iPhone 12 vs iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 12 Pro Max: What’s the Difference?
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.
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.
