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Even in 2022, the iPhone 12 lineup remains one of Apple’s strongest and most popular smartphone ranges. With the iPhone 13 and newer models now available, the iPhone 12 series has become an excellent value option - but choosing between the iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max can still be tricky.
The quick verdict
Pick the iPhone 12 if you want a great all-rounder at the lowest price with the same A14 Bionic performance as the Pro models. Go for the iPhone 12 Pro for a more premium design, a telephoto lens, LiDAR and extra RAM. Choose the iPhone 12 Pro Max if you want the best camera, the longest battery life and the biggest display.
iPhone 12 vs 12 Pro vs 12 Pro Max at a glance
| Feature | iPhone 12 | iPhone 12 Pro | iPhone 12 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.1-inch | 6.1-inch | 6.7-inch |
| Frame | Aluminium | Stainless steel | Stainless steel |
| Cameras | 12MP dual | 12MP triple plus LiDAR | Larger main sensor, sensor-shift stabilisation |
| RAM | 4GB | 6GB | 6GB |
| Battery (video playback) | Up to 17 hours | Up to 17 hours | Up to 20 hours |
| Storage | 64GB to 256GB | 128GB to 512GB | 128GB to 512GB |
This guide breaks down the differences so you can pick the right model for your budget, lifestyle and performance needs.
You can explore all current iPhone 12 deals directly in our refurbished iPhone collection.
Design & Build
All three models follow the same design language: flat edges, Ceramic Shield glass, and aerospace-grade materials. The key difference is the finish:
- iPhone 12: Aluminium frame, glossy back
- iPhone 12 Pro: Stainless-steel frame, matte glass back
- iPhone 12 Pro Max: Same premium stainless steel, but with a larger form factor
If you want Apple’s premium materials, the Pro models feel noticeably more high-end in hand.
Display Sizes
- iPhone 12: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR
- iPhone 12 Pro: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR
- iPhone 12 Pro Max: 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR
Despite identical screen quality on the 12 and 12 Pro, the 12 Pro Max gives you more space - ideal for gaming, streaming and photography editing.
Camera Differences
iPhone 12 Camera
- 12MP dual-camera system (Wide + Ultra Wide)
- Night Mode and Deep Fusion support
iPhone 12 Pro Camera
- 12MP triple-camera system (Wide, Ultra Wide, Telephoto)
- LiDAR Scanner for improved Night Mode portraits and AR
- ProRAW support for advanced editing
iPhone 12 Pro Max Camera
- Larger main sensor for better low-light performance
- Sensor-shift optical image stabilisation
- Enhanced telephoto zoom
If photography is your priority, the Pro and Pro Max models are clear upgrades - especially the 12 Pro Max, which was Apple’s best camera system of its time.
Performance
All three models share the same A14 Bionic chip, meaning everyday performance is identical. Apps, gaming, multitasking and photo editing all run smoothly across the board.
The main difference comes from RAM:
- iPhone 12: 4GB RAM
- iPhone 12 Pro / Pro Max: 6GB RAM
This gives the Pro models a slight advantage for heavy multitasking and keeping more apps open in the background.
Battery Life
- iPhone 12: Up to 17 hours video playback
- iPhone 12 Pro: Up to 17 hours video playback
- iPhone 12 Pro Max: Up to 20 hours video playback
The 12 Pro Max benefits from its larger size with a bigger battery - making it the best choice for power users.
Storage Options
- iPhone 12: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB
- iPhone 12 Pro / Pro Max: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
If you shoot lots of photos or store offline media, the higher storage ceiling of the Pro models may be worth it.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose the iPhone 12 if you want:
- a great all-rounder at the lowest price
- lightweight feel and the same core performance as the Pro models
- a reliable everyday camera
Choose the iPhone 12 Pro if you want:
- a more premium design
- better camera capabilities, including Telephoto and LiDAR
- extra RAM for demanding apps
Choose the iPhone 12 Pro Max if you want:
- the best camera system of the lineup
- the longest battery life
- the biggest and brightest display
All three phones remain excellent choices in 2022 - and you can find great-value deals on each model directly in our refurbished iPhone range.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro?
Both have a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display and the A14 Bionic chip. The iPhone 12 Pro adds a stainless-steel frame, a telephoto lens, a LiDAR Scanner, ProRAW support and 6GB of RAM rather than 4GB.
Do the iPhone 12 models have the same performance?
Yes. All three iPhone 12 models share the A14 Bionic chip, so everyday performance is identical. The Pro models have 6GB of RAM, giving them a slight advantage for heavy multitasking.
Which iPhone 12 has the best battery life?
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has the best battery life, with up to 20 hours of video playback, compared with up to 17 hours on the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro.
Which iPhone 12 has the best camera?
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has the best camera, with a larger main sensor for low light, sensor-shift optical image stabilisation and enhanced telephoto zoom. It was Apple's best camera system of its time.
What storage options does the iPhone 12 come in?
The iPhone 12 comes in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB, while the iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max come in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.
