Apple iPhone 12 vs Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max
Our Verdict: There's only a year between the iPhone 12 and the iPhone 13 Pro Max, so expect small changes rather than big ones. The 13 Pro Max has the bigger battery of the two, 4352mAh against 2815mAh, which usually means longer between charges, and the 13 Pro Max offers up to 1TB of storage versus 256GB on the 12. The 13 Pro Max has the bigger screen, 6.7" against 6.1", and the 12 uses an OLED panel, which gives it richer contrast than the 13 Pro Max's LCD. The 13 Pro Max is worth the extra if the updates matter to you, but the 12 is a good buy if the price has dropped.
If you'd rather pay up front, the 12 is the cheaper buy at £140 SIM-free.
18 reviews 4.5
10 reviews
Prices updated 20 July 2026
Apple iPhone 12
|
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.3 18 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 | Apple A15 Bionic |
| Battery | 2,815 mAh | 4,352 mAh |
| Storage | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| OS | iOS 14.1 | Apple iOS |
| SIM Type | Standard SIM | Nano SIM |
| Connectivity | Up to 5G | Up to 5G |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 | 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 | 164 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 |
£11.99/mo
£49.00 upfront |
- |
| SIM-free | £140.00 | £289.00 |
| Prices updated 20 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 12 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's 6.1", both screens are similarly sharp at around 457 pixels per inch, and the Apple iPhone 12 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 or Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 12 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 or Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 12 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £140.00.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 12 and Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 12 is available in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, while the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 12 and Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max use?
The Apple iPhone 12 is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic, while the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max uses the Apple A15 Bionic.
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 12 or Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 12 is the more portable of the two: it's 74g lighter at 164 grams.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 12 or Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 12 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 and Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max run?
The Apple iPhone 12 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.