Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max vs Apple iPhone 15 Pro
Our Verdict: The iPhone 15 Pro is three years newer than the iPhone 12 Pro Max, and it shows in the specs. The 15 Pro 5G leads on camera hardware with a 48MP main sensor to the 12 Pro Max's 12MP, and there's more battery in the 12 Pro Max, 3687mAh to 3274mAh, which usually means longer between charges. The 15 Pro 5G offers up to 1TB of storage versus 512GB on the 12 Pro Max, and the 12 Pro Max has the bigger screen, 6.7" against 6.1". Coming from the 12 Pro Max, the 15 Pro 5G is a genuine upgrade rather than a token one.
Buying outright, the 12 Pro Max starts at £225 SIM-free.
10 reviews 4.3
12 reviews
Prices updated 26 July 2026
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max
|
Apple iPhone 15 Pro
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.3 10 reviews |
4.3 12 reviews |
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.1" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Resolution | 1284 x 2778 | 1179 x 2556 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 457 | 461 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 48 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic | Apple A17 Pro |
| Battery | 3,687 mAh | 3,274 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| OS | iOS14 | Apple iOS |
| SIM Type | Nano SIM | Nano 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/6e |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3 with A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.4 mm | 146.6 x 70.6 x 8.3 mm |
| Weight | 228 grams | 187 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) |
| Contracts | - |
£23.50/mo
£20.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £224.99 | £419.99 |
| 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 Pro?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Apple iPhone 15 Pro'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 15 Pro has a LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or Apple iPhone 15 Pro?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Apple iPhone 15 Pro 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 Pro?
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 Pro?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Apple iPhone 15 Pro comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max and Apple iPhone 15 Pro use?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic, while the Apple iPhone 15 Pro uses the Apple A17 Pro .
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or Apple iPhone 15 Pro?
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro is the more portable of the two: it's 41g lighter at 187 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.6 x 70.6 x 8.3 mm, 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 Pro?
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 Pro run?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max runs iOS14 and the Apple iPhone 15 Pro 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.