Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max vs Apple iPhone 12
Our Verdict: The iPhone 12 is the follow-up to the iPhone 11 Pro Max a year later, so the two are close. The 12 supports 5G while the 11 Pro Max tops out at 4G, and the 11 Pro Max has the bigger battery of the two, 3969mAh against 2815mAh, which should mean longer between charges in day-to-day use. Storage goes higher on the 11 Pro Max, up to 512GB against 256GB, and the 11 Pro Max has the bigger screen, 6.5" against 6.1". Get the 12 if you want the newer hardware; if not, the 11 Pro Max is usually cheaper and does much the same job.
Buying outright, the 12 starts at £140 SIM-free.
17 reviews 4.3
18 reviews
Prices updated 18 July 2026
Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max
|
Apple iPhone 12
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.6 17 reviews |
4.3 18 reviews |
| Screen | 6.5" | 6.1" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Resolution | 1242 x 2688 | 1170 x 2532 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 456 | 457 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+) | Apple A14 Bionic |
| Battery | 3,969 mAh | 2,815 mAh |
| Storage | 64GB, 256GB, 512GB | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| OS | Apple iOS | iOS 14.1 |
| SIM Type | Nano SIM | Standard SIM |
| Connectivity | Up to 4G | Up to 5G |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with A2DP, LE | 5.0 with A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 158 x 77.8 x 8.1 mm | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm |
| Weight | 226 grams | 164 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) |
| Contracts | - |
£11.99/mo
£49.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £179.99 | £140.00 |
| Prices updated 18 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max or Apple iPhone 12?
The Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.5" compared to the Apple iPhone 12's 6.1", both screens are similarly sharp at around 456 pixels per inch, and both use Super Retina XDR OLED panels.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max or Apple iPhone 12?
The Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Apple iPhone 12 has a 12 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.
Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max or Apple iPhone 12?
The Apple iPhone 12 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £140.00.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max and Apple iPhone 12?
The Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max is available in 64GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Apple iPhone 12 comes in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max and Apple iPhone 12 use?
The Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+), while the Apple iPhone 12 uses the Apple A14 Bionic.
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max or Apple iPhone 12?
The Apple iPhone 12 is the more portable of the two: it's 62g lighter at 164 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm, and is slimmer at 7.4mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max or Apple iPhone 12?
The Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes, while the Apple iPhone 12 is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins).
What operating system do the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max and Apple iPhone 12 run?
The Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max runs Apple iOS and the Apple iPhone 12 runs iOS 14.1. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.