iPhone 11 Pro Max vs iPhone 12: Which iPhone Should You Buy?
Struggling to decide between the iPhone 11 Pro Max and the iPhone 12? You’re not alone! Both phones offer a premium experience, but they cater to different needs and budgets. This comparison will break down the key differences to help you make the best choice for your next upgrade.
The iPhone 11 Pro Max, with its impressive display and powerful camera system, was a flagship device. Then came the iPhone 12, boasting a sleek new design, improved performance, and 5G capabilities. Choosing between them requires considering your priorities.
We’ll delve into the specs, features, and overall performance of both devices. From the display quality and camera capabilities to the battery life and processing power, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make an informed decision. Let’s see how the iPhone 11 Pro Max stacks up against the iPhone 12.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | iPhone 11 Pro Max | iPhone 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.5 inches | 6.1 inches |
| Display Technology | Super Retina XDR OLED | Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Processor | A13 Bionic | A14 Bionic |
| RAM | 4GB | 4GB |
| Main Camera | Triple 12MP | Dual 12MP |
| Video Recording | 4K @ 60fps | 4K @ 60fps |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Storage Options | 64GB, 256GB, 512GB | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| 5G Connectivity | No | Yes |
| MagSafe | No | Yes |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Weight | 226 grams | 162 grams |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- iPhone 11 Pro Max: 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display. Offers excellent color accuracy and brightness, but lacks the Ceramic Shield protection and thinner bezels of the newer model. It’s still a top-tier display.
- iPhone 12: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with Ceramic Shield front cover. This provides increased durability and a slightly sharper image due to the higher pixel density. The display is also more energy-efficient.
- Winner: iphone 12
Processor
- iPhone 11 Pro Max: A13 Bionic chip. Powerful and efficient, still capable of handling demanding tasks and games. It’s a very capable processor, but it’s now a generation behind.
- iPhone 12: A14 Bionic chip. Offers a significant performance boost over the A13, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and improved graphics performance.
- Winner: iphone 12
Camera System
- iPhone 11 Pro Max: Triple 12MP camera system with Ultra Wide, Wide, and Telephoto lenses. Excellent image quality with impressive low-light performance, but lacks some of the computational photography advancements of the newer model.
- iPhone 12: Dual 12MP camera system with Ultra Wide and Wide lenses. While it has one less lens, it boasts improved low-light performance thanks to larger apertures and Night mode on all cameras, along with Smart HDR 3.
- Winner: iphone 12
Design and Build
- iPhone 11 Pro Max: Stainless steel frame with a glass back. Offers a premium feel, but is heavier than the iPhone 12.
- iPhone 12: Aluminum frame with Ceramic Shield front cover and a glass back. Lighter and more durable than the iPhone 11 Pro Max, with a flat-edge design.
- Winner: iphone 12
5G Connectivity
- iPhone 11 Pro Max: Does not support 5G. Relies on 4G LTE connectivity.
- iPhone 12: Supports 5G connectivity, enabling faster download and upload speeds where available.
- Winner: iphone 12
Battery Life
- iPhone 11 Pro Max: Offers excellent battery life, typically lasting a full day with heavy use.
- iPhone 12: Battery life is good, but generally not as long as the iPhone 11 Pro Max due to the more power-hungry display and 5G connectivity.
- Winner: iphone 11 pro max
Video Recording
- iPhone 11 Pro Max: Records 4K video at up to 60 fps with good stabilization.
- iPhone 12: Records 4K video at up to 60 fps with Dolby Vision HDR recording and improved stabilization, offering more dynamic range and color accuracy.
- Winner: iphone 12
Price and Availability
- iPhone 11 Pro Max: No longer sold new by Apple, but available used at a lower price point.
- iPhone 12: Still available, though discontinued by Apple, so it can be found in the market.
- Winner: iphone 12 (due to availability and often a similar price point)
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Performance | iPhone 12 |
| Display Size | iPhone 11 Pro Max |
| Camera Versatility | iPhone 11 Pro Max |
| Connectivity | iPhone 12 |
| Design | iPhone 12 |
| Portability | iPhone 12 |
What They Have in Common
- Display Technology: Both phones utilize Super Retina XDR OLED technology, providing vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast ratios.
- Water Resistance: Both devices are rated IP68, offering protection against water submersion and dust.
- Front Camera: Both the iPhone 11 Pro Max and the iPhone 12 feature a 12MP front-facing camera for selfies and video calls.
- Video Recording: Both phones support 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second, allowing for high-quality video capture.
- Operating System: Both phones run on iOS, ensuring a consistent user experience with regular software updates.
Iphone 11 Pro Max Vs Iphone 12 Buying Guide
Design and Build Quality
The iPhone 11 Pro Max boasts a stainless steel frame and a textured matte glass back, conveying a premium feel. It’s a robust phone, known for its durability. The iPhone 12, on the other hand, features a flat-edged design with aerospace-grade aluminum and a Ceramic Shield front cover, improving drop resistance. Both phones are water-resistant, but the iPhone 12’s design makes it feel more modern and sleek. Ultimately, the choice depends on your preference for a more classic or contemporary aesthetic.
Display Technology
The iPhone 11 Pro Max features a Super Retina XDR display, offering excellent color accuracy and brightness. It’s great for media consumption. The iPhone 12 steps up the game with a Super Retina XDR display that uses OLED technology, providing even richer colors, higher contrast ratios, and improved power efficiency. The 12 also features a slightly higher resolution. While both displays are impressive, the iPhone 12’s display is noticeably superior, especially in terms of vibrancy and energy consumption.
Performance and Processor
The iPhone 11 Pro Max is powered by the A13 Bionic chip, which remains a powerful processor, capable of handling demanding tasks and games. The iPhone 12, however, features the A14 Bionic chip, which offers a significant performance boost, particularly in graphics processing and machine learning tasks. This results in faster app loading times and smoother overall performance. For users who prioritize peak performance and future-proofing, the iPhone 12 is the clear winner in this category.
Camera Capabilities
The iPhone 11 Pro Max has a triple-camera system that takes excellent photos and videos, especially in well-lit conditions. It offers impressive low-light performance. The iPhone 12 also features a dual-camera system, which includes improvements to computational photography, like Smart HDR 3 and Night mode on all cameras. This results in better image quality, particularly in challenging lighting situations. The iPhone 12’s night mode is a significant improvement making it a better choice for photography.
Battery Life and Charging
The iPhone 11 Pro Max offers excellent battery life, typically lasting a full day of heavy use. The iPhone 12’s battery life is slightly less than the 11 Pro Max, especially with the use of 5G. Both phones support fast charging, but you’ll need to purchase a separate charger. The iPhone 12 also introduces MagSafe charging, allowing for wireless charging and the use of magnetic accessories. Battery performance is the 11 pro max’s strength, however.
Connectivity and Features
The iPhone 12 introduces 5G connectivity, offering faster download and upload speeds where available. It also offers the latest Wi-Fi standards. The iPhone 11 Pro Max supports 4G LTE. The iPhone 12 also includes MagSafe, a new ecosystem of accessories that attach magnetically. While the 11 Pro Max has its own useful features, the 12’s 5G and MagSafe capabilities provide a more future-proofed experience.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPhone 11 Pro Max If…
- You prioritize a larger screen for media consumption and gaming.
- You prefer having a triple-camera system for versatile photography options.
- You want the option of a 512GB storage model.
- You prefer the larger size and longer battery life.
Buy iPhone 12 If…
- You want the latest processor for improved performance.
- You want 5G connectivity for faster data speeds.
- You prefer a more compact and lighter design.
- You’re interested in MagSafe accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone has a better display?
The iPhone 12 has a superior display. It uses OLED technology, providing richer colors, higher contrast, and better power efficiency compared to the iPhone 11 Pro Max’s Super Retina XDR display. The 12’s display is noticeably brighter and more vibrant, resulting in a more immersive viewing experience, especially when watching videos or playing games. The 12 also has a slightly higher resolution.
Which phone is faster?
The iPhone 12 is significantly faster. It features the A14 Bionic chip, which offers substantial performance improvements over the A13 Bionic chip in the iPhone 11 Pro Max. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better performance in graphically intensive applications and games. The A14 Bionic also enhances machine learning capabilities.
Does the iPhone 12 have 5G?
Yes, the iPhone 12 supports 5G connectivity. This allows for faster download and upload speeds when connected to a 5G network. The iPhone 11 Pro Max does not have 5G. 5G support provides a more future-proof experience, and enables faster online gaming and streaming.
Which phone has a better camera?
The iPhone 12 has a better camera system, though both phones take excellent photos. The iPhone 12’s dual-camera system utilizes computational photography improvements, including Smart HDR 3 and Night mode on all cameras. These enhancements result in better low-light performance and improved image quality overall, making the iPhone 12 the superior choice for photography.
What about battery life?
The iPhone 11 Pro Max generally has slightly better battery life than the iPhone 12. The 11 Pro Max can typically last a full day of heavy use. While the iPhone 12’s battery life is still respectable, it is reduced by 5G usage. Both phones support fast charging, allowing for quick power-ups when needed.
Is the iPhone 12 more durable?
Yes, the iPhone 12 is more durable. It features a flat-edged design with aerospace-grade aluminum and a Ceramic Shield front cover, which significantly improves drop resistance compared to the iPhone 11 Pro Max’s stainless steel frame and glass back. The Ceramic Shield provides up to four times better drop performance.
What are the key differences in design?
The iPhone 11 Pro Max has a stainless steel frame with a matte glass back, providing a premium feel. The iPhone 12 features a flat-edged design with aerospace-grade aluminum and a Ceramic Shield front cover. The 12 is more modern and sleek. The iPhone 12 also introduces MagSafe, which allows for wireless charging and magnetic accessories.
Final Verdict
The iPhone 12 offers significant upgrades over the iPhone 11 Pro Max, including a better display, a faster processor, improved camera capabilities, and 5G connectivity. While the iPhone 11 Pro Max remains a capable device with excellent battery life, the iPhone 12 provides a more modern and future-proof experience, making it the better choice for most users.
Winner: iPhone 12