iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 8 Plus
Shop iPhone
iPhone 12 Pro Max
Starting at
£332.70£1,079.00 new
iPhone 8 Plus
Starting at
£100.56£399.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone 8 Plus?
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs 8 Plus comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 8 Plus starts at £100.56, £232.14 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 Plus.
- The iPhone 12 Pro Max has more RAM: 6 GB vs 3 GB.
- The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 3687 mAh vs 2691 mAh.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 8 Plus specs
The iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone 8 Plus differ mainly in screen size, performance, camera setup, and network capabilities. The iPhone 12 Pro Max offers a larger, higher-resolution OLED screen that suits those who want a more immersive display for video and apps. It also provides more RAM and a newer chipset, which helps with multitasking and running demanding apps. The 12 Pro Max supports 5G and includes eSIM support, appealing to users wanting faster mobile networks and dual SIM options. The iPhone 8 Plus has a smaller screen and simpler camera setup, making it suitable for everyday use and those wanting a familiar, straightforward iPhone experience.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 8 Plus price
Colour
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 8 Plus battery life and software updates
Battery life and software updates are key to a device's durability. The iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone 8 Plus differ in battery size and software support, which influence how long they last and stay current.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a battery capacity of 3687 mAh, which supports longer use between charges. The iPhone 8 Plus has a 2691 mAh battery, suited for users with more basic daily needs or lighter usage patterns.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 8 Plus performance
Performance affects how smoothly a device runs apps and handles multitasking. The two iPhones differ in chipset, RAM, and storage options, which impact daily responsiveness and capacity.
Chipset Power
The iPhone 12 Pro Max runs on the Apple A14 Bionic chipset, providing faster processing for demanding apps and multitasking. The iPhone 8 Plus uses the Apple A11 Bionic, suited for everyday tasks with fewer demands on speed.
Memory Capacity
With 6 GB of RAM, the iPhone 12 Pro Max keeps multiple apps open more comfortably, benefiting users who switch between tasks frequently. The iPhone 8 Plus has 3 GB of RAM, which supports basic app usage and simpler workflows.
Storage Choices
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB options, offering plenty of space for apps, media, and documents. The iPhone 8 Plus comes in 64GB and 256GB versions, suitable for users with lighter storage needs.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 8 Plus screen
Screen quality shapes how you view content and interact with your phone. Differences in size, resolution, and technology affect clarity, colour, and the overall experience.
Screen Size
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a 6.7 inch screen, providing more room for watching videos, browsing, and gaming. The iPhone 8 Plus has a 5.5 inch screen, which fits comfortably in one hand and suits users preferring a more compact display.
Resolution and Detail
With a resolution of 1284 x 2778, the iPhone 12 Pro Max offers sharper images and finer detail, ideal for high-definition content. The iPhone 8 Plus has a resolution of 1080 x 1920, delivering clear visuals suitable for everyday use.
Screen Technology
The iPhone 12 Pro Max features a Super Retina XDR OLED screen, which provides deeper blacks and more vibrant colours. The iPhone 8 Plus uses a Retina IPS LCD screen, which offers consistent colour and brightness well suited for general viewing.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 8 Plus camera
Camera and front-facing camera capabilities influence photography and video calls. The two iPhones differ in camera setup and front camera resolution.
Camera Setup
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a triple main camera system, offering more versatile photography options such as telephoto and ultra-wide shots. The iPhone 8 Plus has a double main camera setup, which covers standard and zoom photography well for everyday pictures.
Front Camera Resolution
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a 12 megapixels front camera, capturing sharper selfies and clearer video calls. The iPhone 8 Plus has a 7 megapixels front camera, suitable for casual selfies and video chats.
Main Camera Resolution
Both iPhones share a 12 megapixels main camera resolution, ensuring comparable detail in photos taken with the rear cameras.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 8 Plus size and design
Other features like network support, SIM options, and physical dimensions may influence daily convenience and connectivity.
Mobile Network
The iPhone 12 Pro Max supports 5G networks for faster mobile data speeds where available. The iPhone 8 Plus supports 4G, which provides reliable connectivity for most mobile tasks.
SIM Card Options
The iPhone 12 Pro Max supports both a physical SIM and eSIM, allowing flexible use of multiple phone numbers. The iPhone 8 Plus supports a physical SIM only.
Device Size and Weight
The iPhone 12 Pro Max measures 160.8 mm in height and weighs 226 g, making it larger and heavier. The iPhone 8 Plus is slightly smaller at 158.4 mm tall and lighter at 202 g, which may suit users looking for a more manageable device.
Carrier and Connector
Both the iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone 8 Plus come unlocked and use the Lightning connector, providing compatibility with a wide range of accessories.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 Pro Max or iPhone 8 Plus: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 Pro Max if
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 3 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3687 mAh vs 2691 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 5.5 inch)
Buy the iPhone 8 Plus if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £100.56, £232.14 less than the iPhone 12 Pro Max
- you want a lighter build (202 g vs 228 g)
What our customers say
Customers of the iPhone 12 Pro Max frequently mention that the phone looks and works like new, with many praising the battery life lasting all day. Some highlight the phone's speed and storage options, noting it handles apps and multitasking well. The screen and colour options receive positive remarks for their clarity and elegance. A few customers mention minor cosmetic marks that are barely noticeable, but overall satisfaction with the device is high.
Users of the iPhone 8 Plus appreciate its good condition and reliable function. The phone suits those with simpler needs, such as children or older users. Some mention that the device does not support the latest iOS updates, affecting app availability. Battery life and unlocking have been raised as concerns by a few, but many find the phone meets expectations for everyday use. Its size and build are also noted positively.
Overall, the iPhone 12 Pro Max appeals to those wanting a larger screen, more power, and longer software support, while the iPhone 8 Plus suits users who prefer a smaller, straightforward device for daily tasks and simpler app use.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 8 Plus FAQs
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs 8 Plus 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 Plus. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has more RAM: 6 GB vs 3 GB.
The iPhone 8 Plus is cheaper refurbished, from £100.56 compared with £332.70 for the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 3687 mAh vs 2691 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 Plus ended in Mar 2025. Its last version is iOS 16.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max adds more RAM (6 GB vs 3 GB), a bigger battery (3687 mAh vs 2691 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 5.5 inch). Refurbished, it costs £232.14 more (from £332.70 vs £100.56).
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 Pro Max comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone 8 Plus in 64GB and 256GB.
