iPhone 12 vs iPhone 13 Pro Max
Shop iPhone
iPhone 12
Starting at
£170.00£649.00 new
iPhone 13 Pro Max
Starting at
£418.75£1,049.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 Pro Max?
iPhone 12 vs 13 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 12 starts at £170, £248.75 less than the iPhone 13 Pro Max.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12, Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 13 Pro Max.
- The iPhone 13 Pro Max has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
- The iPhone 13 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 4352 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 13 Pro Max specs
The iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 Pro Max differ in size, performance, battery capacity, and camera setup. The iPhone 12 has a smaller 6.1 inch screen with a 60 Hz refresh rate, while the iPhone 13 Pro Max offers a larger 6.7 inch screen with a 120 Hz refresh rate. The 13 Pro Max has a more powerful A15 Bionic chip, 6 GB of RAM, and a bigger battery, which suits users who want longer battery life and better multitasking. The iPhone 13 Pro Max also features a triple camera system compared to the iPhone 12's double cameras, which appeals to photography enthusiasts. Storage options are wider on the 13 Pro Max, reaching up to 1TB. The iPhone 12 suits those who want a lighter, more compact phone for everyday use, while the 13 Pro Max fits users who prioritise screen size, performance, and camera features.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 13 Pro Max price
Colour
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 13 Pro Max battery life and software updates
These affect how long the phone lasts daily and how well it stays current over time.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 12 has a 2815 mAh battery, suitable for typical daily use. The iPhone 13 Pro Max's 4352 mAh battery offers more capacity, which benefits users needing longer battery life between charges. If you often use your phone heavily or want extended usage without recharging, the 13 Pro Max suits you better.
Operating System and Updates
Both devices keep current software, so they support new features and security improvements.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 13 Pro Max performance
Performance influences speed, multitasking, and storage capacity. These specs help decide which device handles apps and tasks smoothly.
Processor Power
The iPhone 12 uses the Apple A14 Bionic chip, while the iPhone 13 Pro Max features the Apple A15 Bionic chip. Both are built on a 5 nm process, but the A15 is a newer generation designed to deliver faster and more efficient performance. If you run demanding apps or multitask often, the 13 Pro Max offers an advantage.
Memory Size
The iPhone 12 has 4 GB of RAM, which supports smooth everyday app use and multitasking. The iPhone 13 Pro Max includes 6 GB of RAM, helping it keep more apps active in the background and improving performance for intensive tasks.
Storage Options
Storage for the iPhone 12 ranges from 64GB to 256GB, offering good space for most users. The iPhone 13 Pro Max starts at 128GB and extends up to 1TB, ideal for users who store large files, photos, or videos, or want more room for apps.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 13 Pro Max screen
Screen quality affects how you view content. Differences in size, resolution, and refresh rate influence clarity and smoothness.
Screen Size
The iPhone 12 has a 6.1 inch display, which suits users who prefer a more compact phone easier to handle one-handed. The iPhone 13 Pro Max offers a larger 6.7 inch screen, providing more space for videos, games, and browsing.
Refresh Rate
The iPhone 12 screen refreshes at 60 Hz, which is standard for smooth visuals. The iPhone 13 Pro Max has a 120 Hz refresh rate, resulting in noticeably smoother motion and scrolling, especially useful for gaming or fast-moving content.
Resolution
The iPhone 12 resolution is 1170 x 2532 pixels, delivering sharp images. The iPhone 13 Pro Max has a resolution of 2778 x 1284 pixels, which offers more detail and clarity on its larger screen.
Screen Type
The iPhone 12 uses a Super Retina XDR OLED screen, while the iPhone 13 Pro Max has an OLED screen. Both offer vibrant colours and deep blacks, making media viewing enjoyable.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 13 Pro Max camera
Camera setups shape how you capture photos and videos. Front and main camera resolutions are the same, but the number of cameras differs.
Camera Configuration
The iPhone 12 features a double camera system, while the iPhone 13 Pro Max has a triple camera setup. The additional camera on the 13 Pro Max allows more versatility in shooting options, which is beneficial if you often take photos or videos in various styles or lighting.
Camera Resolution
Both phones have 12 megapixel front and main cameras. This means they capture photos with similar detail levels on those cameras, suitable for selfies and general photography.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 13 Pro Max size and design
Other differences include size, weight, SIM options, and some measurements that affect daily handling and network use.
Size and Weight
The iPhone 12 is smaller and lighter, measuring 146.7 mm tall, 71.5 mm wide, and 7.4 mm deep, weighing 164 g. The iPhone 13 Pro Max is larger at 160.8 mm tall, 78.1 mm wide, and 7.7 mm deep, weighing 240 g. Choose the iPhone 12 if you prefer a lighter phone that fits comfortably in one hand or pocket, and the 13 Pro Max if you want a larger device and don't mind the extra weight.
SIM Card Options
The iPhone 12 supports a physical SIM plus eSIM, while the iPhone 13 Pro Max offers dual physical SIM cards. This difference matters if you use multiple SIM cards for work and personal use or travel.
Connectivity and Features
Both devices are unlocked, use the Lightning connector, and support 5G networks. Neither has an SD card slot. These shared features ensure you get modern network speeds and easy charging.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 or iPhone 13 Pro Max: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £170, £248.75 less than the iPhone 13 Pro Max
- you want a lighter build (162 g vs 240 g)
Buy the iPhone 13 Pro Max if
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4352 mAh vs 2815 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 6.1 inch)
What our customers say
Customers say the iPhone 12 looks and feels like new, with many praising the clean condition and new batteries included. They find the phone performs well for everyday tasks, running apps smoothly and handling multitasking without issues. The 6.1 inch screen and lighter weight suit users looking for a reliable, easy-to-handle device. Battery life and performance meet the needs of social media, photo editing, and general use, making it a popular choice for those who want a straightforward iPhone experience.
Users of the iPhone 13 Pro Max appreciate how the phone feels like new despite being refurbished. Many highlight the excellent battery life and strong performance, with the large 6.7 inch screen and triple camera setup meeting their expectations for media and photography. The phone handles multitasking well thanks to 6 GB of RAM and a powerful chipset. Some mention the weight but accept it given the screen size and features. The dual physical SIM option also appeals to those needing multiple numbers.
Overall, the iPhone 12 suits those wanting a compact, lightweight iPhone that covers everyday needs with solid performance and a good screen. The iPhone 13 Pro Max fits users who prioritise a larger, smoother screen, longer battery life, more storage, and versatile camera options.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 13 Pro Max FAQs
iPhone 12 vs 13 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12, Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 13 Pro Max. The iPhone 13 Pro Max has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone 12 is cheaper refurbished, from £170 compared with £418.75 for the iPhone 13 Pro Max.
The iPhone 13 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 4352 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 13 Pro Max is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 comes in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB, and the iPhone 13 Pro Max in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
