iPhone 12 vs iPhone 12 Pro Max
Shop iPhone
iPhone 12
Starting at
£170.00£649.00 new
iPhone 12 Pro Max
Starting at
£332.70£1,079.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro Max?
iPhone 12 vs Pro Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 12 starts at £170, £162.70 less than the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Weight
- Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12, Apple A14 Bionic on the iPhone 12 Pro 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 2815 mAh.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 12 Pro Max specs
The iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro Max share the same release year and core technology but suit different needs. The iPhone 12 Pro Max offers a larger screen and higher resolution, which makes it better for watching videos or browsing with more detail. Its triple camera system and extra RAM support heavier multitasking and photography. The iPhone 12 is lighter and more compact, fitting comfortably in one hand and offering a solid performance with 4 GB RAM. Battery capacity is larger on the Pro Max, which suits users wanting longer use between charges. Storage options also differ, with the Pro Max offering up to 512GB, ideal if you need more space. Choose the iPhone 12 for everyday use and portability, or the iPhone 12 Pro Max for a bigger screen, more memory, and enhanced camera features.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 12 Pro Max price
Colour
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 12 Pro Max battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery life and software support for these two iPhones. The key difference in battery capacity affects how long each device can run between charges.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 12 has a 2815 mAh battery, which suits daily use with regular charging. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a larger 3687 mAh battery, making it better for users who need longer battery life during busy days or extended periods away from a charger.
Software Updates
This means you get new features and security improvements on either device, ensuring they stay current with Apple's software enhancements.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 12 Pro Max performance
Performance depends on chipset power, RAM, and storage options. Both phones use the Apple A14 Bionic chip, but RAM and storage vary, influencing multitasking and space for apps and files.
Processor
Both iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro Max use the Apple A14 Bionic chipset, delivering smooth and responsive performance for everyday tasks and demanding apps alike.
Memory
The iPhone 12 has 4 GB of RAM, which handles everyday apps and multitasking well. The iPhone 12 Pro Max offers 6 GB of RAM, better suited for keeping more apps open simultaneously and running memory-intensive tasks.
Storage Options
The iPhone 12 comes in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB versions, fitting users who need standard storage. The iPhone 12 Pro Max starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB, ideal for those who store many photos, videos, or large apps.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 12 Pro Max screen
Screen quality influences viewing experience and device size. Both use the Super Retina XDR OLED screen type, known for bright colours and sharp images. The differences in size and resolution affect how much you see and how the phone feels in hand.
Screen Size
The iPhone 12 has a 6.1 inch screen, which suits users who prefer a device that is easier to hold and fits comfortably in pockets. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a 6.7 inch screen, offering more space for watching videos, gaming, or browsing.
Resolution
The iPhone 12 offers a resolution of 1170 x 2532, delivering sharp images on its 6.1 inch display. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a higher resolution of 1284 x 2778, which means crisper detail on its larger screen, benefiting those who want more screen real estate without sacrificing image clarity.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 12 Pro Max camera
Audiovisual features focus on camera capabilities and front-facing cameras. Both phones provide good quality for selfies and video calls with identical front cameras. The main difference is in the rear camera setup.
Rear Cameras
The iPhone 12 has a double (2x) rear camera system, which covers basic photography and video needs well. The iPhone 12 Pro Max adds a triple (3x) camera system, offering more versatility for photography with additional lens options.
Camera Resolution
Both devices have 12 megapixels on the main and front cameras, ensuring clear and detailed photos and selfies regardless of which model you choose.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 12 Pro Max size and design
Miscellaneous specs include dimensions, weight, connectivity, and other features that affect daily handling and compatibility. These details highlight differences in size and weight between the phones.
Size and Weight
The iPhone 12 measures 146.7 mm in height, 71.5 mm in width, and weighs 164 g, making it lighter and easier to hold for long periods. The iPhone 12 Pro Max is larger at 160.8 mm tall, 78.1 mm wide, and weighs 226 g, suited to those who prefer a bigger device and do not mind extra weight.
Carrier and SIM
Both phones are unlocked and support 5G networks, as well as a physical SIM plus eSIM, offering flexibility for network choices and dual SIM use.
Connector and Depth
Each device uses the Lightning connector and shares the same depth at 7.4 mm, so charging accessories and cases will be similar in fit.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 or iPhone 12 Pro Max: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £170, £162.70 less than the iPhone 12 Pro Max
- you want a lighter build (162 g vs 228 g)
Buy the iPhone 12 Pro Max if
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3687 mAh vs 2815 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 6.1 inch)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the iPhone 12 from PhoneMart frequently highlight that their phone looks and feels like new, with clean glass, perfect frames, and no visible wear. Many mention smooth performance thanks to the A14 Bionic chip and appreciate the battery life, especially when a new battery is included. Buyers often find the size comfortable and the device suitable for everyday use, handling social media, photo editing, and multitasking well. Positive comments include the phone being updated to the latest iOS and coming factory reset, which eases setup.
Reviews for the iPhone 12 Pro Max praise its elegant appearance and larger screen size, alongside a battery that lasts throughout the day. Customers remark on the high-quality condition of their refurbished phones, often noting minimal or no scratches and the device feeling almost new. The extra storage and RAM are appreciated by those needing more space or multitasking capacity. Some mention choosing this model for its size and camera capabilities. However, a small number mention concerns about condition or issues, but the majority are very satisfied with the device's performance and look.
In summary, the iPhone 12 suits buyers seeking a lighter, compact phone that performs well for daily activities, while the iPhone 12 Pro Max appeals to users wanting a larger screen, more storage, and extra RAM for more demanding use.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 12 Pro Max FAQs
iPhone 12 vs Pro Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12, Apple A14 Bionic on the iPhone 12 Pro Max. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone 12 is cheaper refurbished, from £170 compared with £332.70 for the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 3687 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 12 is still supported and can run iOS 27. The iPhone 12 Pro Max is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 comes in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB, and the iPhone 12 Pro Max in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.
