iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone XS Max
Shop iPhone
iPhone 12 Pro
Starting at
£274.51£879.00 new
iPhone XS Max
Starting at
£168.09£459.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone XS Max?
iPhone 12 Pro vs XS Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone XS Max starts at £168.09, £106.42 less than the iPhone 12 Pro. The iPhone 12 Pro is the newer model, released in 2020.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12 Pro, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max.
- The iPhone 12 Pro has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
- The iPhone XS Max has a bigger battery: 3174 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone XS Max specs
The iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone XS Max differ in size, performance, camera, and network capabilities. The iPhone XS Max offers a larger 6.5 inch screen with higher resolution, suited for those who want more display space for videos and apps. The iPhone 12 Pro has a newer chipset and more RAM, which benefits users running intensive apps or multitasking. Its front camera also has a higher megapixel count, helpful for detailed selfies and video calls. The 12 Pro supports 5G networks, making it suitable for users wanting faster mobile internet. Battery capacity is higher on the XS Max, which may appeal to those prioritising longer screen time between charges.
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone XS Max price
Colour
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone XS Max battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, operating system support, and physical dimensions. Battery size and device measurements differ, influencing how long the phone lasts on a charge and how it feels in the hand.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone XS Max has a 3174 mAh battery, which provides more capacity than the iPhone 12 Pro's 2815 mAh. This means the XS Max may deliver longer use between charges, suiting users who need extended battery life during the day.
Operating System Support
This keeps both phones up to date with the newest features and security, important for users who want to keep their device current.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone XS Max performance
Performance depends on chipset, RAM, and storage options. The iPhone 12 Pro uses a more recent A14 Bionic chipset and offers 6 GB of RAM, while the iPhone XS Max has an A12 Bionic chipset with 4 GB RAM. Storage capacities available also differ, affecting how much you can keep on the device.
Processor and Memory
The iPhone 12 Pro's Apple A14 Bionic chipset and 6 GB RAM provide a more powerful setup for handling demanding apps and multitasking. This suits users who run multiple apps at once or use more intensive software. The iPhone XS Max with its A12 Bionic and 4 GB RAM works well for everyday tasks and standard app use.
Storage Options
The iPhone 12 Pro is available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, offering a range of choices for those needing more space for apps, photos, and media. The iPhone XS Max comes in 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB, giving options for lighter or heavier storage needs, with the smaller capacity suiting users with less storage demand.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone XS Max screen
Screen quality is important for viewing experience. Both phones have a 60 Hz refresh rate and OLED screen technology, but they differ in size, resolution, and specific OLED type, affecting how images and videos appear.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone XS Max has a larger 6.5 inch screen and a resolution of 1242 by 2688, offering more room for watching videos or multitasking with apps. The iPhone 12 Pro has a 6.1 inch screen with a resolution of 1170 by 2532, which fits more easily in one hand and pocket while still delivering sharp images.
Screen Technology
The iPhone 12 Pro uses Super Retina XDR OLED, which provides enhanced brightness and contrast. The iPhone XS Max uses Super Retina OLED. Both offer vibrant colours and deep blacks, suitable for viewing photos and videos with high quality.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone XS Max camera
Audiovisual features mainly focus on camera capabilities. Both phones have a 12 megapixel main camera but differ in front camera megapixels, which affects selfie and video call quality.
Front Camera
The iPhone 12 Pro has a 12 megapixel front camera, delivering more detail for selfies and video calls. The iPhone XS Max has a 7 megapixel front camera, suitable for everyday use and video chatting but with lower resolution.
Main Camera
Both the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone XS Max have 12 megapixel main cameras. This means both can capture photos with similar resolution, suitable for general photography needs.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone XS Max size and design
Miscellaneous differences include network support, size, weight, and connectivity. These affect how the phones connect to networks, how portable they are, and the physical feel of the device.
Mobile Network
The iPhone 12 Pro supports 5G networks, offering faster mobile internet speeds where 5G is available. The iPhone XS Max supports 4G, which provides widespread coverage and reliable internet for most users.
Size and Weight
The iPhone XS Max is larger and heavier, measuring 157.5 mm in height, 77.4 mm in width, and weighing 208 g. The iPhone 12 Pro is more compact and lighter at 146.7 mm in height, 71.5 mm in width, and 187 g in weight. Users preferring a bigger screen may choose the XS Max, while those wanting a lighter phone may prefer the 12 Pro.
SIM Card Options
Both phones support a physical SIM and eSIM, allowing flexible choices for mobile plans and dual SIM use.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 Pro or iPhone XS Max: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 Pro if
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (12 megapixels vs 7 megapixels)
- you want longer software support (supported, up to iOS 27 vs ended Apr 2026, last iOS 18)
Buy the iPhone XS Max if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £168.09, £106.42 less than the iPhone 12 Pro
- you want a bigger battery (3174 mAh vs 2815 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.5 inch vs 6.1 inch)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the iPhone 12 Pro often comment on its excellent condition and reliable battery life. Many say the phone looks and works like new, with battery health often near 100%. Users appreciate the smooth performance and easy setup, noting the phone runs apps well and feels brand new. Some buyers highlight the value of a newer iOS version and larger storage options. The iPhone 12 Pro suits those wanting a modern device with efficient multitasking and good battery performance.
Reviews for the iPhone XS Max show satisfaction with its screen size and condition, with many customers saying the phone looks brand new and offers fantastic value. Battery life varies, with some mentioning it lasts well while others found it shorter. The phone handles everyday tasks and apps well, and its larger display is appreciated for media and general use. Some users experienced minor issues like low call volume but found replacements resolved this. The XS Max fits users who prefer a larger screen and solid performance for daily use.
Both devices attract buyers looking for quality refurbished phones. The iPhone 12 Pro is popular for smooth performance and 5G support, while the XS Max appeals to those wanting a larger screen and longer battery capacity. Each suits different preferences in size, speed, and connectivity.
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone XS Max FAQs
iPhone 12 Pro vs XS Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12 Pro, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max. The iPhone 12 Pro has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone XS Max is cheaper refurbished, from £168.09 compared with £274.51 for the iPhone 12 Pro.
The iPhone XS Max has a bigger battery: 3174 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 12 Pro 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 adds more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB), a higher-resolution front camera (12 megapixels vs 7 megapixels) and longer software support (supported, up to iOS 27 vs ended Apr 2026, last iOS 18). Refurbished, it costs £106.42 more (from £274.51 vs £168.09).
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 Pro comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone XS Max in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB.
