While the world was struggling with the onset of an endemic, Apple decided to lighten the heavy mood with a brand new release. A virtual launch in 2020 revealed iPhone’s new 12 series with the iPhone 12 Pro and the iPhone 12 Pro Max models creating quite a stir. This flagship product by iPhone was considered the best of all its previous ancestors packing in some unique, innovative features like never before. That is of course, until the release of Apple’s 13 family. Even though the iPhone 12 models are a bit old now compared to the newer models that are out there, it is still quite a worthy buy if you’re considering an upgrade from any of the older iPhone series.

However, the back to back launches of these two models have left the crowd quite confused in terms of which one to buy and which one not to. While we say, both are considered top-notch in terms of features, you’d still have to choose one. Maybe we can help?

 Today we are going to break down Apple’s premium iPhone 12 pro and pro max feature by feature to give you a better understanding of what the intricate differences are. Are you ready for this?

Display Size

If you believe ‘bigger is better’ , the first noticeable physical difference that you’ll see is the difference between the screen sizes. The iPhone 12 Pro features OLED display of 6.1 inches making it quite a compact and comfortable phone to carry around. On the other hand, if you like streaming movies or videos on the go and like the ‘big screen experience’ more than portability conveniences, the iPhone 12 Pro Max will give you it’s stunning 6.7 inch display to do just that.

Another teeny tiny difference is that the iPhone 12 Pro comes with a 2532-by-1170 pixel resolution while the Pro Max features 2778-by-1284 pixel resolution. A lab test also concluded that the 12 Pro proved to be a tad bit brighter compared to the Pro Max even though the differences are so minor that you won’t even notice it’s there.

Apart from the significant size difference, both the models remarkably portray the same features and functions starting from their Super Retina XDR display to 60Hz accelaration. However, the Pro Max will feel much more spacious in terms of its UX design owing to its larger screen space. Then again, if you want pocket-ability and hand grip comfort, 12 Pro might just be the one for you.

Camera

Moving on to the camera, if you’re someone who enjoys photography, both the iPhone 12 series will be your best friend. With identical triple camera in the rear, both 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max features 12MP cameras filled to the brim with features like Apple ProRAW, LiDAR Scanner, Night mode, Smart HDR 3, Deep Fusion and not to forget the Ultra Wide, Wide, and Telephoto lenses.

However, unlike the 11 series, this time Apple really upped their camera game when it came to the 12 Pro Max with some noticeable differences making the 12 Pro Max camera just a tad bit better than the 12 Pro. The Pro Max has a few extra camera features, that is-

47 percent larger sensor with bigger pixels allowing more light to enter as compared to the wide angle camera of the 12 Pro.

Telephoto lens of the ‌iPhone 12 Pro Max‌ has an f/2.2 aperture as compared to 12‌ Pro that comes with an f/2.0 aperture;

the 12 Pro Max features a 65mm focal length and 2.5x zoom lens while the 12 Pro settles for 52mm focal length and 2x zoom lens. This means the 12 Pro Max offers 5x optical zoom range.

The iPhone 12 Pro Max‌ also upgraded to sensor-shift optical image stabilization on its Wide lens instead of the lens-shift which accounts for better optical image stabilization. No more shaky or fine-line blurs we think.

To conclude, if you rely on your iPhone frequently for pictures and videography, you’ll fall in love with the 12 Pro Max camera.

Battery Strength

Needless to say, when we are comparing iPhone models, the battery part CANNOT be excluded. We are going to keep this short and precise. There’s a prominent difference between battery life when it comes to these two models. While the 12 Pro guarantees 2,815 mAh battery, the 12 Pro ax boasts of 3,687 mAh. The larger sizing of the Pro Max can accommodate a better, bigger battery. This means, the 12‌‌ Pro delivers up to 17hrs of video playback as per Apple while the Pro Max can go up to 20hrs. 

However, both these iPhones are shipped without chargers. You need to get your own if you want turbo charging. Alternatively, you can also opt for MagSafe iPhone 12 Pro Max cases that come with in-built systems to make your charging feel more effortless.

Performance & Design

When it comes to design, both the models use the same DNA with just dimension changes setting them apart. Copying the iPad Pro design, the iPhone 12 family opted for flat edges with edge-to-edge displays surgical grade stainless steel bodies that are dust, water, and splash resistant. However, owing to its size, the iPhone 12 Pro Max is a bit heavier compared to the 12 Pro. Here are the dimension specifications below-

Both the models are however almost identical in terms of performance. Both the iPhones feature a A14 Bionic process which is considered the fastest chip in a smartphone. They also feature the latest 16-core Neural Engine and 6GB of RAM as compared to 4GB RAM that iPhone 11 series provided. The biggest selling point for the 12 family was the ability to connect to next-gen networks, that is, both these phones offer 5G connectivity which is a turning point as compared to its older series.

Color & Pricing Comparison

Both the iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max comes in four vibrant color selections, namely, Pacific blue, silver, gold, and graphite. However, there are pricing differences between the two.

iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max- Final Takeaway

If you’re looking to upgrade your iPhone, the 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max models will be worth your every penny. It all comes down to, what specifications you want to focus on. If you want a compact phone that’s easy to carry and has brighter display, you should go for the iPhone 12 Pro. However, if you like big screens and better battery life, the 12 Pro Max is more your type.