After a long wait, the iPhone 12 range is finally here, with four phones making up the lineup this time around. If you want to go for the higher spec options, then the phones you should be considering are the iPhone 12 Pro and the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
To help you decide which handset is right for you, here’s a rundown of some of the key differences between the two handsets. You can also check out all the information we have about the Apple HomePod Mini – also revealed during the Apple event on 13 October 2020, and our full iPhone 12 Pro review too.
Does size matter?
The clue is in the name here. Like the iPhone 11 range, the Pro Max is the largest phone in the entire iPhone 12 range. The iPhone 12 Pro features a 6.1in display, whilst the iPhone 12 Pro Max boasts a 6.7in display. This is up from 5.8in and 6.5in respectively compared to last year’s models.
If you’re looking for a phone that can slip easier into your pocket, the iPhone 12 Pro is likely the better choice.
Both phone screens possess Apple’s Super Retina XDR display, and a resolution of 2778 x 1284 at 458ppi. Therefore, you’ll get just as good quality display on the smaller variant as you would on the larger. Nonetheless, a bigger screen does make for a better viewing experience – so it’s worth considering what screen size you’d prefer for watching videos or browsing Instagram.
See also: Best iPhone 12 Pro Max cases
More juice from your iPhone
Though it hasn’t been confirmed, the phones could see a difference when it comes to battery life. On the iPhone 11 range, the Pro Max boasts a larger cell due to its bigger size, and thereby lasts longer.
We imagine that this will be a similar story with the 12 range – though we will put this to the test when we get the handsets in for review.
Max out the cameras
Unlike the previous generation, one of the key differences between the two Pro iPhones are the snapper abilities. The iPhone 11 Pro range had identical cameras, so this is quite a change.
Here’s a quick rundown on what each phone features in that quad camera setup:
iPhone 12 Pro
- 12Mp main wide camera with f/1.6 aperture and a 7-element lens
- 12Mp ultrawide with f/2.4 aperture and a 120-degree field of view
- 12Mp telephone camera with f/2.0 aperture and 52mm focal length
iPhone 12 Pro Max
- 12Mp main wide camera with f/1.6 aperture, 26mm focal length, 7-element lens, a 47% larger sensor and new optical image stabilisation
- 12Mp ultrawide with f/2.4 aperture and a 120-degree field of view
- 12Mp telephone camera with f/2.2 aperture and 65mm focal length
To summarise, if you want the most powerful camera in the iPhone range, then the iPhone 12 Pro Max is the one to go for. However, don’t be too quick to turn your nose up at the Pro. You still get a strong set-up compared to the regular iPhone 12 and the Mini variant.
Name your price
Here’s the deal-breaker between the two phones – cost. The iPhone 12 Pro Max retails for £100/US$100 more than the iPhone 12 Pro. Here are the official figures:
- iPhone 12 Pro – £999/$999
- iPhone 12 Pro Max – £1,099/$1,099
What’s the same?
If you’re wondering what the two models have in common, then there’s a few things. They both have a stainless-steel chassis and a glass back, and come in four colour variants: silver, grey, gold and blue.
All phones in the iPhone 12 range feature a ceramic shield that allegedly provides 4x improved drop performance, and an IP68 rating which provides dust and dirt resistance and can be submerged in water with a maximum depth of 1.5 meters.
As spoken about above, the actual specs of the displays are the same, bar the size obviously. Both models will be compatible with the new MagSafe wireless charging accessories.
The phones run on Apple’s A14 chipset, which features an Image Signal Processor that will be core to the quad-camera setup on the iPhone 12 Pro range. They are also 5G compatible.
Is the iPhone 12 Pro or the iPhone 12 Pro Max better for me?
Taking all the above into account, here’s what you need to know:
Get the iPhone 12 Pro if…
You want most of the Pro features such as the durable build materials, quad-camera set-up and high-quality display, but don’t want to pay over £1,000/$1,000. In addition, you prefer a smaller phone size for practicality reasons.
Get the iPhone 12 Pro Max if…
You want the best camera an iPhone can give, enjoy a bigger phone for the larger display, wish for more durable battery life and are prepared to pay a premium price for your iPhone 12.
The iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max are available to purchase now from Apple, Amazon, O2, Currys and EE.
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