iPhone 11 Pro Max Vs iPhone 12 Pro

iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPhone 11 Pro Max
Starting at

Refurbished price:£181.00

Versus £749.00 new

See options
iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:£204.00

Versus £879.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone 11 Pro Max, released in 2019, and the iPhone 12 Pro, launched in 2020, represent two significant milestones in the evolution of Apple’s professional-grade smartphones. While they share the Pro designation, they offer distinct experiences tailored to different user needs. The iPhone 11 Pro Max is defined by its expansive display and substantial physical presence, whereas the iPhone 12 Pro introduced a modernized design language and enhanced connectivity features. Both devices continue to run the latest versions of iOS, ensuring a consistent software experience, but the hardware differences between these generations influence everything from daily handling to long-term network compatibility.

Scores

Durability

When evaluating the longevity of these two models, the one-year age gap plays a significant role in their remaining software support and physical resilience.

  • Software Longevity: The iPhone 12 Pro, being a year newer, is expected to receive official software updates for a longer period than the iPhone 11 Pro Max. For users who plan to keep their device for several years, this extra year of support ensures access to the latest security patches and features.
  • Physical Build: The iPhone 12 Pro features a Ceramic Shield front cover, which provides increased protection against drops compared to the glass used on the iPhone 11 Pro Max. Both devices utilise a stainless steel frame, but the flat edges of the 12 Pro may offer a more secure grip for some users.
  • Sustainable Maintenance: Both models are well-supported by repair networks, making a quality-assured refurbished option a practical way to extend the life of these devices while maintaining high performance standards.

Year of Release

2019

2020

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The daily performance of these devices remains smooth, though the newer internals of the iPhone 12 Pro provide a slight edge in demanding scenarios.

  • System Responsiveness: The iPhone 12 Pro handles intensive multitasking and high-end gaming with greater ease due to its updated internal architecture and increased memory. Users will notice that apps stay open in the background longer without needing to reload.
  • Battery Endurance: The iPhone 11 Pro Max is known for its exceptional battery life, often outlasting the 12 Pro in a single day of heavy use. Its larger physical size allows for a higher capacity battery, making it a reliable choice for users who are frequently away from a charger.
  • Storage and Efficiency: Both devices offer various storage capacities to house photos and files, but the 12 Pro manages data-heavy tasks, such as exporting high-resolution video, more efficiently than its predecessor.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

While both devices utilise high-quality OLED technology, the viewing experience differs primarily due to the physical dimensions and brightness capabilities.

  • Display Size: The iPhone 11 Pro Max offers a 6.5-inch screen, providing a more immersive experience for watching videos or reading documents. In contrast, the iPhone 12 Pro features a 6.1-inch display, which balances screen real estate with easier one-handed operation.
  • Visual Clarity: Both screens deliver deep blacks and vibrant colours, but the iPhone 12 Pro can reach higher peak brightness levels. This makes the display slightly easier to read when used outdoors under direct sunlight or when viewing high-dynamic-range content.
  • Smoothness: Both models feature a standard refresh rate that provides a fluid interface, though the 12 Pro’s slightly more powerful internals can make system animations feel marginally more consistent during heavy use.

Resolution

1242 x 2688

1170 x 2532

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLED

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

The camera systems on both phones are highly capable, but the iPhone 12 Pro introduces specialised hardware that improves photography in challenging conditions.

  • Low-Light Photography: The iPhone 12 Pro includes a specialised light-sensing sensor that assists with autofocus in dark environments. This results in faster and more accurate photos when lighting is poor, a feature the iPhone 11 Pro Max lacks.
  • Video Capabilities: While both record high-quality 4K video, the iPhone 12 Pro supports advanced colour processing that allows for more professional-looking footage directly from the device. The microphones on both models provide clear audio for calls and recordings.
  • Zoom and Perspective: Both devices feature a triple-camera array including ultra-wide and telephoto lenses. The iPhone 11 Pro Max remains a strong performer for everyday photography, offering natural skin tones and balanced exposures in most daylight scenarios.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core specifications, several practical features distinguish the daily handling and connectivity of these two smartphones.

  • Network Connectivity: The iPhone 12 Pro supports 5G networks, allowing for faster download speeds and better performance in crowded areas where 5G is available. The iPhone 11 Pro Max is limited to 4G LTE, which remains reliable but lacks the future-readiness of the newer standard.
  • Charging and Accessories: The iPhone 12 Pro introduced a magnetic system on the back of the device, enabling a new range of easy-to-attach wireless chargers and accessories. The iPhone 11 Pro Max uses traditional wireless charging and the standard Lightning port.
  • Ergonomics: The iPhone 11 Pro Max is heavier and wider, which may feel substantial in the hand. The iPhone 12 Pro is lighter and thinner, with a flat-edge design that many users find easier to hold securely during long periods of use.

Weight

226 g

187 g

Screen size (in)

6.5

6.1

Mobile network

4G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

Lightning

User feedback from various community forums highlights a clear divide in preference based on specific needs. The iPhone 11 Pro Max is frequently praised for its long-lasting battery life and the expansive screen, which remains a favourite for media enthusiasts. However, some users find its weight and size cumbersome for daily carry. On the other hand, the iPhone 12 Pro is lauded for its modern aesthetic, 5G capabilities, and the improved camera performance in low light, though its battery life is often noted as being shorter than that of the 11 Pro Max.

For users who prioritise a large display and need a device that can comfortably last through a full day of intensive use without a charge, the iPhone 11 Pro Max remains a compelling choice. Conversely, those who prefer a more compact, lightweight design with faster network speeds and the latest photography features will find the iPhone 12 Pro better suited to their lifestyle. Choosing a sustainable choice like a refurbished model allows users to access these high-end features while contributing to a more circular economy. Ultimately, the decision rests on whether you value the sheer endurance and size of the 11 Pro Max or the modern connectivity and refined dimensions of the 12 Pro.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons