Quick verdict: Buy the refurbished iPhone 12 Pro Max if you want the lowest price (from around $285 in 2026) and do not need ProMotion, the 48MP camera, or Dynamic Island. Buy the iPhone 14 Pro Max (from around $398) if you want a sharper camera, a smoother 120Hz display, longer battery life, and more years of iOS updates. The gap is roughly $113.
See all 3, ranked Prices checked Oct 5, 12:05 PM EDT.
Choosing between two of Apple's top-tier Pro Max models is rarely straightforward, especially when both can be found at compelling refurbished prices. The iPhone 12 Pro Max was a landmark device when it launched in late 2020, and the iPhone 14 Pro Max raised the bar again in 2022. Both still run the latest iOS in 2026, so the real question is whether the 14 Pro Max upgrades justify the higher price for your needs.
This guide breaks down every meaningful difference so you can decide with confidence. Prices below are refurbished starting prices on RefurbMe and move week to week, so check the live figures before you buy.
In short, the iPhone 14 Pro Max wins on camera (48MP vs 12MP), display (120Hz ProMotion vs 60Hz), and battery (up to 29 hours of video vs 20). The iPhone 12 Pro Max wins on price, starting around $113 cheaper refurbished. Both run the latest iOS in 2026, so neither is left behind on software today.
| Feature | iPhone 12 Pro Max | iPhone 14 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Release date | November 13, 2020 | September 16, 2022 |
| Display | 6.7" Super Retina XDR OLED, 60Hz | 6.7" Super Retina XDR OLED, ProMotion 1-120Hz, Dynamic Island, Always-On |
| Processor | A14 Bionic (5nm) | A16 Bionic (4nm) |
| RAM | 6GB | 6GB |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Rear cameras | 12MP wide, 12MP telephoto, 12MP ultrawide, LiDAR scanner | 48MP wide, 12MP telephoto, 12MP ultrawide, LiDAR scanner |
| Front camera | 12MP TrueDepth | 12MP TrueDepth with autofocus |
| Battery capacity | 3,687 mAh (up to 20 hrs video) | 4,323 mAh (up to 29 hrs video) |
| Design | Stainless steel frame, notch | Stainless steel frame, Dynamic Island |
| Water resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Colors | Graphite, silver, gold, Pacific Blue | Space black, silver, gold, deep purple |
| Max OS support | Runs latest iOS in 2026, supported through about 2027 | Runs latest iOS in 2026, supported through about 2029 |
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Refurbished price (2026) | From $285 | From $444 |
While the iPhone 12 Pro Max remains a capable device, the iPhone 14 Pro Max brings several meaningful upgrades. Here is a detailed look at each area.
Both phones share the same 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED panel, delivering rich colors and deep blacks. But the iPhone 14 Pro Max adds three notable improvements:
iPhone 14 Pro Max with Dynamic Island
Resolution differences are marginal: 2,778 x 1,284 pixels on the 12 Pro Max versus 2,796 x 1,290 on the 14 Pro Max. You will not notice that in daily use.
Color options differ between generations. The 12 Pro Max came in graphite, silver, gold, and Pacific Blue. The 14 Pro Max offered space black, silver, gold, and deep purple.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max uses Apple's A14 Bionic chip, built on a 5nm process. It has a 6-core CPU (2 performance cores, 4 efficiency cores), a 4-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine. At launch it was the fastest chip in any smartphone, and it still handles everyday tasks, gaming, and 4K video editing without complaint.
The iPhone 14 Pro Max steps up to the A16 Bionic, built on a 4nm process. The CPU layout is similar at 6 cores, but the architecture is more refined. The GPU grows to 5 cores, and the Neural Engine runs faster machine learning workloads. In benchmarks the A16 scores roughly 15-20 percent higher in multi-core tests, and the efficiency gains translate to real-world battery savings.
In practical use, both chips feel smooth for social media, streaming, and productivity. The gap becomes clearer in sustained workloads: editing long ProRes video clips, running complex AR applications, or processing large photo libraries. If those tasks matter to you, the 14 Pro Max has a clear edge. For most people, the A14 in the 12 Pro Max is still more than adequate.
Camera quality is one of the strongest arguments for upgrading to the 14 Pro Max:
Gold iPhone 12 Pro Max
Both phones include a LiDAR scanner, which helps with AR apps and autofocus in low light. That is a strong point the 12 Pro Max retains.
Apple rates the iPhone 12 Pro Max at up to 20 hours of video playback. The iPhone 14 Pro Max reaches up to 29 hours, a significant jump driven by both the larger 4,323 mAh battery and the A16's efficiency improvements. The Always-On display adds a small drain on the 14 Pro Max, but the overall battery advantage is still substantial.
In real use, the 12 Pro Max comfortably gets through a full day for most people. The 14 Pro Max handles heavier usage patterns and still ends the day with charge to spare. If you are a power user who relies on navigation, video, or mobile hotspot for long stretches, the 14 Pro Max is the more dependable choice.
Both phones run the latest version of iOS in 2026, so neither is stuck on old software today. The difference is how much runway is left. The iPhone 12 Pro Max, a 2020 device, is expected to keep getting major updates through roughly 2027, while the iPhone 14 Pro Max should continue receiving them into about 2029.
This matters for security patches as well as new features. If you intend to keep the phone for three or more years, the 14 Pro Max has the clear advantage in software longevity. If you replace your phone more often, both are well supported for now.
Email me when a refurbished iPhone 12 Pro Max is listed under $250. You also get our weekly deals email. Unsubscribe anytime.
Buy the iPhone 12 Pro Max if price is your priority. It is the cheaper option refurbished and still handles everyday use well. Buy the iPhone 14 Pro Max if you want the 48MP camera, the 120Hz ProMotion display, longer battery life, and more years of iOS support. The price gap is around $113 in 2026.
Yes, for budget-focused buyers. The 12 Pro Max handles everyday tasks well, still runs the latest iOS, and can be found refurbished from around $285. It is expected to keep getting major updates through about 2027. If you plan to keep the phone for more than two or three years, the 14 Pro Max is the safer long-term investment.
Three differences stand out: the 14 Pro Max has a 48MP main camera (versus 12MP), a ProMotion 120Hz display (versus 60Hz), and a meaningfully longer battery life (up to 29 hours of video versus 20 hours). The Dynamic Island and Always-On display are additional quality-of-life upgrades.
In 2026, refurbished iPhone 12 Pro Max prices start at around $285, while the iPhone 14 Pro Max starts at around $398. The roughly $113 gap buys you a faster chip, a much better camera, a smoother display, and longer software support. Prices move week to week, so check the live figures before buying.
Yes. The iPhone 12 Pro Max runs the latest version of iOS in 2026 and is expected to keep receiving major updates through about 2027. The iPhone 14 Pro Max should continue receiving updates for a few more years beyond that, into roughly 2029.
The iPhone 14 Pro Max is significantly better for photography. Its 48MP main sensor captures far more detail, its Photonic Engine improves low-light performance across all lenses, and it adds macro photography via the ultrawide camera. The 12 Pro Max remains capable for everyday shots but cannot match the 14 Pro Max in demanding conditions.
Yes. Both the iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Pro Max support 5G connectivity across all major carriers.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max remains a solid choice if your budget is the deciding factor. Refurbished prices starting around $285 make it one of the most affordable ways to own a large-screen Apple flagship with 5G, LiDAR, and a triple-lens camera. It still runs the latest iOS in 2026, though its update runway is shorter, expected to last through about 2027.
The iPhone 14 Pro Max justifies its higher starting price of around $398 with a better camera, a smoother ProMotion display, substantially longer battery life, and several more years of software support into roughly 2029. For most buyers who want a refurbished iPhone that will stay relevant well beyond 2027, it is the smarter pick.
If you are comparing other generations before deciding, see our guides on the iPhone 12 Pro Max vs. iPhone 13 Pro Max and the iPhone 13 Pro Max vs. iPhone 14 Pro Max.
Settled on the older phone? Our refurbished iPhone 12 Pro Max buying guide walks through what to look for in a listing.
RefurbMe compares prices from Back Market, Gazelle, Amazon Renewed, the Apple Store, and other trusted resellers in one place. You can browse current deals on both models below and filter by condition, storage, and carrier to find the right fit at the right price.
Explore more iPhone comparisons
Last updated: Jun 25, 2026 · First published: Mar 29, 2024
CEO and Founder at RefurbMe. I made this project back when I was 15 when I had to wake up at 2am to buy my own refurbished Macbook Pro. Passionate about circular economy, great UX and goats.
