Apple iPhone 12 Pro vs Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
Our Verdict: If you've got the iPhone 12 Pro, the iPhone 14 Pro Max is two years of updates on from it. The 14 Pro Max 5G has the better camera on paper, 48MP versus 12MP, and the 14 Pro Max 5G has the bigger battery of the two, 4323mAh against 2815mAh, which should mean longer between charges in day-to-day use. The 14 Pro Max 5G goes up to 1TB of storage, where the 12 Pro tops out at 512GB, and the 14 Pro Max 5G has the bigger screen, 6.7" against 6.1". Coming from the 12 Pro, the 14 Pro Max 5G is a genuine upgrade rather than a token one.
If you'd rather pay up front, the 12 Pro is the cheaper buy at £180 SIM-free.
19 reviews 4.6
10 reviews
Prices updated 17 July 2026
Apple iPhone 12 Pro
|
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.3 19 reviews |
4.6 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.1" | 6.7" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Resolution | 1170 x 2532 | 1290 x 2796 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 457 | 460 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 48 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm) |
| Battery | 2,815 mAh | 4,323 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| OS | iOS 14.1 | 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 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with A2DP, LE | 5.3 with A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm | 160.7 x 77.6 x 7.9 mm |
| Weight | 189 grams | 240 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) |
| Contracts | - |
£13.00/mo
£305.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £179.99 | £339.00 |
| Prices updated 17 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro or Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 14 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 14 Pro Max has a LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro or Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max 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 or Apple iPhone 14 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 14 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 12 Pro and Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max use?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm), while the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max uses the Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro or Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro is the more portable of the two: it's 51g lighter at 189 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm, and is slimmer at 7.4mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro or Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max?
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 and Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max run?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro runs iOS 14.1 and the Apple iPhone 14 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.