iPhone 16 Pro Max Vs Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro

iPhone 16 Pro Max
iPhone 16 Pro Max
Starting at

Refurbished price:812.00

Versus €1,489.00 new

See options
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:114.00

Versus €399.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone 16 Pro Max, released in September 2024, represents Apple's top-tier smartphone offering, featuring advanced technology and a premium user experience. In contrast, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro, launched in January 2023, positions itself as a capable device in the mid-range segment. These two smartphones cater to different user expectations, primarily differing in their processing power, camera capabilities, and overall ecosystem integration.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these devices, several factors come into play, including software support, build quality, and repairability.

  • Software Longevity: The iPhone 16 Pro Max launched with iOS 18 and is expected to receive major iOS updates for many years, potentially extending to iOS 26 and beyond, offering a prolonged period of access to new features and security enhancements. The Redmi Note 12 Pro, released with Android 12 (MIUI 13), typically receives fewer major Android version updates compared to Apple's flagship devices, though it is expected to receive security updates for a reasonable duration. [1, 2, 22, 24]
  • Build Materials: The iPhone 16 Pro Max features a durable titanium frame and Ceramic Shield front cover, contributing to its robust construction. The Redmi Note 12 Pro utilizes a glass back and a plastic frame, with Gorilla Glass 5 protecting the display. [3, 8, 12, 27]
  • Water and Dust Resistance: The iPhone 16 Pro Max carries an IP68 rating, indicating a high level of resistance to dust and water immersion. The Redmi Note 12 Pro has an IP53 rating, offering protection against dust and splashes, but not full submersion. [11, 17, 25]

Year of Release

2024

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

No

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance is a key differentiator, with the iPhone 16 Pro Max designed for demanding tasks and the Redmi Note 12 Pro offering solid everyday responsiveness.

  • Processing Power: The iPhone 16 Pro Max is equipped with Apple's A18 Pro chip, which provides substantial power for intensive applications, advanced gaming, and complex computational tasks, including AI features. The Redmi Note 12 Pro features the MediaTek Dimensity 1080 processor, which handles daily applications, multitasking, and moderate gaming smoothly. [3, 4, 8, 12, 16, 19, 21, 25, 28]
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: With 8GB of RAM, the iPhone 16 Pro Max offers ample memory for seamless multitasking and quick app switching, maintaining high performance even with numerous applications open. The Redmi Note 12 Pro comes with various RAM configurations, including 6GB, 8GB, and 12GB, which allow for efficient multitasking within its segment. [1, 3, 4, 18, 19, 20, 21]
  • Storage Options: The iPhone 16 Pro Max offers storage starting from 256GB, with options up to 1TB or potentially 2TB, catering to users with extensive storage needs. The Redmi Note 12 Pro provides 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, which is suitable for most users but is not expandable. [1, 3, 4, 18, 19, 21]

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on both devices is distinct, influenced by their display technologies and specifications.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The iPhone 16 Pro Max features a 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, offering deep blacks, vibrant colors, and a high pixel density of 460 ppi for sharp visuals. The Redmi Note 12 Pro has a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080x2400 pixels, providing good color reproduction and contrast. [1, 3, 5, 8, 13, 19, 20, 21]
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The iPhone 16 Pro Max's display can reach a peak brightness of 2000 nits outdoors, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright sunlight, and features ProMotion technology for adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz, resulting in smooth scrolling and responsive interactions. The Redmi Note 12 Pro offers a 120Hz refresh rate for fluid visuals and a peak brightness of 1100 nits, which is sufficient for most indoor and outdoor conditions. [3, 5, 6, 21, 24]
  • Viewing Experience: The larger display and thinner bezels of the iPhone 16 Pro Max enhance the immersive viewing experience for media consumption and productivity. The Redmi Note 12 Pro's AMOLED display also provides a good viewing experience, particularly for its category, with a punch-hole design for the front camera. [3, 6, 8, 19, 20]

Resolution

1320 x 2868

1080 x 2400

Screen type

LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED

AMOLED

Audiovisual

Both smartphones offer capable camera systems, though with different strengths and features tailored to their respective segments.

  • Rear Camera System: The iPhone 16 Pro Max includes a sophisticated triple-camera system with a 48MP main sensor, a new 48MP ultrawide camera, and a 5x telephoto lens, designed for high-resolution photos, improved low-light performance, and versatile zoom capabilities. The Redmi Note 12 Pro features a triple camera setup with a 50MP main sensor (Sony IMX766 with OIS), an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 2MP macro lens, capable of producing detailed images in good lighting conditions. [3, 8, 13, 16, 20, 21, 24, 26, 27, 28]
  • Low-Light and Video Performance: The iPhone 16 Pro Max excels in low-light photography and offers advanced video recording features, including enhanced video recording and spatial video capabilities. The Redmi Note 12 Pro performs well in low-light for its class, and its main lens with OIS helps in capturing stable video, though its video recording quality is generally considered good but not exceptional compared to flagship devices. [8, 11, 16, 24, 26, 27]
  • Front Camera and Audio: The iPhone 16 Pro Max features a 12MP front camera with advanced features for selfies and video calls. The Redmi Note 12 Pro has a 16MP front camera that delivers solid selfies. Both devices offer stereo speakers, with the iPhone providing a rich audio experience and the Redmi Note 12 Pro supporting Dolby Atmos for enhanced sound. [17, 24, 25]

Main camera

48 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

16 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, practical elements like connectivity, ports, and physical design contribute to the overall user experience.

  • Connectivity Standards: The iPhone 16 Pro Max supports the latest Wi-Fi 7 and an updated 5G modem, ensuring fast and reliable wireless connections. The Redmi Note 12 Pro supports Wi-Fi 6 and 5G connectivity, offering modern wireless capabilities for most users. [2, 4, 13]
  • Ports and Biometrics: The iPhone 16 Pro Max utilizes a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, and relies on Face ID for secure authentication. The Redmi Note 12 Pro also features a USB Type-C port and includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, along with a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for unlocking. [4, 11, 22, 27]
  • Design and Handling: The iPhone 16 Pro Max features a lightweight yet strong titanium design, with a larger screen size and thinner bezels. The Redmi Note 12 Pro has a flat-sided design with a glass back, offering a comfortable in-hand feel for its size and weight. [8, 12, 27]

Weight

227 g

187 g

Screen size (in)

6.9

6.67

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

eSIM

Dual Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C (USB 3)

USB-C

Users often praise the iPhone 16 Pro Max for its exceptional performance, advanced camera system, and the seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem. Common feedback highlights its robust build quality and long-term software support as significant advantages. Some users, however, might find its size substantial. [2, 8, 12, 16]

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro is frequently commended for its vibrant AMOLED display, reliable battery life, and capable main camera, especially considering its market segment. Users appreciate its fast wired charging and the inclusion of a headphone jack. Criticisms sometimes point to the software experience and the number of major Android updates. [24, 25, 26, 27, 28]

Users prioritizing cutting-edge performance, a highly advanced camera, and extended software longevity will find the iPhone 16 Pro Max well-suited to their needs. Its integration with Apple's ecosystem also appeals to those already invested in Apple products. Conversely, users seeking a device that offers a strong balance of display quality, battery performance, and a capable camera for everyday use, without requiring the absolute latest in processing power, may lean toward the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro. Both devices can be considered as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons