Choosing the right iPhone in 2025 can be challenging with so many models still available in the market. Three popular options are the iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 13 Pro Max, and the latest iPhone 15 Pro Max. Each comes with its own strengths, price range, and target users.
This comparison will help you decide which iPhone to buy in 2025, based on display, performance, camera, battery, features, and price.
Display and Design
-
iPhone 12 Pro Max – Features a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display at 60Hz. It looks stunning, but lacks ProMotion for smoother 120Hz refresh. Stainless steel frame and Ceramic Shield glass make it premium and durable.
-
iPhone 13 Pro Max – Also has a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, but with 120Hz ProMotion for smoother scrolling and gaming. Design remains similar, with slightly smaller notch compared to the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
-
iPhone 15 Pro Max – Features the brightest 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED with ProMotion. Built with a titanium frame instead of stainless steel, making it lighter and more durable. Dynamic Island replaces the notch for a modern look.
✅ Winner: iPhone 15 Pro Max (for design and ProMotion with Dynamic Island)
Performance
-
iPhone 12 Pro Max – Powered by the A14 Bionic chip, still capable but not as efficient as newer models. Excellent for everyday tasks and gaming, but lacks Pro-level efficiency for heavy multitasking in 2025.
-
iPhone 13 Pro Max – Upgraded to the A15 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU. Delivers better graphics, improved efficiency, and stronger performance for heavy apps and gaming.
-
iPhone 15 Pro Max – Runs on the A17 Pro chip, Apple’s first 3nm processor. Built for console-level gaming, it supports ray tracing and future-proof performance for years.
✅ Winner: iPhone 15 Pro Max (A17 Pro is unmatched in speed and efficiency)
Camera Comparison
-
iPhone 12 Pro Max – Triple-camera setup (12MP wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto). Introduced LiDAR for better low-light focusing and AR experiences.
-
iPhone 13 Pro Max – Improved triple-camera system with larger sensors and 3x telephoto zoom. Better night photography and ProRes video support make it more versatile.
-
iPhone 15 Pro Max – Dual + exclusive 5x telephoto zoom (only on Pro Max model). New 48MP main sensor allows for more detail, ProRAW photos, and advanced computational photography.
✅ Winner: iPhone 15 Pro Max (48MP sensor and 5x zoom are unmatched)
Battery Life and Charging
-
iPhone 12 Pro Max – 3,687mAh battery with 20W wired fast charging and MagSafe support. Lasts a full day but not the longest endurance.
-
iPhone 13 Pro Max – Larger 4,352mAh battery, with one of the best iPhone battery lives ever made. Often lasts up to 2 days of moderate use.
-
iPhone 15 Pro Max – Similar endurance to iPhone 13 Pro Max with optimization from A17 Pro. USB-C replaces Lightning, supporting faster data transfer speeds (USB 3 on Pro models).
✅ Winner: iPhone 13 Pro Max (for battery endurance), but iPhone 15 Pro Max is close with added USB-C advantage.
Price in 2025 (Philippines Market)
-
iPhone 12 Pro Max – Ranges from ₱35,000 to ₱42,000 depending on condition (refurbished or resale). Affordable option for flagship features.
-
iPhone 13 Pro Max – Priced around ₱45,000 to ₱52,000, depending on storage and availability. A sweet spot for price and features.
-
iPhone 15 Pro Max – Brand new retail price starts at ₱84,990 (base storage). The most expensive, but also the most future-proof.
Who Should Buy Each Model in 2025?
-
iPhone 12 Pro Max – Best for users who want flagship design, large OLED display, and powerful performance at a more affordable price. Great choice for students or those upgrading from older iPhones.
-
iPhone 13 Pro Max – Perfect balance of price, performance, and battery life. Still offers ProMotion and ProRes, making it ideal for creators and heavy users who want top features without spending flagship prices.
-
iPhone 15 Pro Max – For those who want the latest and greatest. Its titanium build, A17 Pro chip, 48MP camera, and USB-C make it the most future-ready iPhone. Ideal for gamers, photographers, and professionals.
Final Verdict: Which iPhone to Buy in 2025?
If you’re asking “which iPhone to buy in 2025”, here’s the breakdown:
-
Budget choice: iPhone 12 Pro Max – still powerful, now more affordable.
-
Best value: iPhone 13 Pro Max – excellent battery, ProMotion, and cameras at mid-tier price.
-
Ultimate flagship: iPhone 15 Pro Max – cutting-edge design and performance for those who want the best.