Apple iPhone 12 Pro vs Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
Our Verdict: The iPhone 12 Pro and the iPhone 17 Pro Max are five years apart, which is enough for a real difference. The 17 Pro Max has a far higher-resolution main camera, 48MP against the 12 Pro's 12MP, plus a 18MP selfie camera against 12MP, and the 17 Pro Max has the bigger battery of the two, 4823mAh against 2815mAh, which usually means longer between charges. The 17 Pro Max goes up to 2TB of storage, where the 12 Pro tops out at 512GB, and the 17 Pro Max has the bigger screen, 6.9" against 6.1". The 17 Pro Max is the better phone; upgrade from the 12 Pro if you want the newer hardware, or hold on if yours still does the job.
Buying outright, the 12 Pro starts at £199 SIM-free.
19 reviews 4.4
11 reviews
Prices updated 18 July 2026
Apple iPhone 12 Pro
|
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.3 19 reviews |
4.4 11 reviews |
| Screen | 6.1" | 6.9" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Resolution | 1170 x 2532 | 1320 x 2868 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 457 | 458 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 48 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 18 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Apple A19 Pro |
| Battery | 2,815 mAh | 4,823 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB |
| 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/6e/7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with A2DP, LE | 6.0, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm | 163.4 x 78 x 8.8 mm |
| Weight | 189 grams | 233 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) |
| Contracts | - |
£44.99/mo
£119.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £199.00 | £1035.00 |
| Prices updated 18 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro or Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.9" 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 17 Pro Max has a LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro or Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Apple iPhone 17 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 17 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £199.00.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 12 Pro and Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 12 Pro and Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max use?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm), while the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max uses the Apple A19 Pro.
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro or Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro is the more portable of the two: it's 44g 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 17 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 17 Pro Max run?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro runs iOS 14.1 and the Apple iPhone 17 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.