iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone X
Shop iPhone
iPhone 12 Pro Max
Starting at
£332.70£1,079.00 new
iPhone X
Starting at
£121.10£449.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone X?
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs X comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone X starts at £121.10, £211.60 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 (10 nm) on the iPhone X.
- 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 2716 mAh.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone X specs
The iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone X differ in several key areas that suit different types of users. The iPhone 12 Pro Max offers a larger screen, more RAM, and a bigger battery, making it better for users who want more storage and longer battery life. The iPhone X is smaller and lighter, which suits users who prefer a more compact phone for everyday use. It offers fewer cameras and storage options but still delivers solid performance for smartphone needs.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone X price
Colour
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone X battery life and software updates
Durability is important for how long your phone lasts in daily use. Here the main differences include battery capacity, software updates, and SIM options, which affect battery life and connectivity.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a 3687 mAh battery, which provides more capacity compared to the iPhone X's 2716 mAh battery. This generally means the 12 Pro Max can support longer use between charges, which suits users who rely on their phone throughout the day without frequent recharging.
SIM Card Options
The iPhone 12 Pro Max supports both a physical SIM and an eSIM, offering more flexibility if you use multiple numbers or travel frequently. The iPhone X supports only a physical SIM, which suits users who prefer a traditional single SIM setup.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone X performance
Performance affects how smoothly your phone runs apps and handles tasks. Differences in chipset, RAM, and storage options influence multitasking and storage capacity for apps and files.
Chipset Power
The iPhone 12 Pro Max uses the Apple A14 Bionic chipset, which provides more advanced processing power compared to the iPhone X's Apple A11 Bionic chipset. This makes the 12 Pro Max better suited for users who run more demanding apps or multitask frequently.
Memory Capacity
With 6 GB of RAM, the iPhone 12 Pro Max can keep more apps open and handle background tasks more efficiently than the iPhone X, which has 3 GB of RAM. This benefits users who want smoother multitasking and faster app switching.
Storage Options
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage options, offering plenty of space for apps, photos, and videos. The iPhone X comes in 64GB and 256GB options, which suits users with different storage needs or those who prefer a lower priced option.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone X screen
Screen quality impacts how you view content like videos and photos. Differences in size, resolution, and screen type affect how much you see and the clarity of the display.
Screen Size
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a 6.7 inch screen, which offers a larger viewing area than the iPhone X's 5.8 inch screen. This makes the 12 Pro Max better for watching videos, browsing, or reading with more screen space.
Screen Resolution
With a resolution of 1284 x 2778, the iPhone 12 Pro Max has a higher pixel count than the iPhone X's 1125 x 2436 resolution. This results in a sharper and more detailed display, which benefits users who prioritise screen clarity.
Screen Type
Both phones use Super Retina OLED screens, but the iPhone 12 Pro Max features Super Retina XDR OLED technology, which can offer improved brightness and contrast. This suits users who want a vivid and rich viewing experience.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone X camera
Audiovisual features determine how well your phone captures and displays images and sound. Differences in camera setup and front camera resolution affect photography and video calls.
Camera Setup
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a triple camera system, giving you more flexibility for different types of photos such as wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto shots. The iPhone X has a dual camera system, which covers fewer shooting options but still handles standard photography well.
Front Camera Detail
The iPhone 12 Pro Max offers a 12 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail in selfies and video calls compared to the iPhone X's 7 megapixel front camera. This benefits users who prioritise front-facing camera quality.
Main Camera Resolution
Both phones have a 12 megapixel main camera, so they provide similar resolution for primary photos and videos.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone X size and design
Other features such as size, weight, network support, and connectivity differ between these phones, affecting comfort, speed, and compatibility with mobile networks.
Network Support
The iPhone 12 Pro Max supports 5G networks, which can offer faster mobile data speeds where 5G is available. The iPhone X supports 4G networks, which provide reliable speeds suitable for everyday use.
Physical Size and Weight
The iPhone 12 Pro Max measures 160.8 mm in height and weighs 226 g, making it larger and heavier than the iPhone X, which measures 143.6 mm in height and weighs 174 g. If you prefer a more compact and lighter phone, the iPhone X suits better.
SIM Card Types
The iPhone 12 Pro Max supports both a physical SIM and an eSIM, offering more flexibility for managing multiple lines or travel. The iPhone X supports only a physical SIM, which may be simpler for users who do not need an eSIM.
Physical Dimensions
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is wider and slightly thinner than the iPhone X, with a width of 78.1 mm and depth of 7.4 mm compared to 70.9 mm width and 7.7 mm depth for the iPhone X. This contributes to its larger overall size.
Connector Type
Both phones use a Lightning connector for charging and accessories, providing compatibility with the same range of cables and chargers.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 Pro Max or iPhone X: 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 2716 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 5.8 inch)
Buy the iPhone X if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £121.10, £211.60 less than the iPhone 12 Pro Max
- you want a lighter build (174 g vs 228 g)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the iPhone 12 Pro Max often mention the battery lasting all day and the phone looking like new. Many highlight the large storage options and smooth performance, with several recommending it for those wanting a phone that feels premium despite being refurbished. The colour and design also receive positive comments. Some customers appreciate the value for money and plan to buy from PhoneMart again, although a few mention issues with cosmetic damage or screen responsiveness in rare cases.
Reviews of the iPhone X show it as a good choice for everyday use, especially for those who want a smaller phone or a lower priced option. Customers often note it looks and works like new, and appreciate the 256 GB storage option. A few mention software limitations with newer apps due to the iOS version but still find it reliable for calls, photos, and general use. Some say it is a good phone for teenagers or as a second device.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max suits users who want a larger screen, longer battery life, and advanced camera capabilities. The iPhone X suits those who prefer a more compact phone for everyday tasks with sufficient performance and storage.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone X FAQs
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs X comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic on the iPhone 12 Pro Max, Apple A11 Bionic (10 nm) on the iPhone X. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has more RAM: 6 GB vs 3 GB.
The iPhone X is cheaper refurbished, from £121.10 compared with £332.70 for the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 3687 mAh vs 2716 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 X 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 2716 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 5.8 inch). Refurbished, it costs £211.60 more (from £332.70 vs £121.10).
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 Pro Max comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone X in 64GB and 256GB.
