As we step into the year 2025, Apple’s new iPhone launches never cease to bring innovation barriers broken, and for many, that raises questions if older models like the iPhone 12 Pro Max have any market on the counters. The iPhone 12 Pro Max, the one Apple flaunted back in 2020, was its flagship item featuring fashionable design, top-of-the-line performance, and camera second to none. But in our fast-paced decade of fast-shifting innovations, does it fit in with present times?
Let’s go check out the iPhone 12 Pro Max in 2025 to determine if it’s still a good choice for those seeking a reliable smartphone experience.
Design and Build Quality
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has always been known for its sleek, premium design. Featuring a flat-edge design, Ceramic Shield front cover, and stainless steel frame, it still feels modern and elegant in 2025. It’s not as slim as newer models, but its sturdy build ensures long-lasting durability. If you’re not fussed by the latest trendy designs, this phone will still feel incredibly high-end.
Display
The 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display remains the iPhone 12 Pro Max highlight. With its stunning color rendition and high level of brightness, it’s ideal for streaming on gaming. Latest iPhones feature ProMotion screens (120Hz screen refresh rate), but the 60Hz display of the iPhone 12 Pro Max remains so silky smooth and responsive for day-to-day usage. You wouldn’t miss 120Hz refresh rate unless you’re a hard-core gamer or professional content creator.
Performance
At the heart of the iPhone 12 Pro Max lies the A14 Bionic chip, a beast when the phone was initially released. Even in 2025, the A14 chip remains extremely capable against basic tasks like browsing, social media, and watching videos. Though newer phones carry more powerful chips like the A16 or A17, the A14 remains extremely capable for daily use, even handling the newest apps and games with ease.
Camera
The iPhone 12 Pro Max camera system was one of the best in the industry at the time. With a 12MP primary, ultra-wide, and telephoto camera, along with Night Mode, Deep Fusion, and Dolby Vision HDR video recording, the iPhone 12 Pro Max is still capable of taking great photos and videos in 2025. It might not have the newest camera capabilities like the 48MP primary sensor of newer models, but for most users, the photos and videos are more than adequate.
Battery Life
Battery life is always going to be a major consideration when you consider an older model. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has fairly decent battery life, lasting a day of regular use. But with two or more years’ worth of use under its belt, battery life might be a bit lower. Apple’s Battery Health feature means you can check on this, and there are provisions to replace the battery should you find that your device is running low.
Software Support
One of the biggest reasons to consider the iPhone 12 Pro Max in 2025 is its software support. Apple devices are renowned for receiving iOS updates for several years, and the iPhone 12 Pro Max is not an exception. It should continue to receive iOS updates for a minimum of another 2-3 years, with access to the latest features, security patches, and improvements.
Is It Worth Buying in 2025?
If you’re able to grab a good deal on a refurbished or second-hand iPhone 12 Pro Max, it’s still an extremely good choice for anyone who wishes to have a high-quality phone without breaking the bank. It lacks the latest features or the newest chip, perhaps, but it possesses an excellent blend of performance, looks, and camera capability. If you don’t require to possess the absolutely latest features, however, the iPhone 12 Pro Max will do just fine for you in 2025.
Conclusion
In 2025, the iPhone 12 Pro Max is still a very capable device. It may not be the newest iPhone on the market, but it remains a powerful, reliable smartphone that continues to deliver excellent performance and quality. If you’re looking for a more affordable option without sacrificing too much in terms of features, the iPhone 12 Pro Max is still a solid choice.