Apple iPhone 12 vs Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
Our Verdict: If you've got the iPhone 12, 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 packs the bigger battery, 4323mAh against 2815mAh, which usually means longer between charges. The 14 Pro Max 5G offers up to 1TB of storage versus 256GB on the 12, and the 14 Pro Max 5G has the bigger screen, 6.7" against 6.1". If you're on the 12, the 14 Pro Max 5G is a real step up, but only worth it if the changes above matter to you.
The 12 is the cheaper one to own: around £359 over a typical contract, £273 less than the 14 Pro Max 5G.
18 reviews 4.6
10 reviews
Prices updated 18 July 2026
Apple iPhone 12
|
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.3 18 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 | Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm) |
| Battery | 2,815 mAh | 4,323 mAh |
| Storage | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| OS | iOS 14.1 | Apple iOS |
| SIM Type | Standard SIM | nano-SIM and e-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/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 | 164 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 |
£11.99/mo
£49.00 upfront |
£13.00/mo
£305.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £140.00 | £369.99 |
| Prices updated 18 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 12 or Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 12 is cheaper on contract at £359.16 over the life of the deal from £11.99 per month with £49.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 12 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'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 14 Pro Max has a LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 12 or Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 12 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 or Apple iPhone 14 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 14 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 12 is available in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, while the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 12 and Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max use?
The Apple iPhone 12 is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic, 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 or Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 12 is the more portable of the two: it's 76g lighter at 164 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 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 and Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max run?
The Apple iPhone 12 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.