Apple iPhone 12 vs Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max
Compare Apple iPhone 12 vs Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max side by side: Apple A14 Bionic vs Apple A20 Pro, 12MP vs 48MP camera, 2815mAh vs 5567mAh battery, $699 vs…
Apple
iPhone 12
$699
4categories won
Apple
iPhone 18 Pro Max
$1,299
8categories won
1 categories tied · 13 scored in total · add a third phone
Which one wins?
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max takes the overall win
The Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max proves superior overall against the Apple iPhone 12, outperforming on gaming and photography. In camera testing, the iPhone 18 Pro Max leads with superior optics, while battery endurance leans towards the iPhone 18 Pro Max. Choose the iPhone 18 Pro Max if you want the highest performance ceiling, or opt for the iPhone 12 if its lower retail price better fit your budget.
iPhone 18 Pro Max takes battery honors offering 5,567 mAh.
iPhone 18 Pro Max provides greater sustained gaming output with its Apple A20 Pro and 12GB RAM.
iPhone 18 Pro Max takes photography with 48MP optics.
iPhone 12 provides a sharper value proposition, coming in at $699 vs $1299.
Category verdicts are computed algorithmically from verified technical specifications and hardware benchmarks. Rows where neither figure is objectively better — screen size preference, operating system choice, aesthetic build materials — are displayed for direct reference without scoring bias.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 18 Pro Max: specifications compared
Display
| Specification | iPhone 12 | iPhone 18 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.1" | 6.9" |
| Resolution | 1170 x 2532 | 1320 x 2868Winner |
| Pixel density | 457 ppi | 460 ppi |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz | 120 HzWinner |
| Peak brightness | 1200 nits | 3000 nitsWinner |
Performance
| Specification | iPhone 12 | iPhone 18 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic | Apple A20 Pro |
| Process node | 5 nm | — |
| AnTuTu score | 3,200,000 | — |
| Geekbench multi | 10800 | — |
| Maximum RAM | 4 GB | 12 GBWinner |
| Maximum storage | 256GB | 2TBWinner |
Camera
| Specification | iPhone 12 | iPhone 18 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Main sensor | 12 MP | 48 MPWinner |
| Rear cameras | 2Winner | 1 |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP | — |
| Selfie camera | 12 MP | — |
| Max video | 4K at 60fps Dolby Vision | 4K |
Battery and charging
| Specification | iPhone 12 | iPhone 18 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 2,815 mAh | 5,567 mAhWinner |
| Wired charging | 20 W | — |
| Wireless charging | 15 W | 25 WWinner |
Design
| Specification | iPhone 12 | iPhone 18 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 164 gWinner | 249 g |
| Thickness | 7.4 mmWinner | 8.75 mm |
| Water resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Build | Ceramic Shield front, glass back and aluminum design | Aluminum frame, glass back |
Software and support
| Specification | iPhone 12 | iPhone 18 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | iOS 14.1, upgradable to iOS 18 | iOS 27 |
| OS updates | 6 years | — |
| Security updates | 6 years | — |
Connectivity and value
| Specification | iPhone 12 | iPhone 18 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be, tri-band 2.4/5/6GHz, 320MHz bandwidth) | — |
| Storage expansion | None | None |
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| Launch price | $699Winner | $1,299 |
Apple iPhone 12
The Apple iPhone 12 upgraded the best-selling base model formula with a stunning Super Retina XDR OLED panel, Ceramic Shield glass, 5G capabilities, and featherlight 164g ergonomics.
- Display
- 6.1"
- Chipset
- Apple A14 Bionic
- Main camera
- 12MP
- Battery
- 2,815mAh
Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max
The Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max is a $1299 super-sized flagship aimed at power users and mobile gamers. Featuring a massive 6.9-inch OLED display, a huge 5567 mAh battery, and a new variable aperture 48MP camera, it offers peak hardware performance but compromises with a surprisingly heavy 249g aluminum chassis.
- Display
- 6.9"
- Chipset
- Apple A20 Pro
- Main camera
- 48MP
- Battery
- 5,567mAh