iPhone 12 vs iPhone 15 Pro Max
Shop iPhone
iPhone 12
Starting at
£170.00£649.00 new
iPhone 15 Pro Max
Starting at
£577.65£1,199.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 and iPhone 15 Pro Max?
iPhone 12 vs 15 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 12 starts at £170, £407.65 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, Apple A17 Pro (3 nm) on the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
- The iPhone 15 Pro Max has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
- The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 4441 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 15 Pro Max specs
The iPhone 12 and iPhone 15 Pro Max both run iOS and support 5G but they offer different experiences suited to different users. The iPhone 12 is a good choice if you want a smaller, lighter phone with a solid battery and smooth performance for everyday tasks. The iPhone 15 Pro Max suits those who prefer a larger screen with a higher refresh rate, more memory, and a more powerful chipset. It also offers a bigger battery and enhanced camera capabilities for users who want advanced photography and longer use between charges. Storage options on the iPhone 15 Pro Max go up to 1TB which is ideal for heavy users or those needing lots of space.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 15 Pro Max price
Colour
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 15 Pro Max battery life and software updates
Battery life and software support are important for how long a phone stays useful. The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a larger battery capacity which can affect how long you use the phone between charges.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 12 has a 2815 mAh battery suitable for typical daily use. The iPhone 15 Pro Max features a 4441 mAh battery which provides more capacity. This larger battery can help if you spend long hours away from charging or use power-demanding apps frequently.
Software Updates
This ensures you get current features and security improvements on either device.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 15 Pro Max performance
Processing power and memory affect how smoothly apps run and how many you can keep open. Storage options also impact how much data and media you can keep on your phone.
Chipset and Speed
The iPhone 12 is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic chipset built on a 5 nm process which handles everyday apps and multitasking well. The iPhone 15 Pro Max uses the Apple A17 Pro chipset built on a 3 nm process offering greater efficiency and performance suitable for demanding apps and intensive multitasking.
Memory Capacity
With 4 GB of RAM the iPhone 12 supports smooth operation for most apps while the iPhone 15 Pro Max doubles this to 8 GB allowing more apps to stay active simultaneously and better performance for resource-heavy tasks.
Storage Options
The iPhone 12 is available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB variants fitting everyday needs. The iPhone 15 Pro Max offers larger options at 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB making it suitable for users who store large amounts of data like videos and apps.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 15 Pro Max screen
The screen affects how you view content and interact with your phone. The iPhone 15 Pro Max provides a larger and smoother display experience which can be important for media, gaming, and general use.
Screen Size
The iPhone 12 has a 6.1 inch screen offering a balance between usability and screen space. The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a larger 6.7 inch screen providing more room for watching videos, reading, and multitasking.
Refresh Rate
The iPhone 12 uses a 60 Hz refresh rate which is standard for smooth viewing. The iPhone 15 Pro Max doubles this to 120 Hz making scrolling and animations appear smoother which is noticeable during gaming or fast navigation.
Resolution and Screen Type
The iPhone 12 offers a resolution of 1170 x 2532 pixels with a Super Retina XDR OLED display. The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a slightly higher resolution at 1290 x 2796 pixels and uses LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED technology which can provide better power efficiency and screen quality.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 15 Pro Max camera
Camera features are a key consideration for photography and video. The iPhone 15 Pro Max offers more advanced camera hardware for detailed images and versatile shooting.
Camera Setup
The iPhone 12 has a double rear camera system suitable for typical photo and video needs. The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a triple camera setup providing more options for different types of photography.
Main Camera Resolution
The iPhone 12's main camera is 12 megapixels capturing good detail for everyday photos. The iPhone 15 Pro Max offers a 48 megapixel main camera which can capture more detail and allow for higher resolution images.
Front Camera
Both the iPhone 12 and iPhone 15 Pro Max have a 12 megapixel front camera suitable for selfies and video calls.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 15 Pro Max size and design
Other features like connectivity, size, weight, and port type can influence daily convenience and compatibility with accessories.
Connector Type
The iPhone 12 uses a Lightning connector commonly used on many iPhone models. The iPhone 15 Pro Max uses a USB-C connector which is increasingly standard on many devices and can simplify cable use across devices.
Physical Dimensions 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. The iPhone 15 Pro Max is larger and heavier at 159.9 mm tall, 76.7 mm wide, 8.3 mm deep, and 221 g in weight. The iPhone 12 suits those wanting a lighter, more compact phone while the iPhone 15 Pro Max offers a bigger device for users comfortable with more substantial size and weight.
Network and SIM
Both phones support 5G and use a combination of physical SIM and eSIM providing flexibility in carrier options.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 or iPhone 15 Pro Max: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £170, £407.65 less than the iPhone 15 Pro Max
- you want a lighter build (162 g vs 221 g)
Buy the iPhone 15 Pro Max if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 4 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 who own the iPhone 12 say the phone looks like new with no scratches or dents and often report a clean screen and frame. Many mention the performance as smooth and sufficient for everyday use with apps opening quickly and multitasking handled well. Several customers highlight the quality of refurbished batteries stating the phone holds charge well and feels like new. The device's size and condition make it a practical choice for those who want a reliable phone without extra features.
Owners of the iPhone 15 Pro Max describe the phone as looking brand new with clear, scratch-free screens and bodies. The battery health is often reported above 85%, lasting all day even with heavy use. Customers appreciate the larger screen and camera quality noting excellent photo results and smooth performance. The device is described as perfect for users who want a high-end phone with ample storage and memory. Some mention the phone warming up only briefly during initial setup.
Both phones satisfy buyers who want a refurbished iPhone that feels like new and performs well. The iPhone 12 appeals to those who prefer a lighter, simpler phone for everyday use while the iPhone 15 Pro Max fits users who value a bigger screen, extra memory, and camera enhancements.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 15 Pro Max FAQs
iPhone 12 vs 15 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12, Apple A17 Pro (3 nm) on the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The iPhone 15 Pro Max has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone 12 is cheaper refurbished, from £170 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 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 4 GB), a bigger battery (4441 mAh vs 2815 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 6.1 inch). Refurbished, it costs £407.65 more (from £577.65 vs £170).
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 comes in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
