iPhone 12 Pro Really undecided: pro or pro-max

[seezar]

I’m someone who generally always gets the largest phone available (I did have an X for a year though because I wanted to try Face ID but then got an XS Max a soon as it was released).

This year because of a carrier promotion I was able to get a 12 mini by just paying the sales tax and trading in an iPhone 8 that was sitting in a drawer. It would not have been a phone I’d get for myself if I was paying for a phone. However I’m really surprised at how much I’m enjoying it. Being able to use it easily one handed and the weight are nice changes compared to my XS Max. I never had an issue pocketing my Max but the mini is nice in that it “disappears” into my pocket whereas with the Max I’d always know it was there because of size and weight. My biggest concern with the mini was my middle aged eyes being able to see a much smaller screen but it hasn’t been much of an issue.

Now if I pick up my XS Max it feels like such an extreme. I look at a massive screen and it’s nice on the eyes but in order to use that screen I have to either use both hands or really stretch my right hand thumb.

I’m loving the mini but missing having a zoom lens. I’m starting to think about maybe giving the mini to my son and look at getting a pro model. Because I’m enjoying a smaller form factor I was thinking maybe getting the 12 pro, but as what has been mentioned in this thread it’s such a middle ground between the mini and the Max and kind of misses what makes each of those two appealing.

I’m really pretty torn right now. Pro or Pro Max or just stay with the Mini.

 

[kp98077]

I waffled for weeks between the Pro and Max, finally decide on the Max, mainly because the screen is so beautiful, and the thing is like a mini computer... its so powerful and the camera! its worth carrying around the extra size... Silver here...

 

[moldy lunchbox]

Have both, prefer the Pro Max.

 

[GrandeLatte]

So I a ordered silver 12 Pro Max for myself. But that one stayed in processing for 10 days. Meanwhile I reconsidered and changed my order to gold I am really excited to hear your description of the color. That’s everything I’d hoped it would be.

Yes. On colors. The gold is understated elegance, meanwhile the silver one is so crisp and clean. They are BOTH so nice. I had the chance to play with the silver one right next to my gold, and seriously, I loved them both.

Good thing I didn't have a change of heart because I'm warm skin toned and gold jewelry looks more flattering on me. So this gold 12pm really matches my complexion. In all fairness, under dim lighting, the gold edges can look silver, and the backing off white. So I think you're getting the best of both worlds.

My family laughs at me for playing so much on my new iPhone now, they call it it my "gold bar". But it's really not that gold nor ostentatious. Just a bit lux. Hahaha. 😍

 

[GrandeLatte]

I’m someone who generally always gets the largest phone available (I did have an X for a year though because I wanted to try Face ID but then got an XS Max a soon as it was released).

This year because of a carrier promotion I was able to get a 12 mini by just paying the sales tax and trading in an iPhone 8 that was sitting in a drawer. It would not have been a phone I’d get for myself if I was paying for a phone. However I’m really surprised at how much I’m enjoying it. Being able to use it easily one handed and the weight are nice changes compared to my XS Max. I never had an issue pocketing my Max but the mini is nice in that it “disappears” into my pocket whereas with the Max I’d always know it was there because of size and weight. My biggest concern with the mini was my middle aged eyes being able to see a much smaller screen but it hasn’t been much of an issue.

Now if I pick up my XS Max it feels like such an extreme. I look at a massive screen and it’s nice on the eyes but in order to use that screen I have to either use both hands or really stretch my right hand thumb.

I’m loving the mini but missing having a zoom lens. I’m starting to think about maybe giving the mini to my son and look at getting a pro model. Because I’m enjoying a smaller form factor I was thinking maybe getting the 12 pro, but as what has been mentioned in this thread it’s such a middle ground between the mini and the Max and kind of misses what makes each of those two appealing.

I’m really pretty torn right now. Pro or Pro Max or just stay with the Mini.

Get the Pro Max for yourself and gift your son the mini. Young adults are so active, they are always on the go, so the mini will be perfect. Plus, if you didn't even pay for the mini, it's like a free phone, so getting the Pro Max won't feel so guilty after all.

I'd choose going easy on the eyes, and stress less about the weight. Now just like a previous poster said, I'm all for either extreme: mini or the Pro Max. Anything in between is really not in my consideration. What color will you be getting? Happy shopping!

 

[Mac2019]

Great to hear you're pleased with your purchase. The upgrade from SE1 must be absolutely incredible, as I found going from 6 to XR two years ago - quite literally every single thing was better. I miss those days of such an upgrade now that I can afford to upgrade when I want, rather than when I have to, (not that I am frivolous!) and am getting more into having the latest tech (but only with specific things - TV is 10 years old, ipad 5 years etc.) on a phone as it is something I use so much. Anyway, I digress - did it take long to adjust to the size difference? I'm currently using a 12P but waiting on delivery of a 12PM so am intrigued to see if the additional size is off putting.

 

[cableguy84]

For those who consider 12 PM...

12 PM advantages (vs 12 P):

- much bigger battery and thus battery life
- much bigger main wide angle camera sensor (47%)
- IBIS stabilization...5000 / seconds
- 2.5x telephoto lens...better for portraits
- 2.5x telephoto lens with 5000 / seconds lens stabilization (2x telephoto of Pro only does 1000/sec)
- better stereo sound from speakers
- better gaming due to lack of throttling

12 PM disadvantages:

- ginormous size
- heavier by 25g = 088 ounce = 0.055 lbs
- cost $100 more

Add to that the fact that gaming is better on the pro max.
There will be less throttling if any, due to the size of the pro max and its ability to dissipate heat more efficiently.

 

[TrueBlou]

It’s a personal choice. Appearances be damned, who cares what others think. Try both phones out, and whichever you prefer, is the one to go for. No matter what anyone else says, or thinks.

 

[ET iPhone Home]

Here's my dilemma. I'm a small sized person. Have been using the SE1 for the past 4 years, so it's really time to upgrade.

I ordered the 12 pro in gold and it has been over 10 days and still not delivered. In the meantime, pro-max made its debut. I cannot help but wonder what it would be like to own a big screen phone since I would enjoy more screen real estate and it's only $100 more.

But the 12 pro max is twice the weight of the SE1. I'm afraid I won't get used to the weight/ size, and it won't fit into many of my handbags or trousers. Help?

What do you all think of small sized women carrying a gigantic phone? Be honest here. PS: I'm really not a techie, nor a heavy user.

I suggest to buy the Pro Max now. Or buy both and exchange the other later. You have until Jan 8, 2021 to decide for full refund.. If Pro Max is too big, exchange for 12 Pro. Its best, I think, to get the Max first and exchange for 12 Pro. If you get the 12 Pro first and decide you want the Max and later find out Max is too big, then you find yourself heading over to Apple for another exchange back to the 12 Pro.

 

[ericwn]

Add to that the fact that gaming is better on the pro max.
There will be less throttling if any, due to the size of the pro max and its ability to dissipate heat more efficiently.

But that claim is in the post you quoted. Besides, do we really know that it won’t throttle as much? Sounds possible but have people measured this?

 

[Madtiger27]

But that claim is in the post you quoted. Besides, do we really know that it won’t throttle as much? Sounds possible but have people measured this?

"Gaming is great on the iPhones, though it turns out the iPhone 12 Pro Max provides a better cooling system and thus less throttling over long gaming sessions or benchmarks. Just like the iPhone 12 and 12 mini, the Pro Max becomes very warm around its frame and one specific spot on the back, it doesn't overheat and throttle even under the long stress tests we ran.

The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a stability score of 89.1% on the 3D Mark Wild Life Stress Test, which runs 20 loops of the Wild Life graphic test. The iPhone 12 Pro has the same score (90%).

The iPhone 12 achieves 84% stability on a newly configured phone, but it drops to 75% when we populated it with apps such as Facebook, Skype, Whatsapp, Messenger, Bluetooth accessories, etc. The iPhone 12 mini is much worse - it skips a whole loop as it stops everything for a minute to prevent overheating but then it continues rather normally.

It seems the iPhone 12 Pro Max is well-suited for gaming with better cooling and stability than the iPhone 12 and 12 mini. It does get hot in stress tests, but elsewhere (games or apps) we couldn't warm it that much."

Source: https://www.gsmarena.com/apple_iphone_12_pro_max-review-2200p5.php

 

[GrandeLatte]

Anyway, I digress - did it take long to adjust to the size difference? I'm currently using a 12P but waiting on delivery of a 12PM so am intrigued to see if the additional size is off putting.

Didn't take long to adjust to the big screen. When I started playing on the 6.7 screen, it was just big sigh of relief. I was wondering what kept me on the smaller phone for SO LONG.

Of course the weight surprised me, but I can work around that since I carry a tote everyday and that little added weight will be nothing compared to what I already carry on a daily basis.

I have a feeling you'll love your PM. Do check in and share your thoughts!

 

[cableguy84]

But that claim is in the post you quoted. Besides, do we really know that it won’t throttle as much? Sounds possible but have people measured this?

I haven’t experienced any throttling. Had phone since release day

 

[Mac2019]

Didn't take long to adjust to the big screen. When I started playing on the 6.7 screen, it was just big sigh of relief. I was wondering what kept me on the smaller phone for SO LONG.

Of course the weight surprised me, but I can work around that since I carry a tote everyday and that little added weight will be nothing compared to what I already carry on a daily basis.

I have a feeling you'll love your PM. Do check in and share your thoughts!

Sounds good. Bet it’s an epic upgrade for you. I’ve been used to the xr so hopefully the size uplift won’t be a huge issue.

My 12PM was due for delivery 22/12 but it is in fact arriving this afternoon which is a bonus so I’ll check back in a few days with my thoughts!

 

[Mac2019]

Sounds good. Bet it’s an epic upgrade for you. I’ve been used to the xr so hopefully the size uplift won’t be a huge issue.

My 12PM was due for delivery 22/12 but it is in fact arriving this afternoon which is a bonus so I’ll check back in a few days with my thoughts!

First impression - Jesus Christ it is BIG! Wasn’t expecting quite that size. Definitely need to trial this one full time for a week to see if I can get used to it. I’ve got fairly big male hands as well, no idea how those with small hands cope with max sized phones!

 

[Madtiger27]

First impression - Jesus Christ it is BIG! Wasn’t expecting quite that size. Definitely need to trial this one full time for a week to see if I can get used to it. I’ve got fairly big male hands as well, no idea how those with small hands cope with max sized phones!

We use 2 hands and our fat beer belly as support for the Pro max.

 

[Robbosan]

First impression - Jesus Christ it is BIG! Wasn’t expecting quite that size. Definitely need to trial this one full time for a week to see if I can get used to it. I’ve got fairly big male hands as well, no idea how those with small hands cope with max sized phones!

Folio case helps.

 

[Mac2019]

Folio case helps.

Why’s that, to hold the flap with one hand and phone with other?

 

[Joho2078]

I’m so glad you’re enjoying your new iPhone. I have a gold Pro Max currently stuck in customs in China for the last 3 days but I’m sure it will make its way over here eventually.

I originally had the Pacific Blue 12 Pro. I found the weight distribution shockingly hard on my hands. I had nerve and joint pain. So I tried the lighter 12. It felt nice. It had some sort of overheating issue though so I returned it.


Meanwhile I tried my husband’s 12 Pro Max and liked it for all the reasons you like it. Surprisingly, the weight isn’t killing my hands because the overall size and weight distribution lets me hold it comfortably in two hands. It’s hard to describe how and why it makes a difference but so far it seems to. I decided it would make a great sort of little iPad replacement for my second phone line. Usually I run an Android phone on that line but I am sort of distanced from Android right now. Ive had a hard time with the hardware and just can’t really get as much done on my Android phones lately.

So I a ordered silver 12 Pro Max for myself. But that one stayed in processing for 10 days. Meanwhile I reconsidered and changed my order to gold I am really excited to hear your description of the color. That’s everything I’d hoped it would be.

I don’t really use my computers anymore. I just don’t have a space to myself for that anymore with everyone working and going to school at home and the kids always wanting to play games or work on projects on the computers.

I will probably be using my Max in much the same way you use yours.

When I returned the 12, I replaced it with a 12 mini because at that point, since I run two lines, I’d use the mini for taking calls and quick texts. It’s the phone that is always on me, since it’s small. The Max is more my small computer.

As I said, I am glad you’re enjoying your new phone. It sounds like you’re emerging from a bit of a difficult time so I wish you a very happy holiday season and a wonderful new year with your new phone!

My gold pro max is STILL. Processing

 

[neil74]

Have both, prefer the Pro Max.

I have both too although I will likely sell one on eventually. My hands and pocket prefer the Pro, my eyes prefer the Pro Max.

It is a tough call, the standard pro feels lovely in the hand and dare I say it just right but vs. larger droids and the max the screen size does feel small, it is easier to one hand but is cerrtainly not a one-handed phone though. The Max is just a joy to look at and use and is the one I am leaning towards keeping.

 

[5105973]

Yes. On colors. The gold is understated elegance, meanwhile the silver one is so crisp and clean. They are BOTH so nice. I had the chance to play with the silver one right next to my gold, and seriously, I loved them both.

Good thing I didn't have a change of heart because I'm warm skin toned and gold jewelry looks more flattering on me. So this gold 12pm really matches my complexion. In all fairness, under dim lighting, the gold edges can look silver, and the backing off white. So I think you're getting the best of both worlds.

My family laughs at me for playing so much on my new iPhone now, they call it it my "gold bar". But it's really not that gold nor ostentatious. Just a bit lux. Hahaha. 😍

Gold is everything thing you said it would be! Wow!

I don’t feel the weight now that I have a phone large enough to grip tight without resting it on my pinky. Which honestly is a weird turn of events but I am finding weight distribution and proportions are as important as weight, at least for me, in determining if I can wield a heavy phone for any length of time.

 

[GrandeLatte]

Gold is everything thing you said it would be! Wow!

I don’t feel the weight now that I have a phone large enough to grip tight without resting it on my pinky. Which honestly is a weird turn of events but I am finding weight distribution and proportions are as important as weight, at least for me, in determining if I can wield a heavy phone for any length of time.

You're right. Strangely this gigantic phone really works well on the hands. Something about weight distribution and size! I'm happy I made the choice to get the Pro Max. Glad you like yours too. Where I live, I actually see lot of women with the 12PM.

BTW, isn't this gold color awesome? It's a chameleon color.

 

[Mac2019]

Couple of days in and I’m loving the pro max.
- camera
- battery
- screen size
all improvements on the pro

cons
- extra £100
- big bezels (feels similar to xr)

At first I thought the size would be too much but got used to it already, can use one handed mostly and the extra size makes it so much less prone to dropping. Bulky in some pockets but think I can live with it.

 

[cub4bearin]

I made my decision not only if I have to use both hands... for me it was more important how and where can I carry pro max... because of that I am going with 12 pro. Way easier to slide in pockets and carry in hand if needed. Pro Max might be beautiful etc.... at the end it was too big for me.

 

[GrandeLatte]

I use both hands. Even with my SE1, I used both hands, I'm not used to typing or browsing with one hand. Oddly enough the substantial weight and size of this iPhone makes me unconsciously cautious whenever handling the device. Plus whenever I'm taking photographs, the weight also makes it feel more like a camera (if you know what I mean).

Just love the pro max. Very pleased. The extra $100 is totally worth it.

PS: One gripe though is the location of the power button. It sits a bit low. so I accidentally touch it quite a bit. Wish it were higher, or on top of the iPhone.