mind the extra weight. The iPhone 12 is smaller and lighter at 146.7 mm height, 71.5 mm width, 7.4 mm depth, and 164 g weight, making it easier to hold and more pocket-friendly.
Connector and SIM
Both phones use the Lightning connector and support a physical SIM plus eSIM, making them flexible for different carrier setups. Both are unlocked, so you can choose your network provider.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 11 Pro Max or iPhone 12: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 11 Pro Max if
- you want a bigger battery (3969 mAh vs 2815 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.5 inch vs 6.1 inch)
Buy the iPhone 12 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £170, £45.40 less than the iPhone 11 Pro Max
- you want 5G
- you want a lighter build (162 g vs 226 g)
What our customers say
Users of the iPhone 11 Pro Max appreciate its condition and screen size. Many mention that the phone looks like new and performs well, with battery life that can last a couple of days. Some note concerns about battery health or heating, but overall, they are happy with the device's condition and performance. The larger screen and triple camera setup are often noted positively.
Owners of the iPhone 12 praise its like-new condition and smooth performance thanks to the A14 Bionic chip. The phone's lighter weight and smaller size make it comfortable to use, and the 5G capability is valued by some. Several reviews highlight extras like screen protectors and covers. Battery replacements are mentioned positively, contributing to a premium feel.
The iPhone 11 Pro Max suits those who want a larger screen and battery, while the iPhone 12 fits buyers who prefer a lighter phone with 5G support and a newer chipset. Both offer solid refurbished options depending on your priorities.
iPhone 11 Pro Max vs iPhone 12 FAQs
iPhone 11 Pro Max vs 12 comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Chipset: Apple A13 Bionic on the iPhone 11 Pro Max, Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12. The iPhone 11 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 3969 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
The iPhone 12 is cheaper refurbished, from £170 compared with £215.40 for the iPhone 11 Pro Max.
The iPhone 11 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 3969 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 11 Pro Max is still supported and can run iOS 27. The iPhone 12 is still supported and can run iOS 27.
The iPhone 12 adds 5G and a lighter build (162 g vs 226 g). Refurbished, it costs £45.40 less (from £170 vs £215.40).
Refurbished, the iPhone 11 Pro Max comes in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone 12 in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB.
