Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max vs TCL 605 4G
Our Verdict: The TCL 605 4G leads on camera hardware with a 50MP main sensor to the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max's 12MP, and only the iPhone 12 Pro Max is a 5G phone; the 605 4G maxes out at 4G. The 605 4G has the bigger battery of the two, 5010mAh against 3687mAh, though iOS and Android manage power differently, so more mAh doesn't always mean longer battery life, and storage goes higher on the iPhone 12 Pro Max, up to 512GB against 128GB. Get the iPhone 12 Pro Max if those extras are worth it to you; otherwise the 605 4G covers the basics for less.
Buying outright, the 605 4G starts at £89 SIM-free.
Prices updated 19 July 2026
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max
|
TCL 605 4G
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.7" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Resolution | 1284 x 2778 | 720 x 1600 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 457 | 262 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 5 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic | Mediatek Helio G81 (12 nm) |
| Battery | 3,687 mAh | 5,010 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB |
| OS | iOS14 | Android 15 |
| SIM Type | Nano SIM | Nano SIM + Nano SIM |
| Connectivity | Up to 5G | Up to 4G |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1 with A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.4 mm | 165.6 x 76.2 x 8.3 mm |
| Weight | 228 grams | 190 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP54, dust and splash resistant |
| Contracts | - |
£5.04/mo
£49.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £229.99 | £89.24 |
| Prices updated 19 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or TCL 605 4G?
Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.7", the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max has the sharper display at 457 pixels per inch versus 262, and the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the TCL 605 4G has a IPS LCD, 90Hz.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or TCL 605 4G?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the TCL 605 4G has a 50 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 TCL 605 4G?
The TCL 605 4G is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £89.24.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max and TCL 605 4G?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the TCL 605 4G comes in 128GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max and TCL 605 4G use?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic, while the TCL 605 4G uses the Mediatek Helio G81 (12 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or TCL 605 4G?
It's a trade-off: the TCL 605 4G is lighter but the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is more compact. It's 38g lighter at 190 grams, though the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is actually the more compact phone at 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.4 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 TCL 605 4G?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the TCL 605 4G is rated IP54, dust and splash resistant.
What operating system do the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max and TCL 605 4G run?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max runs iOS14 and the TCL 605 4G runs Android 15. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.