The iPhone 12 Pro Max may not be Apple’s latest flagship, but it remains one of the most powerful and premium devices in the iPhone lineup. Released in late 2020, this smartphone introduced several industry-leading features such as a larger Super Retina XDR display, improved camera system with LiDAR, and the A14 Bionic chip. Even in 2025, the iPhone 12 Pro Max continues to be a strong contender for those looking for a reliable premium device without paying the highest price of the newest models.
Design and Display
The iPhone 12 Pro Max features a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, the largest screen Apple had ever put on an iPhone at its launch. With a resolution of 2778 × 1284 pixels at 458 ppi, it delivers stunning visuals with high brightness, HDR10, and Dolby Vision support.
Its design follows the flat-edge aesthetic with a surgical-grade stainless steel frame and textured matte glass back. The Ceramic Shield on the front offers four times better drop performance compared to earlier iPhones, making it more durable in everyday use.
Performance: A14 Bionic Power
At its core, the iPhone 12 Pro Max is powered by Apple’s A14 Bionic chip, the world’s first 5-nanometer processor. Combined with a 6-core CPU, 4-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine, it delivers blazing-fast performance for gaming, photography, video editing, and multitasking.
Even in 2025, the A14 Bionic holds up exceptionally well, running the latest iOS updates and handling heavy apps smoothly. Paired with 6GB of RAM, the iPhone 12 Pro Max offers consistent speed and efficiency.
Camera System with LiDAR
One of the biggest selling points of the iPhone 12 Pro Max is its triple-camera system with LiDAR technology.
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12MP Wide Lens – With f/1.6 aperture for better low-light shots.
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12MP Ultra-Wide Lens – Captures 120° field of view for dramatic perspectives.
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12MP Telephoto Lens – Up to 2.5× optical zoom for portraits and distant subjects.
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LiDAR Scanner – Improves low-light autofocus and enables advanced AR experiences.
On the front, the 12MP TrueDepth camera supports Night Mode, 4K video recording, and Face ID.
This setup makes the iPhone 12 Pro Max one of the most versatile camera phones of its generation, ideal for photography enthusiasts and content creators.
Battery and Charging
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is equipped with a 3,687mAh battery, which may sound modest compared to Android flagships but is optimized through iOS for excellent endurance. It comfortably lasts a full day of heavy use.
Charging options include:
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20W wired fast charging (50% in around 30 minutes).
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15W MagSafe wireless charging.
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Standard Qi wireless charging at 7.5W.
MagSafe also allows snap-on accessories like cases, wallets, and power banks.
iOS and Software Experience
The iPhone 12 Pro Max originally shipped with iOS 14 but is fully upgradable to the latest iOS versions. Apple’s long-term software support means this phone will continue to receive updates for years, ensuring security, performance improvements, and access to new features.
Features like Face ID, seamless ecosystem integration, 5G connectivity, and Dolby Atmos audio make it feel just as modern as current models.
Price in 2025
While no longer sold as a brand-new flagship, the iPhone 12 Pro Max is widely available through authorized resellers, second-hand markets, and refurbished stores.
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In the Philippines, the current resale price ranges from ₱35,000 to ₱42,000 depending on storage (128GB, 256GB, 512GB) and condition (brand-new old stock, refurbished, or used).
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Globally, refurbished models are priced around USD $500 to $650, offering premium Apple performance at a lower entry cost compared to the iPhone 14 or 15 series.
Pros and Cons
✅ Pros
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Stunning 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display
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A14 Bionic chip still powerful in 2025
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Versatile triple-camera system with LiDAR
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Premium stainless steel and glass design
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MagSafe support and strong ecosystem integration
❌ Cons
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Lower charging speed compared to newer Android devices
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Large size may feel bulky for some users
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No high refresh rate (limited to 60Hz)
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Price can still be high for a four-year-old model
Final Verdict
The iPhone 12 Pro Max remains a fantastic choice in 2025 for users who want flagship-level performance, excellent cameras, and a large display without spending on the newest iPhones. Its balance of power, durability, and Apple ecosystem perks make it a strong long-term investment, especially when bought at a discounted or refurbished price.