iPhone 11 Pro Max vs iPhone 12

The iPhone 11 Pro Max and the standard iPhone 12 might be different types of models within their respective series, but since they’re only one generation removed, you might be interested in comparing them. Let’s find out if the newer generation has enough upgrades to beat a superior model in an older series.

Camera

Both the iPhone 11 Pro Max and iPhone 12 feature a 12 MP rear camera and the same image resolution at 4032 x 3024 px. The more noticeable difference is the 3 rear lenses offered on the iPhone 11 Pro Max compared to just 2 on the standard iPhone 12. The extra lens is a telephoto lens that gives you better quality photos while zoomed and an additional sensor that captures more light.

Battery

You’ll also find a better battery life and capacity on the iPhone 11 Pro Max over the iPhone 12. The 11 Pro Max has a 3969 mAh battery, while the 12 only has 2815 mAh. Although the iPhone 12 has a more energy-efficient processor, the increased battery capacity will give you a few extra hours of battery life on the iPhone 11 Pro Max.

Display

The 11 Pro Max has a slightly larger screen at 6.5-inches compared to the smaller 6.1 inches on the iPhone 12, so you’ll want to take that into consideration whether you prefer a big or a smaller phone in-hand. However, if you also want a screen with better quality and brightness levels, you’ll want to look at the 11 Pro Max. This iPhone has 1242 x 2588 px resolution and 800 max nits compared to the iPhone 12, which has 1170 x 2532 px resolution and 625 max nits.

Storage Options

If you tend to need more storage for your photos, videos and downloads, then you’ll prefer the higher storage options offered on the iPhone 11 Pro Max. The 11 Pro Max offers up to twice as much storage as the iPhone 12 at 512 GB vs 256 GB. Both models have the same 4 GB RAM size.

Processor

The chipset might be the main feature that sets the iPhone 12 apart from the 11 Pro Max. Since it is a generation newer, you’ll get an upgraded A14 Bionic chip on the standard iPhone 12 compared to the A13 Bionic chip on the 11 Pro Max. By all metrics, that should give you better overall performance on the iPhone 12, but both chips are great by today’s standards and will hold up fine for the average user.

Overall, even though the iPhone 11 Pro Max is a generation older, since it’s part of a higher tier model than the iPhone 12, it offers users better camera capabilities, storage and battery life. If these aren’t important for you, then you’ll likely be happy upgrading to the newer series in the iPhone 12 where you’ll get a more advanced processor and feel comfortable getting iOS updates for an additional year than the 11 Pro Max.