We Share The Top 6 Pros and Cons

The iPhone 12 Pro Max, released in 2020, was a flagship model at the time and continues to be a powerful device. However, as of 2024, several newer iPhone models and competing smartphones have been introduced, offering more advanced features and performance enhancements. Whether the iPhone 12 Pro Max is worth buying today depends on various factors, including your needs, budget, and expectations. Let’s break it down into the pros and cons to help you make a more informed decision.

Reasons It Might Be Worth Buying:

1. Powerful Performance:
   The iPhone 12 Pro Max is equipped with Apple’s A14 Bionic chip, which, even four years later, is a highly capable processor. It can handle most tasks with ease, including demanding apps like video editing, graphic-intensive gaming, and multitasking. The chip is based on a 5nm process, which ensures efficiency and speed, making it relevant in 2024. While newer models like the iPhone 14 and 15 may have faster chips, the A14 still provides excellent real-world performance for most users.
2. Stunning Display:
   One of the standout features of the iPhone 12 Pro Max is its large 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display. It boasts vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. The resolution is crisp, and the screen supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision, making it perfect for media consumption. Even in 2024, this display remains top-tier, particularly when compared to other smartphones at a similar price point.
3. Camera Quality:
   The triple-camera system on the iPhone 12 Pro Max includes a 12MP wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto lens, as well as a LiDAR scanner for enhanced depth sensing and low-light performance. The camera setup was one of the best on the market in 2020, and it still holds up well in 2024. Features like Night Mode, Deep Fusion, and Smart HDR 3 contribute to impressive photography, even in challenging lighting conditions. While newer iPhones have slightly improved camera systems, the 12 Pro Max remains highly competitive, especially if you’re not a professional photographer.
4. 5G Connectivity:
   The iPhone 12 series was the first to introduce 5G support, providing faster download and upload speeds where 5G networks are available. As 5G networks have expanded globally, this feature is still relevant in 2024, giving you access to faster internet speeds for streaming, gaming, and browsing.
5. Lower Price:
   Since the iPhone 12 Pro Max is no longer the latest model, it’s available at a significantly reduced price compared to when it first launched. You can find it at various retailers or in the second-hand market for a fraction of what you would pay for a brand-new flagship iPhone. For people who want a premium device without paying flagship prices, the 12 Pro Max offers excellent value.
6. Build Quality and Design:
   The iPhone 12 Pro Max is built with premium materials, including a stainless steel frame and Ceramic Shield front cover, which makes it more durable than many competing phones. The design is sleek and modern, featuring flat edges that continue to be used in newer models, so it doesn’t feel outdated in terms of aesthetics.

Reasons It Might Not Be Worth Buying:

1. Newer Features in Latest Models:
   While the iPhone 12 Pro Max is still a great phone, the iPhone 13 Pro Max, 14 Pro Max, and future iPhones offer several advancements. For instance, newer models feature ProMotion technology, which provides a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and animations. Additionally, improvements in the A15, A16, or newer chips offer better performance and efficiency, meaning the newer phones run faster and have better battery management. There are also incremental updates in the camera systems, such as better low-light performance, sensor-shift image stabilization, and more advanced computational photography.
2. Battery Life:
   Battery health is an important factor to consider when buying an older phone. If you’re purchasing a used or refurbished iPhone 12 Pro Max, the battery may have degraded over time. While Apple allows you to check the battery health, you might find that a used device no longer holds a charge as well as a new one. In some cases, you may need to replace the battery, which adds to the overall cost. Newer iPhones tend to have better battery life out of the box due to advancements in chip efficiency and battery technology.
3. Software Support:
   Apple is known for offering long-term software support, but there’s a limit to how long an older model will receive the latest updates. While the iPhone 12 Pro Max is likely to receive iOS updates for another few years, newer models will be supported for longer. If you plan to keep your phone for several years, you might prefer a newer model to ensure you continue getting the latest features and security updates without interruption.
4. ProMotion Display:
   One of the most notable features missing from the iPhone 12 Pro Max is the 120Hz ProMotion display, which was introduced in the iPhone 13 Pro models. The 60Hz display on the iPhone 12 Pro Max is still excellent, but if you’re used to higher refresh rates or want a smoother scrolling experience, you might feel the difference. Gamers and heavy content consumers might prefer the newer models for this feature.
5. Future-Proofing:
   As technology advances, buying an older model might mean missing out on future features and updates. The iPhone 12 Pro Max, while powerful, lacks some of the newer innovations found in the latest iPhones, such as satellite communication (introduced with the iPhone 14) or improved emergency features. If you want a phone that will last you for many years to come, a more recent model could be a better investment.
6. Resale Value:
   The resale value of the iPhone 12 Pro Max will naturally decline faster than that of newer models. If you’re someone who likes to sell their phone after a few years and upgrade, keep in mind that the 12 Pro Max may not hold its value as well in 2024 and beyond.

Conclusion:

The iPhone 12 Pro Max is still a powerful and capable phone in 2024, making it a potentially good option for users who are looking for a premium device at a reduced price. Its A14 chip, impressive camera system, and excellent display mean it can handle most tasks with ease. However, it lacks some of the newer features found in more recent iPhones, such as a 120Hz display, improved battery life, and better camera performance. If you prioritize having the latest technology, future-proofing, or plan to keep your phone for several more years, you might want to consider a newer model like the iPhone 13 Pro Max, 14 Pro Max, or even the latest iPhone release.

Ultimately, it comes down to your needs and budget. If you find a good deal and don’t mind missing out on the latest features, the iPhone 12 Pro Max could still serve you well in 2024.