Hey, what’s up, MKBHD here! Today, we’re diving into the iPhone 12 Pro Max, the flagship of Apple’s latest lineup. If you’ve already seen my reviews of the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro, you’ll find many familiar elements, but the Pro Max and the iPhone 12 mini, launching simultaneously, bring unique features to the table. In this post, we’ll focus exclusively on the iPhone 12 Pro Max, the epitome of Apple’s offerings this year.
Overview of the iPhone 12 Pro Max
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is Apple’s most comprehensive smartphone yet. Fun fact: even the sticker in the Pro Max box is the largest among all iPhones. Historically, iPhones have been relatively similar, with size and an extra camera for the Pro models being the primary differentiators. This year, however, Apple introduced a unique camera system exclusive to the Pro Max, setting it apart from the rest.
Design and Display
The larger display is one of the most obvious benefits of the iPhone 12 Pro Max. It features a 6.7-inch screen, slightly larger than last year’s 6.5-inch Max model. This is the largest display Apple has ever included in a phone, offering a higher resolution and a superb visual experience. While I would have preferred a high refresh rate display, likely omitted due to battery considerations, this remains an excellent smartphone display in all other respects.
Battery Life
Battery life is another strong suit of the iPhone 12 Pro Max. It boasts the largest battery among the new iPhones, translating into noticeably longer endurance. The Pro Max offers impressive standby time and typically ends the day with about 25% remaining after six to seven hours of screen-on time. If battery life is a priority, the Pro Max is the clear winner, comparable to, if not slightly less than, the 11 Pro Max.
Audio Quality
The Pro Max technically features the largest speaker grille among the new iPhones, though the difference in audio quality is minimal. It produces slightly bassier sound at high volumes but isn’t noticeably louder than the others.
Usability and Aesthetics
With the largest viewing area, the Pro Max is perfect for watching videos, typing, texting, and photo editing. However, its size can be daunting, especially for those unaccustomed to larger phones. Reachability is challenging, and using it one-handed can be difficult. On a personal note, this is my first time using the gold iPhone, which sports a shiny gold frame with an off-white sand color back. The finish is attractive but prone to fingerprints.
Camera Performance
Now, let’s talk about the Pro Max’s standout feature: its camera. The new camera system includes a physically larger module with a 47% bigger main sensor and sensor-shift stabilization, as well as a new 2.5x telephoto lens. This setup promises better light-gathering capabilities, improved night mode performance, and potentially less reliance on night mode.
However, despite these advancements, I found the differences in real-world performance to be minimal. In side-by-side comparisons with the iPhone 12 mini, the Pro Max’s photos showed only slight improvements in edge sharpness and low-light conditions. The anticipated enhancements in night mode were not as pronounced as expected, and the computational photography capabilities of the iPhone 12 series remain impressive across the board.
Telephoto Lens
The new 2.5x telephoto lens, equivalent to a 65mm lens, offers a modest increase from the previous 2x lens. This change is noticeable in the camera app, with a new 2.5x button and a maximum zoom of 12x. However, the practical impact of this change is limited, and I often preferred using the 1x mode for portrait shots.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the iPhone 12 Pro Max introduces notable hardware improvements, the real-world benefits are subtle. The camera enhancements, while technically impressive, may not justify the additional cost for most users. However, if you seek the largest and most feature-rich iPhone, the Pro Max is the best choice. It offers the biggest and best battery, display, and overall experience.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and use case. Would you spend $1,100 on the iPhone 12 Pro Max, or would you opt for one of the other iPhones in the lineup? Let me know in the comments below. Thanks for reading, and catch you in the next review!
