iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max
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iPhone 12 Pro Max
Starting at
£332.70£1,079.00 new
iPhone XS Max
Starting at
£168.09£459.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone XS Max?
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs XS Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone XS Max starts at £168.09, £164.61 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 Max.
- 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 3174 mAh.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max specs
The iPhone 12 Pro Max offers a larger 6.7 inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen with a higher resolution, 6 GB of RAM, and an Apple A14 Bionic chip. It supports 5G networks and has a bigger 3687 mAh battery, which suits users who want a bigger display, more power, and faster mobile connectivity. The iPhone XS Max has a slightly smaller 6.5 inch Super Retina OLED screen, 4 GB of RAM, and an Apple A12 Bionic chip. It supports 4G networks and comes with storage options starting at 64GB, making it suitable for buyers who want a slightly smaller phone with a lower starting storage option.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max price
Colour
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max battery life and software updates
Durability includes battery capacity, software updates, and physical measurements. Battery size and dimensions vary between them, affecting daily use and handling.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a 3687 mAh battery, which is larger than the iPhone XS Max's 3174 mAh. This means the 12 Pro Max can typically last longer on a single charge. If you often use your phone heavily or want longer time between charges, the 12 Pro Max suits you better.
Dimensions 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. The iPhone XS Max is slightly smaller at 15.75 cm tall, 7.74 cm wide, 0.77 cm deep, and lighter at 208 g. The 12 Pro Max is larger and heavier, which might suit those who prefer a bigger phone, while the XS Max is easier to hold for users favouring a lighter device.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options you choose. These differences affect how smoothly the phone handles apps, multitasking, and storage needs.
Processor And RAM
The iPhone 12 Pro Max features the Apple A14 Bionic chip and 6 GB of RAM, while the iPhone XS Max uses the Apple A12 Bionic chip with 4 GB of RAM. More RAM helps keep multiple apps open and running smoothly. The chipset and extra memory in the 12 Pro Max make it better for demanding tasks.
Storage Options
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is available with 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB of storage. The iPhone XS Max offers 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB options. If you want a lower starting storage capacity, the XS Max provides a 64GB option. The 12 Pro Max starts at 128GB, which suits users needing more space for apps, photos, and files from the outset.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max screen
Screen quality covers size, resolution, and panel type. Both phones have high-quality OLED displays, but there are differences that affect the viewing experience.
Screen Size And Resolution
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a larger 6.7 inch screen with a resolution of 1284 x 2778 pixels. The iPhone XS Max has a 6.5 inch screen with 1242 x 2688 pixels. A larger screen with higher resolution means more space for videos, reading, and gaming on the 12 Pro Max.
Screen Technology
Both phones use Super Retina OLED technology, but the 12 Pro Max has the Super Retina XDR OLED panel. This means the 12 Pro Max screen can deliver brighter highlights and a wider colour range, which benefits users watching HDR content or working with detailed images.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max camera
Audiovisual features focus on cameras essential for selfies and photography. Both phones have the same main camera resolution but differ in front camera megapixels.
Front Camera
The iPhone 12 Pro Max offers a 12 megapixel front camera, compared to the iPhone XS Max's 7 megapixels. This higher resolution is better for detailed selfies and video calls, appealing to users who prioritise front camera quality.
Main Camera
Both phones have a 12 megapixel main camera, so they offer similar photo resolution. This suits buyers focusing on the primary camera for everyday photography.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max size and design
Miscellaneous details include network compatibility, SIM options, connectors, and physical characteristics that influence daily usage and connectivity.
Mobile Network
The iPhone 12 Pro Max supports 5G networks, while the iPhone XS Max supports 4G only. If fast mobile internet is important to you, especially in areas with 5G coverage, the 12 Pro Max is the better option.
SIM Card Options
Both devices support a physical SIM and eSIM, allowing you to use dual SIMs for work and personal numbers or when travelling.
Connector Type
Each phone uses the Lightning connector for charging and accessories. This keeps compatibility consistent across both devices.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 Pro Max or iPhone XS Max: 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 3174 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 6.5 inch)
Buy the iPhone XS Max if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £168.09, £164.61 less than the iPhone 12 Pro Max
- you want a lighter build (208 g vs 228 g)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the iPhone 12 Pro Max often praise its battery life, saying it lasts all day even with heavy use. Many comment on how the phone looks like new despite being refurbished. The larger storage options and elegant colour choices also satisfy buyers who want a premium feel and extra space. Some customers mention minor cosmetic marks that disappear with a case and express overall satisfaction with the device's performance and condition.
Reviews for the iPhone XS Max highlight good condition and value for the price, with many stating the phone looks brand new with no scratches or dents. Battery life is generally seen as good, though some mention shorter duration requiring replacement after some time. The phone meets everyday needs well, with several customers recommending it for those not needing the latest features. A few note minor issues with Face ID, but overall the XS Max is viewed as a reliable and capable device.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max suits users who want a larger screen, longer battery life, and higher front camera resolution. The iPhone XS Max fits buyers looking for a slightly smaller phone with lower starting storage and 4G connectivity, both offering solid iOS experiences and unlocked options.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max FAQs
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs XS Max 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 Max. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone XS Max is cheaper refurbished, from £168.09 compared with £332.70 for the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 3687 mAh vs 3174 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 Max 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 3174 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 6.5 inch). Refurbished, it costs £164.61 more (from £332.70 vs £168.09).
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 Pro Max comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone XS Max in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB.
