Launched a year apart, the iPhone 13 Pro Max and the iPhone 12 offer a premium experience, but a closer look reveals significant advancements and differing features that cater to varied user needs. This in-depth comparison will dissect the key aspects of the iPhone 13 Pro Max vs iPhone 12 to help you determine which device aligns best with your requirements.
Evaluating the iPhone 13 Pro Max vs iPhone 12 involves understanding their core specifications. The table below provides a concise overview of their key differences:
Feature |
iPhone 13 Pro Max |
iPhone 12 |
Display |
6.7-inch Super Retina XDR with ProMotion |
6.1-inch Super Retina XDR |
Refresh Rate |
Adaptive 10-120Hz (ProMotion) |
Fixed 60Hz |
Processor |
A15 Bionic |
A14 Bionic |
RAM |
6GB |
4GB |
Rear Cameras |
Triple 12MP (Wide, Ultra Wide, Telephoto) with LiDAR |
Dual 12MP (Wide, Ultra Wide) |
Telephoto Zoom |
3x Optical Zoom In, 2x Optical Zoom Out |
2x Optical Zoom Out |
Front Camera |
12MP TrueDepth |
12MP TrueDepth |
Storage Options |
128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
Battery Life (Video Playback) |
Up to 28 hours |
Up to 17 hours |
Build Material |
Stainless Steel frame, Textured Matte Glass back |
Aluminium frame, Glass back |
Water Resistance |
IP68 (up to 6m for 30 mins) |
IP68 (up to 6m for 30 mins) |
Biometric Security |
Face ID |
Face ID |
5G Connectivity |
Yes |
Yes |
Cinematic Mode |
Yes (1080p at 30 fps) |
No |
Photographic Styles |
Yes |
No |
ProRes Video |
Yes (up to 4K at 30 fps) |
No |
Disclaimer: The specifications provided above are based on official information available from Apple. Features and details may vary depending on the model, configuration, and regional availability. Please refer to the official Apple website or authorised retailers for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
A clear distinction in the iPhone 13 Pro Max vs iPhone 12 lies in their design and build. The iPhone 13 Pro Max boasts a surgical-grade stainless steel frame, lending it a more premium and robust feel compared to the iPhone 12's aerospace-grade aluminium frame. Find the detailed information below-
Aspect |
iPhone 13 Pro Max |
iPhone 12 |
Dimensions |
160.8 x 78.1 x 7.7 mm |
146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm |
Weight |
238 grams |
164 grams |
Frame Material |
Surgical-grade Stainless Steel |
Aerospace-grade Aluminium |
Back Material |
Textured Matte Glass |
Glossy Glass |
Water Resistance |
IP68 (up to 6m for 30 mins) |
IP68 (up to 6m for 30 mins) |
The camera capabilities represent a substantial leap forward in the iPhone 13 Pro Max vs iPhone 12 comparison. The iPhone 13 Pro Max boasts a pro-level triple-camera system, adding a dedicated Telephoto lens to the Wide and Ultra Wide lenses found on the iPhone 12.
Feature |
iPhone 13 Pro Max |
iPhone 12 |
Rear Cameras |
12MP Wide, Ultra Wide, Telephoto with LiDAR |
12MP Wide, Ultra Wide |
Telephoto Zoom |
3x Optical In, 2x Optical Out (6x Optical Range) |
2x Optical Out (5x Digital Zoom) |
Night Mode |
All cameras, enhanced by LiDAR |
Wide and Ultra Wide |
Portrait Mode |
Advanced bokeh and Depth Control, enhanced by LiDAR |
Advanced bokeh and Depth Control |
Cinematic Mode |
Yes (1080p at 30 fps) |
No |
Photographic Styles |
Yes |
No |
ProRes Video |
Yes (up to 4K at 30 fps) |
No |
The iPhone 13 Pro Max offers faster CPU and GPU performance compared to the iPhone 12. The 13 Pro Max also benefits from 6GB of RAM, compared to the iPhone 12's 4GB, further contributing to its improved performance.
Aspect |
iPhone 13 Pro Max |
iPhone 12 |
Chipset |
A15 Bionic |
A14 Bionic |
CPU |
6-core (2 performance, 4 efficiency) |
6-core (2 performance, 4 efficiency) |
GPU |
5-core |
4-core |
Neural Engine |
16-core |
16-core |
RAM |
6GB |
4GB |
Battery |
Larger capacity |
Smaller capacity |
Both the iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 12 launched with different versions of iOS but are capable of running the latest iOS updates, providing access to the same core software features and the vast App Store ecosystem. However, the newer hardware of the iPhone 13 Pro Max enables exclusive features like Cinematic mode and Photographic Styles within the camera app.
Feature |
iPhone 13 Pro Max |
iPhone 12 |
Operating System |
Initially iOS 15, Upgradable to latest iOS |
Initially iOS 14, Upgradable to latest iOS |
5G Connectivity |
Yes |
Yes |
MagSafe |
Yes |
Yes |
Face ID |
Yes |
Yes |
Cinematic Mode |
Yes |
No |
Photographic Styles |
Yes |
No |
ProRes Video |
Yes |
No |
Model |
Storage |
Approximate Price |
iPhone 13 Pro Max |
128GB |
₹1,17,000 - ₹1,30,000 |
256GB |
₹1,28,000 - ₹1,40,000 |
|
512GB |
₹1,35,000 - ₹1,58,000 |
|
1TB |
₹1,58,000 - ₹1,80,000 |
|
iPhone 12 |
64GB |
₹48,000 - ₹49,000 |
128GB |
₹49,000 - ₹55,000 |
|
256GB |
₹64,000 - ₹65,000 |
Disclaimer: Prices are approximate and may vary based on configuration, region, and special offers. Please check official Apple websites for the most up-to-date pricing.
The decision between the iPhone 13 Pro Max vs iPhone 12 hinges on your individual priorities and budget.
You prioritise a large, immersive display with a super-smooth 120Hz refresh rate.
Longest possible battery life is crucial for your daily usage.
You want a professional-grade camera system with advanced features like a Telephoto lens, LiDAR, Cinematic mode, Photographic Styles, and ProRes video.
You value the premium build quality of stainless steel and textured matte glass.
Future-proofing and the latest technology are important to you.
You are looking for a more affordable premium iPhone.
You prefer a slightly more compact and lighter device.
You don't necessarily need the advanced camera features or the 120Hz display.
The battery life is sufficient for your typical usage.
You still want excellent performance and access to the latest iOS features.
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The most significant differences between the iPhone 13 Pro Max and the iPhone 12 lie in their display technology, camera system, and battery life. The iPhone 13 Pro Max features a larger display with ProMotion (adaptive 120Hz refresh rate), a more advanced triple-camera system with a Telephoto lens and LiDAR scanner, and substantially longer battery life compared to the iPhone 12's 60Hz display and dual-camera setup.
Yes, the iPhone 13 Pro Max is significantly worth more than the iPhone 12. It's positioned as a premium flagship device with advanced features, a larger and more sophisticated display, a superior camera system, better performance, and longer battery life.
Yes, the iPhone 13 Pro Max's battery life is considerably better than the iPhone 12's. Users often find the 13 Pro Max can comfortably last a full day or even longer on a single charge, whereas the iPhone 12 might require a top-up for heavy users.
Both the iPhone 13 Pro Max and the iPhone 12 offer excellent display quality with Super Retina XDR OLED technology, delivering vibrant colours and sharp details. However, the iPhone 13 Pro Max has a superior display. In it, scrolling and animations are incredibly smooth and responsive. It can achieve higher typical brightness, making it potentially more visible in bright outdoor conditions. The 13 Pro Max also has a larger screen size, providing a more immersive viewing experience.
Yes, the iPhone 13 Pro Max includes several new features not found in the iPhone 12, including greater optical zoom capabilities, LiDAR scanner, Cinematic Mode for video recording, 1 TB storage option, RAM of 6GB and much more.
Whether the iPhone 13 Pro Max is worth the upgrade from the iPhone 12 depends on individual needs and priorities. It's likely worth upgrading if you value a significantly better camera system with more versatility, a larger and smoother high-refresh-rate display, substantially longer battery life, and the latest performance enhancements.