iPhone 12 vs. iPhone 12 Pro Max: A Comprehensive Comparison
The iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro Max, released in 2020, marked a significant leap forward in design, performance, and features for Apple’s smartphone lineup. These models, with their sleek flat-edge design, powerful A14 Bionic chip, and advanced camera systems, offer a premium user experience for both casual users and professionals alike. This blog will break down the key differences and similarities between the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro Max, helping you understand which model is the right fit for you.
Part 1: iPhone 12 vs. iPhone 12 Pro Max – Feature Comparison Table
| Feature | iPhone 12 | iPhone 12 Pro Max |
| Design | Aluminum frame, Ceramic Shield front, glossy glass back | Stainless steel frame, Ceramic Shield front, matte glass back |
| Weight | 164 grams | 228 grams |
| Color Options | Black, White, Product Red, Green, Blue, Purple | Graphite, Gold, Silver, Pacific Blue |
| Display Size | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display | 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display |
| Resolution | 2532 x 1170 pixels (460 ppi) | 2778 x 1284 pixels (458 ppi) |
| Chipset | A14 Bionic chip with 6-core CPU and 4-core GPU | A14 Bionic chip with 6-core CPU and 4-core GPU |
| Neural Engine | 16-core Neural Engine | 16-core Neural Engine |
| Storage Options | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Main Camera System | Dual 12MP cameras (wide, ultra-wide) | Triple 12MP cameras (wide, ultra-wide, telephoto) |
| Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP, f/2.4 aperture, 120-degree field of view | 12MP, f/2.4 aperture, 120-degree field of view |
| Telephoto Camera | Not available | 12MP, f/2.2 aperture, 2.5x optical zoom |
| Night Mode | Available on wide and ultra-wide lenses | Available on all lenses |
| LiDAR Scanner | Not available | Available for improved AR and low-light focus |
| MagSafe Charging | Yes, up to 15W | Yes, up to 15W |
| Battery Life | Up to 17 hours of video playback | Up to 20 hours of video playback |
| Operating System | iOS 14 (upgradable to later versions) | iOS 14 (upgradable to later versions) |
| Face ID | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing | Starts at $799 (64GB model) | Starts at $1,099 (128GB model) |
Part 2: Detailed Explanation of iPhone 12 vs. iPhone 12 Pro Max Features
1. Design
The iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro Max feature a similar design, both sporting flat edges that hark back to the iconic design language of the iPhone 4 and 5. However, the materials used differentiate the two. The iPhone 12 has an aluminum frame, making it lighter and more affordable, while the iPhone 12 Pro Max features a stainless steel frame, giving it a more premium and durable feel. Both phones are protected by Apple’s Ceramic Shield on the front, which offers four times better drop performance.
2. Weight
The iPhone 12 weighs 164 grams, making it lightweight and easy to handle. In contrast, the iPhone 12 Pro Max weighs 228 grams, primarily due to its larger display and bigger battery. This weight difference provides the Pro Max with a more substantial feel, which can be a plus for users who prefer a more robust phone but a downside for those seeking portability.
3. Color Options
Apple introduced a wide variety of color options for the iPhone 12, including Black, White, Product Red, Green, Blue, and Purple, catering to users who enjoy bold and vibrant designs. The iPhone 12 Pro Max, however, is available in more premium colors like Graphite, Gold, Silver, and Pacific Blue, aimed at users who prefer a more elegant, subdued look.
4. Display Size
The iPhone 12 comes with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, offering a great balance between screen size and portability. In contrast, the iPhone 12 Pro Max boasts a larger 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, ideal for watching videos, gaming, and multitasking. Both displays deliver impressive color accuracy and deep contrast, thanks to the OLED technology.
5. Resolution
The iPhone 12 has a resolution of 2532 x 1170 pixels with a pixel density of 460 ppi, ensuring sharp visuals. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a resolution of 2778 x 1284 pixels with a pixel density of 458 ppi. Both models provide exceptional clarity and detail, though the Pro Max’s larger display offers a more immersive experience for content consumption.
6. Chipset
Both models are powered by Apple’s A14 Bionic chip, which delivers industry-leading performance. The 6-core CPU and 4-core GPU provide fast processing for everyday tasks, gaming, and more intensive applications like video editing. The A14 Bionic is also highly efficient, ensuring smooth multitasking without draining battery life too quickly.
7. Neural Engine
The 16-core Neural Engine is present in both models, enhancing machine learning and AI-driven tasks. Features like computational photography, improved Siri functionality, and augmented reality (AR) experiences all benefit from this powerful engine. The Neural Engine also plays a crucial role in the iPhone’s camera capabilities, enabling features like Night Mode and Deep Fusion.
8. Storage Options
The iPhone 12 offers three storage options: 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB, making it ideal for users who don’t need extensive storage. In comparison, the iPhone 12 Pro Max starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB, catering to power users who require more space for high-resolution photos, 4K videos, and large app collections.
9. Camera System
The iPhone 12 comes with a dual-camera system featuring a 12MP wide and ultra-wide lens. This setup offers excellent photo quality, but lacks the versatility of a telephoto lens. The iPhone 12 Pro Max, on the other hand, features a triple-camera system with an additional 12MP telephoto lens that supports 2.5x optical zoom, allowing for more detailed shots from a distance. Both models feature Night Mode and Deep Fusion, but the Pro Max benefits from more advanced features like a LiDAR scanner for better AR performance and improved low-light focusing.
10. Ultra-Wide Camera
Both models are equipped with a 12MP ultra-wide camera offering a 120-degree field of view, making them perfect for capturing expansive landscapes or large group photos. However, the Pro Max’s ultra-wide camera benefits from the LiDAR scanner, which improves low-light performance by enabling faster autofocus and more accurate depth sensing in darker environments.
11. Telephoto Camera
The iPhone 12 does not include a telephoto lens, limiting its zoom capabilities to digital zoom. Meanwhile, the iPhone 12 Pro Max features a 12MP telephoto lens with a 2.5x optical zoom range, providing greater versatility in capturing distant subjects with clarity and precision.
12. Night Mode
Night Mode, which allows users to take brighter, clearer photos in low-light conditions, is available on both models. The iPhone 12 supports Night Mode on the wide and ultra-wide cameras, while the iPhone 12 Pro Max extends this feature to all three lenses, offering more flexibility for night-time photography.
13. LiDAR Scanner
A standout feature of the iPhone 12 Pro Max is the inclusion of a LiDAR scanner, which enhances augmented reality experiences and improves low-light photography by enabling faster autofocus and more accurate depth sensing.. This technology improves augmented reality experiences by providing more accurate depth mapping, and it enhances low-light photography by enabling faster autofocus in dark environments. The iPhone 12 does not include this feature.
14. MagSafe Charging
Both models support MagSafe charging, allowing for up to 15W of wireless charging through compatible MagSafe chargers. This magnetic system also opens up a new ecosystem of accessories, such as cases and wallets that attach seamlessly to the back of the iPhone.
15. Battery Life
The iPhone 12 provides up to 17 hours of video playback, which is more than enough for most users to get through a full day of regular use. However, the iPhone 12 Pro Max, with its larger battery, extends video playback time to 20 hours, making it the better choice for users who prioritize long battery life.
16. Operating System
Both the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro Max come pre-installed with iOS 14, which offers a range of new features like widgets on the home screen, improved privacy controls, and a redesigned App Library. Both models are also upgradable to future versions of iOS, ensuring long-term software support and access to new features.
17. Face ID
Face ID, Apple’s facial recognition system, is available on both models and provides a secure and convenient way to unlock your phone, authenticate purchases, and log into apps. The system works seamlessly in most lighting conditions, including in low light and at various angles.
18. Pricing
The iPhone 12 starts at $799 for the 64GB model, making it a more affordable option for users who don’t need a lot of storage or advanced camera features. The iPhone 12 Pro Max, with its more premium features, starts at $1,099 for the 128GB model, making it a better option for power users and professionals who require more advanced capabilities.
Conclusion
Both the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro Max are exceptional devices, but they cater to different types of users. The iPhone 12 is ideal for those who want a more affordable, lightweight phone with a great display and camera, while the iPhone 12 Pro Max is designed for users who need the best in performance, battery life, and camera technology, including features like the telephoto lens and LiDAR scanner.
