iPhone 12 Pro Max Vs iPhone 14

iPhone 12 Pro Max
iPhone 12 Pro Max
Starting at

Refurbished price:274.00

Versus €1,139.00 new

See options
iPhone 14
iPhone 14
Starting at

Refurbished price:279.00

Versus €759.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone 12 Pro Max, released in November 2020, and the iPhone 14, launched in September 2022, represent different generations within Apple's smartphone lineup. While both devices offer a premium experience, they cater to slightly different user preferences, primarily differing in physical size, camera capabilities, and internal processing power. Both operate on Apple's iOS platform, ensuring a consistent software experience.

Scores

Durability

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is influenced by its release timeline, software support, and physical resilience. Both the iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone 14 are built with robust materials and offer strong water resistance.

  • Software Longevity: The iPhone 14, being a newer model, is expected to receive software updates for a longer duration than the iPhone 12 Pro Max, extending its functional life by approximately one to two years.
  • Physical Durability: Both models feature a Ceramic Shield front cover and are rated IP68 for water and dust resistance, capable of withstanding submersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes.
  • Expected Practical Lifespan: Users can anticipate several years of reliable performance from either device, though the iPhone 14 benefits from its more recent release, offering a longer period of guaranteed software and security updates.

Year of Release

2020

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance is a key differentiator, with the newer iPhone 14 benefiting from a more advanced internal architecture, while the iPhone 12 Pro Max still offers capable performance for many users.

  • Processing Power: The iPhone 14 features a more efficient processor, which translates to smoother operation for demanding applications, faster app loading times, and improved overall system responsiveness compared to the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
  • Multitasking and Storage: Both devices come with 6GB of RAM, allowing for efficient multitasking. Both are available with storage options up to 512GB, providing ample space for apps, photos, and videos.
  • Battery Behavior: The iPhone 12 Pro Max, with its larger physical size, houses a larger battery (3687 mAh) compared to the iPhone 14 (3279 mAh). In typical use, the iPhone 12 Pro Max generally offers extended battery life, particularly for video playback, providing up to 20 hours.

Memory

6 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

Both iPhones feature high-quality displays, but they differ significantly in size, impacting the overall viewing and handling experience.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: Both devices utilize Super Retina XDR OLED displays, delivering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. Both offer a resolution of approximately 458-460 pixels per inch, ensuring sharp text and detailed images.
  • Screen Size and Viewing Experience: The iPhone 12 Pro Max features a larger 6.7-inch display, offering a more expansive viewing area for media consumption and productivity. The iPhone 14 has a more compact 6.1-inch display, which can be more comfortable for one-handed use and easier to carry.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both models achieve a typical brightness of 800 nits and a peak HDR brightness of 1200 nits, providing good visibility in various lighting conditions. Both displays operate at a standard 60Hz refresh rate.

Resolution

1284 x 2778

1170 x 2532

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLED

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

The camera systems on both devices are highly capable, though they offer different strengths and features tailored to various photographic needs.

  • Rear Camera System: The iPhone 12 Pro Max features a triple 12MP camera system with Wide, Ultra Wide, and Telephoto lenses, including a LiDAR Scanner for improved low-light focusing and depth sensing. It also has sensor-shift optical image stabilization on its Wide lens. The iPhone 14 has a dual 12MP camera system (Main and Ultra Wide) with a larger sensor and wider aperture on the Main camera, and introduces the Photonic Engine for enhanced low-light performance.
  • Photography Features: The iPhone 12 Pro Max offers 2.5x optical zoom in via its telephoto lens. The iPhone 14 focuses on computational photography improvements, including Action Mode for stabilized video and an improved Cinematic Mode.
  • Front Camera and Video: Both devices feature 12MP front-facing cameras. The iPhone 14's front camera includes autofocus and a wider aperture for better low-light selfies. Both can record 4K video at up to 60 frames per second with HDR Dolby Vision.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements distinguish these two iPhone models, affecting daily usability and connectivity.

  • Physical Characteristics: The iPhone 12 Pro Max is a larger and heavier device, measuring 160.8 mm in height, 78.1 mm in width, and 7.4 mm in depth, weighing 228 grams. The iPhone 14 is more compact and lighter at 146.7 mm in height, 71.5 mm in width, 7.8 mm in depth, and 172 grams.
  • Connectivity and Ports: Both support 5G cellular connectivity and Wi-Fi 6. The iPhone 14 features Bluetooth 5.3, a slight upgrade from the iPhone 12 Pro Max's Bluetooth 5.0, offering minor improvements in efficiency and range. Both continue to use the Lightning port for charging and data transfer.
  • Additional Features: The iPhone 14 introduces new safety features such as Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via Satellite, which are not present on the iPhone 12 Pro Max. Both devices include Face ID for secure authentication.

Weight

226 g

172 g

Screen size (in)

6.7

6.1

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

Lightning

Choosing between the iPhone 12 Pro Max and the iPhone 14 involves weighing preferences for size, specific camera features, and the latest safety innovations. User feedback often highlights the iPhone 12 Pro Max's enduring appeal for its large display and robust battery life, making it a suitable option for those who prioritize screen real estate and extended usage without frequent charging. Its telephoto lens and LiDAR scanner are frequently praised by users interested in more versatile photography options and enhanced augmented reality experiences.

Conversely, the iPhone 14 is often noted for its more manageable size and lighter build, appealing to users who prefer a device that is easier to handle and carry. Its newer processor provides a snappier experience for everyday tasks and ensures longer software support. Users also appreciate the iPhone 14's improved low-light photography capabilities through the Photonic Engine and the added peace of mind from features like Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via Satellite.

Users prioritizing a larger screen, a dedicated telephoto lens, and maximum battery capacity may find the iPhone 12 Pro Max aligns better with their needs. Those who value a more compact form factor, the latest internal performance enhancements, and advanced safety features will likely lean towards the iPhone 14. Both models are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

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