iPhone 11 Pro Max vs 12 Pro: Which iPhone Reigns?
Choosing a new iPhone can feel like navigating a tech minefield. With so many options, how do you decide which one best suits your needs? This comparison dives deep, pitting the iPhone 11 Pro Max against the iPhone 12 Pro, two powerhouses from Apple’s impressive lineup.
The iPhone 11 Pro Max, a champion of its time, boasts a stunning display and a formidable camera system. Meanwhile, the iPhone 12 Pro brings a fresh design and upgraded features to the table. Both phones offer premium performance, but subtle differences may sway your decision.
We’ll explore everything from design and display to camera capabilities and performance. We will help you determine which iPhone is the better investment for your daily life. Get ready to uncover the key distinctions between the iPhone 11 Pro Max and the 12 Pro, helping you make the perfect choice!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | iPhone 11 Pro Max | iPhone 12 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.5 inches | 6.1 inches |
| Display Technology | Super Retina XDR | Super Retina XDR |
| Processor | A13 Bionic | A14 Bionic |
| RAM | 4GB | 6GB |
| Main Camera | 12MP Triple-lens | 12MP Triple-lens |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Video Recording | 4K up to 60fps | 4K up to 60fps |
| 5G Connectivity | No | Yes |
| MagSafe | No | Yes |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Storage Options | 64GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Weight | 226 grams | 189 grams |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- iPhone 11 Pro Max: 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display. Offers vibrant colors and impressive brightness, but lacks the Ceramic Shield and MagSafe features of the newer model.
- 12 Pro: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with Ceramic Shield front cover for increased durability. Offers similar picture quality but is slightly smaller and benefits from improved drop resistance.
- Winner: 12 Pro
Processor
- iPhone 11 Pro Max: A13 Bionic chip. Still a powerful processor capable of handling most tasks smoothly, but it’s now a generation behind.
- 12 Pro: A14 Bionic chip. Offers a significant performance boost over the A13, resulting in faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance.
- Winner: 12 Pro
Camera System
- iPhone 11 Pro Max: Triple 12MP camera system with Wide, Ultra Wide, and Telephoto lenses. Delivers excellent image quality with impressive low-light performance, but lacks the LiDAR scanner and ProRAW capabilities of the 12 Pro.
- 12 Pro: Triple 12MP camera system with Wide, Ultra Wide, and Telephoto lenses, plus a LiDAR scanner. Offers improved low-light performance, ProRAW for greater editing flexibility, and enhanced augmented reality experiences.
- Winner: 12 Pro
Design and Build Quality
- iPhone 11 Pro Max: Stainless steel frame with a textured matte glass back. Durable and premium-feeling, but the design is a generation older.
- 12 Pro: Stainless steel frame with a flat-edged design and Ceramic Shield front cover. Offers a more modern aesthetic and improved durability.
- Winner: 12 Pro
Battery Life
- iPhone 11 Pro Max: Excellent battery life, often lasting a full day or more with moderate to heavy use.
- 12 Pro: Good battery life, but generally not quite as long-lasting as the 11 Pro Max.
- Winner: 11 Pro Max
Connectivity
- iPhone 11 Pro Max: 4G LTE. Lacks 5G connectivity.
- 12 Pro: 5G connectivity. Offers faster download and upload speeds in areas with 5G coverage.
- Winner: 12 Pro
MagSafe
- iPhone 11 Pro Max: Does not have MagSafe.
- 12 Pro: Supports MagSafe accessories for wireless charging and attachment of accessories.
- Winner: 12 Pro
Video Recording
- iPhone 11 Pro Max: Records up to 4K video at 60 fps.
- 12 Pro: Records up to 4K video at 60 fps, with Dolby Vision HDR recording for enhanced dynamic range.
- Winner: 12 Pro
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Performance | iPhone 12 Pro |
| Display Size | iPhone 11 Pro Max |
| Battery Life | iPhone 11 Pro Max |
| Connectivity | iPhone 12 Pro |
| Design | iPhone 12 Pro |
| Camera (Overall) | Tie |
What They Have in Common
- Display Technology: Both phones utilize Super Retina XDR displays, providing vibrant colors and excellent contrast for an immersive viewing experience.
- Water Resistance: Both the iPhone 11 Pro Max and the iPhone 12 Pro share an IP68 rating, offering protection against water submersion.
- Triple-Lens Camera: Both models feature a triple-lens camera system, allowing for versatile photography options, including wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto lenses.
- 4K Video Recording: Both iPhones support 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second, enabling high-quality video capture.
- Front Camera: Both devices have a 12MP front-facing camera for taking selfies and making video calls.
- Operating System: Both phones run on iOS, ensuring a consistent and user-friendly software experience.
Iphone 11 Pro Max Vs 12 Pro Buying Guide
Performance
The iPhone 12 Pro boasts a newer A14 Bionic chip, offering a noticeable performance upgrade over the iPhone 11 Pro Max’s A13 Bionic. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. While the 11 Pro Max remains a powerful phone capable of handling demanding tasks, the 12 Pro edges ahead in raw processing power. The difference is most evident in graphically intensive applications and computationally heavy tasks. The A14 chip also brings improvements in computational photography, enhancing image processing capabilities.
Display
Both phones feature excellent displays, but the iPhone 12 Pro introduces a few refinements. While the screen size is similar, the 12 Pro utilizes a Super Retina XDR display with Ceramic Shield front cover for increased drop resistance. The 12 Pro’s display offers slightly better contrast and color accuracy, contributing to a more immersive viewing experience. The 11 Pro Max still has a vibrant and sharp display. The 12 Pro’s display is an incremental upgrade, but the added durability is a welcomed addition.
Camera
Both phones have exceptional camera systems, but the iPhone 12 Pro offers advancements. The 12 Pro introduces features like the LiDAR scanner, which enhances low-light photography and improves autofocus. It also offers the ability to record in Dolby Vision HDR, offering stunning video quality. The 11 Pro Max produces fantastic photos and videos, but the 12 Pro’s upgrades, especially in low-light performance and video capabilities, provide a significant edge. Both phones offer excellent image stabilization and versatile shooting modes.
Design
The iPhone 12 Pro features a more modern design with flatter edges, similar to the iPad Pro. It also introduces the Ceramic Shield front cover for improved drop resistance. The iPhone 11 Pro Max has a more rounded design. While both phones feature premium materials, the 12 Pro’s design feels more contemporary. Both phones are water-resistant. The 12 Pro is slightly thinner and lighter. The design preference is subjective, but the 12 Pro’s design is more in line with current trends.
Battery Life
The iPhone 11 Pro Max excels in battery life. While the iPhone 12 Pro offers respectable battery life, the 11 Pro Max typically provides longer usage on a single charge. This is due in part to the 11 Pro Max’s larger battery capacity. If battery life is a top priority, the 11 Pro Max might be the better choice. However, the 12 Pro’s efficient A14 Bionic chip helps to optimize power consumption. Battery life will vary depending on usage patterns.
Price & Value
The iPhone 11 Pro Max is often available at a lower price point than the iPhone 12 Pro, especially in the used or refurbished market. This makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. While the 12 Pro offers newer features and a more powerful processor, the 11 Pro Max provides excellent value, especially if you prioritize battery life and don’t need the latest technologies. Consider your budget and desired features when deciding which phone offers the best value for your needs.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPhone 11 Pro Max If…
- You prefer a larger display for media consumption and gaming.
- You prioritize a longer battery life.
- You want to save some money compared to the 12 Pro.
- You don’t need 5G connectivity.
Buy iPhone 12 Pro If…
- You want the latest processor for faster performance.
- You desire 5G connectivity for faster data speeds.
- You prefer a slightly more compact design.
- You want MagSafe compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the iPhone 11 Pro Max and the iPhone 12 Pro?
The primary differences lie in the processor (A13 vs. A14 Bionic), camera system (LiDAR scanner and Dolby Vision HDR video recording on the 12 Pro), and design (flatter edges and Ceramic Shield on the 12 Pro). The 12 Pro also offers a slightly improved display and better low-light performance.
Does the iPhone 12 Pro have a better camera than the iPhone 11 Pro Max?
Yes, the iPhone 12 Pro has a more advanced camera system. It includes features like the LiDAR scanner, which improves autofocus and low-light performance. It also offers Dolby Vision HDR video recording. While the 11 Pro Max has a great camera, the 12 Pro offers noticeable improvements.
Is the iPhone 12 Pro faster than the iPhone 11 Pro Max?
Yes, the iPhone 12 Pro is faster due to its A14 Bionic chip, which provides a performance boost over the A13 Bionic chip in the 11 Pro Max. This is most noticeable in demanding applications, such as gaming and video editing. The 12 Pro loads apps quicker and handles multitasking better.
Does the iPhone 12 Pro have better battery life?
No, the iPhone 11 Pro Max generally offers better battery life than the iPhone 12 Pro. The 11 Pro Max has a larger battery capacity, which allows for longer usage on a single charge. However, the 12 Pro’s A14 Bionic chip helps optimize power consumption.
Which phone has a better display?
Both phones have excellent displays, but the iPhone 12 Pro has a slightly improved Super Retina XDR display. It offers better contrast and color accuracy. Additionally, the 12 Pro features the Ceramic Shield front cover, which enhances drop resistance. The differences are subtle, but the 12 Pro’s display has an edge.
Is the iPhone 12 Pro worth the upgrade from the iPhone 11 Pro Max?
It depends on your priorities. If you value a more powerful processor, a more advanced camera system (especially low-light performance and video recording), and a more modern design, the upgrade might be worthwhile. However, if you prioritize battery life and are happy with the 11 Pro Max’s performance, the upgrade may not be necessary.
Which phone is more expensive?
The iPhone 12 Pro is generally more expensive than the iPhone 11 Pro Max, especially when comparing new models. The 11 Pro Max can often be found at a lower price, particularly in the used or refurbished market. Prices vary depending on storage capacity and the seller.
Final Verdict
The iPhone 12 Pro offers a more advanced experience with its faster processor, improved camera system, and updated design. However, the iPhone 11 Pro Max still delivers excellent performance, especially with its superior battery life. The choice depends on your priorities, with the 12 Pro offering cutting-edge features and the 11 Pro Max providing great value.
Winner: iPhone 12 Pro