iPhone 12 Pro Max Review
In autumn 2020, Apple released the hotly-anticipated iPhone 12 series, which is comprised of four different handsets of varying size and specs: iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max. In this review, we’ll be taking a look at the last (and biggest) device in the line-up – iPhone 12 Pro Max. Keep reading as we uncover the best this handset has to offer, from its A14 Bionic chip to the triple-lens camera system.
iPhone 12 Pro Max Design & Display
Starting with the design, iPhone 12 Pro Max features the same smooth rounded corners as its smaller counterparts, as well as its flat surgical-grade stainless steel edges. The largest of all four handsets in the line-up, this iPhone only weighs in at 228g, so while you’ll get the innumerable benefits of a bigger device, it’s still comfortable in the hand. On the front of the phone, there’s a generous 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display, and bezels are barely noticeable, so you can truly make the most of the wide screen viewing experience. Plus, with a wide colour gamut and True Tone technology onboard, you’re guaranteed to enjoy clear, vivid colour, wherever you are.
For protection, the display is coated in Ceramic Shield – the toughest smartphone glass yet – with up to four times better performance against drops and scratches. iPhone 12 Pro Max has also been awarded an industry-leading IP68 water-resistance rating, meaning it can theoretically withstand submersion in 1.5m of water for up to 30 minutes, so you needn’t fear using it in the bath.
iPhone 12 Pro Max Camera
On the rear of the device you’ll find the high-spec triple-lens camera system, stylishly configured within a square mount. Made up of one 12MP wide lens, a second 12MP telephoto lens and a third 12MP ultra wide lens, this setup can do it all. A 47% larger sensor dramatically increases the amount of light absorbed by the wide lens, so whether you’re photographing superbly detailed closeups, or sweeping panoramic views, you’ll get the perfect shot, every time.
There’s a whole host of exciting photography software features to explore too – including a new, enhanced edition of Night mode. As well as allowing you to take standard shots in low lighting, you can now also capture stunning portraits after dark, or try Night mode on your front camera for detailed selfies with natural light. You can even film the slow magic of a sunset with Night mode Time-lapse; in fact, iPhone 12 Pro Max promises 87% better low-light video, so you can keep filming well into the night.
iPhone 12 Pro Max Power
Just like the other devices in the iPhone 12 series, this handset is powered by Apple’s A14 Bionic chip – the first 5-nanometre chip to hit the market in the smartphone industry. With 11.8 billion transistors, the A14 Bionic chip is powerful enough to handle even the most advanced tasks, including video recording in Dolby Vision, while the 80% faster neural engine ensures your phone does exactly what you ask it to, without a hitch.
As you’d expect from a flagship, iPhone 12 Pro Max is also 5G-ready, so you can enjoy lag-free gaming, instantaneous downloads and a crystal clear video call connection, whenever you’re in a 5G-supported area. In terms of operating system, this device comes with iOS 14 installed from the get-go. This latest release from Apple includes new additions like Widgets on the home screen, so you can check the weather or your calendar at a glance, and Picture in Picture, enabling you to keep an eye on your FaceTime while you check your emails.
iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery
To make the most of everything this iPhone has to offer, a resilient battery is crucial. Thankfully, this device is fitted with a Li-Ion 3,687 mAh battery, which is more than capable of keeping you powered up all day. With 40% more transistors, the A14 Bionic chip also helps your phone run more efficiently, so from a podcast on your morning commute to your Uber home from after-work drinks, your phone has it covered.
Conveniently, you can charge iPhone 12 Pro Max with any existing USB-A cable from a previous model, or make the most the USB-C Lightning cable (included in the box) to power up even faster. Prefer to avoid cables altogether? This device can also be charged wirelessly, with any compatible Qi-certified charger (sold separately).
If this iPhone 12 Pro Max review has got you tempted to upgrade, you’ll find brilliant SIM-free and contract deals on all the latest Apple and Android devices over at Mobiles.co.uk.