The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is the highest-tier model in the iPhone 12 series, offering top-tier performance, a larger display, a powerful camera system, and impressive battery life. But is it worth the extra price compared to the iPhone 12 Pro or other flagship smartphones? Let’s dive deep into our iPhone 12 Pro Max review to find out!
Key Specifications
✔ Display: 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED (1284 x 2778 pixels)
✔ Processor: A14 Bionic Chip
✔ RAM: 6GB
✔ Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB (Non-expandable)
✔ Cameras:
- 12MP (f/1.6) Wide
- 12MP (f/2.4) Ultra-Wide
- 12MP (f/2.2) Telephoto (2.5x Optical Zoom)
- LiDAR Scanner
✔ Front Camera: 12MP (f/2.2) with 3D Depth Sensor
✔ Battery: 3,687mAh (MagSafe & Fast Charging Support)
✔ Operating System: iOS 14 (Upgradable to the latest iOS)
✔ Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC
✔ Build: Ceramic Shield Glass Front, Gorilla Glass Back, Stainless Steel Frame
✔ Water Resistance: IP68 (Up to 6m for 30 minutes)
Design & Build Quality
The iPhone 12 Pro Max features a premium design with a stainless steel frame and Gorilla Glass back. The flat edges give it a modern and sleek look, reminiscent of the iPhone 4 and 5 series.
Build Quality & Durability
- The front display is protected by Ceramic Shield glass, making it four times more resistant to drops than previous iPhones.
- The IP68 water and dust resistance ensures that it can survive submersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes.
- The stainless steel frame is more scratch-resistant than aluminum but is a fingerprint magnet.
Handling & Grip
- The iPhone 12 Pro Max is large and heavy (228g), making one-handed use difficult.
- The glossy steel frame makes it slippery, so using a protective case is recommended.
Display Quality
The 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display offers:
✔ Bright & Vivid Colors – HDR10 and Dolby Vision support
✔ Deep Blacks & High Contrast – Thanks to OLED technology
✔ True Tone & Wide Color Gamut – Ensures accurate color reproduction
✔ Peak Brightness of 1,200 nits – Great visibility in sunlight
What’s Missing?
❌ No 120Hz Refresh Rate – Unlike competitors like the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, the iPhone 12 Pro Max sticks to 60Hz.
While scrolling and animations are smooth, a 120Hz refresh rate would have provided an even better experience.
Performance & Hardware
Powered by the A14 Bionic chip, the iPhone 12 Pro Max is one of the fastest smartphones on the market.
✔ 5nm Chipset – More Power, Less Battery Drain
✔ 20% Performance Boost Over A13 Bionic
✔ 6GB RAM – Smooth Multitasking & Gaming
✔ 5G Connectivity – Future-Proofed for Faster Speeds
Gaming Performance
The A14 Bionic and Apple’s GPU make the iPhone 12 Pro Max a gaming powerhouse.
- PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty, Genshin Impact run at max settings with zero lag.
- No overheating issues, even after long gaming sessions.
- Stereo speakers enhance the gaming experience with immersive sound.
Camera Performance
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a triple-camera system with LIDAR technology, making it one of the best smartphone cameras in 2025.
Main Camera (12MP, f/1.6, OIS, Sensor-Shift Stabilization)
✔ Larger Sensor – Better Low-Light Performance
✔ Smart HDR 3 – Improved Dynamic Range
✔ Deep Fusion – More Detail & Texture in Photos
Ultra-Wide Camera (12MP, f/2.4, 120° FOV)
✔ Excellent Color Accuracy
✔ Less Distortion at the Edges
Telephoto Camera (12MP, f/2.2, 2.5x Optical Zoom)
✔ Clear & Sharp Zoomed-in Shots
✔ OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) for Steady Shots
Night Mode & LiDAR Scanner
✔ Night Mode on All Cameras – Brighter & Clearer Night Shots
✔ LIDAR Scanner – Faster Autofocus in Low Light & Improved AR Features
Video Recording
- 4K 60FPS HDR with Dolby Vision – Industry-leading video quality.
- Cinematic Stabilization – Smooth and professional-looking videos.
- Slow-Motion & Time-Lapse – Stunning effects with HyperSmooth motion.
Battery Life & Charging
Battery Performance
The 3,687mAh battery lasts longer than the iPhone 12 Pro thanks to its efficient A14 chip.
✔ Up to 20 Hours of Video Playback
✔ All-Day Battery Life with Normal Usage
✔ Optimized Battery Charging to Prolong Battery Health
Charging Options
❌ No Charger Included in the Box – You need to buy a separate charger.
✔ 20W Fast Charging – 55% in 30 minutes
✔ MagSafe Wireless Charging (15W)
✔ Qi Wireless Charging (7.5W)
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
✔ Premium Design with Stainless Steel Frame
✔ Gorgeous 6.7-inch OLED Display
✔ A14 Bionic Chip – Fastest Performance
✔ Excellent Camera System with LiDAR
✔ 5G Connectivity & Future-Proofed Features
✔ Great Battery Life with Optimized Charging
✔ MagSafe Accessories for Added Functionality
❌ Cons:
❌ No 120Hz Refresh Rate
❌ Large & Heavy – Not for One-Handed Use
❌ No Charger Included in the Box
❌ No Expandable Storage
Is the iPhone 12 Pro Max Worth Buying in 2025?
Rating: 4.7/5
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is a powerful flagship smartphone that excels in design, performance, and camera quality. If you want the best iPhone experience with long battery life, top-tier cameras, and a stunning display, it’s worth buying.
However, if you prefer a smaller device or need 120Hz refresh rate, you may want to consider newer iPhone models. Shop Now
