iPhone 12 Pro Vs iPhone 13 Pro Max

iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:214.00

Versus €1,039.00 new

See options
iPhone 13 Pro Max
iPhone 13 Pro Max
Starting at

Refurbished price:369.00

Versus €1,249.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max are two distinct models from Apple's professional-grade smartphone lineup, released in October 2020 and September 2021, respectively. While both offer a premium iOS experience, they cater to slightly different user preferences due to variations in size, display technology, and camera capabilities. The iPhone 13 Pro Max, being a generation newer and a 'Max' model, introduces enhancements in screen technology, battery longevity, and photographic features compared to the more compact iPhone 12 Pro.

Scores

Durability

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release dates and Apple's typical software support cycle.

  • Release Timeline: The iPhone 12 Pro was released in October 2020, while the iPhone 13 Pro Max followed in September 2021. This means the iPhone 13 Pro Max benefits from an additional year of potential software updates and security patches.
  • Software Longevity: Apple generally provides iOS updates for 5-6 years from a device's release. Given their respective launch dates, the iPhone 13 Pro Max is expected to receive software support for a longer duration, potentially extending its usable life by about a year compared to the iPhone 12 Pro.
  • Repairability: Both the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max have received similar repairability scores from independent assessments, typically around 6 out of 10. This indicates that while some components are modular and replaceable, proprietary screws and increased waterproofing measures can complicate certain repairs.

Year of Release

2020

2021

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from browsing to demanding applications. Both devices offer robust performance, but the newer model incorporates advancements.

  • Processing Power: The iPhone 13 Pro Max features a newer generation processor, which provides improved CPU and GPU performance compared to the iPhone 12 Pro. This translates to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and enhanced graphics rendering for gaming and intensive applications.
  • Battery Endurance: The iPhone 13 Pro Max is known for its significantly larger battery capacity and improved power efficiency, leading to extended usage times. Users often report that the iPhone 13 Pro Max can comfortably last for up to two days on a single charge with moderate use, a notable improvement over the iPhone 12 Pro.
  • Storage Options: Both models offer various storage configurations. The iPhone 13 Pro Max introduced a 1TB storage option, catering to users who require extensive space for high-resolution media and applications, which was not available on the iPhone 12 Pro.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience is a key aspect of smartphone usage, and there are distinct differences in the displays of these two models.

  • Display Technology and Size: Both devices feature Super Retina XDR OLED displays, offering deep blacks and vibrant colors. The iPhone 12 Pro has a 6.1-inch display, while the iPhone 13 Pro Max boasts a larger 6.7-inch display, providing a more expansive viewing area.
  • Refresh Rate: A significant difference lies in the refresh rate. The iPhone 12 Pro has a standard 60Hz refresh rate. In contrast, the iPhone 13 Pro Max features ProMotion technology, offering an adaptive refresh rate that can go up to 120Hz. This results in smoother scrolling, more fluid animations, and a more responsive feel, particularly noticeable during gaming or fast-paced content consumption.
  • Brightness: The iPhone 13 Pro Max offers a higher typical maximum brightness of 1000 nits compared to the iPhone 12 Pro's 800 nits, making it potentially easier to view content in bright outdoor conditions. Both models can reach a peak HDR brightness of 1200 nits for compatible content.

Resolution

1170 x 2532

1284 x 2778

Screen type

Super Retina XDR OLED

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Both iPhones are equipped with advanced camera systems, but the newer model brings notable improvements in photographic and videographic capabilities.

  • Camera System: Both devices feature a triple 12MP camera system, including Wide, Ultra Wide, and Telephoto lenses, along with a LiDAR Scanner for improved depth sensing. The iPhone 13 Pro Max, however, incorporates larger sensors and wider apertures on its main and ultra-wide cameras, allowing it to capture more light.
  • Low-Light Performance: Due to its larger sensors and wider apertures, the iPhone 13 Pro Max offers enhanced low-light photography, capturing brighter and more detailed images in challenging lighting conditions. The ultra-wide camera on the 13 Pro Max also benefits from improved low-light performance and autofocus, enabling macro photography.
  • Video Features: The iPhone 13 Pro Max introduced Cinematic mode, which allows for shallow depth of field and automatic focus transitions in videos, and ProRes video recording for professional-grade video capture. The telephoto lens on the 13 Pro Max also offers a 3x optical zoom, an increase from the 2.5x optical zoom on the 12 Pro Max.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements differentiate these two professional-grade smartphones.

  • Connectivity: Both models support 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.0, ensuring fast and reliable wireless communication.
  • Physical Design and Dimensions: The iPhone 12 Pro has a more compact form factor with a 6.1-inch display, weighing 189 grams. The iPhone 13 Pro Max is a larger device, featuring a 6.7-inch display and weighing 240 grams, which can impact one-handed use and pocketability.
  • Build Materials and Durability: Both phones feature a stainless steel frame and Ceramic Shield front cover, offering enhanced durability against drops. They also share an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, allowing submersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes.
  • Biometric Security: Both devices rely on Face ID for secure facial recognition and authentication.

Weight

187 g

238 g

Width

7.15 cm

7,81 cm

Height

14.67 cm

16,08 cm

Depth

0.74 cm

0,76 cm

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.7

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

Lightning

The iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max both deliver a premium smartphone experience, but user feedback highlights distinct strengths for each. Users often praise the iPhone 12 Pro for its more manageable size, making it comfortable for one-handed use and easier to carry. Its camera system, while a generation older, is still considered highly capable for everyday photography and video recording. Common criticisms for the 12 Pro sometimes revolve around its battery life, which, while adequate for many, may require more frequent charging for heavy users.

The iPhone 13 Pro Max, on the other hand, is frequently lauded for its exceptional battery life, often cited as a two-day phone for many users, and its larger, smoother 120Hz ProMotion display. Its camera system, with improved low-light performance, macro capabilities, and advanced video features like Cinematic mode and ProRes, receives significant acclaim from users interested in mobile photography and videography. However, its larger size and increased weight are sometimes mentioned as potential drawbacks for those who prefer a more compact device.

Users prioritizing a more compact device with solid performance and camera capabilities may find the iPhone 12 Pro well-suited to their needs. Conversely, users who value extended battery life, a larger and more fluid display, and advanced camera features for creative pursuits will likely lean towards the iPhone 13 Pro Max. Both models offer a robust iOS experience, and choosing between them often comes down to personal preferences regarding size, battery endurance, and specific camera functionalities. For those considering either device, exploring quality-assured refurbished options can provide an eco-friendly alternative.

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