Is The Iphone 12 Pro Max Still Worth It Or Should I Just Get The Regular Iphone 12

As Apple continues to release new iPhone models each year, older flagships like the iPhone 12 series have become more accessible in price. The iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro Max were both released in 2020, yet they remain relevant for budget-conscious buyers or those who prefer proven hardware over the latest trends. But if you're choosing between the two now — especially on the secondhand or refurbished market — which one delivers better value? The answer depends on your priorities: camera performance, screen size, battery life, materials, and long-term usability.

The iPhone 12 is a compact powerhouse with solid specs and excellent performance. Meanwhile, the iPhone 12 Pro Max stands as the ultimate expression of that generation — larger, more durable, and packed with professional-grade features. But does that justify the price gap today?

Differences That Still Matter in 2024

While both phones run the same A14 Bionic chip and support iOS 17 (and likely iOS 18), their real-world experience diverges significantly. Understanding these differences helps clarify whether the Pro Max’s advantages are meaningful to your daily use.

• Display: The iPhone 12 has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, while the 12 Pro Max offers a 6.7-inch version. That extra screen space enhances media consumption, gaming, and multitasking.
• Build Quality: The standard iPhone 12 uses aerospace-grade aluminum, but the Pro Max adds a stainless steel frame and slightly thicker glass, improving durability.
• Camera System: This is where the biggest gap lies. The iPhone 12 has a dual-camera setup (12MP wide and ultra-wide). The 12 Pro Max adds a third telephoto lens, LiDAR scanner, sensor-shift stabilization, and Night mode on all lenses.
• Battery Life: Apple rated the 12 Pro Max for up to 20 hours of video playback; the iPhone 12 manages about 17 hours. In practice, the Pro Max often lasts a full day with heavy use, while the smaller model may require midday charging.
• Weight & Size: At 228g, the Pro Max is noticeably heavier than the 164g iPhone 12. If you prioritize one-handed use or pocketability, this matters.

Tip: If you frequently shoot photos in low light or zoom in, the 12 Pro Max's sensor-shift stabilization and triple camera are still competitive today.

Camera Performance: A Real-World Edge

The camera difference isn’t just about numbers — it translates into tangible improvements. The iPhone 12 Pro Max was the first iPhone to feature sensor-shift optical image stabilization, which moves the entire sensor instead of just the lens. This results in sharper images and smoother video, especially in motion or dim lighting.

Photographers and content creators still praise the Pro Max for its dynamic range, color accuracy, and portrait depth control. The LiDAR scanner improves autofocus in dark environments and enables advanced AR applications and Night mode portraits.

“Even in 2024, the 12 Pro Max captures some of the most natural-looking photos among older iPhones. Its low-light performance rivals newer non-Pro models.” — David Lin, Mobile Photography Analyst at TechPulse Weekly

For casual users who mostly take quick snapshots, the iPhone 12’s camera is more than sufficient. But if you print photos, edit professionally, or value zoom capability (up to 10x digital, thanks to the telephoto lens), the Pro Max holds a clear advantage.

Battery and Daily Usability

One of the most underrated benefits of the Pro Max is its endurance. With moderate usage — messaging, browsing, streaming music, and occasional video — many users report getting through an entire day without needing to recharge. The iPhone 12, while capable, often requires top-ups by late afternoon under similar conditions.

This becomes critical if you travel frequently, work remotely, or dislike carrying a power bank. Over time, battery longevity also plays a role. Lithium-ion batteries degrade after ~500 charge cycles. A used iPhone 12 from 2020 might already be at 80–85% capacity, reducing its effective runtime further.

Feature	iPhone 12	iPhone 12 Pro Max
Screen Size	6.1 inches	6.7 inches
Rear Cameras	Dual: Wide + Ultra-Wide	Triple: Wide + Ultra-Wide + Telephoto
Optical Stabilization	Lens-shift (wide only)	Sensor-shift (wide) + Lens-shift (telephoto)
Battery Life (Video Playback)	Up to 17 hours	Up to 20 hours
Materials	Aluminum frame, Ceramic Shield	Stainless steel frame, Ceramic Shield
Water Resistance	IP68 (6m for 30 min)	IP68 (6m for 30 min)
Starting Storage	64GB	128GB

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah, a freelance travel blogger, needed a reliable phone for her upcoming Southeast Asia trip. She considered both the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro Max, both available refurbished at similar prices due to high supply. After testing both in-store, she chose the Pro Max. Her reasoning? Longer battery life meant fewer portable chargers, and the superior camera allowed her to capture high-quality content without carrying a separate DSLR. Six months later, she reported that the extra weight was negligible compared to the confidence she felt in her photo quality and all-day battery performance.

When the Regular iPhone 12 Makes More Sense

The iPhone 12 shines for users who value portability, simplicity, and cost savings. It supports all the same core features: 5G, Face ID, MagSafe accessories, and excellent app performance. For everyday tasks — social media, email, navigation, and video calls — it performs identically to the Pro Max.

If you're upgrading from an iPhone 8 or XR, the leap in speed, display quality, and efficiency will feel dramatic regardless of which model you pick. And since iOS updates are delivered uniformly across devices, software parity ensures both phones receive the same security patches and feature upgrades.

Tip: Check the battery health percentage before buying any used iPhone. Anything below 80% indicates significant degradation and may affect daily usability.

Checklist: Choosing Between iPhone 12 and 12 Pro Max

1. ✅ Assess your need for camera versatility — do you regularly use zoom or low-light modes?
2. ✅ Consider how much screen real estate you want — larger screens enhance video and reading experiences.
3. ✅ Evaluate battery needs — do you often find yourself searching for outlets?
4. ✅ Think about comfort — can you handle a heavier, wider phone comfortably?
5. ✅ Compare storage — the base iPhone 12 starts at 64GB, which fills up fast with photos and apps.
6. ✅ Review condition and price — a well-maintained iPhone 12 Pro Max shouldn’t cost significantly more than a high-tier iPhone 12.

Long-Term Value and Future-Proofing

Apple typically supports iPhones with software updates for 5–6 years after release. Given that the iPhone 12 series launched in late 2020, both models should remain compatible with new iOS versions until at least 2026. However, future iOS releases may begin to favor newer hardware optimizations, potentially slowing down older chips over time.

The A14 Bionic remains powerful, but demanding apps — especially those using machine learning or augmented reality — may eventually strain it. The Pro Max’s additional RAM (6GB vs. 4GB in the iPhone 12) gives it a slight edge in multitasking and app retention, which could extend its usable lifespan by a year or more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 12 handle modern apps and games?

Yes. The A14 Bionic chip still handles most apps, including Instagram, TikTok, Zoom, and even graphics-intensive games like Genshin Impact, though with some frame drops during extended play.

Is the price difference justified today?

It depends. If you can get the iPhone 12 Pro Max within $100–$150 of the iPhone 12 (common in the refurbished market), the upgrade is absolutely worth it. Beyond that, the decision hinges on whether you value camera quality and battery life over cost.

Does the LiDAR scanner matter for average users?

Not significantly. It enhances AR apps and improves portrait mode focus, but most people won’t notice its absence. Developers and creatives benefit more from this feature.

Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?

The iPhone 12 is an excellent device for anyone seeking a compact, high-performing smartphone without paying a premium. It’s ideal for students, commuters, or secondary-device users who don’t need pro-level photography.

The iPhone 12 Pro Max, however, remains a compelling choice in 2024 — not because it’s the newest, but because it was built to last. Its superior build, extended battery, advanced camera system, and higher base storage make it a smarter long-term investment, especially if you plan to keep your phone for three years or more.

If your budget allows and you value photographic capability, screen size, and longer battery life, the iPhone 12 Pro Max is still worth it. But if you prefer something lighter, cheaper, and equally capable for daily essentials, the regular iPhone 12 won’t disappoint.

💬 Have experience with either model? Share your thoughts on battery life, camera quality, or durability — your insights could help someone make their decision!