Smartphone Comparison: Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max vs. Blackview A96
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | Blackview A96 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160.8 × 78.1 × 7.4 mm | 161.8 × 74.2 × 8.6 mm | iPhone is wider; Blackview is thicker but lighter. |
| Weight | 228g | 193.9g | Blackview A96 is noticeably lighter for comfortable handling. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.5" | iPhone has a slightly larger display for more immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1284 x 2778 | 1080 x 2400 | iPhone has a sharper display with more detail. |
| Pixel Density | 458 PPI | 405 PPI | iPhone offers crisper text and images. |
| Technology | OLED | IPS LCD | iPhone has superior contrast and colors (true blacks). |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Blackview offers smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 0 nits | iPhone is much better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. Blackview brightness is unspecified, assumed to be typical indoor brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | iPhone provides significantly faster processing for apps and games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,121,803 | 423,393 | iPhone delivers a much smoother, faster experience overall. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core) | Mali-G57 MC2 | iPhone has superior graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Rear Camera | 12MP, f/1.6, 1.7µm pixels | 48MP, f/1.6, 0.8µm pixels | Blackview has higher resolution, but iPhone likely has larger pixels capturing more light and detail. |
| Front Camera | 12MP, f/2.2 | 16MP | Blackview has slightly higher resolution for selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | Not present | iPhone has optical zoom for closer shots without losing quality. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.4 | 8MP, f/2.4 | iPhone offers wider shots with better detail |
| Macro Lens | Not present | 2MP, f/2.4 | Blackview has a dedicated lens for close-up photos. |
| Video Recording | 4K up to 60fps, HDR | 1440p at 30fps | iPhone offers much higher quality video with stabilization. |
| Camera Features | 4K, OIS, RAW, Night Mode | Front Flash | iPhone has advanced features like OIS and Night Mode. Blackview provides a front flash for better lighting on selfies |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 3687 mAh | 4380 mAh | Blackview has a larger battery for longer usage. |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | iPhone charges slightly faster. |
| Wireless Charging | MagSafe 15W, Qi 7.5W | Not Present | iPhone supports Wireless Charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | iOS 14.1, Upgradable to iOS 18 | Android 13 | Different ecosystems: iOS focuses on simplicity and performance, Android on customization |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | WiFi 5 (802.11ac) | iPhone supports the latest Wi-Fi standard for faster and more reliable connections |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.0 | iPhone has a newer version with improved energy efficiency |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | iPhone has more satellite systems for better accuracy. |
| SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Dual Nano SIM | iPhone supports eSIM for greater flexibility; Both have Dual Standby |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512 GB | 256 GB | iPhone has more storage options, including a larger 512 GB option. |
| RAM | 6 GB | 8GB/12GB | Blackview offers more RAM for better multitasking in higher RAM option. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers | iPhone offers immersive spatial audio |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Security | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Blackview offers convenient fingerprint unlocking. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Fingerprint Sensor | iPhone features a Barometer sensor, and Blackview has a Fingerprint Sensor |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max Advantages:
- Superior Display Quality: OLED screen with higher resolution and brightness provides a noticeably better visual experience, especially in bright conditions.
- Much Faster Performance: Apple A14 Bionic chip offers significantly better speed for all tasks, from basic apps to demanding games and video editing.
- Better Camera System: More versatile camera system with telephoto lens, OIS, superior video quality, and additional features like RAW and Night Mode for a much more capable photography experience.
- Enhanced Audio Features: Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital Plus offer richer sound.
- Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: More reliable wireless connections and energy efficiency
- Higher DxOMark Scores: Higher scores in both mobile and selfie cameras indicate generally better overall camera performance
- eSIM Support: Enables easy switching between digital carriers
- MagSafe/Wireless Charging: Convenient wireless charging and magnetic accessories.
Blackview A96 Advantages:
- Lighter Build: More comfortable for extended use due to its lighter weight.
- Higher Refresh Rate: 120Hz display provides smoother scrolling and animations, which is a better experience for gaming.
- Larger Battery: Offers potentially longer battery life between charges.
- Macro Camera: Dedicated lens for detailed close-up shots.
- Front Flash: A front flash for better-lit selfies
- More RAM: Excellent for multitasking and demanding games.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Convenient and secure biometric unlocking.
Trade-offs:
- iPhone: Higher price, heavier, older design (2020), lacks Macro lens and side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Blackview: Much weaker performance, lower display quality, significantly inferior camera, no Wireless Charging, lower brightness.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is ideal for:
- Power Users: Those who need top-tier performance for demanding apps, games, and multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize high-quality photos, videos, and advanced camera features.
- Multimedia Consumers: Those who value a vibrant, high-resolution display for watching videos, gaming, or browsing.
- Eco-system Users: Those already invested in the Apple ecosystem.
Use Cases:
- Professional photography and videography.
- Heavy gaming and video editing.
- Outdoor use where screen visibility is essential.
- Anyone requiring the fastest performance.
- Those who want a premium experience.
Blackview A96 is ideal for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for a more affordable device with decent performance for daily tasks.
- Casual Users: Individuals who primarily use their phone for browsing, social media, and communication.
- Users Needing Long Battery Life: Those who want a phone that lasts longer without needing frequent charging.
- Users who prefer fingerprint sensor: Those who want the added convenience of a fingerprint sensor for unlocking their phone.
Use Cases:
- Everyday web browsing and social media.
- Basic photography and video recording.
- Extended use without frequent charging.
- Budget-conscious users.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The iPhone 12 Pro Max offers a higher value for users who want top performance, premium build, and a very good camera. However, it comes at a premium price.
- The Blackview A96 offers a more affordable option with a few strong features like a larger battery, more RAM, and a smooth 120Hz display; however, compromises in performance, camera, and screen quality must be accepted.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The iPhone is significantly more expensive than the Blackview.
- How important are performance and camera quality to you? The iPhone is much better for intensive tasks and photography.
- What are your key usage scenarios? (e.g., gaming, photography, basic tasks)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High-Performance/Gaming & Photography Focus: If your primary needs include performance and top-tier camera capabilities, the iPhone 12 Pro Max is the clear choice, even though it's an older model now. It will provide a much smoother, faster and more feature-rich experience.
- Scenario 2: Budget and Battery Life Focus: If price is a major concern and you prioritize battery life and having a fingerprint sensor, the Blackview A96 is the more sensible option. However, be aware of its weaker performance and significantly less capable camera.
- Scenario 3: Balanced User with Some Gaming and Daily Use: Neither of these would be ideal. A newer phone with a mid-range processor would be a better choice. But if forced to choose one of these, consider the Blackview A96 due to its larger battery and smoother screen.
Personal Choice
If I were personally choosing between these two, I would select the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max, even though it is an older device. My priorities lean towards having a smooth, responsive, and dependable phone with a high-quality camera. The significantly faster performance, superior display, and much better camera system of the iPhone are worth the higher price point and older design (within this comparison). Although the Blackview A96 offers a larger battery and a smoother 120Hz screen, those benefits don't outweigh the advantages of the iPhone. For me, the iPhone's superior ecosystem, processing power, and advanced features offer a far better overall experience for my needs.
