iPhone 12 Vs iPhone 13 Pro Max

iPhone 12
iPhone 12
Starting at

Refurbished price:£139.00

Versus £649.00 new

See options
iPhone 13 Pro Max
iPhone 13 Pro Max
Starting at

Refurbished price:£272.00

Versus £1,259.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone 12, released in 2020, and the iPhone 13 Pro Max, launched in 2021, represent two different tiers within the smartphone ecosystem. While the iPhone 12 serves as a standard flagship for everyday users, the iPhone 13 Pro Max is a larger, more feature-rich device designed for those who require advanced photography tools and extended battery life. Both devices operate on the same iOS platform, ensuring a consistent software experience.

Selecting an eco-friendly alternative through refurbishment allows users to access these capable devices while supporting a more circular economy. This approach provides a quality-assured way to enjoy modern smartphone features while reducing the environmental impact associated with manufacturing new electronics.

Scores

Durability

The longevity of these smartphones is primarily determined by their release dates and the subsequent support provided by the manufacturer.

  • Software Support: The iPhone 13 Pro Max, being the newer model, is expected to receive operating system updates and security patches for at least one year longer than the iPhone 12, extending its functional life for users who keep their devices for several years.
  • Physical Build: Both models feature a Ceramic Shield front cover and aerospace-grade materials, but the iPhone 13 Pro Max uses stainless steel edges compared to the iPhone 12's aluminium, offering a different level of structural rigidity.
  • Maintenance: Repairability for both devices is standard for modern smartphones, with many components being modular, though professional assistance is often recommended to maintain water resistance and full functionality over time.

Year of Release

2020

2021

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

While both phones handle daily tasks with ease, the iPhone 13 Pro Max offers more headroom for demanding activities and significantly longer intervals between charges.

  • System Responsiveness: The iPhone 13 Pro Max features updated internal hardware that allows for smoother multitasking and faster processing of complex apps, such as high-end games or video editing software, compared to the iPhone 12.
  • Battery Endurance: Due to its larger physical size, the iPhone 13 Pro Max houses a much higher capacity battery, which users find can easily last through a full day of heavy use, whereas the iPhone 12 may require a top-up by the evening for active users.
  • Storage Capacity: Users with large media libraries will find the iPhone 13 Pro Max more accommodating, as it offers higher maximum storage tiers that are not available on the standard iPhone 12 model.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The viewing experience differs significantly between these two models, primarily due to the physical dimensions and the technology used to refresh the image on the screen.

  • Display Fluidity: The iPhone 13 Pro Max introduces a high refresh rate technology that adjusts based on content, making scrolling and animations appear much smoother than the standard fixed refresh rate found on the iPhone 12.
  • Screen Real Estate: With a 6.7-inch display, the iPhone 13 Pro Max provides a much larger canvas for watching videos or reading documents, while the 6.1-inch iPhone 12 offers a more compact experience that is easier to navigate with one hand.
  • Outdoor Visibility: The iPhone 13 Pro Max is capable of reaching higher peak brightness levels, which makes the screen easier to read when used directly under bright sunlight compared to the iPhone 12.

Resolution

1170 x 2532

1284 x 2778

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLED

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Photography enthusiasts will notice a clear distinction in the versatility and technical capabilities of the camera systems found on these two devices.

  • Optical Versatility: The iPhone 13 Pro Max includes a dedicated telephoto lens for zooming into distant subjects and a macro mode for extreme close-ups, features that are entirely absent on the dual-camera system of the iPhone 12.
  • Low-Light Performance: Thanks to larger sensors and advanced light-gathering technology, the iPhone 13 Pro Max captures clearer photos with less noise in dark environments, and it uses specialised light-sensing technology to focus more quickly in dim settings.
  • Video Features: The iPhone 13 Pro Max supports advanced video modes that allow for a shallow depth-of-field effect, giving recordings a more cinematic appearance that the iPhone 12 cannot replicate natively.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core specifications, the physical handling and connectivity features of these devices play a major role in the daily user experience.

  • Weight and Ergonomics: The iPhone 13 Pro Max is considerably heavier and wider, which may feel substantial in the hand or pocket, while the iPhone 12 is lighter and more portable for users who prefer a smaller footprint.
  • Connectivity Standards: Both devices support 5G connectivity for fast mobile data and include a magnetic accessory system for easy attachment of compatible chargers and wallets.
  • Biometric Security: Each model utilises facial recognition technology for secure unlocking and authentication, providing a fast and hands-free way to access the device and sensitive applications.

Weight

164 g

238 g

Width

7.15 cm

7,81 cm

Height

14.67 cm

16,08 cm

Depth

0.74 cm

0,76 cm

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.7

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

Lightning

User consensus on community forums highlights that the iPhone 12 remains a popular choice for its balanced size and reliable performance for standard tasks. Many users appreciate its lightweight design, though some note that the battery life is just sufficient for a single day of moderate use. Conversely, the iPhone 13 Pro Max is frequently praised for its exceptional battery endurance and the smoothness of its high-refresh-rate screen. Some users do mention that its large size and weight can make it cumbersome for those with smaller hands or those who prefer one-handed operation.

Users who prioritise a large screen for media consumption, advanced photography tools, and the longest possible battery life will find the iPhone 13 Pro Max aligns well with their requirements. On the other hand, users who prefer a more portable device that handles everyday apps efficiently without the extra bulk may lean toward the iPhone 12. Choosing a quality-assured refurbished option for either model is a sustainable choice that helps reduce electronic waste while providing a reliable device. Ultimately, the decision rests on whether the user values the professional-grade features and size of the Pro Max or the practical, compact nature of the standard model. Both remain capable smartphones in 2026, offering a high-quality experience for different types of mobile users.

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