iPhone 12 Pro Max review: Next-level premium

You can buy iPhone 12 Pro Max here...
*CNET may get a commission from this offer.

The iPhone 12 Pro Max, unlike other "Max" phones from Apple, has an identity all of its own. The behemoth iPhone isn't just a larger version of the outstanding iPhone 12 Pro, it offers more capabilities and features. But you have to wonder, do you really need to take an iPhone 12 Pro to the max? I spent a week putting the iPhone 12 Pro Max through its paces to see what you gain by going big with Apple.

Written, shot, and hosted by Patrick Holland
Edited and produced by Nic Golden Henry

[jackharper]

I waited 5 years to upgrade to this phone, the old 6s Plus is still a rock working flawlessly with latest IOS!

[abingeorge]

I ordered a 12 Pro then cancelled it and ordered a 12 Pro Max.
Worth every penny. FYI camera + pro raw feature makes it way head of the game.

[SteveLowe]

Mine comes on Friday. I'm upgrading from an 8+ so this will be a big jump. I went with the pro max 256G in graphite. I chose the Pro Max because I'm very interested in the cameras and I just like the larger format. I do a lot of outdoor photography while storm chasing, so am particularly interested in the low-light performance as well as the wet tolerance. I'm pretty stoked for it to get here!

[_percent]

Technology moves as fast as I go to the store for beer.

[pmeister]

I'm welcoming two giants to my home this week. This and the PS5 lol!

[gsamsa]

One of the best reviews so far, visually and content wise

[ahale]

I really want to see one in person. My 7 Plus has been great but I'm eyeing an upgrade. On one hand, that 6.7" display sounds HUUGE, but I also remember when a 4" display on a phone was considered gargantuan and here we are.

[noemicruz]

When you said if this was to fall on anyone’s head... I realized when I get mine I won’t ever have this phone over my face while laying down 😂

[Audittr]

I have one pre-ordered. Never had a max size phone before. Hope it fits in my pocket!

[Knivesrme]

I can hardly wait until Friday when my comes in. I ordered the Pro Max . I don’t understand why anyone wouldn’t pay just a hundred bucks more for the extra features. Happy shooting everyone. Loving all the videos everyone is putting out there.

[jlarue]

did every YouTube reviewer get the Gold iPhone Pro Max?

[fernando.estrella]

Just bought this today. I pick it up at an apple store on Friday. I'm switching from a Galaxy S9 to this which is my first iPhone. I'm hoping I have a good experience

[caseyjmarkovich]

it;'s tempting! I just paid off my 256GB space grey iPhone XS Max and I might as well keep it for another 2 years. Because it's still a great phone NGL!

[BrianaFashion]

I’m waiting for mine to arrive on the release day! So excited I’ll be posting a review on my channel as well hopefully it’s as good as this one!

[jeremyhernandez]

ordered my iphone 12 pro max in graphite last friday can’t wait!!!

[honeyfreckles]

I have the 12 Pro Max in gold and I love it. The size is perfect!!

[Unknownuserhtps]

The transition and the editing effects are amazing, left a like after 10 seconds of watching😁😁😁

[juchebo]

I’m thinking of upgrading from the XSMax to the 12 Pro Max. Great video

[GOLFADDICT]

UPGRADING from XR to iphone pro wait...great video by the way...cheers all

[rajendraa]

Been an android die hard since the OG Samsung Galaxy S. This is my first time owning an iPhone. Due to new widget and customizable Home Screen options, iOS now has removed the most annoying limitation it had in my mind. I come to the 12 Pro Max from a Pixel 4 XL, so the size is just fine for me. My pacific blue unit is a gorgeous phone to hold and look at. This has been a no regret switch that I wouldn’t have made but for the T-Mobile promotion.