iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 15 Plus
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iPhone 12 Pro Max
Starting at
£332.70£1,079.00 new
iPhone 15 Plus
Starting at
£439.65£799.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Plus?
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs 15 Plus comes down to the chipset, battery and main camera. Refurbished, the iPhone 12 Pro Max starts at £332.70, £106.95 less than the iPhone 15 Plus. The iPhone 15 Plus is the newer model, released in 2023.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Main camera
Weight
Connector
- Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic on the iPhone 12 Pro Max, Apple A16 Bionic on the iPhone 15 Plus.
- The iPhone 15 Plus has a bigger battery: 4383 mAh vs 3687 mAh.
- The iPhone 15 Plus has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 15 Plus specs
The iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Plus share the same screen size and RAM capacity but differ in key areas that suit different needs. The iPhone 15 Plus has a larger battery capacity and a higher resolution main camera, making it a good choice for longer daily use and detailed photography. It also uses USB-C for charging, while the iPhone 12 Pro Max retains the Lightning connector. If you want a slightly lighter phone with a powerful chipset and a proven battery, the iPhone 15 Plus fits well. The iPhone 12 Pro Max offers a balanced option with a familiar Lightning connector and a well-regarded camera for everyday use.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 15 Plus price
Colour
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 15 Plus battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and physical design aspects that affect how long and well the phone lasts in daily use.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 15 Plus features a 4383 mAh battery, which offers more capacity than the iPhone 12 Pro Max's 3687 mAh. This higher capacity suits users who need longer battery life for extended use without frequent charging. The iPhone 12 Pro Max's battery is still reliable for all-day use as seen in customer feedback.
Operating System Support
This means you get access to new features and security improvements on either phone, helping keep your device current regardless of which you choose.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 15 Plus performance
Performance focuses on the chipset, RAM, and storage options, which influence how smoothly the phone runs apps and manages data. Both devices offer 6 GB of RAM and the same storage capacities but use different chipsets.
Chipset Generation
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic chipset, while the iPhone 15 Plus uses the Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm). The newer chipset can provide more efficient processing for tasks and potentially better energy management, which may benefit users running demanding apps or multitasking.
Storage Options
Both phones come in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage variants. This range suits users who need anything from storage for everyday apps and photos to larger capacities for more files and media.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 15 Plus screen
Screen quality is important for viewing experience, especially for media and gaming. Both phones have the same screen size and type but differ slightly in resolution.
Screen Resolution
The iPhone 15 Plus has a resolution of 1290 x 2796, slightly higher than the iPhone 12 Pro Max's 1284 x 2778. This difference offers a bit more detail and sharpness on the iPhone 15 Plus, which may be noticeable when watching high-definition videos or viewing fine details in images. Both use Super Retina XDR OLED screens, ensuring vibrant colours and deep blacks.
Screen Size
Both devices have a 6.7 inch screen, providing ample space for video, gaming, and multitasking. This size suits users who prefer a larger display for media consumption or productivity.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 15 Plus camera
Audiovisual features include the front and main cameras, which impact photography and video quality. Both phones offer the same front camera resolution, but the main cameras differ significantly.
Main Camera Detail
The iPhone 15 Plus has a 48 megapixel main camera, which captures more detail compared to the iPhone 12 Pro Max's 12 megapixel main camera. This higher resolution can benefit users who take a lot of photos and want sharper, more detailed images, especially in good lighting.
Front Camera
Both phones feature a 12 megapixel front camera, suitable for selfies and video calls. This consistency means similar quality for front-facing photos and video chats.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 15 Plus size and design
Miscellaneous features include physical dimensions, weight, charging connectors, and network compatibility, all of which affect everyday usability and convenience.
Connector Type
The iPhone 12 Pro Max uses a Lightning connector, a familiar choice for many Apple users with existing accessories. The iPhone 15 Plus uses USB-C, which is becoming more common and can offer broader compatibility with chargers and accessories from other devices.
Weight and Size
The iPhone 15 Plus weighs 201 g and measures 160.9 mm tall, 77.8 mm wide, and 7.8 mm deep. The iPhone 12 Pro Max is slightly heavier at 226 g and measures 160.8 mm tall, 78.1 mm wide, and 7.4 mm deep. Users who prefer a lighter phone may find the iPhone 15 Plus more comfortable to carry and hold.
Network and SIM Options
Both phones support 5G networks and offer a physical SIM plus eSIM. This setup suits users who want flexible mobile plans or travel internationally with ease.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 Pro Max or iPhone 15 Plus: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 Pro Max if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £332.70, £106.95 less than the iPhone 15 Plus
Buy the iPhone 15 Plus if
- you want a bigger battery (4383 mAh vs 3687 mAh)
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
- you want a lighter build (201 g vs 228 g)
What our customers say
Customers appreciate the iPhone 12 Pro Max for its battery life and condition. Many report the battery lasts all day and that the phones arrive looking like new, even when accepting minor cosmetic damage. Users who chose this model mention satisfaction with the screen and storage options, and some highlight that the device works perfectly for their daily needs. However, a small number of customers experienced issues such as screen unresponsiveness or incorrect colours.
The iPhone 15 Plus receives praise for its condition and performance. Customers highlight its smooth operation, good battery life, and the benefit of the USB-C connector. Several users mention how the larger, sharp screen helps them, and the phone being lighter is noted positively. Setup was straightforward for most, though a few had to reset and transfer data again. Overall, customers are very happy with the camera quality and the phone's appearance.
Both phones suit users looking for reliable refurbished devices with solid battery life and screen quality. The iPhone 12 Pro Max appeals to those comfortable with Lightning connectors and proven performance, while the iPhone 15 Plus is ideal for those wanting a higher resolution camera, USB-C charging, and a slightly lighter design.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 15 Plus FAQs
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs 15 Plus comes down to the chipset, battery and main camera. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic on the iPhone 12 Pro Max, Apple A16 Bionic on the iPhone 15 Plus. The iPhone 15 Plus has a bigger battery: 4383 mAh vs 3687 mAh.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is cheaper refurbished, from £332.70 compared with £439.65 for the iPhone 15 Plus.
The iPhone 15 Plus has a bigger battery: 4383 mAh vs 3687 mAh.
The iPhone 15 Plus has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is still supported and can run iOS 27. The iPhone 15 Plus is still supported and can run iOS 27.
The iPhone 15 Plus adds a bigger battery (4383 mAh vs 3687 mAh), a higher-resolution main camera (48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels) and a lighter build (201 g vs 228 g). Refurbished, it costs £106.95 more (from £439.65 vs £332.70).
Both come in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB refurbished.
