Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max vs Apple iPhone 17e
Our Verdict: If you've got the iPhone 12 Pro Max, the iPhone 17e is five years of updates on from it. The 17e has the better camera on paper, 48MP versus 12MP, and the 12 Pro Max has the bigger screen, 6.7" against 6.1". The 17e is the lighter phone at 169g against 228g. If you're on the 12 Pro Max, the 17e 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 3.9
11 reviews
Prices updated 18 July 2026
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max
|
Apple iPhone 17e
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.3 10 reviews |
3.9 11 reviews |
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.1" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Resolution | 1284 x 2778 | 1170 x 2532 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 457 | 457 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 48 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic | Apple A19 (3 nm) |
| Battery | 3,687 mAh | 4,005 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/6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.4 mm | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm |
| Weight | 228 grams | 169 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) |
| Contracts | - |
£25.99/mo
£0.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £229.99 | £549.99 |
| 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 17e?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Apple iPhone 17e's 6.1", 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 17e?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Apple iPhone 17e 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 17e?
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 17e?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Apple iPhone 17e comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max and Apple iPhone 17e use?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic, while the Apple iPhone 17e uses the Apple A19 (3 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or Apple iPhone 17e?
The Apple iPhone 17e is the more portable of the two: it's 59g lighter at 169 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 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 17e?
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 17e run?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max runs iOS14 and the Apple iPhone 17e 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.