iPhone 12 Pro max vs iPhone 13 Pro Max: Is the Old Kings Still Worth Holding On To?

When it comes to choosing between the 12 Pro Max vs 13 Pro Max, both phones still deliver an excellent iPhone experience even years after their launch. But after using both of them side by side in daily life, I’ve noticed a few key differences that might help you decide which one is better for your needs.

Let’s start from the outside because, honestly, that’s what we all notice first. Both phones look almost identical at first glance. They share that flat-edged stainless steel design, frosted glass back, and solid premium feel that Apple introduced with the 12 series. Even in the hand, the 12 Pro Max doesn’t feel outdated at all. It’s still sturdy, elegant, and feels expensive. But when you switch over to the 13 Pro Max, there’s a subtle difference: it’s slightly heavier, the camera bumps are larger, and the overall feel just screams refinement.

Display and Everyday Use

Now, this is where I personally started feeling the difference. The 12 Pro Max already had an amazing 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display. It’s sharp, bright, and perfect for watching YouTube, Netflix, or even editing photos. But when I moved to the 13 Pro Max, that 120Hz ProMotion display made a world of difference.

Scrolling through social media, switching between apps, or even reading felt buttery smooth. Once you get used to that refresh rate, going back to 60Hz feels like a step down. It’s not a deal-breaker if you’re used to the 12 Pro Max, but if you care about fluidity, the 13 Pro Max simply feels more responsive in day-to-day use.

Performance and Speed

Let’s talk about performance. The 12 Pro Max runs on the A14 Bionic chip, while the 13 Pro Max features the A15 Bionic. On paper, the difference doesn’t sound huge, but in real-world use, the 13 Pro Max does feel snappier. Apps open a little faster, games load more smoothly, and it handles heavy tasks like video editing more efficiently.

Even when multitasking or recording 4K videos for longer sessions, the 13 Pro Max tends to stay cooler and drains less battery. But to be fair, the 12 Pro Max still performs like a flagship. It’s not slow by any means it just doesn’t have that extra layer of smoothness the newer model brings.

Cameras and Real-World Photography

Cameras are one of those things that can easily sway a buying decision. Both phones come with triple camera setups and can record 4K 60fps on both front and back. The 13 Pro Max, however, takes things up a notch with larger sensors and improved low-light performance.

One major addition that stands out is Cinematic Mode, which is like portrait mode for videos. It automatically shifts focus between subjects, giving your clips that movie-like depth. I found this feature surprisingly fun and useful for quick social media videos or creative projects.

That said, the 12 Pro Max is no slouch. It still captures sharp, detailed photos with accurate colors. In daylight, both cameras perform almost identically. You’ll notice the biggest improvement in low-light conditions, where the 13 Pro Max manages to keep more detail and less noise.

Battery and Endurance

Battery life is another area where the newer model shines. Apple made some smart optimizations with the A15 chip, and it shows. The 13 Pro Max can easily last a full day of heavy use. I’m talking hours of YouTube, browsing, messaging, and camera use and still have juice left by the end of the day.

The 12 Pro Max is good too, but it does drain a bit faster, especially if you’re using it on higher brightness levels or gaming for long periods. It’s still a dependable phone, but the 13 Pro Max wins in endurance.

Software Longevity

This might be one of the most important factors if you’re thinking long-term. The 13 Pro Max, being a generation newer, will get one extra year of iOS updates compared to the 12 Pro Max. That means more security patches, new features, and better overall support from Apple in the coming years.

So, if you’re someone who plans to keep their phone for three or more years, the 13 Pro Max makes more sense. But if you upgrade frequently or don’t mind missing out on one or two future updates, the 12 Pro Max is still perfectly fine.

Daily Experience and Feel

Using both phones daily, I realized how similar they feel in most situations. Face ID speed, call quality, speakers they’re all nearly identical. Both phones handle everything you throw at them. The difference is that the 13 Pro Max just feels a little more refined. The animations are smoother, the battery lasts longer, and the photos look slightly cleaner.

But if you’re switching from an older iPhone, say an iPhone 11 or earlier, the 12 Pro Max still feels like a huge upgrade. You’re getting a large OLED screen, great cameras, and the same premium design language as the newer models.

Price and Value

Price is where things start to get interesting. In 2025, the 12 Pro Max can be found for a much lower price compared to the 13 Pro Max. That difference alone can make the 12 Pro Max a very tempting deal. You’re still getting a flagship iPhone experience without paying the premium.

However, if you can stretch your budget a bit, the 13 Pro Max does justify its higher price. The smoother display, improved camera, and longer battery life all add up to a noticeably better experience not drastically different, but definitely better.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, choosing between the 12 Pro Max vs 13 Pro Max comes down to how you use your phone. If you want the smoother 120Hz display, longer battery life, and a little extra camera performance, the 13 Pro Max is worth it. It’s the kind of phone that feels newer for longer.

But if you’re on a tighter budget or just want a powerful, premium iPhone without spending top dollar, the 12 Pro Max still holds its ground. It’s fast, reliable, and looks every bit as modern as its successor.

Both phones are excellent, and neither will disappoint you. Personally, after using both, I’d lean toward the 13 Pro Max for its smoother experience and stronger battery but if you pick up the 12 Pro Max today, you’re still getting one of the best iPhones Apple ever made.

Read Also iPhone 12 Pro in 2025: Still Worth Buying or Time to Upgrade?

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