iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 13 Pro Max
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iPhone 12 Pro Max
Starting at
£332.70£1,079.00 new
iPhone 13 Pro Max
Starting at
£418.75£1,049.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone 13 Pro Max?
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs 13 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, battery and screen type. Refurbished, the iPhone 12 Pro Max starts at £332.70, £86.05 less than the iPhone 13 Pro Max.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen type
Weight
- Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic on the iPhone 12 Pro Max, Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 13 Pro Max.
- The iPhone 13 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 4352 mAh vs 3687 mAh.
- Screen type: Super Retina XDR OLED on the iPhone 12 Pro Max, OLED on the iPhone 13 Pro Max.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 13 Pro Max specs
The iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone 13 Pro Max share many similarities including screen size, RAM, and camera resolution, making both strong choices for users seeking a premium large-screen iPhone. The iPhone 13 Pro Max offers a larger battery capacity and a newer chipset, which suits those wanting longer battery life and a more recent processor technology. It also provides a wider range of storage options, including a 1TB model for heavy storage needs. The SIM setup differs, with the iPhone 12 Pro Max supporting a physical SIM plus eSIM and the iPhone 13 Pro Max offering dual physical SIMs. Weight is higher in the iPhone 13 Pro Max, which could be noticeable for some users.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 13 Pro Max price
Colour
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 13 Pro Max battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, operating system compatibility, and physical aspects that affect daily use. The two iPhones differ in battery size, operating system version, and SIM card setup, which can influence how long you can use the phone and how you manage your mobile service.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a battery capacity of 3687 mAh, which suits users who want solid all-day use. The iPhone 13 Pro Max has a larger 4352 mAh battery, making it better for those who need longer battery life between charges. This difference means the iPhone 13 Pro Max can support heavier use or longer periods away from a charger.
SIM Card Options
The iPhone 12 Pro Max uses a combination of one physical SIM and one eSIM, ideal for people who want to keep a physical SIM while adding a digital number. The iPhone 13 Pro Max offers dual physical SIM cards, which suits users who prefer two physical SIMs for easier swapping or two separate carriers without relying on an eSIM.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 13 Pro Max performance
Performance depends on the chipset, memory, and storage options. Both phones have the same RAM, but their chipsets and storage capacities differ, influencing speed and how much data you can keep on the device.
Chipset Generation
The iPhone 12 Pro Max features the Apple A14 Bionic chipset, which provides reliable and efficient performance for everyday apps and multitasking. The iPhone 13 Pro Max uses the Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm), representing a newer chipset technology that can handle demanding tasks and newer app features smoothly, making it suitable if you want the latest chipset available in these two models.
RAM Size
Both iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone 13 Pro Max models come with 6 GB of RAM, which keeps everyday apps running smoothly and supports multitasking without frequent reloads.
Storage Options
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage options, suitable for most users who store photos, videos, and apps. The iPhone 13 Pro Max adds a 1TB option, ideal for users who require extensive storage for large files or media collections.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 13 Pro Max screen
Screen quality focuses on resolution, size, and display type, affecting how content appears and how much space you have for viewing.
Resolution and Orientation
Both devices offer the same pixel count of 1284 by 2778, but the iPhone 12 Pro Max lists it in a different order, which does not affect the actual display sharpness or clarity. This resolution supports detailed and crisp images on each model.
Screen Size
The screen size is 6.7 inches on both models, providing a roomy display ideal for watching videos, gaming, or multitasking with apps.
Screen Type
The iPhone 12 Pro Max uses a Super Retina XDR OLED screen, while the iPhone 13 Pro Max has an OLED screen. Both deliver vibrant colours and deep blacks, making either phone well suited for immersive viewing experiences.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 13 Pro Max camera
Audiovisual quality involves cameras for photos and video, with both iPhones offering similar setups that suit users wanting high-quality imaging.
Camera Systems
Both the iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone 13 Pro Max feature triple rear cameras with 12 megapixels each, delivering detailed photos and videos. The front-facing cameras are also both 12 megapixels, which supports clear and sharp selfies and video calls.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 13 Pro Max size and design
Miscellaneous specs include physical dimensions, connectivity, and carrier compatibility, influencing how the phone feels, connects, and fits into your mobile setup.
Dimensions and Weight
The physical size of both phones is very similar. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a depth of 7.4 mm, height of 160.8 mm, and width of 78.1 mm. The iPhone 13 Pro Max lists depth as 0.77 cm, height as 160.8 mm, and width as 78.1 mm. Weight differs with 226 g for the iPhone 12 Pro Max and 240 g for the iPhone 13 Pro Max. The slightly heavier weight of the iPhone 13 Pro Max may be noticeable in hand but also reflects its larger battery.
Carrier and Network
Both phones are unlocked and support 5G networks, making them compatible with a wide range of carriers and suitable for fast mobile data connections.
SIM Card Setup
The iPhone 12 Pro Max uses one physical SIM plus an eSIM, allowing flexible dual-line use with one physical card and one digital line. The iPhone 13 Pro Max supports dual physical SIMs, which is useful if you prefer having two physical SIM cards without eSIM.
Connector Type
Both devices use the Lightning connector, standard for iPhones, for charging and accessories.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 Pro Max or iPhone 13 Pro Max: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 Pro Max if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £332.70, £86.05 less than the iPhone 13 Pro Max
- you want a lighter build (228 g vs 240 g)
Buy the iPhone 13 Pro Max if
- you want a bigger battery (4352 mAh vs 3687 mAh)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the iPhone 12 Pro Max generally report satisfaction with its battery life lasting all day and overall performance. Many mention the phone appears like new with minimal or no scratches, and battery health is often near 100%. Some customers appreciate the storage capacity when upgrading from earlier models. However, there are isolated reports of poor condition or battery issues.
Buyers of the iPhone 13 Pro Max frequently highlight the excellent condition and clean look of their phones. The battery life is mostly described as excellent, though one customer noted it lasts about 12 hours under average use, which they found disappointing. Performance is praised as smooth and fast, and the camera quality receives positive comments. Customers also find the phone easy to set up and appreciate the unlocked SIM compatibility.
Both phones suit buyers who want a large, high-quality iPhone with strong camera capabilities and good battery life. The iPhone 12 Pro Max appeals to those who want solid performance and storage options, while the iPhone 13 Pro Max fits users looking for a newer chipset, longer battery, and dual physical SIM capability.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 13 Pro Max FAQs
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs 13 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, battery and screen type. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic on the iPhone 12 Pro Max, Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 13 Pro Max. The iPhone 13 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 4352 mAh vs 3687 mAh.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is cheaper refurbished, from £332.70 compared with £418.75 for the iPhone 13 Pro Max.
The iPhone 13 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 4352 mAh vs 3687 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 Pro Max is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 Pro Max comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone 13 Pro Max in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
