iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 13
Shop iPhone
iPhone 12 Pro Max
Starting at
£332.70£1,079.00 new
iPhone 13
Starting at
£249.06£599.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone 13?
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs 13 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 13 starts at £249.06, £83.64 less than the iPhone 12 Pro Max. The iPhone 13 is the newer model, released in 2021.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic on the iPhone 12 Pro Max, Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 13.
- The iPhone 12 Pro Max has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
- The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 3687 mAh vs 3240 mAh.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 13 specs
The iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone 13 offer different strengths for different users. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a larger screen and more RAM, making it suited to those who want a spacious display and more multitasking ability. The iPhone 13 has a smaller, lighter design and a newer chipset, which suits buyers looking for a compact phone with efficient performance. Battery capacity differs, with the 12 Pro Max having a larger battery. Storage options are the same for both, so your choice depends on size, performance preferences, and how you use your phone each day.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 13 price
Colour
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 13 battery life and software updates
Durability involves battery size, operating system, and release year. These factors affect daily use and software features, influencing how long the devices last and what experience you get.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a 3687 mAh battery, which is larger than the iPhone 13's 3240 mAh. This means the 12 Pro Max may offer longer usage between charges, which suits users who need extended battery life. The iPhone 13's smaller battery fits its more compact design and may be enough for those with lighter daily use.
Operating System
Both devices use Apple's iOS platform, so software experience will be familiar.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 13 performance
Performance is shaped by the chipset, RAM, and storage. These affect speed, app handling, and how much data you can keep on the device.
Processor
The iPhone 13 uses the Apple A15 Bionic chipset, built on a 5 nm process. The iPhone 12 Pro Max uses the Apple A14 Bionic. The newer chipset in the iPhone 13 can provide better efficiency and performance for demanding apps, making it suitable for users who value speed and responsiveness.
Memory
With 6 GB of RAM, the iPhone 12 Pro Max offers more memory than the iPhone 13's 4 GB. More RAM helps keep multiple apps open and running smoothly, which benefits multitaskers and power users.
Storage Options
Both models come in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage options. This gives you flexibility to choose the amount of space you need for apps, photos, and files regardless of the device.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 13 screen
Screen size, resolution, and type influence how you see content. Each device offers a distinct viewing experience suited to different preferences.
Screen Size
The iPhone 12 Pro Max features a 6.7 inch screen, larger than the iPhone 13's 6.1 inch display. A bigger screen is better for watching videos, reading, and multitasking, perfect for users who want more space to work or play.
Screen Resolution
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a resolution of 1284 x 2778, offering more pixels than the iPhone 13's 1170 x 2532. Higher resolution means sharper images and text, which suits those who prioritise detail and clarity.
Screen Type
The iPhone 12 Pro Max uses Super Retina XDR OLED technology, while the iPhone 13 has an OLED screen. The Super Retina XDR may deliver better contrast and brightness, appealing to users who want enhanced display quality.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 13 camera
The cameras on both devices share many features, offering similar capabilities for photos and video calls.
Front Camera
Both the iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone 13 have a 12 megapixel front camera. This means selfies and video calls will have comparable detail and quality on either device.
Main Camera
Each device is equipped with a 12 megapixel main camera. Users can expect similar photo resolution and image capture capability regardless of which phone they choose.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 13 size and design
Other differences include size, weight, and physical design details that affect how the phone feels in your hand and fits in pockets or bags.
Dimensions and Weight
The iPhone 12 Pro Max measures 160.8 mm in height and 78.1 mm in width, with a depth of 7.4 mm and weighs 226 g. The iPhone 13 is smaller at 14.67 cm height, 7.15 cm width, and 0.77 cm depth, weighing 174 g. The 12 Pro Max is better for those who prefer a larger phone, while the iPhone 13 suits those wanting a lighter, more compact device.
Network and SIM
Both phones support 5G mobile networks and use a physical SIM plus eSIM. This makes them equally capable for modern network connectivity and flexible SIM options.
Connector Type
Each device uses a Lightning connector for charging and accessories, so your existing cables and chargers will work with either phone.
Carrier Compatibility
Both devices come unlocked, giving you the freedom to choose or change your network provider without restrictions.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 Pro Max or iPhone 13: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 Pro Max if
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3687 mAh vs 3240 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 6.1 inch)
Buy the iPhone 13 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £249.06, £83.64 less than the iPhone 12 Pro Max
- you want a lighter build (173 g vs 228 g)
What our customers say
Customers buying the iPhone 12 Pro Max often praise its battery life lasting all day and its like-new condition even with minor cosmetic marks. Many mention satisfaction with its storage capacity and large screen size, appreciating the elegant design and reliable performance. While most feedback is positive, some customers have experienced issues with incorrect colours or devices not working properly.
Reviews for the iPhone 13 highlight the phone looking like new with no marks and strong battery health, especially when purchased with a new battery. Customers appreciate its condition even in fair grades and find setup easy. The smaller, lighter design is often welcomed. Some customers mention occasional network connection problems, but most find the phone reliable and well-performing.
Overall, buyers who want a larger display and more RAM often choose the iPhone 12 Pro Max, while those who prefer a lighter, newer chipset device with iOS 15 pre-installed tend to prefer the iPhone 13. Both phones receive praise for their condition and performance when refurbished.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 13 FAQs
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs 13 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic on the iPhone 12 Pro Max, Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 13. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone 13 is cheaper refurbished, from £249.06 compared with £332.70 for the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 3687 mAh vs 3240 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is still supported and can run iOS 27. The iPhone 13 is still supported and can run iOS 27.
The iPhone 13 adds a lighter build (173 g vs 228 g). Refurbished, it costs £83.64 less (from £249.06 vs £332.70).
Both come in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB refurbished.
