Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max vs Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Our Verdict: If you've got the iPhone 12 Pro Max, the iPhone 17 Pro is five years of updates on from it. The 17 Pro has the better camera on paper, 48MP versus 12MP, plus a 18MP selfie camera against 12MP, and storage goes higher on the 17 Pro, up to 1TB against 512GB. The 12 Pro Max has the bigger screen, 6.7" against 6.3", and the 17 Pro is the lighter phone at 206g against 228g. If you're on the 12 Pro Max, the 17 Pro is a real step up, but only worth it if the changes above matter to you.
If you'd rather pay up front, the 12 Pro Max is the cheaper buy at £230 SIM-free.
10 reviews 4.5
12 reviews
Prices updated 18 July 2026
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max
|
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
|
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 3,988 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| 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 | 150 x 71.9 x 8.8 mm |
| Weight | 228 grams | 206 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) |
| Contracts | - |
£33.00/mo
£199.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £229.99 | £931.00 |
| 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 Pro?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Apple iPhone 17 Pro'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 Pro has a LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or Apple iPhone 17 Pro?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Apple iPhone 17 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 17 Pro?
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 Pro?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Apple iPhone 17 Pro comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max and Apple iPhone 17 Pro use?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic, while the Apple iPhone 17 Pro uses the Apple A19 Pro.
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or Apple iPhone 17 Pro?
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro is the more portable of the two: it's 22g lighter at 206 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 150 x 71.9 x 8.8 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 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 17 Pro run?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max runs iOS14 and the Apple iPhone 17 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.