Apple iPhone 12 Pro vs Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max
Our Verdict: The iPhone 18 Pro Max is six years newer than the iPhone 12 Pro, and it shows in the specs. The 18 Pro Max leads on camera hardware with a 48MP main sensor to the 12 Pro's 12MP, plus a 18MP selfie camera against 12MP, and there's more battery in the 18 Pro Max, 5391mAh to 2815mAh, which usually means longer between charges. Storage goes higher on the 18 Pro Max, up to 2TB against 512GB, and the 18 Pro Max has the bigger screen, 6.9" against 6.1". If you're on the 12 Pro, the 18 Pro Max is a real step up, but only worth it if the changes above matter to you.
Buying outright, the 12 Pro starts at £180 SIM-free.
19 reviews 4.5
11 reviews
Apple iPhone 12 Pro
|
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | 23 October 2020 | 18 September 2026 |
| Expert Rating |
4.3 19 reviews |
4.5 11 reviews |
| Screen | 6.1" | 6.9" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | 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 A20 Pro (2 nm) |
| Battery | 2,815 mAh | 5,391 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 78.0 x 8.75 mm |
| Weight | 189 grams | 249 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
£1055.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £179.99 | £1297.00 |
| Deals | Deals |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro or Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 18 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 both use Super Retina XDR OLED panels.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro or Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Apple iPhone 18 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 18 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 18 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 12 Pro and Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max use?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm), while the Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max uses the Apple A20 Pro (2 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro or Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro is the more portable of the two: it's 60g 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 18 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 18 Pro Max run?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro runs iOS 14.1 and the Apple iPhone 18 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.