Smartphone Comparison: Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max vs. Apple iPhone 15 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | Apple iPhone 15 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2020-11-13 | 2023-09-22 | The iPhone 15 Pro is significantly newer, benefitting from three years of tech advancements. |
| Dimensions | 160.8 × 78.1 × 7.4 mm | 146.6 × 70.6 × 8.3 mm | The 12 Pro Max is larger and more cumbersome to hold/use with one hand. The 15 Pro is more pocketable. |
| Weight | 228g | 187g | The 15 Pro is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.1" | The 12 Pro Max offers a larger screen for immersive media consumption. The 15 Pro is better for one-handed use. |
| Resolution | 1284x2778 | 1179x2556 | The 12 Pro Max has slightly higher pixel count, which is barely noticeable. |
| Pixel Density | 458 ppi | 461 ppi | Both phones offer a very sharp display. |
| Technology | OLED | OLED | Both phones use high quality OLED technology. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The 15 Pro's 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations much smoother. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 2000 nits | The 15 Pro is significantly brighter for better outdoor visibility, especially in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Apple A17 Pro (3 nm) | The A17 Pro offers significantly faster performance with a smaller node size for better energy efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,121,803 | 1,641,883 | The 15 Pro has a much faster processor that results in quicker app loading and smoother operation, particularly for demanding games and apps. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core) | Apple GPU (6-core) | The 15 Pro has more graphical power for better gaming and video editing. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 3687 mAh | 3650 mAh | Both phones have similar battery capacity, suggesting comparable battery life under normal conditions. |
| Charging | 20W | 27W | The 15 Pro charges faster, minimizing downtime waiting for a full charge. |
| Features | Non-removable, 20W adapter sold separately, 15W MagSafe, 7.5W Qi | Non-removable, 15W MagSafe, 7.5W Qi | Both phones offer similar wireless charging capabilities. The 12 Pro Max adapter was sold separately. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens Resolution | 12MP | 48MP | The 15 Pro captures higher resolution photos with more detail, useful for cropping and editing. |
| Standard Lens Aperture | f/1.6 | f/1.78 | The 12 Pro Max has a slightly wider aperture which results in slightly better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Aperture | f/2.2 | f/1.9 | The 15 Pro's wider aperture can improve low light selfies. |
| Telephoto Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.8 | The 12 Pro Max has wider aperture and might be slightly better in low light situations when using the telephoto lens. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Yes | No | The 12 Pro Max has a dedicated wide angle lens. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | No | Yes | The 15 Pro offers macro photography functionality. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 4K@60fps | Both phones capture similar high-quality video. |
| DxoMark Mobile | 131 | 154 | The 15 Pro captures much better photos and videos with higher dynamic range. |
| DxoMark Selfie | 132 | 149 | The 15 Pro has a superior selfie camera. |
| Camera Features | Basic set | Cinematic Mode, Noise Reduction, Pro Video | The 15 Pro has advanced video recording features, potentially offering more creative control. |
| Software | |||
| OS | iOS 14.1 | iOS 17 | The 15 Pro ships with a more modern OS and will have longer software support. |
| Max OS Version | iOS 18 | iOS 18 | Both phones will receive the same software updates in the future. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both offer the same WiFi performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.3 LE | The 15 Pro has newer and more energy efficient bluetooth. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5) | Both offer accurate GPS but the 15 Pro supports dual-band GPS for improved accuracy in urban environments. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Both support dual SIM operation. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256/512 GB | 128/256/512/1024 GB | The 15 Pro offers a 1TB option for users who need a lot of storage. |
| RAM | 6 GB | 8 GB | The 15 Pro offers better multitasking capabilities with more RAM. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | The 15 Pro's noise cancellation and microphone array would offer clearer calls and better audio recording. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Basic security | Basic security | Both phones provide similar basic security options. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Screen protection information is not available. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Both phones offer a typical sensor configuration. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Performance: The A17 Pro chip is much more powerful, leading to quicker app launches, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
- Superior Display: The 120Hz refresh rate and higher brightness provide a smoother and more vibrant display experience, especially outdoors.
- Enhanced Camera System: The 48MP main sensor captures significantly more detail. Additionally, the inclusion of a macro lens and the DxoMark scores show superior image and video quality compared to the 12 Pro Max.
- Better Video Features: The Cinematic mode, noise reduction and Pro video mode give the user more creative possibilities.
- Faster Charging: 27W charging allows for faster power replenishment.
- More RAM: 8 GB of RAM vs 6GB will improve the speed of multitasking and loading.
- Modern Connectivity: It has the latest Bluetooth technology and dual-band GPS, along with a newer OS.
- Lighter and More Compact Design: While subjective, many users will appreciate the smaller form factor and lighter weight of the 15 Pro.
- Longer Software Support: The newer iPhone will have a longer software update lifespan.
- More Internal Storage: The 15 Pro is offered in a 1TB option.
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max Advantages:
- Larger Display: The larger 6.7" screen provides a more immersive viewing experience, beneficial for media consumption and productivity.
- Wider Angle Lens: The 12 Pro Max has a dedicated wide angle lens.
- Slightly Wider Standard Lens Aperture: Might perform slightly better in low light.
- Wider Telephoto Aperture: May capture better telephoto photos in low light.
- Potentially Cheaper: As it is an older model it may be available at a lower price on the secondary market.
Trade-offs:
- The iPhone 15 Pro sacrifices a bit of screen real estate and the dedicated wide angle lens for better performance, camera features, and overall modernity.
- The iPhone 12 Pro Max might be more comfortable for those who prefer bigger devices and a dedicated wide angle lens.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for iPhone 15 Pro:
- Power Users: Gamers, video editors, and those who need the fastest performance and most modern technology.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who want the best possible camera quality and video features on their smartphone.
- Frequent Travelers: Users that would appreciate dual-band GPS and advanced connectivity.
- Users Prioritizing Portability: Those who find the 12 Pro Max too bulky.
- Long-Term Users: Those who want a phone with longer software support.
Ideal Users for iPhone 12 Pro Max:
- Users who prioritize screen size: Those who enjoy consuming media on a larger display.
- Users who use wide angle lens frequently: Those who find this lens useful for capturing wide landscapes.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those looking for a premium iPhone at a potentially lower price.
- Users that don't need the latest technology: Those who prioritize a big screen and acceptable performance.
Specific Use Cases:
- iPhone 15 Pro: Mobile gaming, professional photography/videography, content creation, graphic design, heavy multitasking, outdoor activities with lots of sun.
- iPhone 12 Pro Max: Binge watching content, reading, photo editing, general usage, use of a wide angle lens.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The iPhone 15 Pro is superior in almost every way, and while it will be more expensive, the improvements are significant. For power users the value ratio is clear.
- The iPhone 12 Pro Max will be a more budget-friendly option with still good performance and features. It could be a good choice for users who do not need the most advanced technology.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is performance to you? (Do you need the fastest processor for heavy tasks or is a smooth experience enough?)
- How much do you value camera quality and video features? (Are you a photography enthusiast or are simple point-and-shoot capabilities enough?)
- What is your preference for screen size and portability? (Do you need a large immersive display or is something more compact preferable?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Performance and Camera are Paramount: If you prioritize top-tier performance, the best camera, and all the latest features, the iPhone 15 Pro is the obvious choice.
- Scenario 2: Budget is Key: If you are on a tighter budget but still desire a premium iPhone, the iPhone 12 Pro Max is a good alternative, especially if you like larger phones.
- Scenario 3: Large Screen is Essential: If a large screen for media consumption or accessibility is your primary concern, the iPhone 12 Pro Max is a suitable option at a potentially lower cost.
- Scenario 4: Portability is key: If you want the best performance in the smallest package, the iPhone 15 Pro would be the winner here.
Final Choice
If I had to choose, I would select the iPhone 15 Pro. While I like the bigger screen of the 12 Pro Max, the sheer improvements in performance, camera, and display of the 15 Pro are too compelling to ignore. The 120Hz refresh rate alone is a massive upgrade, and the enhanced camera capabilities are a game-changer. The size of the phone is also preferable to me, as I like to carry my phone in my pocket and prefer lighter devices. I also intend to use the phone for a few years and it makes sense to pick the device with the most advanced components, that will have a longer software support lifespan.
