The iPhone 12 Pro Max is the absolute supreme boss in the new iPhone 12 series. The smartphone is not only great in terms of performance, but also has the largest display in an iPhone ever. The only question is how this works in daily use.
I started working with the iPhone 12 Pro Max to see exactly how the large format works. In addition, I look at the advantages that the specifications bring and I look at the position of the phone in the new series.
iPhone 12 Pro Max: how big is too big?
The iPhone 11 Pro Max has, except for a number of review moments, been in my pocket for a year. I have used the device by far the most of all smartphones and must honestly say that at that time I tended to have a slightly smaller size. The fact that I am very pleased with the iPhone 12 Pro and the 12 mini shows that I was really ready for a smaller smartphone. Something the iPhone 12 Pro Max is anything but.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is a beast of a smartphone. Not only in terms of size, but also in terms of screen and weight. The renewed angular design, in combination with the weight of 233 grams, ensures that the device is not very comfortable in the hand. It is a bulky and unwieldy device. Smartphones have been getting bigger and bigger for years, raising the question “how big is too big?” pops up in my head often. I think I have now found the answer.
Despite the fact that the Android market consists of much larger smartphones, the iPhone 12 Pro Max crosses the line. Due to the heavy weight and size, the smartphone is simply not handy anymore. Excellent for watching a movie or playing a game, but too big for everyday use.
Best display ever
Because the iPhone 12 Pro Max is so large, you as a consumer have the option of using an impressive 6.7-inch screen. One that is of such a high quality that it gives the best smartphone experience ever. Despite the fact that the iPhone 12 Pro Max is not handy at all. It is extremely impressive every time.
As with the other devices in the series, the iPhone 12 Pro Max has a Super Retina XDR OLED screen. One that has the lowest pixel density (458ppi) due to its size. But you don’t see any of that during use. The color accuracy is very high, the brightness is up to 1200 nits and the image is razor-sharp. You can find what you want from this large display, but few people will be unimpressed by the quality of the display.
It is not for nothing that the iPhone 12 Pro Max the highest score ever received from DisplayMate and has managed to set about 11 records to his name.
iPhone 12 Pro Max: great in all areas
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is not only interesting for people who want a large phone. It is also a device that does the greatest things under the hood. Excellent for the die-hard multitasker, gamer and video editor. The camera system is a bit more advanced and the battery lasts a long time.
But otherwise, the device mainly has many similarities with the iPhone 12 Pro. But what did this device actually bring?
New in the iPhone 12 Pro
The iPhone 12 Pro has a new design. The round sides have made room for flat sides, which makes the device look tighter. The 12 Pro has a Super Retina XDR OLED display that has the same notch as its predecessor. But the image has become a bit flatter, which is a big advantage than you might think at first. The edges are made of stainless steel, which slightly increases the weight of the smartphone. This allows for more sensitivity in fingerprints, where it is less on the back thanks to the matte finish. This year a new color option is available in the form of ocean blue. A color option that I would recommend to everyone.
Furthermore, the iPhone is equipped with the new A14 Bionic chip from Apple, which makes it able to withstand the toughest tasks. It does not matter whether you are playing a game, want to stream or even export a video: it is all possible with this chip. In combination with iOS 14, the user experience is therefore excellent and the iPhone 12 Pro assists you in every situation.
The camera system again consists of three lenses, but they are now slightly larger. This ensures that the phone performs about 27% better in situations with poor lighting. The quality photos you get from the camera system are still impressive. The color accuracy is high, the clarity in photos is good and there is a lot of detail in the images. In the video field, there is also a lot to get out of the iPhone 12 Pro, thanks to the addition of Dolby Vision. The only major change to this system is the addition of the LiDAR Scanner for Augmented Reality purposes.
Regarding the battery, it is very good. The iPhone 12 Pro can easily last a day and a half on a full charge and can be charged with a power of 20W. Naturally, this model also supports MagSafe and all new accessories that come with it.
What does this model bring extra?
The iPhone 12 Pro Max performs the same as the 12 Pro on many fronts. Only there are some changes to be found. Changes that are mainly noticeable in the field of the battery.
The battery of the iPhone 12 Pro Max is a baking beast. You can easily get two days with normal use on a full charge. If you watch a lot of videos, play a lot of games or perform a lot of heavy tasks, you will logically take less time. But it is really impressive. For example, I took the iPhone 12 Pro Max out of the charger at 5:27 PM on Sunday. Tuesday afternoon at 4:30 PM I decided to put the device on the charger when I had 26% battery left. Delicious!
The second difference is in the camera system. Or at least that’s what Apple mainly brings out. It is certainly true that the iPhone 12 Pro Max performs better in poor light, but whether that difference is so big with the 12 Pro, I honestly don’t know. Let me put it another way: the difference between the camera system of the 12 Pro and the iPhone 12 Pro Max may be there, but you have to look very closely to see that difference.
Anyway, that is the target group for this device. People who really want to get the most out of the camera system will want to look at the small details. The difference is worth it for some people in that regard, but for the general consumer this difference will not be very noticeable. At least, in my experience.
The position of the iPhone 12 Pro Max
Smartphones have gotten bigger and bigger in the last few years. There are a large number of consumers who think this is a nice development, but there is certainly a group that is not waiting for this at all. You can’t argue about taste, but I think that the second group will increase in the case of the iPhone 12 Pro Max. Due to the weight, design and size, the smartphone really does not feel comfortable in the hand. Let alone whether it fits well in a pocket. Do not confuse this iPhone 12 Pro Max with the 11 Pro Max or the XS Max. The people who liked these smartphones will not immediately get satisfaction from the 12 Pro Max. It is really a considerably larger phone.
But for the people who really want a big smartphone and want to have access to the best that your Apple has to offer you at the moment, this is an absolute must. The iPhone 12 Pro Max is not only big in size, but also big in performance. The iPhone 12 and 12 Pro remain the best choices in my opinion. The 12 mini and 12 Pro Max are two devices that mainly meet the preferences of certain consumers. In that respect, it is wonderful that Apple is launching four different models.
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