eSIM Guide

Is iPhone 12 Pro Max Worth It For Travelers in 2023?

Written by Harry
August 30, 2023
5 Mins Read

Worth It!

In 2023, considering the iPhone 12 Pro Max might seem like looking at an older model, but there are several reasons why it's still a worthy choice:

  • Depreciation in Price: iPhone 12 Pro Max have seen a significant price drop (~$600), making it more affordable while still offering many high-end features.
  • Performance: A14 Bionic chip, which was Apple's fastest chip in 2020, still handles most tasks and applications smoothly.
  • Software Updates: Apple is known for its long-term software support. The iPhone 12 Pro Max would still be receiving the latest iOS updates in for years to come, ensuring users have the latest features and security patches.
  • Camera System: The iPhone 12 Pro Max featured a sophisticated camera system with a LiDAR scanner, Deep Fusion, Dolby Vision HDR recording, and ProRAW. These features would still be competitive in 2023, especially for average consumers and travelers.
  • Build Quality: With its ceramic shield front cover, stainless steel frame, and glass back, it is a durable device that can remain in good condition for several years.
  • 5G Connectivity: As 5G networks expand and mature, having a 5G-capable device becomes more crucial. The iPhone 12 Pro Max supports 5G, ensuring compatibility with fast network speeds.
  • Large Display: With its 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, the iPhone 12 Pro Max offers a vast and vibrant screen, ideal for media consumption, gaming, and multitasking.
  • Battery Life: The iPhone 12 Pro Max had one of the best battery lives in the iPhone 12 series, which means it would still offer decent battery performance in 2023.
  • Resale Value: iPhones, especially the Pro/ Pro Max models, tend to retain their value better than many other smartphones. If someone were to invest in an iPhone 12 Pro Max in 2023, they could still expect a reasonable resale value if they decide to upgrade later.
  • Ecosystem Integration: If someone is already invested in the Apple ecosystem, using devices like the Apple Watch, iPad, or Mac, the iPhone 12 Pro Max would integrate seamlessly, offering a cohesive user experience.
  • Availability of Accessories: Given the iPhone 12 Pro Max's popularity, a wide range of accessories would still be available in the market, often at reduced prices due to the model's age.

While newer models would offer the latest advancements, the iPhone 12 Pro Max remains a solid choice in 2023 for those seeking a balance between cost, performance, and features. It's especially suitable for users who don't always need the latest model but still want a reliable and high-performing device.

The current price difference between 14 Pro Max and 12 Pro Max is approximately $400. Here is a comparison chart:

Feature iPhone 12 Pro Max iPhone 14 Pro Max
Display 6.7 inches, Super Retina XDR OLED, 1284 x 2778 pixels 6.7 inches, LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1290 x 2796 pixels
OS iOS 14, upgradable to iOS 15 iOS 16, upgradable to iOS 16.6, planned upgrade to iOS 17
Chipset Apple A14 Bionic Apple A16 Bionic
CPU Hexa-core (2x3.46 GHz Everest + 4x2.02 GHz Sawtooth) Hexa-core (2x3.46 GHz Everest + 4x2.02 GHz Sawtooth)
GPU Apple GPU (4-core graphics) Apple GPU (5-core graphics)
RAM 6GB 6GB
Storage 128GB/256GB/512GB, no card slot 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB, no card slot
Main Camera 12 MP, f/1.6, dual pixel PDAF, sensor-shift OIS 48 MP, f/1.8, 1/1.28", dual pixel PDAF, sensor-shift OIS
Selfie Camera 12 MP, f/2.2 12 MP, f/1.9, PDAF, OIS
Battery Li-Ion 3687 mAh, non-removable Li-Ion 4323 mAh, non-removable
Colors Silver, Graphite, Gold, Pacific Blue Space Black, Silver, Gold, Deep Purple
Price ~$600 Starts at $1099

For ~$400, you get:

  • Better battery life
  • Always On Display
  • 48MP camera & Photonic Engine & Action mode
  • ~15% better processor, an extra core
  • Crash Detection/Emergency SOS via satellite
  • Dynamic Island

Ultimately, your decision should be based on your specific needs and budget. If you prioritize camera quality and the latest performance, and the $400 price difference is acceptable to you, the iPhone 14 Pro Max may be the better choice. However, if you're looking for a more budget-friendly option that still offers great performance and camera capabilities, the iPhone 12 Pro Max is a great choice. Consider which features are most important to you and how much you're willing to spend to get them.

iPhone 12 Series Comparison

Here is an overview of all iPhone 12 Series:

iPhone 12 Series Comparison
Feature/Specification iPhone 12 Mini iPhone 12 iPhone 12 Pro iPhone 12 Pro Max
Display Size 5.4-inch 6.1-inch 6.1-inch 6.7-inch
Display Type Super Retina XDR OLED Super Retina XDR OLED Super Retina XDR OLED Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution 2340 x 1080 pixels 2532 x 1170 pixels 2532 x 1170 pixels 2778 x 1284 pixels
Processor A14 Bionic A14 Bionic A14 Bionic A14 Bionic
Rear Cameras Dual 12MP (Wide & Ultra Wide) Dual 12MP (Wide & Ultra Wide) Triple 12MP (Wide, Ultra Wide & Telephoto) + LiDAR Triple 12MP (Wide, Ultra Wide & Telephoto) + LiDAR
Front Camera 12MP TrueDepth 12MP TrueDepth 12MP TrueDepth 12MP TrueDepth
Storage Options 64GB, 128GB, 256GB 64GB, 128GB, 256GB 128GB, 256GB, 512GB 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
5G Connectivity Yes Yes Yes Yes
Water and Dust Resistance IP68 IP68 IP68 IP68
Battery Life (Video Playback) Up to 15 hours Up to 17 hours Up to 17 hours Up to 20 hours
MagSafe Yes Yes Yes Yes
Starting Price (at launch) $699 $799 $999 $1,099

Prices

The current pricing for the iPhone 12 series in 2023 is quite attractive. However, with the upcoming release of the iPhone 15, we can expect these prices to become even more competitive. Here are approximate prices:

iPhone Model Current Approximate Price
iPhone 12 Mini $300
iPhone 12 $450
iPhone 12 Pro $550
iPhone 12 Pro Max $600

iPhone 12 Mini (~$300):

  • Compact Phone Lovers: This model is ideal for individuals who prefer a smaller, more pocket-friendly device without sacrificing key features.
  • Budget-Conscious Users: It's a great choice for those looking for an iPhone experience at a lower price point.

iPhone 12 (~$450):

  • Balanced Option: Choose the iPhone 12 if you want a well-balanced smartphone with a reasonable screen size, good performance, and solid camera capabilities without the added cost of Pro features.
  • General Users: It suits the needs of most users who don't require advanced camera or performance features.

iPhone 12 Pro (~$550):

  • Photography Enthusiasts: Opt for the iPhone 12 Pro if you are passionate about photography and videography. It offers advanced camera features like LiDAR and ProRAW support.
  • Power Users: If you demand top-tier performance and additional RAM for multitasking, this is a solid choice.
  • AR and 3D Enthusiasts: The LiDAR sensor is beneficial for augmented reality and 3D modeling applications.

iPhone 12 Pro Max (Approximately $600):

  • Best Specs: The iPhone 12 Pro Max has the best camera, battery life, and largest display & resolution among the iPhone 12 series. It’s a great choice for those who want everything the 12 series has to offer and don’t mind the extra size and weight.

About the Writer

Written by Harry

A marketer with a background of electrical engineering and developer. Passion in researching, executing, and evaluating new tech innovations.

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