Buying the iPhone 11 Pro Max or iPhone 12 Pro Max in 2026?

If you are looking for an iPhone with a large screen, long battery life, and top performance, there are two models that are still very popular: the iPhone 11 Pro Max and the iPhone 12 Pro Max.

These are models from Apple's Pro series, which offer a solid user experience and are still very interesting choices on the market for refurbished iPhones. However, they have differences in the screen, but also in the design, performance, and cameras, among other aspects that influence the purchasing decision.

In this comparison, we put the iPhone 11 Pro Max and the iPhone 12 Pro Max side-by-side to determine which one has the best price-quality ratio in 2026.

iPhone 12 Pro Max with a more current design

One of the biggest differences between the two devices is the design. On one hand, the iPhone 11 Pro Max has a rounded design language that was introduced by Apple in its first generations. The iPhone 12 Pro Max, on the other hand, adopts a style with flatter sides and an aesthetic closer to current iPhones. With a premium construction of glass and stainless steel, complemented by MagSafe technology.

Screen: both are excellent, but the iPhone 12 Pro Max is larger

Both smartphones feature Super Retina XDR OLED technology with top image quality, good brightness, high contrast, and a great multimedia experience. Still, the iPhone 12 Pro Max wins in this chapter thanks to its slightly larger screen - 6.7 inches compared to the 6.5 inches of the 11 Pro Max. A relevant detail for those who watch a lot of videos, game, or use the smartphone for work.

Performance: both devices are fast, but the advantage lies with the A14

The iPhone 11 Pro Max has the A13 Bionic processor, while the iPhone 12 Pro Max is equipped with the A14 Bionic. For daily use, they both still perform excellently in 2026, whether it comes to social media, photography, streaming, browsing, or productivity. Yet, the A14 offers advantages such as greater energy efficiency, better performance, a longer margin for future updates, and better responsiveness in demanding tasks.

The iPhone 12 Pro Max wins in the camera category

Both models have a triple camera system that provides enormous versatility and good photo quality. However, the iPhone 12 Pro Max comes with significant improvements in the area of night photography and video.

Battery, great battery life in both models

If there is one detail in which the Pro Max models excel, it is battery life. In this respect, both the iPhone 11 Pro Max and the iPhone 12 Pro Max offer a battery that can handle a full day of intensive use. For those who want an iPhone with a large screen and a battery that lasts a long time, these are two good choices.

Differences in 5G and MagSafe

The iPhone 12 Pro Max distinguishes itself in this area through compatibility with 5G and MagSafe technology, while the iPhone 11 Pro Max only has 4G LTE.

What is the best choice in 2026?

The answer to this question always depends on your budget and what you truly value in a smartphone. You should therefore choose the iPhone 11 Pro Max if you are looking for a more affordable iPhone Pro Max, with a good screen and excellent battery life, but without 5G.

On the other hand, the iPhone 12 Pro Max is a good purchase if you are looking for a newer model, with a modern design and a top photography experience, complemented by 5G and MagSafe compatibility and a longer period of software updates. At iServices you will find these and other refurbished iPhones with a 3-year warranty for the most affordable price on the market.