iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 15 Pro
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iPhone 12 Pro Max
Starting at
£332.70£1,079.00 new
iPhone 15 Pro
Starting at
£542.00£1,099.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro?
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs 15 Pro comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 12 Pro Max starts at £332.70, £209.30 less than the iPhone 15 Pro. The iPhone 15 Pro is the newer model, released in 2023.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic on the iPhone 12 Pro Max, Apple A17 Pro on the iPhone 15 Pro.
- The iPhone 15 Pro has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
- The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 3687 mAh vs 3274 mAh.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 15 Pro specs
The iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro each suit different needs. The iPhone 12 Pro Max offers a larger 6.7 inch screen with higher resolution, which is good if you want more display space for videos or reading. The iPhone 15 Pro has a smaller 6.1 inch screen but uses LTPO technology, which helps with smoothness and efficiency. Performance is stronger on the iPhone 15 Pro with a newer chipset and 8 GB of RAM, making it better for demanding apps. The iPhone 15 Pro also has a higher resolution 48 megapixel main camera for more detailed photos and a USB-C connector for faster data transfer. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a larger battery capacity and uses a Lightning connector. Weight and size also differ, with the iPhone 15 Pro being lighter and more compact. Storage options on the iPhone 15 Pro go up to 1TB.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 15 Pro price
Colour
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 15 Pro battery life and software updates
Battery life and software support are key factors for durability.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a larger 3687 mAh battery compared to the iPhone 15 Pro's 3274 mAh. This means the 12 Pro Max may offer longer usage between charges which suits users who prioritise battery life. The iPhone 15 Pro's smaller battery might appeal to those who value a lighter, more compact device.
Software Updates
This ensures ongoing access to new features and security patches for both models.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 15 Pro performance
Performance depends on chipset power, memory, and storage options. The iPhone 15 Pro has newer internal hardware and more RAM, while the iPhone 12 Pro Max offers a range of storage sizes but less memory.
Chipset and RAM
The iPhone 15 Pro runs on the Apple A17 Pro chipset with 8 GB RAM, providing smooth multitasking and handling of demanding apps. The iPhone 12 Pro Max features the Apple A14 Bionic with 6 GB RAM, suitable for everyday use and typical apps but with less memory to keep many apps open simultaneously.
Storage Options
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is stocked in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB capacities while the iPhone 15 Pro adds a 1TB option. This larger storage suits users who need to save many files, apps, or media locally.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 15 Pro screen
Screen size, resolution, and panel technology affect how you experience visuals. Each phone has a distinct display size and resolution tailored to different preferences.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a bigger 6.7 inch screen with 1284 x 2778 resolution, offering more space and sharper detail for watching videos or browsing. The iPhone 15 Pro has a smaller 6.1 inch screen at 1179 x 2556 resolution, which suits users who prefer a more compact phone that fits easily in one hand or pocket.
Screen Technology
The iPhone 12 Pro Max uses a Super Retina XDR OLED screen while the iPhone 15 Pro features an LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED. LTPO technology can help with power efficiency and adaptive refresh rates benefiting users who want smooth scrolling and battery savings.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 15 Pro camera
Camera quality and front camera resolution influence photo and video capture. Both phones share the same front camera megapixels but differ in main camera detail.
Main Camera Resolution
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a 12 megapixel main camera, suitable for general photography needs. The iPhone 15 Pro offers a 48 megapixel main camera capturing more detail and potentially better suited for users interested in high-resolution photos or advanced creative work.
Front Camera
Both phones have a 12 megapixel front camera making them equally capable for selfies and video calls.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 15 Pro size and design
Other differences include physical dimensions, connectors, and SIM options which affect usability and convenience.
Connector Type
The iPhone 12 Pro Max uses a Lightning connector common in earlier iPhones.
Size and Weight
The iPhone 12 Pro Max measures 160.8 mm tall, 78.1 mm wide, and 7.4 mm deep, weighing 226 g. The iPhone 15 Pro is smaller and lighter at 146.6 mm tall, 70.6 mm wide, 8.3 mm deep, and 171 g. This makes the iPhone 15 Pro easier to carry and use one-handed.
SIM Card Options
The iPhone 12 Pro Max supports both a physical SIM and eSIM offering more flexibility for users who want to switch physical SIM cards. The iPhone 15 Pro uses eSIM only which suits users comfortable with digital SIM management.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 Pro Max or iPhone 15 Pro: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 Pro Max if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £332.70, £209.30 less than the iPhone 15 Pro
- you want a bigger battery (3687 mAh vs 3274 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 6.1 inch)
Buy the iPhone 15 Pro if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
- you want a lighter build (187 g vs 228 g)
What our customers say
Customers say the iPhone 12 Pro Max looks like new and works perfectly with many noting all-day battery life and satisfactory storage options. Reviews mention minor cosmetic marks that can be covered with a case and highlight the phone's elegance and solid performance. Some customers have reported issues with battery health or screen responsiveness but many praise the device for lasting well and providing a good refurbished experience.
For the iPhone 15 Pro customers highlight its near-new condition, smooth performance, and excellent camera quality. Battery health is generally strong often around 88 to 94 percent and minor scratches are sometimes noted but do not affect use. Buyers appreciate the lighter weight and compact size. Many say it feels just like a new phone and value the environmental benefits of buying refurbished.
Overall the iPhone 12 Pro Max suits users looking for a larger display and longer battery capacity while the iPhone 15 Pro fits those who want newer performance, higher camera resolution, and a lighter, smaller device.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 15 Pro FAQs
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs 15 Pro comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic on the iPhone 12 Pro Max, Apple A17 Pro on the iPhone 15 Pro. The iPhone 15 Pro has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is cheaper refurbished, from £332.70 compared with £542 for the iPhone 15 Pro.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 3687 mAh vs 3274 mAh.
The iPhone 15 Pro 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 Pro is still supported and can run iOS 27.
The iPhone 15 Pro adds more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB), a higher-resolution main camera (48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels) and a lighter build (187 g vs 228 g). Refurbished, it costs £209.30 more (from £542 vs £332.70).
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 Pro Max comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone 15 Pro in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
