iPhone 11 Pro Vs iPhone 12 Pro Max

iPhone 11 Pro
iPhone 11 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:£154.00

Versus £639.00 new

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iPhone 12 Pro Max
iPhone 12 Pro Max
Starting at

Refurbished price:£234.00

Versus £979.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone 11 Pro, released in 2019, and the iPhone 12 Pro Max, launched in 2020, represent two distinct eras of Apple’s smartphone design and capability. While the iPhone 11 Pro focuses on a compact, ergonomic form factor, the iPhone 12 Pro Max introduced a larger display, 5G connectivity, and a flat-edge aesthetic. Both devices operate on the iOS platform, ensuring a consistent user experience, though the difference in release years impacts their long-term software compatibility and hardware features.

Scores

Durability

The iPhone 12 Pro Max holds a clear advantage in terms of longevity due to its more recent release date and updated hardware components.

  • Software Support: The iPhone 12 Pro Max is expected to receive iOS updates for at least one year longer than the iPhone 11 Pro, extending its functional lifespan for users who prioritise the latest features and security patches.
  • Physical Resilience: The iPhone 12 Pro Max features a Ceramic Shield front cover, which provides significantly better drop protection compared to the standard glass used on the iPhone 11 Pro.
  • Repairability: Both models are widely supported by repair services, though the iPhone 11 Pro’s older internal layout is well-understood by technicians, making it a reliable choice for those seeking a quality-assured refurbished option.

Year of Release

2019

2020

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

While both smartphones handle daily tasks with ease, the iPhone 12 Pro Max offers more headroom for demanding applications and multitasking.

  • System Responsiveness: The iPhone 12 Pro Max handles intensive gaming and high-resolution video editing more fluidly than the iPhone 11 Pro, thanks to its more advanced internal architecture and increased memory for active processes.
  • Battery Endurance: Due to its larger physical footprint, the iPhone 12 Pro Max houses a higher-capacity battery that comfortably lasts through a full day of heavy use, whereas the iPhone 11 Pro may require a top-up by early evening for power users.
  • Storage Options: The iPhone 11 Pro offers storage capacities starting at 64GB, while the iPhone 12 Pro Max begins with a more generous 128GB, providing more space for apps and photos from the outset.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The viewing experience differs significantly between these two models, primarily due to the substantial difference in screen real estate and design language.

  • Display Size: The iPhone 12 Pro Max features a massive 6.7-inch display, making it ideal for watching videos or reading documents, while the iPhone 11 Pro’s 5.8-inch screen is much easier to navigate with one hand.
  • Visual Clarity: Both devices utilise OLED technology, which delivers deep blacks and high contrast, but the iPhone 12 Pro Max offers a higher total resolution, resulting in sharp text and detailed imagery across its larger surface.
  • Outdoor Visibility: The iPhone 12 Pro Max can reach higher peak brightness levels, which helps maintain screen legibility when using the device under direct sunlight compared to the iPhone 11 Pro.

Resolution

1125 x 2436

1284 x 2778

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLED

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Photography and video recording see notable updates in the transition from the 11 Pro to the 12 Pro Max, particularly in challenging lighting conditions.

  • Low-Light Photography: The iPhone 12 Pro Max includes a larger main sensor and a specialised light-sensing component that allows for faster and more accurate focusing in the dark, resulting in clearer night-time photos than the iPhone 11 Pro.
  • Video Features: Users who record a lot of video will appreciate the iPhone 12 Pro Max’s ability to capture footage with higher dynamic range and improved stabilisation, which reduces camera shake during movement.
  • Audio Output: Both models feature stereo speakers that provide a clear and balanced sound, though the larger body of the 12 Pro Max allows for a slightly fuller audio profile when playing music or podcasts without headphones.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core specifications, the physical handling and connectivity options mark the biggest shift between these two generations of smartphones.

  • Network Connectivity: The iPhone 12 Pro Max supports 5G networks, allowing for faster download speeds and better performance in crowded areas, while the iPhone 11 Pro is limited to 4G LTE.
  • Design and Handling: The iPhone 11 Pro weighs 188 grams and features rounded edges for a comfortable grip, whereas the iPhone 12 Pro Max is considerably heavier at 228 grams and uses a flat-edge design that feels bulkier in a pocket.
  • Charging and Accessories: The iPhone 12 Pro Max introduced a magnetic attachment system on the back for wireless charging and accessories, a feature that is absent on the iPhone 11 Pro.

Weight

188 g

226 g

Screen size (in)

5.8

6.7

Mobile network

4G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

Lightning

User consensus on forums like Reddit highlights a clear divide based on personal preference for size and modern features. The iPhone 11 Pro is frequently praised for its compact size, with many users appreciating how easily it fits into a pocket and can be used one-handed. However, some users note that its battery life is beginning to show its age compared to newer models. Conversely, the iPhone 12 Pro Max is lauded for its expansive screen and exceptional battery life, though it receives criticism for its weight and the difficulty of using it without two hands.

Users who prioritise portability and a comfortable grip will find the iPhone 11 Pro to be a highly capable and ergonomic choice. Those who use their phone as a primary device for media consumption, gaming, or professional photography will likely prefer the iPhone 12 Pro Max for its larger display and advanced camera features. Choosing a sustainable choice through refurbishment allows users to access these high-end features while reducing environmental impact. Ultimately, the decision rests on whether you value a compact, classic design or a large-screen experience with the benefits of 5G connectivity.

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