When the iPhone 12 Pro Max launched in October 2020, it quickly became one of Apple’s most powerful and feature-packed smartphones. Offering top-tier performance, a stunning Super Retina XDR display, and powerful camera features, it immediately captured the attention of both Apple enthusiasts and those simply looking for a high-quality smartphone. However, as the smartphone market continues to evolve, the question arises: does the iPhone 12 Pro Max still hold its ground against newer models and competitors?
In Australia, where the demand for high-end smartphones is ever-growing, many consumers are asking whether the iPhone 12 Pro Max remains the best choice, especially with newer models like the iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 14 Pro Max, and even Android powerhouses such as the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra and Google Pixel 6 Pro. This article will provide an in-depth comparison, analyzing the iPhone 12 Pro Max’s performance, features, and value, while answering the key question: who really wins in the battle for Australia’s top smartphone?
What Makes the iPhone 12 Pro Max Stand Out?
Before we dive into comparisons, let’s take a quick look at what makes the iPhone 12 Pro Max unique, especially when it comes to Australian users who expect both performance and value.
Design and Build Quality
The iPhone 12 Pro Max introduces a sleek, flat-edge design that was a return to the aesthetic seen in earlier iPhones like the iPhone 4. With its Ceramic Shield front cover, stainless steel frame, and matte glass back, the iPhone 12 Pro Max offers a luxurious feel that makes it stand out in the premium smartphone category.
Unlike many other smartphones that continue to use curved edges, the iPhone 12 Pro Max features a more refined design, which not only looks better but also improves durability. For Australians living in areas prone to drops or accidents, the Ceramic Shield promises 4x better drop performance compared to previous models, reducing the likelihood of cracked screens or damage.
Super Retina XDR Display
Apple has always been known for offering some of the best displays on the market, and the iPhone 12 Pro Max is no exception. The 6.7-inch OLED display with HDR10 and Dolby Vision offers vivid colours, deep blacks, and an overall immersive viewing experience. Whether you’re watching movies, editing photos, or gaming, the display is a standout feature.
For Australians who enjoy streaming content in high definition, the iPhone 12 Pro Max provides the perfect balance of screen size and resolution, with a pixel density of 458 ppi, which means you can enjoy crisp details on your favourite Netflix shows or YouTube videos.
A14 Bionic Chip
The iPhone 12 Pro Max features the A14 Bionic chip, which at the time of release, was the fastest chip in a smartphone. Built on a 5nm process, this chip offers improvements in both speed and energy efficiency, making the phone incredibly fast while still providing excellent battery life. For those who use their phones for heavy tasks like gaming or editing videos, the iPhone 12 Pro Max offers the kind of performance that can handle even the most demanding apps without lag.
Even in 2025, the A14 Bionic chip still holds its ground against many newer devices, ensuring that the iPhone 12 Pro Max remains a competitive choice for those who want cutting-edge performance without having to upgrade to the latest models.
Camera System
The iPhone 12 Pro Max comes with an impressive triple-camera system, featuring a 12MP main sensor, 12MP ultrawide, and a 12MP telephoto lens with 2.5x optical zoom. What makes this setup special is the sensor-shift optical image stabilization (OIS) for the primary camera, which reduces blur and ensures sharp, clear images, even in low-light conditions.
The addition of Night Mode, Deep Fusion, and Smart HDR 3 means that the iPhone 12 Pro Max can capture stunning photos in a variety of lighting conditions. Whether you’re taking sunset photos along the beaches of the Gold Coast or capturing the vibrant cityscapes of Sydney, the camera system does an excellent job of preserving details and colours.
Battery Life
With a 3687mAh battery, the iPhone 12 Pro Max offers impressive battery life, allowing users to enjoy up to 20 hours of video playback. While newer models have improved on battery life, the iPhone 12 Pro Max remains a strong contender in terms of endurance, making it ideal for Australian consumers who are often on the go.
Comparing the iPhone 12 Pro Max to Its Competitors
Now that we know what makes the iPhone 12 Pro Max a top contender, let’s see how it compares to its closest competitors in the smartphone world. From Samsung’s Galaxy S21 Ultra to the Google Pixel 6 Pro, each of these devices offers its own set of features designed to appeal to Australian consumers.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs. Google Pixel 6 Pro
The Google Pixel 6 Pro is another strong contender, particularly for those interested in pure Android and the best camera software available. With a 50MP main camera and advanced AI-driven photography features, the Pixel 6 Pro excels at capturing natural colours, producing stunning photos with remarkable detail, even in challenging lighting conditions.
However, while the Pixel 6 Pro may outperform the iPhone 12 Pro Max in certain aspects of photography, the iPhone still offers superior hardware build quality, performance, and video recording capabilities. Apple’s Dolby Vision support in video recording and its cinematic mode put it ahead in the realm of mobile videography.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs. Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
Samsung’s Galaxy S21 Ultra is one of the most formidable Android competitors to the iPhone 12 Pro Max, offering a similar premium design, a larger 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, and a quad-camera system that includes a 108MP main camera and 10x optical zoom.
For Australians who prioritise photography, the S21 Ultra’s camera is hard to ignore, especially with its 10x optical zoom and 100x Space Zoom feature. While the iPhone 12 Pro Max offers solid zoom capabilities with its 2.5x optical zoom, the Galaxy S21 Ultra takes mobile photography to the next level with its advanced zoom and superior low-light performance.
However, when it comes to overall user experience, performance, and ecosystem integration, the iPhone 12 Pro Max shines. With iOS 14 (now updated to iOS 17), Apple offers a more polished, user-friendly experience compared to Android. Additionally, the seamless integration with other Apple devices like the Apple Watch and MacBook makes the iPhone 12 Pro Max an attractive option for those already invested in the Apple ecosystem.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs. iPhone 13 Pro Max
With the release of the iPhone 13 Pro Max, Apple has raised the bar for performance, camera quality, and display technology. Featuring the A15 Bionic chip, which offers better energy efficiency and processing power compared to the A14 Bionic, the iPhone 13 Pro Max is a more powerful device overall. Additionally, the 120Hz ProMotion display makes it feel smoother, especially when scrolling through content or playing games.
For Australians who love gaming, streaming, or editing, the iPhone 13 Pro Max offers better graphics performance and improved battery life, making it the better option for power users. However, the iPhone 12 Pro Max still holds its own, especially for those who don’t require the absolute cutting-edge performance offered by the iPhone 13 Pro Max.
Why Buy the iPhone 12 Pro Max Through Wise Market Australia?
If you’re considering purchasing the iPhone 12 Pro Max, Wise Market Australia is your trusted partner for securing high-quality, affordable smartphones. As one of Australia’s leading retailers for refurbished and brand-new Apple products, Wise Market offers competitive prices, fast shipping, and top-notch customer support.
Whether you’re looking for a brand-new iPhone 12 Pro Max or a refurbished model, Wise Market Australia provides a warranty with every device, ensuring peace of mind with your purchase. With easy payment options like Afterpay and Zip, you can finance your purchase in instalments, making it more accessible for everyone.
Conclusion: Does the iPhone 12 Pro Max Still Hold Its Ground?
The iPhone 12 Pro Max remains a strong contender in the smartphone market, even as newer models and fierce competitors continue to emerge. For Australians who are looking for a device that balances performance, design, and value, the iPhone 12 Pro Max offers great value, especially when compared to the latest flagships like the iPhone 13 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, and Google Pixel 6 Pro.
While it may not feature the latest innovations like 120Hz displays or advanced camera tech found in newer models, the iPhone 12 Pro Max offers a compelling mix of speed, durability, and ease of use. For those looking to get the most out of their smartphone without splurging on the latest model, the iPhone 12 Pro Max is still a winning choice.
If you’re ready to make the iPhone 12 Pro Max yours, visit Wise Market Australia for a trusted, reliable, and affordable option to buy your next iPhone. With fast delivery across Australia and a commitment to customer satisfaction, Wise Market ensures that you’ll receive your iPhone in excellent condition, whether brand new or refurbished.
