Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max vs Apple iPhone 17
Our Verdict: The iPhone 12 Pro Max and the iPhone 17 are five years apart, which is enough for a real difference. The 17 has a far higher-resolution main camera, 48MP against the 12 Pro Max's 12MP, plus a 18MP selfie camera against 12MP, and the 12 Pro Max has the bigger screen, 6.7" against 6.3". The 17 is the lighter phone at 177g against 228g. The 17 is the better phone; upgrade from the 12 Pro Max if you want the newer hardware, or hold on if yours still does the job.
Buying outright, the 12 Pro Max starts at £230 SIM-free.
10 reviews 4.5
12 reviews
Prices updated 18 July 2026
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max
|
Apple iPhone 17
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.3 10 reviews |
4.5 12 reviews |
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.3" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Resolution | 1284 x 2778 | 1206 x 2622 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 457 | 458 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 48 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 18 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic | Apple A19 Pro |
| Battery | 3,687 mAh | 3,692 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 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/6e/7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 6.0, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.4 mm | 149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95 mm |
| Weight | 228 grams | 177 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) |
| Contracts | - |
£29.99/mo
£59.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £229.99 | £599.00 |
| Prices updated 18 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 17?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Apple iPhone 17's 6.3", 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 17 has a LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or Apple iPhone 17?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Apple iPhone 17 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 17?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £229.99.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max and Apple iPhone 17?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Apple iPhone 17 comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max and Apple iPhone 17 use?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic, while the Apple iPhone 17 uses the Apple A19 Pro.
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or Apple iPhone 17?
The Apple iPhone 17 is the more portable of the two: it's 51g lighter at 177 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95 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 17?
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 17 run?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max runs iOS14 and the Apple iPhone 17 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.