iPhone 12 vs iPhone 14 Pro Max
Shop iPhone
iPhone 12
Starting at
£170.00£649.00 new
iPhone 14 Pro Max
Starting at
£467.05£1,279.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 and iPhone 14 Pro Max?
iPhone 12 vs 14 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 12 starts at £170, £297.05 less than the iPhone 14 Pro Max. The iPhone 14 Pro Max is the newer model, released in 2022.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12, Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm) on the iPhone 14 Pro Max.
- The iPhone 14 Pro Max has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
- The iPhone 14 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 4323 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 14 Pro Max specs
The iPhone 12 and iPhone 14 Pro Max differ in several key areas that suit different types of users. The iPhone 12 offers a compact 6.1 inch screen with a 60 Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for everyday use in a smaller form. The iPhone 14 Pro Max has a larger 6.7 inch screen with a smoother 120 Hz refresh rate and higher resolution, suited for those who want a more immersive display. The 14 Pro Max also has a more powerful chipset and additional RAM, which supports heavier multitasking and demanding apps. Its larger battery capacity suits users who prioritise longer battery life. Camera capabilities differ too, with the 14 Pro Max featuring a 48 megapixel main camera for more detailed photos compared to the 12's 12 megapixels. Storage options go higher on the 14 Pro Max, offering up to 1TB. Overall, the iPhone 12 fits well for everyday use with solid performance and size, while the iPhone 14 Pro Max suits users looking for advanced features and a larger display.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 14 Pro Max price
Colour
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 14 Pro Max battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and physical characteristics. These aspects influence how long a device lasts in daily use and how well it keeps up with software changes.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 12 has a battery capacity of 2815 mAh, suitable for regular daily use and moderate screen time. The iPhone 14 Pro Max offers a larger 4323 mAh battery, better suited for users who need longer battery life between charges, especially on its bigger screen.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 14 Pro Max performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options, affecting speed, multitasking, and how much data you can keep on the device.
Chipset and RAM
The iPhone 12 is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic chip with 4 GB of RAM, making it well suited for everyday apps, social media, and moderate multitasking. The iPhone 14 Pro Max features the Apple A16 Bionic chip and 6 GB of RAM, supporting more intensive tasks and keeping more apps open simultaneously.
Storage Options
The iPhone 12 offers storage variants from 64GB to 256GB, which fits users with standard storage needs. The iPhone 14 Pro Max starts at 128GB and goes up to 1TB, catering to users who store large amounts of photos, videos, or apps.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 14 Pro Max screen
Screen quality influences how you view content, from size to refresh rate and resolution. These factors affect detail, smoothness, and comfort during use.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 12 has a 6.1 inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen with a resolution of 1170 x 2532, offering a sharp display that fits comfortably in one hand. The iPhone 14 Pro Max has a larger 6.7 inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED screen with a higher resolution of 1290 x 2796, providing more screen space and finer detail for watching videos and browsing.
Refresh Rate
The iPhone 12 has a 60 Hz refresh rate, which is standard for smooth visuals in everyday use. The iPhone 14 Pro Max doubles this with a 120 Hz refresh rate, making animations and scrolling appear smoother, which benefits users who value fluid screen performance.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 14 Pro Max camera
Audiovisual features include cameras that affect photo and video quality. Differences here matter for photography enthusiasts or those who use the front camera often.
Main Camera
The iPhone 12 has a 12 megapixel main camera, suitable for good quality photos and videos in most situations. The iPhone 14 Pro Max upgrades this to a 48 megapixel main camera, which captures more detail and suits users who prioritise photography.
Front Camera
Both the iPhone 12 and iPhone 14 Pro Max have a 12 megapixel front camera, providing similar quality for selfies and video calls.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 14 Pro Max size and design
Other features include physical dimensions, weight, network compatibility, and connectors, influencing comfort and convenience.
Size and Weight
The iPhone 12 measures 146.7 mm in height, 71.5 mm in width, and 7.4 mm in depth, weighing 164 g. It suits users who prefer a smaller, lighter phone. The iPhone 14 Pro Max is larger at 160.7 mm height, 77.6 mm width, and 7.9 mm depth but weighs less at 150 g, fitting users who want a bigger screen with a lighter feel.
Network and SIM
Both phones support 5G networks and offer dual SIM options with a physical SIM and eSIM, suitable for users needing flexible mobile connections.
Connector Type
Both devices use the Lightning connector, so accessories and chargers are compatible across these models.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 or iPhone 14 Pro Max: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £170, £297.05 less than the iPhone 14 Pro Max
- you want a lighter build (162 g vs 240 g)
Buy the iPhone 14 Pro Max if
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4323 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 like new even when refurbished, with many mentioning clean glass, perfect frames, and no scratches or dents. Several appreciate the smooth performance provided by the A14 Bionic chip, finding apps open quickly and multitasking effortless. Battery replacement options are popular, with buyers noting the battery feels like new and supports daily use well. The phone's condition options allow buyers to choose between pristine or slightly marked devices, with many happy with the quality and how the phones handle everyday tasks.
Feedback on the iPhone 14 Pro Max highlights good battery health and smooth performance, even on used models with minor marks. Customers appreciate the phone's condition options and report strong battery life during use. The larger screen and camera improvements are implied by satisfaction with the device's capabilities. Some mention small scratches on edges but still recommend the device and note that premium condition units arrive with no damage and full battery health. Buyers say the iPhone 14 Pro Max handles multitasking and more demanding apps smoothly.
Overall, the iPhone 12 suits users seeking a reliable, well-performing phone in a compact size with solid battery life. The iPhone 14 Pro Max appeals to those who want a larger display, extra storage, and enhanced performance for heavier use and more detailed photography.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 14 Pro Max FAQs
iPhone 12 vs 14 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12, Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm) on the iPhone 14 Pro Max. The iPhone 14 Pro Max has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone 12 is cheaper refurbished, from £170 compared with £467.05 for the iPhone 14 Pro Max.
The iPhone 14 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 4323 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
The iPhone 14 Pro Max has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 12 is still supported and can run iOS 27. The iPhone 14 Pro Max is still supported and can run iOS 27.
The iPhone 14 Pro Max adds more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB), a bigger battery (4323 mAh vs 2815 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 6.1 inch). Refurbished, it costs £297.05 more (from £467.05 vs £170).
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 comes in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB, and the iPhone 14 Pro Max in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
