iPhone 11 Pro Max Vs iPhone 12

iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPhone 11 Pro Max
Starting at

£193.00

£749.00 new

See options
iPhone 12
iPhone 12
Starting at

£138.00

£649.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone 11 Pro Max, released in late 2019, and the iPhone 12, arriving in late 2020, represent two distinct eras of smartphone design and capability. While the iPhone 11 Pro Max was the top-tier flagship of its generation, focusing on a large display and a versatile triple-camera system, the iPhone 12 introduced a significant design shift and modern connectivity standards for the standard lineup. Both devices continue to support the latest versions of iOS, ensuring a consistent software experience and access to modern applications across both generations.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term use of these devices, the release timeline plays a significant role in their expected software support and physical resilience.

  • Software Longevity: The iPhone 12 is likely to receive official iOS updates for approximately one year longer than the iPhone 11 Pro Max, making it a more future-ready choice for users who prioritise having the latest security patches and features.
  • Physical Durability: The iPhone 12 features a Ceramic Shield front cover, which offers improved drop protection compared to the standard glass found on the iPhone 11 Pro Max, though both devices feature high-quality water and dust resistance.
  • Sustainable Choice: Choosing a quality-assured refurbished option for either model is an eco-friendly alternative that extends the life of existing hardware while reducing electronic waste.

Year of Release

2019

2020

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

While both smartphones remain highly capable for modern tasks, their internal hardware influences how they handle demanding workloads and daily multitasking.

  • System Responsiveness: The iPhone 12 handles intensive applications and high-end gaming with slightly more fluidity and faster loading times, whereas the iPhone 11 Pro Max remains reliable for standard social media and productivity apps.
  • Battery Endurance: The iPhone 11 Pro Max features a physically larger battery capacity, which typically results in longer runtimes during heavy media consumption or long travel days compared to the more compact iPhone 12.
  • Multitasking Efficiency: Both devices manage background tasks effectively, but the newer architecture in the iPhone 12 provides a slight edge in efficiency when switching between multiple high-bandwidth applications.

Memory

4 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

Both devices utilise advanced OLED technology to provide deep blacks and vibrant colours, but they differ significantly in size and physical properties.

  • Viewing Experience: The iPhone 11 Pro Max offers a 6.5-inch display, providing a more immersive experience for users who watch a lot of video content or prefer larger text for easier reading.
  • Display Clarity: The iPhone 12 features a 6.1-inch screen with a slightly higher pixel density, resulting in exceptionally sharp text and fine details during close-up viewing.
  • Outdoor Readability: Both screens reach high brightness levels, but the iPhone 11 Pro Max is particularly effective at maintaining visibility in direct sunlight, which is beneficial for frequent outdoor use.

Resolution

1242 x 2688

1170 x 2532

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLED

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

The camera systems represent the biggest functional difference between these two models, catering to different types of mobile photographers.

  • Optical Versatility: The iPhone 11 Pro Max includes a dedicated telephoto lens, allowing for clear zoomed-in photos of distant subjects, a feature that is absent on the dual-camera iPhone 12.
  • Low-Light Photography: The iPhone 12 introduces Night Mode across all of its lenses, including the ultra-wide and front-facing cameras, resulting in brighter and more detailed photos in dark environments.
  • Video Recording: Both smartphones record high-quality 4K video, but the iPhone 12 supports Dolby Vision HDR recording, which provides more professional-looking colour and dynamic range for content creators.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Practical daily usage is often determined by connectivity standards and the physical ergonomics of the device.

  • Network Connectivity: The iPhone 12 supports 5G networks, offering significantly faster download speeds and better performance in crowded urban areas compared to the 4G-limited iPhone 11 Pro Max.
  • Charging and Accessories: The iPhone 12 features MagSafe technology, allowing for easy attachment of magnetic chargers and accessories, whereas the iPhone 11 Pro Max relies on standard wireless charging pads.
  • Handling and Weight: The iPhone 12 is considerably lighter and thinner with flat edges, making it easier to handle with one hand, while the iPhone 11 Pro Max has a heavier, more substantial feel with rounded edges.

Weight

226 g

164 g

Screen size (in)

6.5

6.1

Network

4G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

Lightning

Based on user discussions and community feedback, the iPhone 11 Pro Max is frequently praised for its exceptional battery life and the versatility of its triple-camera system, particularly the zoom lens. However, some users find its weight and size a bit cumbersome for one-handed use. Conversely, the iPhone 12 is often highlighted for its modern, lightweight design and the inclusion of 5G, though some heavy users note that its battery requires more frequent charging than the larger Pro Max model.

Users who prioritise a large screen for media consumption and need the longest possible battery life will find the iPhone 11 Pro Max well-suited to their needs. Those who prefer a more compact, lightweight device with faster cellular connectivity and longer software support may lean toward the iPhone 12. Selecting an eco-friendly alternative through a refurbished model allows users to access these features while contributing to a circular economy. Both devices remain excellent choices for different priorities, offering a high-quality smartphone experience without the need for the very latest release.