iPhone 12 Pro Max review

A Bold, Flat-Edged Return to Classic iPhone Design — Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max

Apple’s decision to flatten the edges on the iPhone 12 Pro Max was a deliberate callback to the iPhone 4 and 5 eras. The stainless steel frame and matte glass back feel premium, but the glossy edges attract fingerprints quickly. The phone measures slightly thinner than the previous generation, making it a bit more comfortable to hold despite its width. However, at 228 grams, it remains a heavy device that demands large hands for comfortable one-handed use.

The flat sides also mean the phone sits securely on a table, but the sharp edges can dig into your palm after extended periods. Apple offers a restrained color palette: Silver, Graphite, Gold, and Pacific Blue. The frosted rear glass resists smudges reasonably well, but the metal frame does not. You almost want to show off the design without a case, but its glass front and back mean a protective cover is highly recommended to avoid expensive repairs.

The phone carries an IP68 rating for water resistance, so splashes and brief submersion are not a concern. Overall, the look successfully blends nostalgia with a modern, industrial feel that stands apart from the rounded competitors of its year. For more takes on top smartphones, browse our phone reviews.

A Big, Bright OLED Screen With a Tough but Fragile Cover — Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max

The 6.7-inch OLED panel dominates the front, delivering deep blacks and vibrant colors typical of Apple’s displays. It runs at a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which was common for 2020, but the screen remains bright and sharp for streaming, reading, and gaming. Apple covers the display with its Ceramic Shield glass, which is advertised as tougher than typical smartphone glass. Drop tests online have shown it is indeed strong on smaller models, but the larger Pro Max can still break more easily if it falls flat on its face.

The notch at the top remains large, housing the TrueDepth camera system, and some users may find it intrusive during video playback. Still, the sheer size of the screen makes multitasking and media consumption a treat. The phone’s overall dimensions contribute to a noticeable presence in your pocket, so be prepared for a bulge in tight jeans. If you are comparing models, you can find the full lineup in our phone directory.

Cameras That Shine in Low Light, Thanks to a Much Larger Sensor — Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max

The iPhone 12 Pro Max’s camera system is its standout feature. Apple equipped the main 12MP sensor with a 47% larger sensor compared to the previous model, allowing it to capture significantly more light. The result is an 87% improvement in low-light photography over the iPhone 11 Pro Max. Apple also implemented sensor-shift stabilization, a technology more common in professional DSLR cameras. Instead of moving the lens, the system steadies the sensor itself deep inside the phone, canceling out hand shakes and micro-movements more effectively.

This makes a real difference when shooting in dim environments or recording video at night. The telephoto lens offers a 2.5x optical zoom, which is a slight step up from the smaller Pro model. The included LiDAR scanner helps with faster autofocus in low light and enables more accurate AR experiences. While the camera improvements over the smaller iPhone 12 Pro are not massive, they are enough to make the Pro Max the best photographic tool Apple offered that year.

If you prioritize camera quality above all else and can handle the size, this is the iPhone to choose.

All-Day Battery Life With Fast wired and MagSafe Wireless Charging — Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max

The iPhone 12 Pro Max delivers impressive battery life that easily lasts through a full day of heavy use. Apple rates video playback at up to 20 hours, which is a solid figure for a phone of this size. When it’s time to top up, you have two fast charging options: 20W wired charging gets you back up to speed quickly, or you can take advantage of the new 15W MagSafe wireless system.

MagSafe uses magnets to snap accessories securely onto the back of the phone, making wireless charging more convenient and reliable than standard pads. The phone also supports standard Qi wireless charging at a slower rate, but MagSafe is the standout feature here. Apple’s environmental report for the iPhone 12 Pro Max is also available, letting you see the company’s efforts toward sustainability. If you are still comparing options, you can use the phone finder tool to explore other models with similar battery specs.

Blazing Speed, 5G Support, and Plenty of Storage Options — Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max

Under the hood, the iPhone 12 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic chip. This processor handles everything from demanding games to video editing with ease, and it ensures the phone stays snappy for years. 5G connectivity is standard, so you can take advantage of faster data speeds where available. Storage choices start at 128GB and go up to 512GB, giving you plenty of room for apps, photos, and videos. The phone runs iOS, which means you’ll receive regular software updates and access to a huge app library.

A side-by-side comparison with the smaller iPhone 12 Pro shows that both phones share the same chip and 5G support, though the Max offers extra camera perks.

Is the iPhone 12 Pro Max right for you? — Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max

Final Answer on the iPhone 12 Pro Max: Is This Giant Phone Worth Your Money?

The iPhone 12 Pro Max is the best camera phone Apple made in 2020. It is ideal for photography enthusiasts who want top-tier low-light performance, thanks to its 47% larger image sensor and sensor-shift stabilization. Its flat-edged stainless steel design and frosted glass back look premium, but the 228g weight and large size may be too much for some users.

If you can handle the bulk and the starting price of $1,099, you get a phone with a brilliant 6.7-inch OLED display, all-day battery life, fast charging, and powerful A14 performance. The newer design language, inspired by the iPhone 4 and 5, gives it a distinctive look that is notable. This phone is a clear choice for those who prioritize camera quality above all else in a large smartphone.