iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 7
Shop iPhone
iPhone 12 Pro Max
Starting at
£332.70£1,079.00 new
iPhone 7
Starting at
£66.24£179.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone 7?
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs 7 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 7 starts at £66.24, £266.46 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 A10 Fusion (16 nm) on the iPhone 7.
- 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 1960 mAh.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 7 specs
The iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone 7 differ in several key areas, making each suitable for different needs. The iPhone 12 Pro Max offers a larger, higher-resolution Super Retina XDR OLED screen and more RAM, which supports keeping more apps open. Its battery capacity is nearly double, supporting longer use between charges. It supports 5G networks and has both a physical SIM and eSIM option. The iPhone 7 has a smaller screen and lower resolution but remains a practical choice for everyday use, especially for those who prefer a compact device or a physical SIM only. Storage options also differ, with the iPhone 12 Pro Max offering up to 512GB and the iPhone 7 up to 128GB. Buyers should consider their priorities for screen size, performance, and connectivity when choosing between these models.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 7 price
Colour
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 7 battery life and software updates
Battery capacity and software support affect how long your phone stays useful before needing a charge or update. These factors can influence your experience with durability and longevity.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a 3687 mAh battery, which is larger than the iPhone 7's 1960 mAh. This means the iPhone 12 Pro Max can support longer usage between charges, which suits users who spend more time on their phone throughout the day. The iPhone 7's battery size is suitable for lighter use or shorter daily activity.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 7 performance
The chipset, RAM, and storage capacity determine how smoothly your phone runs apps and handles daily tasks. These specs influence who each device suits best.
Chipset and RAM
The iPhone 12 Pro Max comes with the Apple A14 Bionic chipset and 6 GB of RAM, providing more power for multitasking and demanding apps. This suits users who need to keep several apps open or use more performance-intensive features. The iPhone 7 uses the Apple A10 Fusion chipset and 2 GB of RAM, which works well for everyday tasks and simpler app use.
Storage Options
The iPhone 12 Pro Max offers storage options of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. This allows for more space for apps, photos, and videos, suiting users who store large amounts of content. The iPhone 7 comes with 32GB and 128GB storage choices, fitting users with lighter storage needs.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 7 screen
Screen size, resolution, and type affect how you see content and interact with your phone. These differences help decide which device fits your viewing preferences.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a larger 6.7 inch screen with a resolution of 1284 by 2778 pixels, offering more space for watching videos and reading. The iPhone 7's screen is smaller at 4.7 inches with a resolution of 750 by 1334 pixels, which suits users who prefer a compact device that fits comfortably in one hand.
Screen Type
The iPhone 12 Pro Max uses a Super Retina XDR OLED screen, which provides deeper contrast and more vibrant colours. The iPhone 7 has a Retina IPS LCD screen, which offers clear and natural colours suitable for everyday use. The OLED screen may appeal more to users who prioritise display quality.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 7 camera
Camera quality plays a big role in capturing photos and video calls. Front and main camera specs show where each model suits different photography and video needs.
Front Camera
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a 12 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail for selfies and video calls. The iPhone 7 has a 7 megapixel front camera, suitable for basic selfie and video call use.
Main Camera
Both devices have a 12 megapixel main camera, meaning they can capture photos with similar detail levels. This makes either phone suitable for everyday photography.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 7 size and design
Other differences such as size, weight, network capabilities, and SIM options may influence your choice depending on your needs and habits.
Network Compatibility
The iPhone 12 Pro Max supports 5G networks, which is suited for users who want faster mobile data speeds where available. The iPhone 7 supports 4G networks, which remain widely used and reliable for everyday connections.
SIM Card Options
The iPhone 12 Pro Max supports both a physical SIM and eSIM, giving flexibility for managing two phone numbers or switching carriers. The iPhone 7 uses a physical SIM only, which suits users who prefer simpler SIM management.
Device 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. This larger and heavier size fits users who want a bigger screen and don't mind extra weight. The iPhone 7 is smaller at 138.3 mm by 67.1 mm by 7.1 mm and lighter at 138 g, suitable for those who prefer a compact phone that fits easily in one hand or pocket.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 Pro Max or iPhone 7: 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 1960 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 4.7 inch)
Buy the iPhone 7 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £66.24, £266.46 less than the iPhone 12 Pro Max
- you want a lighter build (138 g vs 228 g)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the iPhone 12 Pro Max often highlight its like-new condition and reliable battery life that lasts all day. Many are happy with the larger screen and storage options, and they appreciate the phone's performance for everyday use. Some mention minor cosmetic marks that are easy to cover with a case. A few customers value the elegance of this model and have made repeat purchases. There are some reports of faults or issues, but these are rare compared to the overall positive feedback.
For the iPhone 7, customers often praise its condition and battery life as good for daily use, especially when a simple and practical phone is needed. The physical SIM card makes swapping easy, and the size is appreciated for being compact. Some customers mention minor scratches or small faults, but many find it suitable as a straightforward device for calls and texts or as a temporary phone.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max suits users who want a larger display, more storage, and advanced features like 5G and eSIM. The iPhone 7 fits those looking for a smaller, simpler phone with familiar features and a practical design for everyday tasks.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 7 FAQs
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs 7 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic on the iPhone 12 Pro Max, Apple A10 Fusion (16 nm) on the iPhone 7. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has more RAM: 6 GB vs 2 GB.
The iPhone 7 is cheaper refurbished, from £66.24 compared with £332.70 for the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 3687 mAh vs 1960 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 7 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 1960 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 4.7 inch). Refurbished, it costs £266.46 more (from £332.70 vs £66.24).
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 Pro Max comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone 7 in 32GB and 128GB.
