Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max vs Apple iPhone 15 Plus
Our Verdict: There's three years between the iPhone 12 Pro Max and the iPhone 15 Plus, so the iPhone 15 Plus is ahead on most things. The 15 Plus 5G leads on camera hardware with a 48MP main sensor to the 12 Pro Max's 12MP, and there's more battery in the 15 Plus 5G, 4383mAh to 3687mAh, which usually means longer between charges. The 15 Plus 5G is the lighter phone at 201g against 228g. Coming from the 12 Pro Max, the 15 Plus 5G is a genuine upgrade rather than a token one.
If you'd rather pay up front, the 12 Pro Max is the cheaper buy at £225 SIM-free.
10 reviews 4.2
12 reviews
Prices updated 26 July 2026
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max
|
Apple iPhone 15 Plus
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.3 10 reviews |
4.2 12 reviews |
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.7" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Resolution | 1284 x 2778 | 1290 x 2796 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 457 | 460 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 48 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic | Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm) |
| Battery | 3,687 mAh | 4,383 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 | 5.3 with A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.4 mm | 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8 mm |
| Weight | 228 grams | 201 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) |
| Contracts | - |
£67.33/mo
£30.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £224.99 | £349.00 |
| Prices updated 26 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 15 Plus?
Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.7", both screens are similarly sharp at around 457 pixels per inch, and both use Super Retina XDR OLED panels.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or Apple iPhone 15 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Apple iPhone 15 Plus has a 48 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 15 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £224.99.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max and Apple iPhone 15 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Apple iPhone 15 Plus comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max and Apple iPhone 15 Plus use?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic, while the Apple iPhone 15 Plus uses the Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or Apple iPhone 15 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 15 Plus is the more portable of the two: it's 27g lighter at 201 grams, both are similar in overall footprint, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is slimmer at 7.4mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or Apple iPhone 15 Plus?
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 15 Plus run?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max runs iOS14 and the Apple iPhone 15 Plus 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.