iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 15 Pro Max
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iPhone 12 Pro Max
Starting at
£332.70£1,079.00 new
iPhone 15 Pro Max
Starting at
£577.65£1,199.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro Max?
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs 15 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 12 Pro Max starts at £332.70, £244.95 less than the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The iPhone 15 Pro Max is the newer model, released in 2023.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen type
Main camera
- Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic on the iPhone 12 Pro Max, Apple A17 Pro (3 nm) on the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
- The iPhone 15 Pro Max has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
- The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 4441 mAh vs 3687 mAh.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 15 Pro Max specs
The iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro Max differ in several key areas that suit different users. The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a larger battery capacity and more RAM, which helps with multitasking and longer use between charges. It also features a higher resolution main camera for more detailed photos and uses a USB-C connector for charging and accessories. The iPhone 12 Pro Max offers solid performance with slightly lower RAM and a smaller battery but maintains a familiar Lightning connector. Both phones have the same screen size, support 5G, and run iOS. Choose the iPhone 15 Pro Max if you want more memory, a more advanced camera, and USB-C, or the iPhone 12 Pro Max for strong performance with a smaller battery and Lightning connector.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 15 Pro Max price
Colour
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 15 Pro Max battery life and software updates
Durability includes battery capacity, software support, and basic design features. Battery capacity differs, which affects daily usage length.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a 4441 mAh battery, which offers more capacity than the iPhone 12 Pro Max's 3687 mAh. This larger battery suits users who need longer daily use without charging, such as heavy app users or those often away from power sources. The iPhone 12 Pro Max's battery is still reliable for all-day use, especially for moderate users.
Operating System Support
This means either device will run current software and receive security patches, ensuring continued app compatibility and feature updates.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 15 Pro Max performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options. The iPhone 15 Pro Max offers more RAM and a newer chipset, which impacts multitasking and processing speed. Storage options also differ, which matters if you store many files or apps.
Processor and Memory
The iPhone 15 Pro Max uses the Apple A17 Pro chipset with 8 GB RAM, which supports smoother multitasking and faster processing for demanding apps. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has the Apple A14 Bionic chipset with 6 GB RAM, which is well-suited for everyday apps and general use but may handle fewer tasks simultaneously.
Storage Options
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB capacities, offering choices for everyday users and those needing more space. The iPhone 15 Pro Max starts at 256GB and goes up to 1TB, appealing to users who require larger storage for media, apps, or professional use.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 15 Pro Max screen
Both iPhones have the same screen size, but their display technology and resolution vary slightly, influencing visual clarity and battery efficiency.
Display Technology
The iPhone 15 Pro Max features an LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED screen, which can adjust its refresh rate for improved battery efficiency. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a Super Retina XDR OLED screen. Both provide bright, high-quality displays suitable for media and daily use.
Resolution
The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a slightly higher resolution at 1290 x 2796 pixels compared to the iPhone 12 Pro Max's 1284 x 2778 pixels. This means images on the iPhone 15 Pro Max can be marginally sharper, benefiting users who prioritise detailed visuals.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 15 Pro Max camera
Camera and front camera capabilities differ mainly in the main camera's megapixels, affecting photo detail and clarity.
Main Camera Resolution
The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a 48 megapixel main camera, which captures more detail and allows for higher resolution photos. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a 12 megapixel main camera, suitable for high-quality images but with less detail compared to the newer model. Both offer triple rear cameras and a 12 megapixel front camera.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 15 Pro Max size and design
Other differences include physical dimensions, connectors, and weight, which influence device handling and accessory compatibility.
Connector Type
The iPhone 12 Pro Max uses a Lightning connector, common in many Apple devices for charging and accessories. The iPhone 15 Pro Max uses a USB-C connector, which is widely adopted across many devices and can offer more versatile connectivity options.
Size and Weight
The iPhone 15 Pro Max measures 159.9 mm in height, 76.7 mm in width, and 8.3 mm in depth, weighing 221 g. The iPhone 12 Pro Max is slightly taller at 160.8 mm, narrower at 78.1 mm, thinner at 7.4 mm, and heavier at 226 g. These subtle differences might affect hand comfort and pocket fit.
Network and SIM
Both phones support 5G mobile networks and accept a physical SIM plus eSIM, offering flexibility in carrier options and network speed.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 Pro Max or iPhone 15 Pro Max: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 Pro Max if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £332.70, £244.95 less than the iPhone 15 Pro Max
Buy the iPhone 15 Pro Max if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4441 mAh vs 3687 mAh)
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
What our customers say
Customers who own the iPhone 12 Pro Max often comment on the device's battery lasting all day and its overall reliable performance. Many users appreciate the phone's condition, describing it as looking like new or having minimal signs of use. The camera and screen quality meet expectations, and users note that the device handles everyday tasks smoothly. Some users mention minor cosmetic issues that can be hidden with a case. Less satisfied customers report problems with battery health or screen responsiveness, but these appear less common.
Users of the iPhone 15 Pro Max highlight the phone's excellent condition and battery health, often seeing it as close to new with few or no scratches. The higher capacity battery and camera quality are frequently praised, making the device a good choice for those wanting detailed photos and longer battery life. Reports mention smooth performance and no major faults, with some users noting the device can get warm briefly during heavy use. The USB-C connector and larger storage options also attract users who want more modern features and capacity.
Both devices suit different needs: the iPhone 12 Pro Max works well for those who want a dependable phone with a Lightning connector and strong day-to-day performance. The iPhone 15 Pro Max appeals to users looking for more memory, higher camera resolution, USB-C connectivity, and increased battery capacity.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 15 Pro Max FAQs
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs 15 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic on the iPhone 12 Pro Max, Apple A17 Pro (3 nm) on the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The iPhone 15 Pro Max has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is cheaper refurbished, from £332.70 compared with £577.65 for the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 4441 mAh vs 3687 mAh.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max 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 Max is still supported and can run iOS 27.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max adds more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB), a bigger battery (4441 mAh vs 3687 mAh) and a higher-resolution main camera (48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels). Refurbished, it costs £244.95 more (from £577.65 vs £332.70).
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 Pro Max comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
