Is iPhone 12 Pro Max Worth Buying in 2024
As we approach the end of 2024, the Certified Refurbished iPhone 12 Pro Max has become an incredibly attractive option for those looking for a premium smartphone experience at an affordable price. Released in November 2020, the iPhone 12 Pro Max was Apple's largest and most feature-packed phone at the time, launching with a starting price of $1,099. However, prices have now dropped significantly, and you can find Certified Refurbished iPhone 12 Pro Max available for around $300+ according to our UpTrade Price Tracker. That’s nearly 70% off its original price, and we highly recommend getting one. Let’s take a closer look at why it’s still a great buy in 2024.
Full Specifications of iPhone 12 Pro Max
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Release Date | November 2020 |
Display | 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR (OLED) |
Processor | A14 Bionic |
Operating System | iOS 18 (latest in 2024) |
Storage Options | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
Rear Cameras | 12MP triple-camera (Wide, Ultra-wide, Telephoto) |
Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth with Night Mode |
Video Recording | 4K HDR recording, Dolby Vision, 60fps |
5G Support | Yes |
Battery Life | Up to 20 hours video playback |
Water Resistance | IP68 (up to 6 meters for 30 minutes) |
MagSafe Compatibility | Yes |
Weight | 228 grams |
Build | Stainless steel frame, Ceramic Shield |
Face ID | Yes |
Key Features of the iPhone 12 Pro Max
The iPhone 12 Pro Max was the most advanced phone in Apple’s iPhone 12 lineup, offering the largest display and most robust features, which still hold up impressively well in 2024.
Display
- 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR Display: The OLED display provides stunning visuals with HDR10 and Dolby Vision support. The large screen size makes the iPhone 12 Pro Max ideal for users who love watching content, gaming, or editing photos and videos on the go.
Performance
- A14 Bionic Chip: The A14 Bionic chip was the most powerful chip Apple offered at the time, and it continues to deliver exceptional performance in 2024. It powers the iPhone 12 Pro Max smoothly through apps, games, multitasking, and even handles future iOS updates.
- iOS 18 Support: The iPhone 12 Pro Max is fully compatible with iOS 18, the latest version as of 2024, ensuring it remains relevant and receives the latest features and security updates.
Camera
- Triple-Camera System: The iPhone 12 Pro Max features a 12MP triple-lens camera system with wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto lenses. The Night Mode, Deep Fusion, and Smart HDR 3 features enable impressive photography in all lighting conditions. Additionally, the LiDAR scanner enhances low-light photography and AR experiences.
- Front Camera: The 12MP TrueDepth front camera supports Night Mode selfies, Portrait Mode, and 4K Dolby Vision recording, making it perfect for content creation and social media.
Battery Life
- Impressive Battery Life: The iPhone 12 Pro Max offers up to 20 hours of video playback, one of the best battery performances in any iPhone. This makes it a great choice for users who need a phone that lasts throughout the day.
Build Quality
- Stainless Steel Frame: With a stainless steel frame and Ceramic Shield front, the iPhone 12 Pro Max is built to be highly durable. It’s also IP68-rated for water resistance, capable of withstanding up to 6 meters of water for 30 minutes.
MagSafe and Accessories
- MagSafe: Like the rest of the iPhone 12 series, the iPhone 12 Pro Max supports MagSafe, allowing for easy attachment of accessories such as wireless chargers, cases, and wallets. MagSafe continues to be widely supported in 2024, making the 12 Pro Max a versatile choice.
Price: A Big Drop in 2024
Thanks to a significant price drop, you can now find a Certified Refurbished iPhone 12 Pro Max for $300+, as reported by our UpTrade Price Tracker. This is a massive reduction from its original release price of $1,099, making it one of the best high-end smartphones you can get at a budget-friendly price.
With $300+, you’re getting a flagship device that still boasts 5G connectivity, a large OLED display, long battery life, and a powerful A14 chip. At this price point, the iPhone 12 Pro Max offers exceptional value compared to more recent models that often cost $1,000 or more.
Why We Recommend Buying the iPhone 12 Pro Max in 2024
- Massive Display and OLED Quality: The 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display is perfect for those who prioritize screen quality and size for watching videos, gaming, or editing media.
- Outstanding Battery Life: With up to 20 hours of video playback, the iPhone 12 Pro Max offers one of the best battery performances among iPhones.
- Camera Performance: The triple-camera system, including Night Mode, LiDAR, and Smart HDR 3, allows for professional-grade photos and videos even in challenging lighting conditions.
- MagSafe and Accessories: With ongoing support for MagSafe, the iPhone 12 Pro Max remains compatible with a wide range of accessories and wireless chargers available in 2024.
- Future-Proof Performance: The A14 Bionic chip and iOS 18 compatibility ensure the iPhone 12 Pro Max remains fast, secure, and up-to-date for years to come.
- Price: At $300+, the Certified Refurbished iPhone 12 Pro Max offers tremendous value for a device with flagship-level features and performance.
Used vs. Certified Used / Refurbished
When shopping for an iPhone 12 Pro Max in 2024, you’ll come across two options: Used and Certified Used/Refurbished.
- Used Devices: These are often sold by individual sellers on sites like Craigslist, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace. While these may come with lower prices, buying used comes with risks such as unknown device history, hidden damage, or poor battery health.
- Certified Used/Refurbished Devices: These devices are professionally inspected, tested, and restored to full functionality. They are sold by reputable retailers like Apple, Amazon Renewed, and Best Buy. Certified devices often come with a warranty and may include replacement batteries or parts, providing greater peace of mind and reliability.
How UpTrade Can Help
At UpTrade, we help you find the best deals on Certified Used and Refurbished iPhones. Our UpTrade Price Tracker monitors prices across trusted sellers such as Amazon, Best Buy, and Apple to ensure you get the best deals.
Every Certified Used or Refurbished iPhone 12 Pro Max listed on UpTrade comes with a warranty, so you can shop confidently, knowing your phone has undergone professional inspection and testing. Whether you're looking for the best price or the peace of mind that comes with certified quality, UpTrade makes the process easier.
Conclusion
The Certified Refurbished iPhone 12 Pro Max is an excellent choice in 2024, especially with prices now starting at $300+. For those who want a premium iPhone with a large display, long battery life, and top-tier camera performance, the iPhone 12 Pro Max is an outstanding option. It offers great value, future-proof performance, and high-end features that make it well worth buying even four years after its release.