iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 17
Shop iPhone
iPhone 12 Pro Max
Starting at
£332.70£1,079.00 new
iPhone 17
Starting at
£713.34£799.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone 17?
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs 17 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 12 Pro Max starts at £332.70, £380.64 less than the iPhone 17. The iPhone 17 is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic on the iPhone 12 Pro Max, Apple A19 on the iPhone 17.
- The iPhone 17 has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
- Battery: 3687 mAh on the iPhone 12 Pro Max, 3692 mAh on the iPhone 17.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 17 specs
The iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone 17 differ in several key ways that suit different needs. The iPhone 12 Pro Max offers a larger 6.7 inch screen with a higher resolution that is ideal for watching videos or reading. The iPhone 17 has a newer Apple A19 chipset and 8 GB of RAM, which supports smoother multitasking and more intensive apps. Photography is stronger on the iPhone 17 with a 48 megapixel main camera and an 18 megapixel front camera for detailed shots and selfies. The iPhone 12 Pro Max uses a Lightning connector while the iPhone 17 comes with USB-C, which may matter for charging and accessories. The iPhone 17 is also lighter and smaller, which suits anyone wanting a more compact device.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 17 price
Colour
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 17 battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and physical design factors.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a battery capacity of 3687 mAh, while the iPhone 17 has a slightly larger 3692 mAh capacity. Both batteries are close in size, so daily battery life should be similar for most users. This makes either model reliable for all-day use.
Software Support
This means you can expect ongoing software improvements and security features on either phone, keeping your device current for everyday use.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 17 performance
Performance depends on chipset, memory, and storage options. The iPhone 17 offers more RAM and a newer chipset, which suits users who run multiple apps or demanding software.
Chipset
The iPhone 12 Pro Max runs on the Apple A14 Bionic, while the iPhone 17 uses the Apple A19. The newer chipset in the iPhone 17 is designed for better overall speed and efficiency, which benefits those running apps that need more processing power.
RAM
With 6 GB of RAM, the iPhone 12 Pro Max keeps everyday apps running well. The iPhone 17 has 8 GB of RAM, which helps keep more apps open at once and supports smoother multitasking for users who switch between several apps frequently.
Storage Options
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage sizes, offering a wider choice for different needs. The iPhone 17 is available in 256GB and 512GB, which suits users who want more space for apps, photos, and files without the lower 128GB option.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 17 screen
Screen quality affects how you view content like videos, photos, and reading material. Differences in size, resolution, and screen type influence the experience on each device.
Screen Size
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a larger 6.7 inch screen, which provides more room for watching videos or multitasking with split views. The iPhone 17 has a 6.3 inch screen, making it more compact and easier to handle for those preferring a smaller device.
Resolution and Type
The iPhone 12 Pro Max offers a resolution of 1284 x 2778 with a Super Retina XDR OLED display, delivering sharp, bright images. The iPhone 17 has a resolution of 2622 x 1206 with a Super Retina XDR screen. The difference in resolution and screen type means each phone will display content with slightly different clarity and colour precision, which may appeal depending on your viewing preferences.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 17 camera
Camera quality is an important factor for many users. The front and main cameras differ significantly, affecting photo and video detail.
Front Camera
The iPhone 12 Pro Max features a 12 megapixel front camera suitable for clear selfies and video calls. The iPhone 17 increases this to 18 megapixels, which captures more detail and is ideal for users who prioritise high-quality selfies or video conferencing.
Main Camera
The main camera on the iPhone 12 Pro Max is 12 megapixels, capable of detailed everyday photos. The iPhone 17's 48 megapixel main camera offers four times the pixel count, which allows for more detailed and sharper images, especially in well-lit conditions. This suits photography enthusiasts or anyone who wants higher resolution shots.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 17 size and design
Other differences include physical size, weight, connectors, and network compatibility. These impact comfort, convenience, and how you connect your device.
Physical Size and Weight
The iPhone 12 Pro Max measures 160.8 mm in height, 78.1 mm in width, and 7.4 mm in depth, weighing 226 g. The iPhone 17 is smaller and lighter at 149.6 mm height, 71.5 mm width, 8 mm depth, and 177 g weight. The smaller and lighter iPhone 17 suits users who prefer a more compact, easier-to-handle device for one-handed use.
Connector Type
The iPhone 12 Pro Max uses a Lightning connector for charging and accessories. The iPhone 17 comes with a USB-C connector, which may offer compatibility with a wider range of current chargers and accessories that use this common standard.
Network and SIM
Both phones support 5G networks and include both a physical SIM and eSIM option, so you have flexibility for mobile plans and connectivity on either device.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 Pro Max or iPhone 17: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 Pro Max if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £332.70, £380.64 less than the iPhone 17
- you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 6.3 inch)
- you want an OLED screen
Buy the iPhone 17 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 higher-resolution front camera (18 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
What our customers say
Customers say the iPhone 12 Pro Max looks like new and works perfectly, with many praising the battery life lasting all day. They note the device is elegant and a good choice for those needing more storage, with options up to 512GB. Some mention minor cosmetic marks that disappear with a case, but overall the phone is satisfying for everyday use and video viewing on its larger screen.
For the iPhone 17, customers highlight its excellent condition and 100% battery health, often comparing it favourably to new phones. They appreciate the compact size and the improved camera quality, noting sharper photos and clearer selfies. Many report easy setup and smooth performance, enjoying the latest chipset and extra RAM for multitasking. This model suits buyers wanting a lighter, more compact phone with greater photographic detail.
Both devices meet different needs well: the iPhone 12 Pro Max is ideal for those who want a larger screen and more storage options, while the iPhone 17 appeals to users seeking a compact design, stronger performance, and superior cameras.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 17 FAQs
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs 17 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic on the iPhone 12 Pro Max, Apple A19 on the iPhone 17. The iPhone 17 has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is cheaper refurbished, from £332.70 compared with £713.34 for the iPhone 17.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has 3687 mAh and the iPhone 17 has 3692 mAh.
The iPhone 17 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 17 is still supported and can run iOS 27.
The iPhone 17 adds more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB), a higher-resolution main camera (48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels) and a higher-resolution front camera (18 megapixels vs 12 megapixels). Refurbished, it costs £380.64 more (from £713.34 vs £332.70).
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 Pro Max comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone 17 in 256GB and 512GB.
