Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max vs Apple iPhone 18 Pro
Our Verdict: The iPhone 12 Pro Max and the iPhone 18 Pro are six years apart, which is enough for a real difference. The 18 Pro has the better camera on paper, 48MP versus 12MP, plus a 18MP selfie camera against 12MP, and the 18 Pro goes up to 2TB of storage, where the 12 Pro Max tops out at 512GB. The 12 Pro Max has the bigger screen, 6.7" against 6.3", and the 18 Pro is the lighter phone at 211g against 228g. The 18 Pro 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 £231 SIM-free.
12 reviews 4.6
11 reviews
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max
|
Apple iPhone 18 Pro
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | 13 November 2020 | 18 September 2026 |
| Expert Rating |
4.4 12 reviews |
4.6 11 reviews |
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.3" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | 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 A20 Pro (2 nm) |
| Battery | 3,687 mAh | 4,056 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB |
| 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 | 150.0 x 71.9 x 8.75 mm |
| Weight | 228 grams | 211 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) |
| Contracts | - |
£11.95/mo
£959.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £231.00 | £1197.00 |
| Deals | Deals |
Cheapest Deals
Related Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or Apple iPhone 18 Pro?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Apple iPhone 18 Pro's 6.3", 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 18 Pro?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Apple iPhone 18 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 18 Pro?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £231.00.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max and Apple iPhone 18 Pro?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Apple iPhone 18 Pro comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max and Apple iPhone 18 Pro use?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic, while the Apple iPhone 18 Pro uses the Apple A20 Pro (2 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or Apple iPhone 18 Pro?
The Apple iPhone 18 Pro is the more portable of the two: it's 17g lighter at 211 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 150.0 x 71.9 x 8.75 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 18 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 18 Pro run?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max runs iOS14 and the Apple iPhone 18 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.