iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone XS
Shop iPhone
iPhone 12 Pro Max
Starting at
£332.70£1,079.00 new
iPhone XS
Starting at
£138.35£559.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone XS?
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs XS comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone XS starts at £138.35, £194.35 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 on the iPhone XS.
- The iPhone 12 Pro Max has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
- The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 3687 mAh vs 2658 mAh.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone XS specs
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a larger 6.7 inch screen with higher resolution and a triple rear camera setup, making it suited for those who want a bigger display and more advanced photography options. It also offers a bigger battery and 5G connectivity, which benefit users needing longer use and faster networks. The iPhone XS is smaller and lighter with a 5.8 inch screen and two rear cameras, fitting those who prefer a compact phone that still performs well for everyday tasks.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone XS price
Colour
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone XS battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity and software support, important for day to day use.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a 3687 mAh battery, which is larger than the iPhone XS's 2658 mAh. This means the 12 Pro Max can last longer between charges, suiting users who need more screen time or use power-hungry apps. The iPhone XS still supports a full day of use but may require earlier charging for heavier users.
Software Support
This ensures ongoing access to security patches and new features for users of either device.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone XS performance
Performance depends on chipset, RAM, and storage options. These affect speed, multitasking, and space for apps and media.
Chipset and RAM
The iPhone 12 Pro Max uses the Apple A14 Bionic chipset with 6 GB of RAM. This combination is suited for smooth multitasking and handling demanding apps. The iPhone XS has the Apple A12 Bionic chipset and 4 GB of RAM, supporting everyday use and standard apps well. Users wanting more power for intensive tasks will find the 12 Pro Max better suited.
Storage Options
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is available with 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of storage. This suits users needing ample space for photos, videos, and apps. The iPhone XS offers 64GB or 256GB options, fitting those who want enough storage for usual use or moderate media without larger capacities.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone XS screen
Screen quality includes size, resolution, and display type. These affect how much you see and the clarity of images and text.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a 6.7 inch screen with a resolution of 1284 x 2778 pixels, offering a larger and sharper display. This is well suited for watching videos, gaming, and reading. The iPhone XS has a 5.8 inch screen at 1125 x 2436 pixels, making it more compact and easier to use one-handed while still providing clear visuals.
Screen Type
Both devices feature Super Retina OLED displays, with the iPhone 12 Pro Max using Super Retina XDR OLED. This means the 12 Pro Max's screen can produce brighter highlights and deeper contrast, improving visual quality especially for HDR content.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone XS camera
Audiovisual features like cameras and front camera resolution affect photo quality and video calls.
Camera Setup
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a triple rear camera system, providing more versatility for photography including different focal lengths. The iPhone XS comes with a dual rear camera setup, suitable for standard photography needs. Users interested in varied photo options will appreciate the 12 Pro Max.
Front Camera
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a 12 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail in selfies and video calls compared to the iPhone XS front camera at 7 megapixels. This benefits users who often use their front camera for high quality images or video chatting.
Main Camera
Both devices have a 12 megapixel main camera. This means both can capture detailed photos under good conditions.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone XS size and design
Other differences include dimensions, weight, mobile network, and SIM options, which influence how each phone fits your lifestyle.
Size and Weight
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is larger at 160.8 mm tall, 78.1 mm wide, and 7.4 mm deep, weighing 226 g. The iPhone XS is smaller at 143.6 mm tall, 70.9 mm wide, and 7.7 mm deep, weighing 177 g. The 12 Pro Max suits those comfortable with a larger phone, while the XS fits users wanting a more compact and lighter device.
Mobile Network
The iPhone 12 Pro Max supports 5G mobile networks, enabling faster internet speeds where available. The iPhone XS supports 4G networks, sufficient for typical mobile use. Users wanting the latest mobile speed technology may prefer the 12 Pro Max.
SIM Card Options
Both phones support a physical SIM plus an eSIM, allowing dual SIM use for managing personal and work numbers or different carriers.
Connector Type
Both devices use a Lightning connector for charging and accessories, maintaining compatibility with existing Apple peripherals.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 Pro Max or iPhone XS: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 Pro Max if
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3687 mAh vs 2658 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 5.8 inch)
Buy the iPhone XS if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £138.35, £194.35 less than the iPhone 12 Pro Max
- you want a lighter build (177 g vs 228 g)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the iPhone 12 Pro Max frequently mention the battery lasting all day and the device looking like new even if it has minor cosmetic marks. Many say the phone works perfectly and is very satisfying for daily use. Some customers appreciate the larger storage options and the elegant look of the device. A few have had issues with specific units, including screen responsiveness and battery health, but these are exceptions in the overall positive feedback.
For the iPhone XS, customers often highlight the phone's compact size and smooth performance for everyday tasks. The battery generally lasts well for a full day, and many users find the phone looks spotless and runs perfectly. Some customers mention minor marks or camera issues, but most report satisfaction with the condition and quality. The XS suits those who prefer a smaller phone with good storage and camera capability.
Overall, the iPhone 12 Pro Max appeals to users who want a larger screen, longer battery life, and more advanced camera options, while the iPhone XS suits those favouring a more compact device with solid everyday performance.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone XS FAQs
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs XS comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic on the iPhone 12 Pro Max, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone XS is cheaper refurbished, from £138.35 compared with £332.70 for the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 3687 mAh vs 2658 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 XS ended in Apr 2026. Its last version is iOS 18.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max adds more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB), a bigger battery (3687 mAh vs 2658 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 5.8 inch). Refurbished, it costs £194.35 more (from £332.70 vs £138.35).
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 Pro Max comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone XS in 64GB and 256GB.
