iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone Air
Shop iPhone
iPhone 12 Pro Max
Starting at
£332.70£1,079.00 new
iPhone Air
Starting at
£687.30£999.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone Air?
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs Air comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Refurbished, the iPhone 12 Pro Max starts at £332.70, £354.60 less than the iPhone Air. The iPhone Air is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
Main camera
- Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic on the iPhone 12 Pro Max, Apple A19 Pro on the iPhone Air.
- The iPhone Air has more RAM: 12 GB vs 6 GB.
- The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a bigger screen: 6.7 inch vs 6.5 inch.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone Air specs
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a larger 6.7 cm Super Retina XDR OLED screen with a higher vertical resolution, ideal if you want a roomier display for videos and reading. The iPhone Air offers more RAM at 12 GB, suited for users who keep many apps open or multitask heavily. Camera capabilities also differ: the iPhone Air has higher megapixel counts on both front and main cameras, which suits photography enthusiasts. The iPhone Air is considerably lighter and thinner, with a USB-C connector and eSIM, which might appeal if you prefer a more compact device and modern charging. Storage options on the Air go up to 1TB, good for those needing more space. Both devices support 5G and are unlocked for any carrier.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone Air price
Colour
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone Air battery life and software updates
Neither device is foldable. Here are the key details that matter for durability and operating system.
Operating System Compatibility
This means you will get the current features and security improvements on either iPhone 12 Pro Max or iPhone Air, ensuring a supported and smooth user experience.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone Air performance
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone Air screen
Screen size, resolution, and type affect how you see content on your phone. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a larger and taller display, while the iPhone Air has a slightly smaller screen with a different screen type. These differences influence usability and visual experience.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 12 Pro Max features a 6.7 inch screen with a resolution of 1284 x 2778. This larger and taller display is suitable if you want more room for watching videos, browsing, or reading. The iPhone Air has a 6.5 inch screen with a resolution of 2736 x 1260, offering a wide view but with a different aspect ratio that may suit users who prefer a slightly smaller device.
Screen Type
The iPhone 12 Pro Max uses a Super Retina XDR OLED screen, providing deep blacks and vibrant colours, enhancing video and photo viewing. The iPhone Air has a Super Retina XDR screen which still delivers high-quality visuals but may differ in terms of display technology experience.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone Air camera
Camera quality is key if you enjoy taking photos or video calls. The front and main camera megapixel counts differ, which affects the detail and clarity of your shots.
Front Camera Resolution
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a 12 megapixel front camera, suitable for high-quality selfies and video calls. The iPhone Air offers an 18 megapixel front camera, which can capture more detail, making it a good choice for those who prioritise sharper front-facing photos.
Main Camera Resolution
The main camera on the iPhone 12 Pro Max is 12 megapixels, providing solid image quality for everyday photos. The iPhone Air has a 48 megapixel main camera, which captures more detail and can be better for users who want sharper and higher resolution photographs.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone Air size and design
Other features include physical design measurements, network and SIM options, connector type, and storage capacities. These impact portability, connectivity, and storage needs.
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. It offers a substantial feel and larger screen space. The iPhone Air is more compact and lighter at 156.2 mm height, 74.7 mm width, 5.6 mm depth, and weighs 165 g, making it easier to carry and handle for those preferring a lighter phone.
Connector Type
The iPhone 12 Pro Max uses a Lightning connector, which is common on many Apple devices. The iPhone Air comes with a USB-C connector, aligning with the more widely used standard for charging and accessories.
SIM Card and Network
The iPhone 12 Pro Max supports both a physical SIM and eSIM, allowing flexibility if you want to use multiple numbers or switch carriers. The iPhone Air supports eSIM only, which suits users comfortable with digital SIM management. Both devices support 5G networks for faster mobile internet.
Storage Options
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB options. The iPhone Air offers larger storage capacities at 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB, which benefits users who need more space for apps, photos, and files.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 Pro Max or iPhone Air: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 Pro Max if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £332.70, £354.60 less than the iPhone Air
- you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 6.5 inch)
- you want an OLED screen
Buy the iPhone Air if
- you want more RAM (12 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 appreciate the iPhone 12 Pro Max for its reliable all-day battery life and elegant design. Many note it looks like new despite minor cosmetic marks, with several praising the storage options and smooth performance. Some customers have highlighted the screen quality and general satisfaction with the device's condition and speed.
The iPhone Air receives positive feedback for its excellent battery health and premium condition. Users find it light and easy to handle, with storage capacity suiting a range of needs. The camera quality is noted positively, and many customers are pleased with the phone's appearance and smooth operation.
Overall, the iPhone 12 Pro Max suits those who want a larger screen and a traditional charging connector, while the iPhone Air is well-suited for buyers seeking a lighter device with higher RAM, USB-C charging, and higher resolution cameras.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone Air FAQs
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs Air comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic on the iPhone 12 Pro Max, Apple A19 Pro on the iPhone Air. The iPhone Air has more RAM: 12 GB vs 6 GB.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is cheaper refurbished, from £332.70 compared with £687.30 for the iPhone Air.
The iPhone Air 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 Air is still supported and can run iOS 27.
The iPhone Air adds more RAM (12 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 £354.60 more (from £687.30 vs £332.70).
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 Pro Max comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone Air in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
