Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max vs Apple iPhone 13
Our Verdict: The iPhone 13 is essentially last year's iPhone 12 Pro Max with a few updates. The 12 Pro Max has the bigger battery of the two, 3687mAh against 3227mAh, which should mean longer between charges in day-to-day use, and the 12 Pro Max has the bigger screen, 6.7" against 6.1". The 13 is the lighter phone at 173g against 228g. The differences are small, so buy the 12 Pro Max if it's cheaper; the 13 just gets software updates for longer.
If you'd rather pay up front, the 13 is the cheaper buy at £200 SIM-free.
10 reviews 4.6
10 reviews
Prices updated 20 July 2026
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max
|
Apple iPhone 13
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.3 10 reviews |
4.6 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.1" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | OLED |
| Resolution | 1284 x 2778 | 2532 x 1170 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 457 | 457 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic | Apple A15 Bionic |
| Battery | 3,687 mAh | 3,227 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| OS | iOS14 | Apple iOS |
| SIM Type | Nano SIM | nano-SIM and e- SIM |
| Connectivity | Up to 5G | Up to 5G |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0 with A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.4 mm | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm |
| Weight | 228 grams | 173 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) |
| Contracts | - |
£12.99/mo
£99.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £229.99 | £199.95 |
| Prices updated 20 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or Apple iPhone 13?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Apple iPhone 13's 6.1", both screens are similarly sharp at around 457 pixels per inch, and the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Apple iPhone 13 has a OLED.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or Apple iPhone 13?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Apple iPhone 13 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 12 Pro Max or Apple iPhone 13?
The Apple iPhone 13 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £199.95.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max and Apple iPhone 13?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Apple iPhone 13 comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max and Apple iPhone 13 use?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic, while the Apple iPhone 13 uses the Apple A15 Bionic.
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or Apple iPhone 13?
The Apple iPhone 13 is the more portable of the two: it's 55g lighter at 173 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or Apple iPhone 13?
Both phones share the same water resistance rating of IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins).
What operating system do the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max and Apple iPhone 13 run?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max runs iOS14 and the Apple iPhone 13 runs Apple iOS. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.