# iPhone 12 Pro Max or 13 Pro Max: which to choose?

> Compare iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone 13 Pro Max: design, chip, camera, refurbished price.

- URL: https://nomophone.com/en/guides/comparatif/iphone-12-pro-max-vs-13-pro-max
- Model comparisons
- Updated on 2026-06-16
- 9 min read

## Introduction

The iPhone 13 Pro Max upgrades the iPhone 12 Pro Max (chip, camera, Dynamic Island, USB-C…). The iPhone 12 Pro Max stays strong **refurbished**.

Based on official Apple specs.

## Design and ergonomics

See the table for materials and buttons. The iPhone 12 Pro Max often feels similar day to day.

## Performance

Newer chip on the iPhone 13 Pro Max. Both stay smooth; the gap shows in intensive gaming or 4–5 year ownership.

## Photo and video

Each generation improves zoom and processing. Also compare **Pro** variants.

## Refurbished price

A refurbished iPhone 12 Pro Max costs less than an equivalent iPhone 13 Pro Max. Compare stock and trade-in estimates.

## Models mentioned

- **iPhone 12 Pro Max** (Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max 256 GB) - 2020 generation
- **iPhone 13 Pro Max** (Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max 256 GB) - 2021 generation

## Comparison table

| Criterion | iPhone 12 Pro Max | iPhone 13 Pro Max |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Display | 6,7″ | 6,7″ |
| Chip | A14 Bionic | A15 Bionic |
| Dynamic Island | — | — |
| Connector | Lightning | Lightning |
| ProMotion (120 Hz) | — | ProMotion technology |
| High-resolution camera | — | — |
| Optical zoom | Zoom, 0,5x, 1x, 2,5x | Zoom, 0,5x, 1x, 3x |
| Material | Stainless steel frame | Stainless steel frame |
| Video battery life | Up to 20 hours | Up to 28 hours |
| Refurbished price | Older, usually cheaper | Newer, higher price |
| iOS longevity | Very good | Excellent (+1 generation) |

### Our verdict

**Choose refurbished iPhone 12 Pro Max** if budget comes first.

**Choose iPhone 13 Pro Max** for the newer generation and extra iOS longevity.

Estimate your trade-in to stretch your budget.

## FAQ

### Is 12 Pro Max / 13 Pro Max worth the extra cost?

Refurbished iPhone 12 Pro Max remains excellent for typical use.

### iPhone 12 Pro Max or iPhone 13 Pro Max refurbished?

Budget: iPhone 12 Pro Max. Longevity: iPhone 13 Pro Max.

### Trade in my iPhone 12 Pro Max for a 13 Pro Max?

Yes — use our trade-in simulator.

## Continue reading

- [iPhone 11 Pro Max or 12 Pro Max: which to choose?](https://nomophone.com/en/guides/comparatif/iphone-11-pro-max-vs-12-pro-max)
- [Which iPhone should you choose in 2026?](https://nomophone.com/en/guides/achat/which-iphone-to-choose)
- [How much is my iPhone worth?](https://nomophone.com/en/guides/reprise/how-much-is-my-iphone-worth)
- [iPhone 13 Pro Max or 14 Pro Max: which to choose?](https://nomophone.com/en/guides/comparatif/iphone-13-pro-max-vs-14-pro-max)