Apple's Pro Max models are top tier smartphones, and if you're after the very best iPhone specs, they can't be beaten. But how does 2019's iPhone 11 Pro Max measure up to the 2020 flagship: iPhone 12 Pro Max?
We're putting both devices head-to-head, and comparing their specs in detail, below. Let's find out which model is right for you.
Design and Display
Upon first glance, iPhone 11 Pro Max and iPhone 12 Pro Max look extremely similar. Both feature a premium, sleek surgical-grade stainless steel frame, weigh 226g and house edge-to-edge displays.
The newest model - iPhone 12 Pro Max - has the largest screen, with the display measuring 6.7 inches compared to the 6.5-inch screen found on iPhone 11 Pro Max. However, both use Super Retina HDR display technology and include Apple's True Tone and Haptic Touch for innovative navigation.
Both handsets are protected front and back by durable glass, but iPhone 12 Pro Max has an added Ceramic Shield across the screen for an even better drop performance. iPhone 12 Pro Max is features MagSafe, meaning it can utilise Apple's new wireless charging system and boot up quicker than ever.
The pair are durable too, but share slightly different IP68 water and dust resistance ratings. iPhone 11 Pro Max is water resistant in a depth of up to 4m for 30 minutes, whilst iPhone 12 Pro Max takes things up a notch and can survive in 6m for 30 minutes.
Camera
There's a triple-lens camera system loaded onto both. All three lenses across both iPhones measure 12MP, but there are numerous differences that set the two rear cameras apart.
iPhone 11 Pro Max, for example, is capable of up to 4x optical zoom and uses dual-optical image stabilisation to keep even spur-of-the-moment photos in focus. The device's rear camera also uses next-generation Smart HDR to fine-tune your snaps, and the aperture across all three lenses differs from iPhone 12 Pro Max. On iPhone 11 Pro Max you'll have a wide lens with f/1.8 aperture, ultra wide lens with f/2.4 and a telephoto lens helping you to master portrait shots with f/2.0.
Meanwhile, iPhone 12 Pro Max has been designed with a different 12MP camera system. You can zoom in even further with 5x optical zoom, and Smart HDR3 will refine your pictures further, ensuring lighting, contrast levels and more are perfect without editing. There's a number of new photography features on iPhone 12 Pro Max too, including sensor-shift optical image stabilisation that'll even keep your videos steady, and a new AR scanner for Night Mode portraits. As for the aperture of the lenses, 12 Pro Max includes a f/1.6 wide lens, f/2.4 ultra wide lens and f/2.2 telephoto lens.
iPhone 12 Pro Max can also record with Apple Pro RAW, and in Dolby Vision HDR up to 60 fps. You can even record a Night Mode time-lapse. There are loads of video features shared by both too, like 4K recording at 24, 25, 30 and 60 fps, QuickTake and Audio Zoom to keep things crystal clear even at a distance.
Last but not least, the selfie camera. Both phones have a single-lens 12MP camera capable of 4K video, and support Face ID, Animoji and Memoji.
Power
Providing support for their advanced features, you'll find a third-generation Neural Engine and A13 Bionic inside iPhone 11 Pro Max, while iPhone 12 Pro Max includes an even faster A14 Bionic chip and Apple's improved next-gen Neural Engine.
iPhone 11 Pro Max provides 4G connectivity, while iPhone 12 Pro Max is part of Apple's first 5G-ready phone series. Whenever you're in a connected area, you'll instantly be able to benefit from lightning fast 5G download speeds.
Both devices are compatible with iOS 14, so you can make the most of new features like Widgets and Picture in Picture on either model.
Battery
Both iPhone 11 Pro Max and iPhone 12 Pro Max are capable of delivering up to 20 hours video playback, so you won't need to worry around running out of battery before the day is up on either device.
As mentioned, iPhone 12 Pro Max does support Apple's new wireless charging technology. MagSafe helps to boost wireless charging speeds, doubling them from 7.5W to 15W. It's essentially Apple's equivalent of fast-charging, and you can achieve this with any compatible MagSafe charger (sold separately).
