iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro Max
Shop iPhone
iPhone 12 Pro
Starting at
£274.51£879.00 new
iPhone 15 Pro Max
Starting at
£577.65£1,199.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max?
iPhone 12 Pro vs 15 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 12 Pro starts at £274.51, £303.14 less than the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The iPhone 15 Pro Max is the newer model, released in 2023.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12 Pro, Apple A17 Pro (3 nm) on the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
- The iPhone 15 Pro Max has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
- The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 4441 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro Max specs
The iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max differ in size, performance, battery capacity, camera detail, and connector type. The iPhone 12 Pro suits those who prefer a more compact phone with a Super Retina XDR OLED screen at 6.1 inches and 60 Hz refresh rate, fitting well for everyday use and reliable performance with 6 GB RAM. The iPhone 15 Pro Max offers a larger 6.7 inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED screen with a 120 Hz refresh rate, more RAM, and a higher resolution main camera, making it suitable for users who want a roomier display, smoother visuals, and enhanced photography detail. Battery capacity and USB-C connectivity also set the 15 Pro Max apart, appealing to users who value longer usage and modern charging options.
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro Max price
Colour
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro Max battery life and software updates
Battery capacity and software support shape how long each phone lasts between charges and stays current.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 12 Pro has a 2815 mAh battery, suitable for typical daily use with a reliable charge. The iPhone 15 Pro Max offers a larger 4441 mAh battery, which suits users who need longer screen-on time or heavier use before recharging.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro Max performance
Performance differences come down to the chipset, RAM, and storage options available. These affect speed, multitasking, and capacity for apps and files.
Chipset and RAM
The iPhone 12 Pro runs on the Apple A14 Bionic with 6 GB RAM, offering smooth everyday use and efficient app performance. The iPhone 15 Pro Max uses the newer Apple A17 Pro chipset with 8 GB RAM, which helps keep more apps open and supports heavier multitasking or demanding applications.
Storage Options
The iPhone 12 Pro is stocked in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB variants, fitting users with moderate to high storage needs. The iPhone 15 Pro Max offers 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB options, making it suitable for users who require larger storage for media, apps, or files.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro Max screen
Screen size, resolution, refresh rate, and display technology are key differences. These influence how much you see, the smoothness of visuals, and overall display quality.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 12 Pro has a 6.1 inch screen with 1170 x 2532 resolution, which fits comfortably in one hand and suits users who prefer a more compact display. The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a larger 6.7 inch screen with 1290 x 2796 resolution, providing more room for viewing videos, reading, and multitasking.
Refresh Rate
The iPhone 12 Pro features a 60 Hz refresh rate, which is standard for smooth everyday scrolling and video playback. The iPhone 15 Pro Max doubles this with a 120 Hz refresh rate, benefiting users who want extra fluidity in animations, gaming, and scrolling.
Screen Type
The iPhone 12 Pro uses a Super Retina XDR OLED screen, delivering bright colours and deep blacks. The iPhone 15 Pro Max features an LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED screen, which supports variable refresh rates and can help with battery efficiency during less intensive tasks.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro Max camera
Camera specifications show clear differences in main camera resolution, which impacts photo detail and versatility.
Main Camera Resolution
The iPhone 12 Pro has a 12 megapixel main camera, which captures quality photos suitable for everyday photography. The iPhone 15 Pro Max offers a 48 megapixel main camera, which captures more detail and can benefit users who prioritise high-resolution images or want more flexibility in cropping and editing.
Front and Additional Cameras
Both phones have a 12 megapixel front camera and triple rear cameras, making them equally capable for selfies and versatile shooting in various conditions.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro Max size and design
Other differences include physical size, weight, connector type, and carrier and network compatibility. These affect handling, charging, and network use.
Connector Type
The iPhone 12 Pro uses a Lightning connector, which is standard for many Apple accessories. The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a USB-C connector, compatible with a wider range of modern chargers and accessories.
Size and Weight
The iPhone 12 Pro measures 146.7 mm by 71.5 mm and weighs 187 g, making it easier to handle with one hand. The iPhone 15 Pro Max is larger at 15.99 cm by 7.67 cm and heavier at 221 g, which suits users who prefer a bigger phone for viewing and typing.
Carrier and Network
Both devices are unlocked and support 5G networks, allowing use on a variety of mobile carriers with fast data connectivity.
SIM Options
Both phones support a physical SIM and eSIM, giving flexibility for dual SIM use.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 Pro if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £274.51, £303.14 less than the iPhone 15 Pro Max
- you want a lighter build (189 g vs 221 g)
Buy the iPhone 15 Pro Max if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4441 mAh vs 2815 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 6.1 inch)
What our customers say
Customers buying the iPhone 12 Pro often praise its condition, battery life, and reliability. Many say the phone looks and works like new, with battery health frequently noted at 81 to 100 percent. Users find the 12 Pro suitable for everyday tasks and appreciate its size and solid performance. Several customers mention smooth operation and good value in refurbished condition, with some upgrading from older iPhones for newer iOS support and more space.
Reviews for the iPhone 15 Pro Max highlight its excellent condition and battery health commonly around 85 to 92 percent. Customers comment on the phone looking brand new, with no scratches or marks. The larger screen and camera quality receive positive notes, with users enjoying the phone for heavier use and photography. Many mention the battery lasting all day and the phone running smoothly after initial setup. The USB-C connector and bigger storage options are appreciated by those who upgraded from earlier models.
Both phones suit different needs: the iPhone 12 Pro fits those who want a compact, reliable device with solid battery and performance for everyday use. The iPhone 15 Pro Max meets the needs of users seeking a larger screen, higher camera resolution, and longer battery life for more demanding activities.
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro Max FAQs
iPhone 12 Pro vs 15 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12 Pro, Apple A17 Pro (3 nm) on the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The iPhone 15 Pro Max has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
The iPhone 12 Pro is cheaper refurbished, from £274.51 compared with £577.65 for the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 4441 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 12 Pro is still supported and can run iOS 27. The iPhone 15 Pro Max is still supported and can run iOS 27.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max adds more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB), a bigger battery (4441 mAh vs 2815 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 6.1 inch). Refurbished, it costs £303.14 more (from £577.65 vs £274.51).
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 Pro comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
