Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Waiting to see a few other reviews. I saw most reviews so far are saying that cameras are minor improvements.

This guy is really positive on the cameras upgrades:


I watched/read a lot of the reviews today and I think what’s happening is that some people are taking photos specifically to play to the 12PM’s strengths, while other reviewers are just taking random photos. So, for example, Nilay at The Verge specifically took shots where the 12 Pro had to go into night mode but the Max didn’t, so you can see the benefits of the greater light gathering ability of the sensor. Mrwhosetheboss took photos that highlight the greater dynamic range (the filament lightbulb shot for example) that the larger sensor offers. Meanwhile MKH just took scenic shots and random low light shots that may or may not have played to the strengths of the sensor.

On the one hand, the more targeted reviews are good to show what you can do with the Max if you’re pushing the camera, but the less impressed reviews show that if you’re a casual point and shoot user, you may not need all the bells and whistles of the Max (if the camera were your main reason for considering the Max).

In a way this phone gets closer to earning the Pro moniker, in that pros are more likely to get the full benefit of the new tech in the cameras. The fact that many shots are very close or indistinguishable between the Max and the other 12s is a sign that we’re either getting close to the limits of hardware improvements or we’re seeing the computational side of mobile photography overtaking the hardware.
 
It’s shocking brownlee and Pitay both allude to the fact the phone may be too big

Brownlee is even re evaluating his original assessment for 12 pro of “wait for pro max” since he isn't finding the camera improvements substantial overall

This makes me confident I made the right choice with 12 pro personally
 
Last edited:
The size difference between the 12 Max and the previous Max’s is minimal. Extra screen size is largely due to bezel reduction and a small increase in size.
The squared off edges and flatness make it look and feel bigger. I have a case and holding that and the 11 pro Max is very different. I don’t mind but I’m not going to lie and say it’s a minimal size gain.
 
1a1c76ba95fce4d83eec49a5756142e0.png
Thanks!
 
I enjoy taking photos during concerts, or hiking. Will the Max really be that different than the Pro? I dont really take professional photos, just want good ones to look at and for memories sake.
 
Having watched some of the reviews it’s clear the general consensus is the camera isn’t stand out better than the rest of the 12 range. That’ll probably be disappointing for those wanting it for this reason alone but then if they aren’t directly comparing then it won’t matter. Plus the cameras are excellent on this years iPhones anyway. Also seeing it being handled by these reviewers I am confident it would be too big for my tastes. I wouldn’t buy it and have an iPad for my bigger tasks.
 
Having watched some of the reviews it’s clear the general consensus is the camera isn’t stand out better than the rest of the 12 range. That’ll probably be disappointing for those wanting it for this reason alone but then if they aren’t directly comparing then it won’t matter. Plus the cameras are excellent on this years iPhones anyway. Also seeing it being handled by these reviewers I am confident it would be too big for my tastes. I wouldn’t buy it and have an iPad for my bigger tasks.

I agree. I think there are going to be quite a few returns. Obviously don't have one in my hands yet, but I've never recalled seeing this many reviewers make this big of a deal about size before. It's not like there aren't equally big Android phones. The flat edges probably don't help one bit either. They just make the phone feel bigger in the hand.
 
Having watched some of the reviews it’s clear the general consensus is the camera isn’t stand out better than the rest of the 12 range. That’ll probably be disappointing for those wanting it for this reason alone but then if they aren’t directly comparing then it won’t matter. Plus the cameras are excellent on this years iPhones anyway. Also seeing it being handled by these reviewers I am confident it would be too big for my tastes. I wouldn’t buy it and have an iPad for my bigger tasks.
not sure why people waited for cameras alone as surely wanting a bigger screen, bigger battery would be also important areas to wanting the pro max. I think in terms of smart phone cameras it’s hard for massive improvements. People really should be comparing it from 11 pro max to 12 pro max when many are comparing it from 12 pro when really ther gap shouldn’t be massive when both phones have updated cameras.

i think if people are pushing the main strengths of the pro max they will be happy with it for example faster shutter speed, better for movin objects, better night mode e.t.c which is there on the pro max. That said most people using these devices aren’t going to be taking photos for a living on these devices
 
I think you have to go into it knowing its a big heavy beast. If you are trying to trick yourself into the size being okay, you will return it. I had the 11 pro max for the same reason I will get the 12 pro max but I am in no doubt that its a big heavy beast. even more so than the 11 pro max. The squared off sides will make it worse.
 
i think if people are pushing the main strengths of the pro max they will be happy with it for example faster shutter speed, better for movin objects, better night mode e.t.c which is there on the pro max. That said most people using these devices aren’t going to be taking photos for a living on these devices
From the comparison I saw to the 12 Mini, night mode isn’t significantly better on the 12 Pro. Ever so slightly sharper in some images. You’re right though it’s the screen size which is perhaps the main difference too ok the rest. Far too big for my tastes though but it’ll be enjoyed in equal measure by those who find that aspect appealing.
 
I’ve watched many. If you are going for the Max you should get it for the bigger screen and battery, there is not much difference between the camera from the Pro to the Max
 
  • Like
Reactions: C. Robert
not sure why people waited for cameras alone as surely wanting a bigger screen, bigger battery would be also important areas to wanting the pro max. I think in terms of smart phone cameras it’s hard for massive improvements. People really should be comparing it from 11 pro max to 12 pro max when many are comparing it from 12 pro when really ther gap shouldn’t be massive when both phones have updated cameras.

i think if people are pushing the main strengths of the pro max they will be happy with it for example faster shutter speed, better for movin objects, better night mode e.t.c which is there on the pro max. That said most people using these devices aren’t going to be taking photos for a living on these devices
Hit the nail on the head right there. The industry is relaxing a bit—I’ve actually sold one publicity shot/portrait from a 7+, but that was still an extreme outlier. I would/will consider toting around a huge phone if/when they make one that’s good enough to use as a legitimate second camera on a shoot. Evidently the 12PM is the best of the bunch, but we‘re not there yet. It’s like we’re audiophiles looking for an 8-track player that sounds as good as a CD. ;)

It’ll be interesting to see if ProRAW changes anything in that regard.
 
From the comparison I saw to the 12 Mini, night mode isn’t significantly better on the 12 Pro. Ever so slightly sharper in some images. You’re right though it’s the screen size which is perhaps the main difference too ok the rest. Far too big for my tastes though but it’ll be enjoyed in equal measure by those who find that aspect appealing.
Focusing in low light is significantly better/faster on the 12 Pro with the LiDAR thingie, absolutely. And you can’t do Night Portraits on the Mini. But otherwise the results look very similar.
 
  • Like
Reactions: The-Real-Deal82
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.