The iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max are Apple’s most expensive iPhone models. In previous years, the only real difference between flagship iPhones was screen size and battery capacity. But this time, Apple decided to incentivize its largest iPhone with more “professional” features.
This is a detailed guide to help you choose the right iPhone.
What functions do they share?
The iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max have a lot in common. Here are the features you’ll get no matter which model you choose:
- The 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max use the Apple A14 Bionic chip.
- Same color and build design
- Same storage options
- Same 12MP and ultra wide-angle cameras
- 5G connectivity
- ProRAW Features
The iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max have many of the same improvements as the other iPhone 12 models. This includes the Apple A14 Bionic chip, which delivers the highest performance of any smartphone on the market. These iPhones are also equipped with 5G connectivity, allowing you to get your data faster over the cellular network.
Both iPhones have identical 12MP front-facing and ultra-wide-angle cameras. These sensors are found in every iPhone 12 device, and both provide consistent quality no matter which model you choose.
Read our breakdown of the iPhone’s camera, to find out which system is the iPhone’s camera is right for you.
Exclusively for Pro models, both devices also have a base storage configuration of 128GB and are available up to 512GB.
Pro models also have their own color options, which are composed of gold, graphite, blue and silver. The Pro models have a stainless steel strap and a frosted glass back.
Finally, they support the new Apple ProRAW format.
ProRAW is Apple’s new image format that combines iPhone image processing with RAW photo file information. This new image format allows for a much more detailed end result that is just as easy to edit.
On the subject: What is Apple ProRAW and how do I use it?
What’s the difference between iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max?
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is a much larger phone and has certain features that set it apart from its smaller sibling. Here are the main differences that might tip you toward or away from a larger phone.
Display
The main visual difference between the two devices is the screen size. The iPhone 12 Pro has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, while the 12 Pro Max has a large 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display.
The 12 Pro Max technically has a slightly higher resolution, but it won’t be visible to the naked eye.
Both displays support HDR10 +, Dolby Vision and 1200 nits maximum brightness. These phones also feature the new Apple Ceramic Shield for better scratch protection and drop resistance.
Battery
In terms of battery, the iPhone 12 Pro has a 2,815mAh battery, while the Pro Max has a large 3,687mAh battery. Due to the large footprint of the 12 Pro Max, you’ll get much better battery life from a larger phone than from a smaller one.
The 12 Pro is rated for 17 hours of continuous video playback, while the 12 Pro Max supports a total of 20 hours of video playback.
If battery life and display size are important to you, you’d better get the larger 12 Pro Max. However, you should note that the larger size is due to the fact that it is a much bulkier device, especially considering that Apple has flattened the sides of the phone.
If you prefer a more portable device with slightly worse battery life, the 12 Pro is a much better choice.
Camera
The camera is the most noticeable difference between the two devices. Both iPhones have triple cameras on the back and an identical selfie camera on the front.
The iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max have a 12MP f / 1.6 primary sensor. But the 12 Pro Max’s sensor is larger, allowing for better low-light performance and improved detail.
This main sensor on the 12 Pro uses OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) to make videos smoother and less sharp. While the 12 Pro Max uses sensor shift to stabilize footage even more effectively.
Sensor shift is when your camera’s sensor is physically moved inward to stabilize the image, and this technology is common in large DLSR cameras.
Both devices also have a telephoto lens, but have different focal lengths. Optically, the 12 Pro telephoto lens magnifies the image by 2x, and the 12 Pro Max – 2.5x. The difference is small, but worth noting if you are into portrait photography or other areas that require a telephoto lens.
Overall, the 12 Pro takes great photos and videos, but the 12 Pro Max still beats it in terms of hardware.
Which model is right for you?
The iPhone 12 Pro starts at $ 999, while the iPhone 12 Pro Max starts at $ 100 more at $ 1,099. Both devices are undoubtedly flagship phones with flagship prices, and when choosing between them, it all comes down to what you need from your device.
If you’re looking for the best phone Apple has to offer, the iPhone 12 Pro Max is a no-brainer. You get the largest display, the best battery life, and the best camera from Apple. But, of course, this is expensive (literally) and you might not want to have the most cumbersome device.
And this is where the regular 12 Pro comes in handy.
The regular iPhone 12 Pro is a decent compromise between the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro Max. You get the same premium build as the 12 Pro Max, and you get a very similar camera experience that fits in a reasonably sized small device.
It all comes down to which device best suits your criteria. If you want the best possible camera experience, get the larger Pro Max; If you want a smaller device that has most of the features of a larger phone, get the iPhone 12 Pro.
