Apple iPhone 12 Pro vs Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max
Our Verdict: There's only a year between the iPhone 12 Pro and the iPhone 13 Pro Max, so expect small changes rather than big ones. The 13 Pro Max packs the bigger battery, 4352mAh against 2815mAh, which usually means longer between charges, and storage goes higher on the 13 Pro Max, up to 1TB against 512GB. The 13 Pro Max has the bigger screen, 6.7" against 6.1", and the 12 Pro uses an OLED panel, which gives it richer contrast than the 13 Pro Max's LCD. Get the 13 Pro Max if you want the newer hardware; if not, the 12 Pro is usually cheaper and does much the same job.
If you'd rather pay up front, the 12 Pro is the cheaper buy at £180 SIM-free.
19 reviews 4.5
10 reviews
Prices updated 19 July 2026
Apple iPhone 12 Pro
|
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.3 19 reviews |
4.5 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.1" | 6.7" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED LCD |
| Resolution | 1170 x 2532 | 1284 x 2778 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 457 | 457 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Apple A15 Bionic |
| Battery | 2,815 mAh | 4,352 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| OS | iOS 14.1 | Apple iOS |
| SIM Type | Nano SIM | Nano SIM |
| Connectivity | Up to 5G | Up to 5G |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm | Info unavailable |
| Weight | 189 grams | 238 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes |
| Contracts | - | - |
| SIM-free | £179.99 | £289.00 |
| Prices updated 19 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro or Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Apple iPhone 12 Pro's 6.1", both screens are similarly sharp at around 457 pixels per inch, and the Apple iPhone 12 Pro uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max has a Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED LCD.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro or Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max has a 12 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 or Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £179.99.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 12 Pro and Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 12 Pro and Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max use?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm), while the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max uses the Apple A15 Bionic.
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro or Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro is the more portable of the two: it's 49g lighter at 189 grams.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro or Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.
What operating system do the Apple iPhone 12 Pro and Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max run?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro runs iOS 14.1 and the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max 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.