iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 6S
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iPhone 12 Pro Max
Starting at
£332.70£1,079.00 new
iPhone 6S
Starting at
£32.09£149.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone 6S?
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs 6S comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 6S starts at £32.09, £300.61 less than the iPhone 12 Pro Max. The iPhone 12 Pro Max is the newer model, released in 2020.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic on the iPhone 12 Pro Max, Apple A9 APL0898 on the iPhone 6S.
- The iPhone 12 Pro Max has more RAM: 6 GB vs 2 GB.
- The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 3687 mAh vs 1715 mAh.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 6S specs
The iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone 6S differ significantly in durability, performance, screen quality, audiovisual features and miscellaneous specs. The iPhone 12 Pro Max suits users who want a larger, higher-resolution screen with OLED technology, more RAM, 5G connectivity, and triple rear cameras. The iPhone 6S fits buyers looking for a smaller device with a headphone jack, lighter weight, and a simpler setup.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 6S price
Colour
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 6S battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, operating system support and overall build dimensions. These affect how long the phone can be used between charges, how up to date the software stays, and how the phone feels in hand.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a battery rated at 3687 mAh, which means it can support longer use between charges compared to the iPhone 6S with its 1715 mAh battery. Users who rely on their phone throughout the day without frequent charging may prefer the iPhone 12 Pro Max for this reason.
Physical Size and Weight
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is taller and wider at 160.8 mm by 78.1 mm and weighs 226 g, making it a larger and heavier device. The iPhone 6S is smaller at 138.3 mm by 67.1 mm and lighter at 143 g, which may appeal to users who prefer a more compact phone.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 6S performance
Performance differences focus on the chipset, RAM and storage options. These determine how smoothly the phone handles apps, multitasking and storage capacity for files and media.
Processor Power
The iPhone 12 Pro Max uses the Apple A14 Bionic chip, which is newer than the Apple A9 APL0898 chipset in the iPhone 6S. This means the 12 Pro Max can handle more demanding apps and tasks more efficiently, fitting users who want faster performance.
Memory Capacity
With 6 GB of RAM, the iPhone 12 Pro Max allows more apps to stay open and run smoothly at once. The iPhone 6S has 2 GB of RAM, suitable for everyday use but with fewer apps active in the background.
Storage Options
The iPhone 12 Pro Max offers 128GB, 256GB and 512GB storage options, giving more room for apps, photos and videos. The iPhone 6S comes in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB variants, which may suit users with lighter storage needs.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 6S screen
Screen quality covers resolution, size and display technology. These affect how clear images appear, how much space you have for viewing content, and the type of screen experience.
Screen Size
The iPhone 12 Pro Max features a 6.7 inch screen, offering a larger viewing area that is well suited for watching videos and multitasking. The iPhone 6S has a 4.7 inch screen, which is more compact and easier to use with one hand.
Screen Resolution
With a resolution of 1284 x 2778, the iPhone 12 Pro Max provides sharper and more detailed images, ideal for users who want high clarity. The iPhone 6S has a resolution of 750 x 1334, which still delivers clear visuals but at a lower pixel count.
Display Type
The iPhone 12 Pro Max uses Super Retina XDR OLED technology, which offers vibrant colours and deep blacks. The iPhone 6S has an IPS LCD screen, which gives good colour accuracy and brightness in various lighting but with different contrast characteristics.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 6S camera
Audiovisual features include camera setups and front camera resolution, which influence photography and video call quality.
Rear Camera Setup
The iPhone 12 Pro Max provides a triple rear camera system, which gives more versatility for different photo styles and zoom levels. The iPhone 6S has a single rear camera, offering a simpler photo experience.
Front Camera Resolution
With a 12 megapixel front camera, the iPhone 12 Pro Max captures selfies and video calls in higher detail compared to the iPhone 6S's 5 megapixel front camera. This suits users who prioritise front camera quality.
Main Camera Resolution
Both phones have a 12 megapixel main rear camera, making them capable of capturing photos with similar resolution on the primary lens.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 6S size and design
This section covers features such as network compatibility, physical connectors, SIM options and device dimensions that affect daily handling and connectivity.
Mobile Network
The iPhone 12 Pro Max supports 5G networks, providing faster mobile data speeds for compatible services. The iPhone 6S supports 4G, which is suitable for standard mobile browsing and streaming needs.
SIM Card Options
The iPhone 12 Pro Max supports both a physical SIM and eSIM, allowing flexible use of multiple numbers or carriers. The iPhone 6S supports a physical SIM only.
Audio Connector
The iPhone 6S includes a 3.5mm headphone jack alongside the Lightning connector, which suits users with wired headphones. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has only the Lightning connector.
Device Size and Weight
The iPhone 12 Pro Max measures 7.4 mm in depth, 160.8 mm in height, 78.1 mm in width and weighs 226 g, making it a larger and heavier phone. The iPhone 6S is slightly thinner at 7.1 mm depth, smaller in height and width, and considerably lighter at 143 g, which may appeal to those who prefer a more compact and lighter device.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 Pro Max or iPhone 6S: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 Pro Max if
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3687 mAh vs 1715 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 4.7 inch)
Buy the iPhone 6S if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £32.09, £300.61 less than the iPhone 12 Pro Max
- you want a lighter build (143 g vs 228 g)
- you want a headphone jack
What our customers say
Customers who bought the iPhone 12 Pro Max frequently praise its like-new condition and strong battery life, noting the device works perfectly and lasts all day. Many highlight the colour and elegance of the model and appreciate the storage options. Some have minor concerns about cosmetic marks, but these are often described as barely noticeable or fixed with a clear case. Customers also mention the device feels fast and reliable, with the battery health often reported as excellent.
For the iPhone 6S, customers find it a good value option that looks almost new and suits simpler needs. Many mention the phone is in excellent condition with a good screen and overall quality. Some say the battery may not always be perfect but generally holds up well for everyday use. The smaller size and lighter weight are appreciated, especially by those wanting a straightforward smartphone that performs well without extra features.
Overall, the iPhone 12 Pro Max is suited for users who want a larger, more powerful phone with longer battery life and advanced cameras. The iPhone 6S fits those looking for a compact, lighter device with basic features and solid performance for daily tasks.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 6S FAQs
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs 6S comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic on the iPhone 12 Pro Max, Apple A9 APL0898 on the iPhone 6S. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has more RAM: 6 GB vs 2 GB.
The iPhone 6S is cheaper refurbished, from £32.09 compared with £332.70 for the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 3687 mAh vs 1715 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is still supported and can run iOS 27. Updates for the iPhone 6S ended in Mar 2025. Its last version is iOS 15.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max adds more RAM (6 GB vs 2 GB), a bigger battery (3687 mAh vs 1715 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 4.7 inch). Refurbished, it costs £300.61 more (from £332.70 vs £32.09).
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 Pro Max comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone 6S in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB.
