iPhone 12 Pro Max vs 13: Which iPhone Should You Buy?
Struggling to decide between the iPhone 12 Pro Max and the iPhone 13? You’re not alone! Both of these Apple smartphones offer impressive features and performance, but they cater to slightly different needs and preferences. This comparison will break down the key differences to help you make the best choice.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max, with its larger display and powerful camera system, was a flagship device. The iPhone 13, on the other hand, brings updated internals and improvements in areas like battery life and camera capabilities. We’ll explore these aspects in detail.
We’ll delve into the specifics of design, display, performance, camera, and battery life, giving you a clear understanding of what each phone offers. By the end of this comparison, you’ll be well-equipped to determine whether the iPhone 12 Pro Max or the iPhone 13 is the perfect fit for you.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | iPhone 12 Pro Max | iPhone 13 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.7 inches | 6.1 inches |
| Display Technology | Super Retina XDR | Super Retina XDR |
| Processor | A14 Bionic | A15 Bionic |
| RAM | 6GB | 4GB |
| Main Camera | 12MP Triple-lens | 12MP Dual-lens |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Video Recording | 4K Dolby Vision HDR | 4K Dolby Vision HDR |
| Storage Options | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Battery Life (Video Playback) | Up to 20 hours | Up to 19 hours |
| 5G Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 228 grams | 174 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- iPhone 12 Pro Max: Features a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display with Ceramic Shield front cover for increased durability. Offers excellent color accuracy and brightness, but lacks the ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate.
- 13: Boasts a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, also with Ceramic Shield. While smaller, it still delivers vibrant colors and improved brightness compared to its predecessor. Does not have ProMotion.
- Winner: 12 Pro Max
Processor
- iPhone 12 Pro Max: Equipped with the A14 Bionic chip, providing fast performance and efficient power management. Handles demanding tasks and multitasking well, but is a generation older.
- 13: Powered by the A15 Bionic chip, offering significant performance gains and improved efficiency compared to the A14. Delivers smoother performance in apps and games.
- Winner: 13
Camera System
- iPhone 12 Pro Max: Features a triple 12MP camera system with advanced features like ProRAW and LiDAR scanner for improved low-light performance and augmented reality. Offers excellent image quality.
- 13: Has a dual 12MP camera system with sensor-shift optical image stabilization, which improves low-light performance and video stabilization. Offers improved photographic styles and cinematic mode.
- Winner: 12 Pro Max
Battery Life
- iPhone 12 Pro Max: Provides excellent battery life, capable of lasting a full day or more with moderate to heavy use. Offers impressive longevity.
- 13: Offers improved battery life compared to its predecessor, but generally less than the 12 Pro Max.
- Winner: 12 Pro Max
Design
- iPhone 12 Pro Max: Features a flat-edge design with a stainless steel frame and Ceramic Shield front cover. Premium look and feel with a large form factor.
- 13: Maintains a similar flat-edge design with an aluminum frame and Ceramic Shield front cover. Slightly more compact than the 12 Pro Max.
- Winner: 12 Pro Max
Storage Options
- iPhone 12 Pro Max: Available in storage options up to 512GB, providing ample space for photos, videos, and apps.
- 13: Available in storage options up to 512GB, offering a range of storage choices.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- iPhone 12 Pro Max: Typically available at a lower price point now due to its age. Offers excellent value for its features.
- 13: Generally more expensive than the 12 Pro Max, reflecting its newer technology.
- Winner: 12 Pro Max
Video Recording
- iPhone 12 Pro Max: Offers excellent video recording capabilities with Dolby Vision HDR up to 60 fps. Features like ProRes were only available on the Pro models.
- 13: Supports Cinematic mode for shallow depth of field videos, and improved video stabilization. Does not have ProRes.
- Winner: 12 Pro Max
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Size | iPhone 12 Pro Max |
| Performance | iPhone 13 |
| Camera System (Overall) | iPhone 12 Pro Max |
| Portability | iPhone 13 |
| Battery Life (Overall) | iPhone 12 Pro Max |
What They Have in Common
- Display Technology: Both phones boast Super Retina XDR displays, providing vibrant colors and excellent clarity for an immersive viewing experience.
- 5g Connectivity: Both the iPhone 12 Pro Max and the iPhone 13 support 5G, ensuring fast download and streaming speeds where available.
- Water Resistance: Both models share an IP68 rating, offering protection against splashes, water, and dust.
- Front Camera: Both phones feature a 12MP front-facing camera, delivering high-quality selfies and video calls.
- Video Recording Capabilities: Both support 4K Dolby Vision HDR video recording, ensuring high-quality videos.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs 13 Buying Guide
Performance and Processing Power
The iPhone 12 Pro Max, powered by the A14 Bionic chip, remains a capable performer, handling everyday tasks and demanding applications with ease. However, the iPhone 13 boasts the A15 Bionic chip, offering a significant performance boost. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved graphics performance, particularly noticeable in gaming and video editing. The A15’s enhanced efficiency also contributes to better battery life on the iPhone 13.
Camera Capabilities
Both phones offer excellent camera systems, but the iPhone 13 elevates the photography experience. The iPhone 13 features larger sensors and sensor-shift stabilization, providing improved low-light performance and sharper images. The Cinematic mode on the iPhone 13 adds a professional touch to video recording with shallow depth of field effects. While the 12 Pro Max has a good camera, the 13 offers a more refined and versatile experience.
Display Quality
The iPhone 12 Pro Max features a stunning 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display, known for its vibrant colors and impressive brightness. The iPhone 13 offers a slightly smaller 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, which is also excellent. The iPhone 13’s display benefits from improved energy efficiency, contributing to extended battery life. Both displays deliver a premium viewing experience, suitable for media consumption and daily use.
Battery Life and Charging
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is known for its excellent battery life, easily lasting a full day of heavy use. The iPhone 13, with its A15 Bionic chip and optimized software, further improves battery performance. The iPhone 13 provides notably longer battery life compared to the 12 Pro Max. Both phones support fast charging and wireless charging, providing convenient ways to replenish power.
Design and Build Quality
Both phones share the iconic iPhone design language, with premium materials and a sleek aesthetic. The iPhone 12 Pro Max features a stainless steel frame and a Ceramic Shield front cover for increased durability. The iPhone 13 retains this durability and includes design refinements, such as the diagonally arranged rear cameras. Both phones feel solid and premium in hand, showcasing Apple’s commitment to quality.
Pricing and Value
The iPhone 12 Pro Max, being an older model, typically sells at a lower price point compared to the iPhone 13. This makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers. However, the iPhone 13 offers enhanced features and performance, potentially making it a better long-term investment. Considering the price difference and the improvements, buyers must weigh their priorities to determine the best value for their needs.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPhone 12 Pro Max If…
- You prioritize a larger display for media consumption and gaming.
- You want the best possible camera system with a telephoto lens for optical zoom.
- You need the most storage options, including a 512GB model.
- You value slightly longer battery life.
Buy iPhone 13 If…
- You prefer a more compact and lighter design.
- You want the latest A15 Bionic chip for improved performance.
- You want enhanced camera features like Cinematic mode.
- You prefer a more affordable option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences in performance?
The iPhone 13, equipped with the A15 Bionic chip, provides a noticeable performance boost over the iPhone 12 Pro Max. This translates to quicker app launches, smoother multitasking, and improved graphics performance. The A15 also contributes to better battery efficiency. While the 12 Pro Max is still powerful, the 13 offers a more responsive experience overall.
Which phone has a better camera system?
The iPhone 13’s camera system is generally considered superior. It boasts larger sensors, sensor-shift stabilization, and the innovative Cinematic mode, leading to improved low-light performance, sharper images, and more professional-looking videos. While the 12 Pro Max has a good camera, the 13 provides more advanced features and enhances image quality.
How does battery life compare between the two?
The iPhone 13 generally offers better battery life compared to the iPhone 12 Pro Max. The A15 Bionic chip and software optimizations in the iPhone 13 contribute to a more efficient power consumption. While the 12 Pro Max has great battery life, the 13 manages to extend it even further, making it a better choice for heavy users or those who prioritize battery longevity.
What are the key design differences?
Both phones share a similar design language, but the iPhone 13 features some refinements, including a diagonally arranged camera setup. Both phones have premium materials and a sleek aesthetic. The 12 Pro Max has a stainless-steel frame, and both phones have the Ceramic Shield front cover for increased durability. The overall feel is premium in both.
Is the iPhone 13 worth the extra cost?
Whether the iPhone 13 is worth the extra cost depends on your budget and priorities. If you value enhanced performance, a superior camera system, and longer battery life, the iPhone 13 is a worthwhile investment. However, if budget is a primary concern, the iPhone 12 Pro Max provides excellent value and performance at a lower price point.
Which phone is better for gaming?
The iPhone 13 is the better choice for gaming due to its more powerful A15 Bionic chip. The A15 delivers significantly improved graphics performance, resulting in smoother gameplay, faster frame rates, and a more immersive gaming experience. The 12 Pro Max is still capable, but the 13 provides a clear advantage for mobile gaming enthusiasts.
What about the display quality?
Both phones have excellent displays. The iPhone 12 Pro Max boasts a larger 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display, while the iPhone 13 has a 6.1-inch display. Both offer vibrant colors, high brightness, and sharp image quality. The iPhone 13’s display benefits from improved energy efficiency, contributing to extended battery life, but both provide a great viewing experience.
Final Verdict
The iPhone 13 emerges as the superior choice due to its enhanced performance, camera improvements, and extended battery life. While the iPhone 12 Pro Max remains a capable device at a lower price, the iPhone 13 offers a more refined and advanced user experience, making it the better overall option for most users.
Winner: iPhone 13