Apple iPhone 12 Pro/Max vs iPhone Xs/Max

These days, smartphones are advancing at a slower pace than they used to, which makes upgrading each year not really worth it. And while statistics show that people now tend to use their phones for about 3 years before switching, carrier deals for phones usually come with a 24-month contract. This means, that if you got an iPhone XS or an XS Max two years ago, you might be looking to get a new iPhone right about now. 

Well, that's what we're here to help with! There's plenty to go through, so let's get right to it.

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iPhone 12 Pro/Max vs iPhone XS/Max: design changes

The iPhones from these two generations look similar but they're also quite different. How is that possible? Let us explain. 

A major difference is obviously the new flat frame of the iPhone 12 models, which makes them slightly slimmer and, of course, differentiates them from older generations. Besides that, the camera module is perhaps the biggest difference. Now two years old, the small, bean-shaped camera bump on your iPhone XS/Max is becoming a signal that you're using an ancient iPhone. Three cameras is where it's at now if you want to stand out among the iPhone crowd. But more about them later.

At the front, the displays of the iPhone XS pair and its 12 Pro equivalent look almost identical, with the notch still taking most of the top end and the curved corners and aspect ratios remaining the same. But the displays for both form factors have not only different sizes but different OLED panels as well.

iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone XS display

So, what has changed? Well, the display gained 0.3 inches, making the whole iPhone 12 Pro slightly larger than the iPhone XS but probably not enough to make you consider another size if you're happy with your XS. The resolution was improved to match the new size and both phones have practically identical PPI (460 vs 458), so no big upgrade there.

What benefits you are getting with the iPhone 12 Pro, however, is better maximum brightness, which is why Apple calls it XDR (from eXtreme Dynamic Range). This will result in both better use in bright sunlight and a better video-watching experience. 

Another new addition is the so-called Ceramic Shield, which is how Apple calls the newly-developed glass that sits on top of the OLED panel. It has four times better drop performance, Apple says, which should make you more confident that your iPhone 12 will survive a few drops before the screen cracks.

iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max display

Similar story, as you might expect. Some size inflation between the two generations, paired with the appropriate number of new pixels. We already explained the benefits of XDR and Ceramic Shield. It's worth noting that the iPhone 12 Pro Max has the biggest display on an iPhone yet. If you're eager for more screen real estate, you're gaining about 1 square inch or 6.2% more with the iPhone 12 Pro Max.

iPhone 12 Pro/Max vs iPhone XS/Max colors

When talking about iPhone looks we can't forget to mention colors. The iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max come in four colors: Pacific Blue, Silver, Graphite, Gold. Silver and Gold are identical to the ones on the iPhone XS models, with the differences that the matte finish on the iPhone 12 Pros makes the light reflect differently. And, of course, they feel different to the touch. Pacific Blue is a new color you can't get on any other iPhone and Graphite is a replacement for Space Gray and it's a bit lighter gray. As usual, the Pro models are getting the more subtle, toned-down colors.