iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 8
Shop iPhone
iPhone 12 Pro Max
Starting at
£332.70£1,079.00 new
iPhone 8
Starting at
£90.00£399.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone 8?
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs 8 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 8 starts at £90, £242.70 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 A11 Bionic on the iPhone 8.
- 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 1821 mAh.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 8 specs
The iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone 8 differ in several key areas that suit different users. It also supports 5G networks and dual SIMs with eSIM. The iPhone 8 has a smaller screen with LCD technology, less RAM, and a smaller battery. It supports 4G and uses a single physical SIM. Storage options are broader for the iPhone 12 Pro Max, including up to 512GB. The iPhone 12 Pro Max suits those who want a larger screen, more storage, and newer features, while the iPhone 8 is a good fit for everyday use with a smaller, simpler device.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 8 price
Colour
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 8 battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and physical build features that affect daily use. The iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone 8 differ especially in battery size and software support.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a 3687 mAh battery, which provides more power for longer use between charges. The iPhone 8 has a 1821 mAh battery, which suits users with lighter daily needs or those who prefer smaller phones. A larger battery like the 12 Pro Max's is helpful if you use your phone heavily throughout the day.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 8 performance
Performance covers the chipset, RAM, and storage options, influencing speed, multitasking, and capacity for apps and files. The two iPhones have clear differences in these areas.
Processor and RAM
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic chipset paired with 6 GB of RAM, which supports smooth multitasking and fast processing for apps. The iPhone 8 uses the Apple A11 Bionic with 2 GB of RAM, suitable for everyday tasks and less demanding apps. More RAM in the 12 Pro Max helps keep more apps open and responsive.
Storage Sizes
The iPhone 12 Pro Max comes in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB options, ideal for users needing more space for apps, photos, and videos. The iPhone 8 is available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB, which suits those with moderate storage needs or lighter media use.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 8 screen
Screen quality affects how you experience videos, photos, and daily use. The two iPhones differ notably in size, resolution, and display technology.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 12 Pro Max features a 6.7 inch screen with a resolution of 1284 x 2778, offering a larger and sharper display for watching videos or browsing. The iPhone 8 has a smaller 4.7 inch screen at 750 x 1334 resolution, suitable for users who prefer a compact phone that fits easily in one hand.
Screen Technology
The iPhone 12 Pro Max uses Super Retina XDR OLED technology, which provides rich colours and deep blacks, enhancing visual quality. The iPhone 8 has a Retina IPS LCD screen, which delivers accurate colours and good brightness but with a different visual experience.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 8 camera
Audiovisual features focus on cameras, which affect photo and video quality. Both phones have the same resolution for the main camera but differ in front camera detail.
Front Camera Detail
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a 12 megapixel front camera, capturing more detail in selfies and video calls. The iPhone 8 has a 7 megapixel front camera, which suits users with basic selfie needs or video chatting requirements.
Main Camera
Both devices have a 12 megapixel main camera, so they can take photos with similar resolution. This means either phone can deliver good quality pictures for everyday photography.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 8 size and design
Miscellaneous features include network compatibility, physical dimensions, and SIM options, which influence connectivity and handling.
Network and SIM Compatibility
The iPhone 12 Pro Max supports 5G networks, offering faster mobile data where available, and includes both a physical SIM and an eSIM for dual SIM use. The iPhone 8 supports 4G networks and uses a single physical SIM. Users who want access to the latest mobile networks or dual SIM flexibility may prefer the 12 Pro Max.
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. This larger size suits users who prefer a bigger screen and do not mind a heavier phone. The iPhone 8 is smaller at 138.4 mm tall, 67.3 mm wide, and 7.3 mm deep, weighing 148 g, which is easier to hold and pocket for those wanting a compact device.
Connector Type
Both iPhones use the Lightning connector for charging and accessories. This keeps compatibility consistent if you already have Lightning accessories.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 Pro Max or iPhone 8: 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 1821 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 4.7 inch)
Buy the iPhone 8 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £90, £242.70 less than the iPhone 12 Pro Max
- you want a lighter build (148 g vs 228 g)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the iPhone 12 Pro Max often praise its battery life, noting it lasts all day even with heavy use. Many report the device looks like new and works perfectly, appreciating the larger screen and higher storage options. Some customers mention minor cosmetic marks that do not affect performance, and others highlight the smooth and fast experience thanks to the device's power and memory.
For the iPhone 8, customers appreciate that it works like new and has good battery health. The device suits users who want a reliable phone for everyday tasks, with enough storage for apps and photos. Many mention it looks nearly new and runs smoothly. Some note the smaller size fits well for daily use, and the device is solid and easy to set up.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max fits customers who want a larger, more capable phone with up-to-date software and network support. The iPhone 8 is suited to those preferring a simpler, smaller device for basic use with decent performance and storage.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 8 FAQs
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs 8 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic on the iPhone 12 Pro Max, Apple A11 Bionic on the iPhone 8. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has more RAM: 6 GB vs 2 GB.
The iPhone 8 is cheaper refurbished, from £90 compared with £332.70 for the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 3687 mAh vs 1821 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 8 ended in Mar 2025. Its last version is iOS 16.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max adds more RAM (6 GB vs 2 GB), a bigger battery (3687 mAh vs 1821 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 4.7 inch). Refurbished, it costs £242.70 more (from £332.70 vs £90).
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 Pro Max comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone 8 in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB.
