Is the iPhone 12 Pro Max still worth buying in [year]?

The iPhone 12 Pro Max is still a capable phone in 2026, powered by the A14 Bionic chip and confirmed on iOS 26. Triple 12MP camera, sensor-shift OIS, LiDAR, 4K 60fps: competitive for photography 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 5G, MagSafe, IP68: solid all-round specs From ££251 refurbished: a meaningful saving vs newer flagship models Doesn't support Apple Intelligence, ProMotion 120Hz, or USB-C A strong pick for everyday users and photography enthusiasts stepping up from a refurbished iPhone 11 Pro Max.

What's the difference between the iPhone 12 Pro Max and the iPhone 12 Pro?

The iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone 12 Pro share the same A14 Bionic chip, 5G, LiDAR, MagSafe, and IP68 rating. The key differences: iPhone 12 Pro Max iPhone 12 Pro Screen 6.7-inch 6.1-inch Main camera OIS Sensor-shift Lens-based Telephoto 2.5x optical 2x optical Battery Longer Shorter Weight 228g 189g Price from (Back Market) ££251 ££217.08 The Pro Max suits photography enthusiasts and those who want all-day battery life. For a more compact, lighter option, the refurbished iPhone 12 Pro is worth considering.

Does the iPhone 12 Pro Max have sensor-shift OIS, and does it actually make a difference?

Sensor-shift OIS moves the image sensor itself rather than just the lens to compensate for hand movement, similar to in-body stabilisation found in mirrorless cameras. On the iPhone 12 Pro Max, this applies to both stills and video, producing sharper low-light images and smoother handheld footage. Paired with the phone's physically larger wide-angle sensor, the improvement is genuinely noticeable, particularly in Night Mode. Photography enthusiasts can explore more in our guide to the best iPhone for photos.

Does the iPhone 12 Pro Max support 5G in the UK?

Yes. The iPhone 12 Pro Max was part of Apple's first 5G-compatible iPhone lineup, launched in 2020. It supports Sub-6GHz 5G, the standard used across all major UK networks: EE, Vodafone, O2, and Three. mmWave 5G isn't supported, but mmWave isn't deployed in the UK, so this has no practical impact. The phone also accepts both a nano-SIM and eSIM, useful for travellers or anyone running dual SIMs.

What does the LiDAR scanner do on the iPhone 12 Pro Max?

LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) uses laser pulses to build a 3D map of the surrounding environment in milliseconds. On the iPhone 12 Pro Max, it enables Night Mode portraits, dramatically speeds up autofocus in low light, and powers more realistic augmented reality experiences in apps like Measure and 3D scanning tools. LiDAR is a Pro-exclusive feature in the iPhone 12 lineup and is not available on the standard iPhone 12.

What are the condition grades for a refurbished iPhone 12 Pro Max?

Refurbished iPhone 12 Pro Max listings on Back Market come in four grades. They differ cosmetically only; functional performance is identical across all conditions. Fair: visible signs of use; 100% functionally verified Good: light signs of use; the most popular grade on this listing Excellent: minimal signs of use; near-pristine Premium: virtually no visible signs of use (currently sold out) All grades include a 12-month commercial warranty, 30 days to change your mind, and a minimum battery health of 80%. Full details at Back Market's quality charter.

Where can I buy a refurbished iPhone 12 Pro Max safely?

Back Market is a trusted marketplace for refurbished iPhones, with every iPhone 12 Pro Max listing backed by: 12-month commercial warranty 30 days to change your mind (free returns) Strict quality charter Up to a 100-point professional inspection by verified sellers

iPhone 12 Pro Max

Name: iPhone 12 Pro Max
Brand: Apple
Price: 295.00 GBP
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.19 (14841 reviews)

(14,841 reviews)

£295.00

before trade-in

Save £684.00

Free delivery by 10 - 11 Aug

Restored professionally

Based on up to 100-points of inspection

Often bought together

iPhone 12 Pro Max

Graphite • 128 GB • Physical SIM + eSIM

Refurbished price:£295.00

Versus £979.00 new

Back Market Case iPhone 12 Pro Max and protective screen - 100% Biodegradable - Black Wave

Refurbished price:£20.00

Total price: £315.00

These items might be sold and delivered by different sellers.

Pairs well with

Back Market Case iPhone 12 Pro Max and protective screen - 100% Biodegradable - Black WaveBrand new
(1)
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AirPods Pro 1 (2021)Good
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AirPods Pro 3 (2025)Excellent
(185)
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Cable (USB-C + Lightning) 25W - EvetaneBrand new
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AirPods Pro 1 (2019)Good
(7,900)
Refurbished price:£89.00

Customer reviews for iPhone 12 Pro Max

Overall rating

14,841 verified reviews

Rating details

Accessories
4.1/5
Appearance
4.3/5
Battery
4/5
Lens & Camera
4.4/5
Overall performance
4.1/5
Packaging
4.3/5
Shipping
4.5/5

Reviews

Oluwemimo S.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 22/04/2026, United Kingdom.
My device iPhone 12 Pro Max was delivered on time and it works perfectly without any complaints. I am delighted to have been able to long time customer of BackMarket. Very trusted Company in terms of delivery and quality device.
iPhone 12 Pro Max 512GB - Pacific Blue - Unlocked
iPhone 12 Pro Max 512GB - Pacific Blue - Unlocked
See item
Condition
Good
Light signs of wear. The body may have light micro-scratches. For items with screens, the screen will have no scratches.
Purchased
02/04/2026
Itohan vera I.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 01/02/2026, United Kingdom.
This is awesome iPhone 12, at first I wasn't sure about it because it's a refurbished phone but my son convinced me to try it that if it doesn't work I can return it, but it came just like new, with no scratch and I have been using it for the past 7 days and it works so perfectly and the battery takes the whole day, i will definitely recommend. Thanks back market
iPhone 12 Pro Max 128GB - Graphite - Unlocked
iPhone 12 Pro Max 128GB - Graphite - Unlocked
See item
Condition
Excellent
Almost no signs of wear. The body may have very light micro-scratches. For items with screens, the screen will have no scratches.
Purchased
24/01/2026
Catalyn B.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 01/05/2025, United Kingdom.
Over the moon with my purchase of the iPhone 12 Pro Max! I previously had an 11 pro max but needed more storage so the 12 pro max was the next perfect choice. Using backmarket was quick, easy and hassle free! Delivery only took a few days. I kept the cost down by accepting minor cosmetic damage but the phone looks brand new! I couldn’t be happier. I wouldn’t 100% recommend using backmarket to anyone looking for used like new/ refurbished mobiles and I will definitely buy from them again in the future.
iPhone 12 Pro Max 512GB - Pacific Blue - Unlocked
iPhone 12 Pro Max 512GB - Pacific Blue - Unlocked
See item
Condition
Fair
Signs of wear. The body may have a few visible scratches and dents. Items with screens may have light scratches.
Purchased
01/04/2025
Celeste W.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 30/04/2026, United Kingdom.
Here’s a cleaner, more polished version while keeping your tone: I ordered the iPhone 12 Pro Max on Friday, 24th April and it arrived the very next day on Saturday, 25th April. The delivery was incredibly fast and the phone arrived in pristine condition, even though I had selected “Fair” condition. I was a bit hesitant at first since I hadn’t heard of Back Market before, but they have truly exceeded my expectations. I will definitely be recommending them to my friends. Thank you so much! 😊
iPhone 12 Pro Max 256GB - Graphite - Unlocked
iPhone 12 Pro Max 256GB - Graphite - Unlocked
See item
Condition
Fair
Signs of wear. The body may have a few visible scratches and dents. Items with screens may have light scratches.
Purchased
24/04/2026
Chris B.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 08/03/2026, United Kingdom.
You did great and delivery was on time. Device pristine as described on the website. Thank you Back Market
iPhone 12 Pro Max 128GB - Gold - Unlocked
iPhone 12 Pro Max 128GB - Gold - Unlocked
See item
Condition
Good
Light signs of wear. The body may have light micro-scratches. For items with screens, the screen will have no scratches.
Purchased
01/03/2026
Rhondda H.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 16/07/2026, United Kingdom.
I love it. I’m having a few issues with it, but I think it’s down to me not knowing what I’m doing. I’m 79 years old and a bit Gaga! Hahaha. But it’s a lovely phone, I’m very pleased with it. Thank you.
iPhone 12 Pro Max 512GB - Graphite - Unlocked
iPhone 12 Pro Max 512GB - Graphite - Unlocked
See item
Condition
Excellent
Almost no signs of wear. The body may have very light micro-scratches. For items with screens, the screen will have no scratches.
Purchased
07/07/2026
Jillian E.
Verified purchase
Reviewed 07/07/2026, United Kingdom.
The phone was perfect. Excellent quality as promised. It came quickly and had everything that I needed. It looks brand new. I have ordered many many times from Backmarket and it's always been top class. Website is easy to manage, support is always available if required.... really highly recommended.
iPhone 12 Pro Max 128GB - Pacific Blue - Unlocked
iPhone 12 Pro Max 128GB - Pacific Blue - Unlocked
See item
Condition
Excellent
Almost no signs of wear. The body may have very light micro-scratches. For items with screens, the screen will have no scratches.
Purchased
30/06/2026

iPhone 17e questions, answered

The iPhone 12 Pro Max is still a capable phone in 2026, powered by the A14 Bionic chip and confirmed on iOS 26.
Triple 12MP camera, sensor-shift OIS, LiDAR, 4K 60fps: competitive for photography
6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 5G, MagSafe, IP68: solid all-round specs
From ££251 refurbished: a meaningful saving vs newer flagship models
Doesn't support Apple Intelligence, ProMotion 120Hz, or USB-C
A strong pick for everyday users and photography enthusiasts stepping up from a refurbished iPhone 11 Pro Max.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone 12 Pro share the same A14 Bionic chip, 5G, LiDAR, MagSafe, and IP68 rating. The key differences:
iPhone 12 Pro Max
iPhone 12 Pro
Screen
6.7-inch
6.1-inch
Main camera OIS
Sensor-shift
Lens-based
Telephoto
2.5x optical
2x optical
Battery
Longer
Shorter
Weight
228g
189g
Price from (Back Market)
££251
££217.08
The Pro Max suits photography enthusiasts and those who want all-day battery life. For a more compact, lighter option, the refurbished iPhone 12 Pro is worth considering.
Sensor-shift OIS moves the image sensor itself rather than just the lens to compensate for hand movement, similar to in-body stabilisation found in mirrorless cameras. On the iPhone 12 Pro Max, this applies to both stills and video, producing sharper low-light images and smoother handheld footage. Paired with the phone's physically larger wide-angle sensor, the improvement is genuinely noticeable, particularly in Night Mode. Photography enthusiasts can explore more in our guide to the best iPhone for photos.
Yes. The iPhone 12 Pro Max was part of Apple's first 5G-compatible iPhone lineup, launched in 2020. It supports Sub-6GHz 5G, the standard used across all major UK networks: EE, Vodafone, O2, and Three. mmWave 5G isn't supported, but mmWave isn't deployed in the UK, so this has no practical impact. The phone also accepts both a nano-SIM and eSIM, useful for travellers or anyone running dual SIMs.
LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) uses laser pulses to build a 3D map of the surrounding environment in milliseconds. On the iPhone 12 Pro Max, it enables Night Mode portraits, dramatically speeds up autofocus in low light, and powers more realistic augmented reality experiences in apps like Measure and 3D scanning tools. LiDAR is a Pro-exclusive feature in the iPhone 12 lineup and is not available on the standard iPhone 12.
Refurbished iPhone 12 Pro Max listings on Back Market come in four grades. They differ cosmetically only; functional performance is identical across all conditions.
Fair: visible signs of use; 100% functionally verified
Good: light signs of use; the most popular grade on this listing
Excellent: minimal signs of use; near-pristine
Premium: virtually no visible signs of use (currently sold out)
All grades include a 12-month commercial warranty, 30 days to change your mind, and a minimum battery health of 80%. Full details at Back Market's quality charter.
Back Market is a trusted marketplace for refurbished iPhones, with every iPhone 12 Pro Max listing backed by:
12-month commercial warranty
30 days to change your mind (free returns)
Strict quality charter
Up to a 100-point professional inspection by verified sellers

	iPhone 12 Pro Max	iPhone 12 Pro
Screen	6.7-inch	6.1-inch
Main camera OIS	Sensor-shift	Lens-based
Telephoto	2.5x optical	2x optical
Battery	Longer	Shorter
Weight	228g	189g
Price from (Back Market)	££251	££217.08

Everything you ever wanted to know about the iPhone 12 Pro Max

Durability
Overall performance
Camera
Screen quality

16,08 cmHeight
7,81 cmWidth
YesCompatible with latest Update
GraphiteColour (official name)
5GMobile network
6.7Screen size (in)
0.99SAR body
LightningConnector
A2342, A2410, A2411Manufacturer Ref

The iPhone 12 Pro Max is a premium smartphone that combines powerful performance with a sophisticated design. Released in October 2020, it remains a strong contender in the smartphone market, offering advanced features and capabilities.

Key features:

Display: 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display
Processor: A14 Bionic chip
Camera: Triple 12MP camera system with Night mode and 4K Dolby Vision recording
Storage: 128GB internal storage
Connectivity: 5G compatible for high-speed internet access

Who is this for?

The iPhone 12 Pro Max is ideal for professionals, content creators, and anyone who seeks a high-quality smartphone experience. Its large display and robust camera system make it perfect for photography and videography enthusiasts, while its performance caters to demanding applications and multitasking.

Pros & Cons:

Pros	Cons
Stunning display with vibrant colours and high resolution.	Large size may not be comfortable for all users.
Exceptional camera quality for photos and videos.	No charger included in the box.

Why refurbished?

Choosing a refurbished iPhone 12 Pro Max allows you to enjoy a top-tier smartphone with the assurance of quality. Back Market’s refurbishment process includes thorough testing and inspection to ensure reliability. Learn more about our quality standards.

Height: 16,08 cm
Width: 7,81 cm
Compatible with latest Update: Yes
Colour (official name): Graphite
Mobile network: 5G
Screen size (in): 6.7
SAR body: 0.99
Connector: Lightning
Manufacturer Ref: A2342, A2410, A2411
SD Card Slot: No
Resolution: 1284 x 2778
Weight: 226 g
Front camera: 12 megapixels
Carrier compatibility: Unlocked
Foldable: No
Model: iPhone 12 Pro Max
Memory (GB): 6 GB
Colour: Graphite
Brand: Apple
Serie: Apple iPhone 12
SIM card: Physical SIM + eSIM
Year of Release: 2020
Depth: 0,74 cm
Storage: 128 GB
OS: iOS
SAR head: 0.99
Main camera: 12 megapixels
Screen type: Super Retina XDR OLED

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iPhone 12 Pro Max

Restored professionally

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Pairs well with

Customer reviews for iPhone 12 Pro Max

Overall rating

Rating details

Reviews

Reviews

Oluwemimo S.

Itohan vera I.

Catalyn B.

Celeste W.

Chris B.

Rhondda H.

Jillian E.

Popular searches

iPhone 17e questions, answered

Is the iPhone 12 Pro Max still worth buying in 2026?

What's the difference between the iPhone 12 Pro Max and the iPhone 12 Pro?

Does the iPhone 12 Pro Max have sensor-shift OIS, and does it actually make a difference?

Does the iPhone 12 Pro Max support 5G in the UK?

What does the LiDAR scanner do on the iPhone 12 Pro Max?

What are the condition grades for a refurbished iPhone 12 Pro Max?

Where can I buy a refurbished iPhone 12 Pro Max safely?

Everything you ever wanted to know about the iPhone 12 Pro Max

Durability

Overall performance

Camera

Screen quality

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