iPhone 11 Pro Max vs iPhone 12 Pro: Which Should You Buy?
Struggling to decide between the iPhone 11 Pro Max and the iPhone 12 Pro? You’re not alone! These two powerhouse smartphones from Apple offer impressive features, but they come with their own unique strengths and weaknesses.
This in-depth comparison will break down everything you need to know, from design and performance to camera capabilities and battery life. We’ll explore the key differences between the iPhone 11 Pro Max and the iPhone 12 Pro, helping you make an informed decision.
Whether you’re a long-time iPhone user looking to upgrade or considering switching to iOS, this guide will provide you with a clear understanding of which phone best suits your needs and budget. Get ready to dive into the details and discover which phone reigns supreme!
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 OLED | Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Processor | A13 Bionic | A14 Bionic |
| RAM | 4GB | 6GB |
| Main Camera | Triple 12MP | Triple 12MP |
| Video Recording | 4K @ 60fps | 4K @ 60fps |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Storage Options | 64GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| 5G Connectivity | No | Yes |
| MagSafe | No | Yes |
| Weight | 226 grams | 189 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- iPhone 11 Pro Max: 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display. Offers a vibrant and detailed viewing experience. However, it lacks the Ceramic Shield protection and slightly lower resolution compared to its successor.
- iPhone 12 Pro: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with Ceramic Shield front cover. Offers improved durability and a slightly sharper image. The smaller size might be a con for those who prefer larger screens.
- Winner: iphone 12 pro
Processor
- iPhone 11 Pro Max: A13 Bionic chip. Still a powerful processor capable of handling demanding tasks and games. It is, however, older technology compared to the A14 Bionic.
- iPhone 12 Pro: A14 Bionic chip. Provides a significant performance boost in speed and efficiency. This translates to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and improved battery life.
- Winner: iphone 12 pro
Camera System
- iPhone 11 Pro Max: Triple 12MP camera system with wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto lenses. Delivers excellent image quality with great low-light performance. However, it lacks features like Night mode on all lenses and ProRAW.
- iPhone 12 Pro: Triple 12MP camera system with wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto lenses, featuring sensor-shift stabilization. Offers improved low-light performance, Night mode on all lenses, and ProRAW capability for more editing flexibility.
- Winner: iphone 12 pro
Design
- iPhone 11 Pro Max: Stainless steel frame with a matte glass back. Features a familiar design with a thicker build.
- iPhone 12 Pro: Stainless steel frame with a flat-edge design and a Ceramic Shield front cover. Offers a more modern and durable design with a slightly lighter and thinner build.
- Winner: iphone 12 pro
5G Connectivity
- iPhone 11 Pro Max: Lacks 5G connectivity. Relies on 4G LTE for data speeds.
- iPhone 12 Pro: Supports 5G connectivity for faster download and upload speeds where available.
- Winner: iphone 12 pro
Battery Life
- iPhone 11 Pro Max: Offers excellent battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate to heavy use.
- iPhone 12 Pro: Battery life is good, but often slightly less than the 11 Pro Max due to the smaller battery and increased power demands.
- Winner: iphone 11 pro max
MagSafe
- iPhone 11 Pro Max: Does not support MagSafe technology.
- iPhone 12 Pro: Features MagSafe, allowing for magnetic attachment of accessories like chargers and wallets.
- Winner: iphone 12 pro
Video Recording
- iPhone 11 Pro Max: Records video up to 4K at 60 fps. Offers good video quality.
- iPhone 12 Pro: Records video up to 4K at 60 fps with Dolby Vision HDR recording. Provides significantly improved dynamic range and color accuracy.
- Winner: iphone 12 pro
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Performance | iPhone 12 Pro |
| Display Size | iPhone 11 Pro Max |
| Camera Features | iPhone 12 Pro |
| Battery Life | iPhone 11 Pro Max |
| Connectivity | iPhone 12 Pro |
| Design | iPhone 12 Pro |
What They Have in Common
- Display Technology: Both phones boast stunning Super Retina XDR OLED displays, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast ratios for an immersive viewing experience.
- Triple-Lens Camera System: Both devices feature a versatile triple-lens camera system, allowing users to capture a wide range of photos and videos with exceptional quality, including ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto lenses.
- Water Resistance: Both the iPhone 11 Pro Max and the iPhone 12 Pro are rated IP68 for water resistance, providing protection against spills and splashes.
- Night Mode: Both phones feature Night mode for improved low-light photography.
- iOS Ecosystem: Both phones run on the iOS operating system, providing access to a vast ecosystem of apps, seamless integration with other Apple devices, and regular software updates.
Iphone 11 Pro Max Vs Iphone 12 Pro Buying Guide
Display Quality
The iPhone 12 Pro boasts a slightly improved display compared to the iPhone 11 Pro Max. While both offer stunning visuals, the iPhone 12 Pro has a Super Retina XDR display with a higher peak brightness and improved contrast. This results in a more vibrant and detailed viewing experience, especially when watching HDR content or using the phone outdoors. The iPhone 11 Pro Max still provides a fantastic display, but the enhancements on the 12 Pro make a noticeable difference in overall image quality.
Performance and Speed
The iPhone 12 Pro utilizes the A14 Bionic chip, which is a significant upgrade from the A13 Bionic in the iPhone 11 Pro Max. This translates to faster processing speeds, improved graphics performance, and enhanced efficiency. You’ll experience snappier app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better performance in demanding games and applications. The iPhone 11 Pro Max remains a powerful device, but the 12 Pro offers a clear advantage in raw performance.
Camera Capabilities
Both phones boast impressive camera systems, but the iPhone 12 Pro introduces several key improvements. It features a new sensor-shift optical image stabilization system, offering better stability for photos and videos. The 12 Pro also includes enhancements to its computational photography capabilities, resulting in improved low-light performance and sharper images. While the 11 Pro Max takes excellent photos, the 12 Pro offers a more refined and versatile camera experience.
Design and Build Quality
The iPhone 12 Pro showcases a redesigned aesthetic with flat edges, giving it a more modern look. Both phones feature premium build materials, including surgical-grade stainless steel frames and durable glass. The iPhone 12 Pro is also slightly thinner and lighter than the 11 Pro Max. While both phones feel premium in hand, the 12 Pro’s design offers a fresh and updated feel, with the flat edges contributing to a more comfortable grip for some users.
Battery Life Comparison
The iPhone 11 Pro Max generally offers slightly better battery life due to its larger battery capacity. The iPhone 12 Pro, despite having a more efficient chip, has a smaller battery. In real-world usage, the iPhone 11 Pro Max can often last a full day with heavy use, whereas the iPhone 12 Pro may require charging before the end of the day, particularly with intensive tasks like gaming or video recording. Consider your usage habits when choosing between the two.
Connectivity and Features
The iPhone 12 Pro supports 5G connectivity, a significant advantage for users in areas with 5G coverage. This allows for faster download and upload speeds, as well as improved streaming experiences. The iPhone 11 Pro Max, on the other hand, is limited to 4G LTE. The iPhone 12 Pro also includes MagSafe, a new magnetic system for attaching accessories. Both phones share essential features like Face ID, water resistance, and wireless charging.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPhone 11 Pro Max If…
- You prefer a larger display for media consumption and gaming.
- You prioritize longer battery life.
- You can find a good deal on a used or refurbished model.
- You’re not concerned about having the latest processor or 5G connectivity.
Buy iPhone 12 Pro If…
- You want the latest processor for faster performance and future-proofing.
- You desire 5G connectivity for faster download and streaming speeds.
- You prefer a slightly more compact design.
- You want the benefits of MagSafe accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences in performance?
The iPhone 12 Pro, with its A14 Bionic chip, significantly outperforms the iPhone 11 Pro Max. The A14 offers faster processing, improved graphics, and enhanced efficiency. This leads to quicker app loading, smoother multitasking, and superior performance in demanding applications and games. The 12 Pro provides a noticeable performance boost compared to its predecessor.
Is the iPhone 12 Pro’s camera better?
Yes, the iPhone 12 Pro’s camera is improved. It includes sensor-shift optical image stabilization for steadier photos and videos. The 12 Pro also benefits from advancements in computational photography, resulting in enhanced low-light performance and sharper images. While the iPhone 11 Pro Max takes excellent photos, the 12 Pro offers a more refined and versatile camera experience.
Does the iPhone 12 Pro have 5G?
Yes, the iPhone 12 Pro supports 5G connectivity. This enables faster download and upload speeds, allowing for a more seamless streaming and browsing experience in areas where 5G is available. The iPhone 11 Pro Max is limited to 4G LTE. This makes the 12 Pro a more future-proof option, particularly as 5G networks expand.
Which phone has better battery life?
The iPhone 11 Pro Max generally offers better battery life due to its larger battery capacity. In real-world usage, the 11 Pro Max often lasts a full day with heavy use. The iPhone 12 Pro, despite the more efficient chip, might require charging before the end of the day, especially with intensive tasks like gaming or video recording. Consider your usage habits.
What are the design differences?
The iPhone 12 Pro has a more modern design featuring flat edges, differentiating it aesthetically. Both phones use premium materials. The 12 Pro is also slightly thinner and lighter. The flat-edge design of the 12 Pro offers a more contemporary look and a potentially different feel in hand compared to the curved edges of the 11 Pro Max.
Does the iPhone 12 Pro have MagSafe?
Yes, the iPhone 12 Pro features MagSafe, a new magnetic system for attaching accessories such as chargers, wallets, and other compatible items. This feature enhances the usability of the phone and provides new ways to interact with it. The iPhone 11 Pro Max does not have MagSafe, which is a key feature exclusive to the newer model.
Which phone is more expensive?
When initially released, the iPhone 12 Pro was priced higher than the iPhone 11 Pro Max. However, the price difference can vary now depending on the condition and availability of the phones in the used market. Pricing can also be influenced by storage capacity and seller. It’s best to compare current market prices.
Final Verdict
The iPhone 12 Pro offers significant upgrades over the iPhone 11 Pro Max, including a faster processor, improved camera capabilities, 5G connectivity, and a more modern design. While the iPhone 11 Pro Max still delivers a great experience, the enhancements in the 12 Pro make it the superior choice for most users. The improved features justify the upgrade.
Winner: iPhone 12 Pro