Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max vs Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max
Our Verdict: There's only a year between the iPhone 11 Pro Max and the iPhone 12 Pro Max, so expect small changes rather than big ones. Only the 12 Pro Max is a 5G phone; the 11 Pro Max maxes out at 4G, and the 12 Pro Max has the bigger screen, 6.7" against 6.5". Get the 12 Pro Max if you want the newer hardware; if not, the 11 Pro Max is usually cheaper and does much the same job.
If you'd rather pay up front, the 11 Pro Max is the cheaper buy at £180 SIM-free.
17 reviews 4.3
10 reviews
Prices updated 18 July 2026
Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max
|
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.6 17 reviews |
4.3 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.5" | 6.7" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Resolution | 1242 x 2688 | 1284 x 2778 |
| 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 | 3,687 mAh |
| Storage | 64GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| OS | Apple iOS | iOS14 |
| SIM Type | Nano SIM | Nano 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, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 158 x 77.8 x 8.1 mm | 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.4 mm |
| Weight | 226 grams | 228 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 | - | - |
| SIM-free | £179.99 | £229.99 |
| Prices updated 18 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
Cheapest Deals
Related Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max or Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max's 6.5", 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 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max 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 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £179.99.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max and Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max is available in 64GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max and Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max use?
The Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+), while the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max uses the Apple A14 Bionic.
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max or Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max is the more portable of the two: they weigh about the same (226 grams vs 228 grams), it's also the more compact phone at 158 x 77.8 x 8.1 mm, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is slimmer at 7.4mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max or Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max?
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 Pro Max 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 Pro Max run?
The Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max runs Apple iOS and the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max runs iOS14. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.