iPhone 12 vs iPhone XS Max
Shop iPhone
iPhone 12
Starting at
£170.00£649.00 new
iPhone XS Max
Starting at
£168.09£459.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 and iPhone XS Max?
iPhone 12 vs XS Max comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the iPhone XS Max starts at £168.09, £1.91 less than the iPhone 12. The iPhone 12 is the newer model, released in 2020.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Front camera
- Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max.
- The iPhone XS Max has a bigger battery: 3174 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
- The iPhone XS Max has a bigger screen: 6.5 inch vs 6.1 inch.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone XS Max specs
The iPhone 12 offers a smaller 6.1 inch screen with a Super Retina XDR OLED display and the Apple A14 Bionic chipset, making it well suited for those who want a balance of power and portability. The iPhone XS Max has a larger 6.5 inch Super Retina OLED screen and a bigger battery, fitting users who prefer more screen space and longer battery capacity. The iPhone 12 supports 5G networks for faster mobile data, while the XS Max works with 4G. Storage options also vary, with the iPhone XS Max available up to 512GB and the iPhone 12 up to 256GB. Your choice depends on whether you prioritise a larger display and storage or newer chipset and 5G connectivity.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone XS Max price
Colour
iPhone 12 vs iPhone XS Max battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size, software support, and physical dimensions.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone XS Max has a 3174 mAh battery, which is larger than the iPhone 12's 2815 mAh. This means the XS Max may last longer on a single charge, which suits users who value extended battery life during busy days.
Physical Size And Weight
The iPhone 12 is smaller and lighter at 146.7 mm in height, 71.5 mm in width, and 164 g in weight. The iPhone XS Max is larger and heavier, measuring 15.75 cm high, 7.74 cm wide, and weighing 208 g. The iPhone 12 suits those who prefer a more compact phone, while the XS Max fits users who want a bigger device in hand.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 vs iPhone XS Max performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options available. Both devices have the same RAM, but their chipsets and storage capacities differ.
Processor Power
The iPhone 12 runs on the Apple A14 Bionic chipset made with 5 nm technology, while the iPhone XS Max uses the Apple A12 Bionic. The A14 Bionic generally offers faster processing, which benefits demanding apps and multitasking.
Memory And Storage
Both models feature 4 GB of RAM, which supports everyday app use and multitasking well. Storage on the iPhone 12 ranges from 64GB to 256GB, while the iPhone XS Max goes up to 512GB, making the XS Max a better choice if you need more space for apps, photos, and videos.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 vs iPhone XS Max screen
Screen quality influences your viewing experience. Both phones use OLED technology and have similar refresh rates, but their screen sizes and resolutions differ.
Screen Size And Type
The iPhone XS Max has a larger 6.5 inch Super Retina OLED screen, ideal for watching videos and gaming with more room to see details. The iPhone 12 has a 6.1 inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, which is slightly smaller but still sharp and vibrant.
Resolution And Refresh Rate
The XS Max offers a resolution of 1242 x 2688, higher than the iPhone 12's 1170 x 2532. Both have a 60 Hz refresh rate. The higher resolution on the XS Max means images and text may appear sharper, which matters for users who want the most detail on screen.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 vs iPhone XS Max camera
Audiovisual features include camera capabilities that affect photo and video quality, especially for selfies and main shots.
Front Camera Resolution
The iPhone 12 has a 12 megapixel front camera, compared to 7 megapixels on the iPhone XS Max. This higher resolution suits selfies and video calls where you want clearer, more detailed images.
Main Camera
Both devices have a 12 megapixel main camera, so they offer similar capabilities for regular photos and videos.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 vs iPhone XS Max size and design
Other differences include network support, SIM options, and physical connectors. These impact connectivity and everyday use.
Mobile Network
The iPhone 12 supports 5G networks, which can provide faster mobile internet where 5G coverage is available. The iPhone XS Max works with 4G, which is widely available and reliable.
SIM Card Options
Both phones support a physical SIM plus an eSIM, allowing flexible mobile plans and easier switching between numbers.
Connector Type
Both use the Lightning connector for charging and accessories, so your existing Lightning cables and chargers will work with either device.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 or iPhone XS Max: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 if
- 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)
- you want 5G
Buy the iPhone XS Max if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £168.09, £1.91 less than the iPhone 12
- 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 say the iPhone 12 looks like new and performs smoothly, with many noting that the refurbished phones come with clean screens and flawless frames. Several mention the strong performance of the A14 Bionic chip, which keeps apps running well and multitasking easy. Battery replacements are appreciated for keeping the phone feeling fresh. The iPhone 12's condition often surprises buyers positively, with some highlighting the inclusion of extras like screen protectors and cases. The phone's size and speed meet everyday needs, making it a reliable daily device.
Reviews for the iPhone XS Max praise its large screen and overall good condition, with many users finding it a good value. Some customers mention the battery life can be shorter, but others are happy with the phone's performance for basic use. The phone's size suits those who want a bigger display, and the camera quality meets expectations. A few note minor issues like lower call volume or setup time but still find the phone reliable for daily tasks.
Overall, the iPhone 12 appeals to those wanting a compact, fast phone with up-to-date features, while the iPhone XS Max suits users who prefer a larger screen and more storage space.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone XS Max FAQs
iPhone 12 vs XS Max comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS Max. The iPhone XS Max has a bigger battery: 3174 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
The iPhone XS Max is cheaper refurbished, from £168.09 compared with £170 for the iPhone 12.
The iPhone XS Max has a bigger battery: 3174 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 12 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 adds a higher-resolution front camera (12 megapixels vs 7 megapixels), longer software support (supported, up to iOS 27 vs ended Apr 2026, last iOS 18) and 5G. Refurbished, it costs £1.91 more (from £170 vs £168.09).
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 comes in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB, and the iPhone XS Max in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB.
