iPhone 13 Pro Max vs iPhone 12 Pro Max: Which Is Better?
Struggling to decide between the iPhone 13 Pro Max and the iPhone 12 Pro Max? You’re not alone. Both of these premium iPhones offer impressive features and performance, making the choice a tough one for any potential buyer. We’ll break down the key differences to help you make the right decision.
The iPhone 13 Pro Max boasts several upgrades over its predecessor, the iPhone 12 Pro Max, including a better display and a more powerful camera system. But is it worth the upgrade, or does the 12 Pro Max still hold its own? We’ll compare the specs, features, and overall value to help you decide.
From the processor and battery life to the camera capabilities and display quality, we’ll cover everything you need to know. Get ready to explore the nuances of the iPhone 13 Pro Max vs iPhone 12 Pro Max, and discover which phone best suits your needs and budget.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | 13 Pro Max | 12 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.7 inches | 6.7 inches |
| Display Technology | Super Retina XDR with ProMotion | Super Retina XDR |
| Processor | A15 Bionic chip | A14 Bionic chip |
| Main Camera | 12MP (wide, ultrawide, telephoto) | 12MP (wide, ultrawide, telephoto) |
| Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth | 12MP TrueDepth |
| Video Recording | 4K Dolby Vision HDR | 4K Dolby Vision HDR |
| Storage Options | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Battery Life (Video Playback) | Up to 28 hours | Up to 20 hours |
| 5G Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| MagSafe | Yes | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- 13 Pro Max: Features a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion technology, offering an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz. This results in smoother scrolling and improved responsiveness. The higher refresh rate does impact battery life.
- 12 Pro Max: Boasts a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display, but without ProMotion. It has a standard 60Hz refresh rate. While still vibrant and sharp, it lacks the fluidity of the 13 Pro Max.
- Winner: 13 Pro Max
Processor
- 13 Pro Max: Equipped with the A15 Bionic chip, providing significant performance gains over the previous generation. This translates to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. Some users may not notice the difference in daily usage.
- 12 Pro Max: Runs on the A14 Bionic chip, which is still a powerful processor. It handles everyday tasks and demanding applications efficiently. It may show its age in the coming years.
- Winner: 13 Pro Max
Camera System
- 13 Pro Max: Features a vastly improved camera system with larger sensors, a new telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and Cinematic mode for video recording. The camera excels in low-light conditions and offers more versatility. The bump is quite large.
- 12 Pro Max: Offers a strong camera system with three 12MP lenses. It delivers excellent image quality in various lighting conditions. While capable, it doesn’t match the low-light performance or zoom capabilities of its successor.
- Winner: 13 Pro Max
Battery Life
- 13 Pro Max: Provides significantly improved battery life, lasting up to 28 hours of video playback. This is a major improvement over the 12 Pro Max, making it a reliable daily driver.
- 12 Pro Max: Offers good battery life, but generally lasts less than the 13 Pro Max. You can expect a full day of use, but heavy users might need to recharge before the end of the day.
- Winner: 13 Pro Max
Storage Options
- 13 Pro Max: Available in storage options ranging from 128GB to 1TB. This provides ample space for photos, videos, and apps. The 1TB option is a premium offering.
- 12 Pro Max: Offers storage options up to 512GB. While still generous, it doesn’t match the maximum storage capacity of the 13 Pro Max.
- Winner: 13 Pro Max
Design and Build
- 13 Pro Max: Maintains a similar design aesthetic, with a flat-edged design and Ceramic Shield front cover. It has a slightly larger camera bump.
- 12 Pro Max: Features a flat-edged design with a durable Ceramic Shield front cover. It is a sleek, premium-feeling device.
- Winner: Tie
Connectivity
- 13 Pro Max: Supports 5G connectivity for faster download and upload speeds. It also has Wi-Fi 6 for improved wireless performance.
- 12 Pro Max: Also supports 5G connectivity and Wi-Fi 6, offering similar network performance.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- 13 Pro Max: Generally more expensive due to its advanced features and newer technology.
- 12 Pro Max: Usually available at a lower price point, making it a more budget-friendly option.
- Winner: 12 Pro Max
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Performance | 13 Pro Max |
| Battery Life | 13 Pro Max |
| Display Smoothness | 13 Pro Max |
| Overall Value | 12 Pro Max (depending on price) |
| Camera (Low Light) | 13 Pro Max |
What They Have in Common
- Display Size: Both phones feature a large 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display, providing ample screen real estate for media consumption and productivity.
- 5g Connectivity: Both models support 5G, ensuring fast download and streaming speeds where 5G networks are available.
- Water Resistance: Both the iPhone 13 Pro Max and the iPhone 12 Pro Max are rated IP68 for water resistance, offering protection against splashes and submersion.
- Magsafe: Both phones are compatible with MagSafe accessories, allowing for convenient wireless charging and magnetic attachment of accessories.
- Excellent Cameras: Both phones offer a versatile triple-camera system, capable of capturing stunning photos and videos in various conditions.
13 Pro Max Vs 12 Pro Max Buying Guide
Performance and Processing Power
The iPhone 13 Pro Max boasts the A15 Bionic chip, offering a significant performance leap over the A14 Bionic found in the iPhone 12 Pro Max. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and enhanced gaming experiences. The A15’s improved Neural Engine also contributes to superior machine learning capabilities, benefiting features like photography and Siri. While the 12 Pro Max remains a capable device, the 13 Pro Max provides a noticeable edge in overall processing power and efficiency, making it the better choice for demanding users.
Camera Capabilities
The iPhone 13 Pro Max introduces a revamped camera system with larger sensors and improved low-light performance. Its primary camera captures more light, resulting in brighter and more detailed images. The addition of Cinematic mode for video recording and ProRes video recording (available on higher storage models) provides creative advantages. While the 12 Pro Max offers a great camera system, the 13 Pro Max delivers enhancements in image quality, video features, and overall versatility, making it the superior option for photography enthusiasts and videographers.
Display and Design
Both phones feature stunning Super Retina XDR displays, but the iPhone 13 Pro Max introduces ProMotion technology with an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz. This results in incredibly smooth scrolling and responsive animations. The 13 Pro Max also offers slightly improved brightness. While both phones showcase premium designs with durable materials, the 13 Pro Max refines the design with a slightly larger camera bump and a smaller notch. The 13 Pro Max provides a smoother and more visually appealing experience.
Battery Life
The iPhone 13 Pro Max features a significantly improved battery life compared to the iPhone 12 Pro Max. Apple has optimized the A15 Bionic chip and increased the battery capacity, allowing for longer usage on a single charge. This means you can comfortably use the 13 Pro Max for a full day or even longer, depending on your usage patterns. The 12 Pro Max offered decent battery life, but the 13 Pro Max provides a substantial upgrade, making it a better choice for users who prioritize longevity.
Storage Options and Pricing
Both models come in various storage configurations, but the iPhone 13 Pro Max offers a wider range, including a 1TB option. This is advantageous for users who require ample storage for photos, videos, and apps. While the initial pricing of the 13 Pro Max was higher, the prices have adjusted over time. The 12 Pro Max is now available at a lower price point, which can be a significant factor for budget-conscious buyers. Consider your storage needs and budget when comparing these two phones.
Connectivity and Features
Both iPhones support 5G connectivity, ensuring fast data speeds. The iPhone 13 Pro Max offers minor improvements in 5G performance. Other features are largely similar, including MagSafe compatibility and Face ID. The 13 Pro Max does introduce some new software features, such as Photographic Styles in the camera app. The 13 Pro Max offers a slightly refined experience. The 12 Pro Max is still capable, but the 13 Pro Max has the edge in terms of new software features and overall experience.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy 13 pro max If…
- You prioritize the best possible battery life.
- You want the smoothest display experience with ProMotion.
- You desire the latest processor for enhanced performance.
- You need the extra storage option of 1TB.
Buy 12 pro max If…
- You’re on a tighter budget.
- You don’t need the absolute latest features and are happy with excellent performance.
- You’re satisfied with slightly shorter battery life.
- You can find a good deal on a pre-owned or refurbished model.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between the iPhone 13 Pro Max and the iPhone 12 Pro Max?
The iPhone 13 Pro Max has a more powerful A15 Bionic chip, a superior camera system with larger sensors and Cinematic mode, a ProMotion display with a 120Hz refresh rate, and significantly improved battery life. The 12 Pro Max offers a great experience, but the 13 Pro Max provides substantial upgrades in several key areas, particularly in performance and camera capabilities.
Is the iPhone 13 Pro Max worth the upgrade from the iPhone 12 Pro Max?
For most users, the upgrade to the iPhone 13 Pro Max is worthwhile, especially if you prioritize performance, camera quality, and battery life. The improvements are significant enough to justify the cost, and the ProMotion display and new camera features provide a noticeable difference in daily usage. However, if budget is a constraint, the 12 Pro Max is still an excellent phone.
Does the iPhone 13 Pro Max have a better camera than the iPhone 12 Pro Max?
Yes, the iPhone 13 Pro Max has a noticeably better camera system. It features larger sensors that capture more light, resulting in improved low-light performance. Additionally, it offers features like Cinematic mode and ProRes video recording, providing enhanced creative capabilities. The 12 Pro Max’s camera is still strong, but the 13 Pro Max offers a superior experience.
How does the battery life compare between the iPhone 13 Pro Max and the iPhone 12 Pro Max?
The iPhone 13 Pro Max has significantly better battery life than the iPhone 12 Pro Max. Apple has optimized the A15 Bionic chip and increased the battery capacity, allowing for longer usage on a single charge. You can expect a full day or even longer of use with the 13 Pro Max. The 12 Pro Max’s battery life is decent, but the 13 Pro Max provides a big improvement.
Are there any design differences between the iPhone 13 Pro Max and the iPhone 12 Pro Max?
Yes, there are subtle design differences. The iPhone 13 Pro Max has a slightly larger camera bump and a smaller notch. The overall design is similar, with both phones featuring a premium design. The 13 Pro Max refines the design with a slightly larger camera bump and a smaller notch. The 12 Pro Max has a very similar design otherwise.
What storage options are available for both the iPhone 13 Pro Max and the iPhone 12 Pro Max?
Both models come in multiple storage configurations. The iPhone 13 Pro Max offers a wider range, including a 1TB option. The 12 Pro Max had options, but often the 13 Pro Max has more options. The right storage size depends on individual needs, like the amount of photos, videos, and apps.
Which phone is better for gaming?
The iPhone 13 Pro Max is better for gaming due to its more powerful A15 Bionic chip and smoother ProMotion display. The A15 provides faster processing speeds and improved graphics performance, resulting in a more responsive and immersive gaming experience. The 12 Pro Max is also very good but the 13 Pro Max is the better option.
Final Verdict
The iPhone 13 Pro Max emerges as the superior choice due to its enhanced performance, advanced camera system, smoother display, and significantly improved battery life. While the iPhone 12 Pro Max remains a capable device, the 13 Pro Max provides a more refined and feature-rich experience, making it the better investment for those seeking the ultimate iPhone experience.
Winner: iPhone 13 Pro Max