iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone XR
Shop iPhone
iPhone 12 Pro Max
Starting at
£332.70£1,079.00 new
iPhone XR
Starting at
£130.30£399.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone XR?
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs XR comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone XR starts at £130.30, £202.40 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 A12 Bionic (7 nm) on the iPhone XR.
- 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 2942 mAh.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone XR specs
The iPhone 12 Pro Max offers a larger screen, more RAM, and a triple rear camera setup, making it suited for users who want a spacious display and enhanced photography options. It has a bigger battery and supports 5G networks, fitting those who need longer use between charges and faster mobile internet. The iPhone XR has a smaller screen and single rear camera but comes in a lighter design and lower storage starting point, making it suitable for everyday use and those wanting a more compact phone.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone XR price
Colour
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone XR battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and basic physical traits.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a battery capacity of 3687 mAh, which means it can typically last longer on a single charge. This suits users who spend more time away from charging points. The iPhone XR has a 2942 mAh battery, which still supports all-day use for many but might require more frequent charging in heavy use.
Software Support
This means you get access to the newest features and security improvements on either device.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone XR performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has newer hardware and more memory, which supports multitasking and handling demanding apps. Storage options vary, offering different capacities for your files and apps.
Chipset and RAM
The iPhone 12 Pro Max uses the Apple A14 Bionic chipset and has 6 GB of RAM. This combination helps keep apps running smoothly and supports more intensive tasks. The iPhone XR's Apple A12 Bionic (7 nm) and 3 GB of RAM suit everyday use and standard apps well.
Storage Options
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB versions, providing more space for large files, photos, and apps. The iPhone XR comes in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB, which fits users with lighter storage needs or those who prefer a lower initial storage cost.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone XR screen
Screen quality affects how you view content and interact with your phone. The two models offer different screen sizes, resolutions, and panel types, influencing sharpness, colour, and viewing space.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a 6.7 inch screen with a resolution of 1284 x 2778, making it larger and sharper. This suits users who watch videos or work on their phone with more detail and space. The iPhone XR offers a 6.1 inch screen at 828 x 1792 resolution, which fits those who prefer a slightly smaller device with a comfortable viewing area.
Screen Type
The iPhone 12 Pro Max uses Super Retina XDR OLED, which produces deeper blacks and more vibrant colours, enhancing media and gaming. The iPhone XR has a Liquid Retina IPS LCD screen, delivering accurate colours and brightness suitable for everyday content viewing.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone XR camera
Audiovisual features include cameras and front camera resolution, impacting photography, video quality, and video calls.
Rear Cameras
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a triple camera setup, offering versatility for different photography styles such as wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto shots. This suits users who want more creative control. The iPhone XR has a single 12 megapixel camera, which handles standard photography well for everyday use.
Front Camera
The iPhone 12 Pro Max's front camera has 12 megapixels, capturing more detail in selfies and video calls. The iPhone XR's 7 megapixel front camera is good for clear video calls and self-portraits but with less resolution.
Main Rear Camera
Both models have a 12 megapixel main rear camera, so the core image resolution is consistent. However, the iPhone 12 Pro Max adds more camera options.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone XR size and design
Miscellaneous specs cover size, weight, network compatibility, and other physical and connectivity features that affect everyday handling and use.
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 makes it larger and heavier, suited for users who prefer a bigger device and don't mind the extra weight. The iPhone XR is smaller at 150.9 mm high, 75.7 mm wide, and 0.83 cm deep, weighing 194 g, which fits users wanting a lighter, more compact phone.
Mobile Network
The iPhone 12 Pro Max supports 5G networks, offering faster data speeds where available. This suits users who want quicker downloads and streaming. The iPhone XR supports 4G, which delivers reliable performance for standard mobile data needs.
SIM Card Options
Both phones support a physical SIM card plus eSIM, allowing flexible mobile network setups for users who want multiple numbers or easy switching between carriers.
Connector Type
Both devices use the Lightning connector, making charging and accessories compatible across models.
Carrier Compatibility
Both the iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone XR are unlocked, so you can use them with any compatible network provider.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 Pro Max or iPhone XR: 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 2942 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 6.1 inch)
Buy the iPhone XR if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £130.30, £202.40 less than the iPhone 12 Pro Max
- you want a lighter build (194 g vs 228 g)
What our customers say
Customers who own the iPhone 12 Pro Max often highlight its excellent battery life, with many saying it lasts all day. They appreciate the phone's like-new condition, sometimes noting minor cosmetic marks that are hardly noticeable. The color options are praised for adding elegance, and the larger storage options meet the needs of those wanting more space. Several customers mention smooth performance and express satisfaction with the refurbished quality, recommending it for those wanting a premium experience. Some buyers note the phone feels like new and works perfectly, even when accepting minor cosmetic damage.
The iPhone XR has customers very happy with its condition and performance, describing it as looking like a new phone without marks. Many are pleased with the battery health, even when it is a replacement rather than original Apple. The 6.1 inch screen size is noted as comfortable, especially by users who prefer a compact design. Setup is described as easy and the phone runs fast with no glitches. Several customers mention good value and suitability for everyday use, with some buying the XR as gifts and recommending it for that purpose.
Overall, the iPhone 12 Pro Max suits customers who want a larger screen, longer battery life, and more storage. The iPhone XR fits those who prefer a lighter, smaller phone for everyday tasks and value straightforward, reliable performance.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone XR FAQs
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs XR comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic on the iPhone 12 Pro Max, Apple A12 Bionic (7 nm) on the iPhone XR. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has more RAM: 6 GB vs 3 GB.
The iPhone XR is cheaper refurbished, from £130.30 compared with £332.70 for the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 3687 mAh vs 2942 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 XR ended in Apr 2026. Its last version is iOS 18.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max adds more RAM (6 GB vs 3 GB), a bigger battery (3687 mAh vs 2942 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 6.1 inch). Refurbished, it costs £202.40 more (from £332.70 vs £130.30).
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 Pro Max comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone XR in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB.
