A flip side to the weight issue with the 12 PM - I have essential tremors and the heavier phone helps me keep it steady, especially when using the camera (they even make weighted eating utensils to help with this problem). I even haven Otterbox Defender case on it, making it heavier yet. Certainly an outlier circumstance, but I like the heavier phone.
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iPhone 12 Pro Max iPhone 12 Pro Max is not too big.
- Thread starter Ketsjap
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A flip side to the weight issue with the 12 PM - I have essential tremors and the heavier phone helps me keep it steady, especially when using the camera (they even make weighted eating utensils to help with this problem). I even haven Otterbox Defender case on it, making it heavier yet. Certainly an outlier circumstance, but I like the heavier phone.
BigMcGuire
macrumors G4
How interesting! I've been intentionally trying to hold my iPhone for longer periods of time (I usually use my iPad primarily) and I've noticed my hand is getting used to it. As with anything, body adapts.
Very interesting about the tremors - glad to see heavier phone helps! That is cool.
Sharky II
macrumors 65816
I'm coming from a 6 Plus, so am used to a big phone. I'm also a big guy (6'2"), with big hands.
I don't think the size is that bad - although as the entire thing is one big screen, reachability does become a bit more of an issue. Even reaching the top row of numbers when entering the passcode, with one hand, becomes an issue.
It's the weight that no reviews seem to be really mentioning. Maybe it's because tech reviewers review and upgrade to all the latest tech, so compared to a 11 Pro Max, it's not 'new news'. But due to Covid all apple stores are closed and I couldn't 'try' the phones out before buying.
It really took me by surprise and was almost a deal breaker. I just can't be bothered to go through the returns process!
But coming from a 6 Plus, I honestly cannot believe the difference in weight and thickness, and that more people are not making a bit of a fuss over it... it also feels like it should be a little more 'bottom heavy', so that it's more stable in the hand.
Using the phone one handed while walking, say, to reply to a text, is out of the question for me. Especially as it's so expensive. I am slightly annoyed that I didn't trust my gut and go with the 12 standard 128GB, but I think that I'll see how I get on over the next year or two. I think I'm getting used to it.
I still have my iPhone 6 Plus for occasions when I don't want to take a £1200 out with me! It's not worth anything second hand really, and it's nice to sometimes have a phone that you're not worried about dropping/getting stolen. the 6 Plus feels so good in the hand!
Cheers!
I don't think the size is that bad - although as the entire thing is one big screen, reachability does become a bit more of an issue. Even reaching the top row of numbers when entering the passcode, with one hand, becomes an issue.
It's the weight that no reviews seem to be really mentioning. Maybe it's because tech reviewers review and upgrade to all the latest tech, so compared to a 11 Pro Max, it's not 'new news'. But due to Covid all apple stores are closed and I couldn't 'try' the phones out before buying.
It really took me by surprise and was almost a deal breaker. I just can't be bothered to go through the returns process!
But coming from a 6 Plus, I honestly cannot believe the difference in weight and thickness, and that more people are not making a bit of a fuss over it... it also feels like it should be a little more 'bottom heavy', so that it's more stable in the hand.
Using the phone one handed while walking, say, to reply to a text, is out of the question for me. Especially as it's so expensive. I am slightly annoyed that I didn't trust my gut and go with the 12 standard 128GB, but I think that I'll see how I get on over the next year or two. I think I'm getting used to it.
I still have my iPhone 6 Plus for occasions when I don't want to take a £1200 out with me! It's not worth anything second hand really, and it's nice to sometimes have a phone that you're not worried about dropping/getting stolen. the 6 Plus feels so good in the hand!
Cheers!
JagRunner
Suspended
When I'm at home I'm on my iPad for the bigger screen. My phone mainly sits untouched. I work in the healthcare industry so I have never stopped going to work so I prefer to carry something smaller like the 12 Pro when I am out of the house.
DevinNj
macrumors 68000
I think it’s interesting just how varied our use case is and are needs and wants in a phone nowadays. My thought process is that I LOVE my 11 Pro Max, but I HATE the weight of it. I wear a lot of athletic pants and shorts in my off time and having a heavy phone in my pocket isn’t fun. I even contemplated going Mini, but I prefer the added zoom of the Pro versions. I’m thinking about getting the 12 Pro, not the Max this year but then again my aging 48 y/o eyes do need all the help they can get!
@sparksd I’m happy that the weight works in your favor! Out of curiously, have you tried the cases with the loop on the back, they may help with stability, worked pretty well for a friend who has tremors from an accident years ago.
ShadowGuardian87
macrumors 6502a
I have an 11 pro max. My 11 pro has been acting weird and the battery is kinda bad now. I am trying to hold out until the iphone 13 or 12 S (whatever it will be called in the fall) but strongly considering saying screw it and get this. The reason I am even considering holding off because the next iphone upgrade will be my last for a couple of years (more than two). So I want it to be as future proof as possible. But if another round of that stimulus comes, I might just pull the trigger and upgrade. I saw the 12 pro max in store at Target and liked how it felt and stuff.
BigMcGuire
macrumors G4
I got myself the LTE Apple Watch 6 last year. It has been life changing to go out with just my watch and pay for things, with my watch. Not having a 11 Pro Max (or 12 Pro Max) pulling my pants down has been awesome. (I bring my wallet as backup). My wife always has her phone and utilizes car play for music / directions so.. it's been nice, lol.
I too find reading on the 12 Pro Max to be nice. I'm 35 but I'm just starting to notice that I can't read smallest font as easily before (I am reading a LOT more than usual tho).
I'm still 50/50 on this. But the watch has really helped with me being ok with the 12 Pro Max.
I have seen the cases with loops but didn't care for having the protrusion and the weight alone is really helpful for me. Thanks for the recommendation, though!
Zaft
macrumors 601
I currently have an XS Max and I bought the 12 Pro Max and returned. For me it was my limit and was just too big. The flat design is nice but it’s not that comfortable at that size.
the 6.1 inch feels really good. I may go that route for when I upgrade to the iPhone 13.
the 6.1 inch feels really good. I may go that route for when I upgrade to the iPhone 13.
ericwn
macrumors G5
Liked how it felt is probably as good as it gets as a justification if you have the previous version/model. Or: just get the battery replaced when you really need it and sail in for a few more years on that phone. The tech is pretty plateaued so future proofing isn’t really a thing anymore.
cub4bearin
Suspended
hatchettjack
macrumors 6502a
if the weight of a 12pm wears you out, you seriously need to consult a personal trainer!
JM91Six
macrumors regular
I love the size... rather have it larger than smaller for sure. But the extra width is so marginal but feels not as comfortable to hold. But definitely not a reason to go smaller, or pick up the phone. And if they shrank the phone down to have it a tad slimmer you would reduce the screen size a ton 🤷♂️ Gotta take the pluses with the quirks
I still think HTC One M7 had it right, with flat edges and curved back. Grippy and comfortable.
The-Real-Deal82
macrumors P6
I wonder if the OP would agree the standard 12 and 12 Pro are not too small? Assuming the same non subjective approach is using in that scenario of course lol 
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DevinNj
macrumors 68000
TechLord
macrumors 6502a
We have more form factors/sizes than ever; the pro max is meant to be huge so it seems bizarre for people to complain about its size. Just buy one of the other 1000 iPhones available? I'd agree that some of the tech reviewers were exaggerating its size. We have plenty of android flagships which are larger. The Pro Max actually didn't feel too big to me when testing it out, its issue is the excessive weight; I feel like I would buy a lighter aluminum version but the stainless steel just isn't for me. Either way I'm happy I went for the 12 personally; its a relatively small form factor with a large screen. But this is all subjective.
I absolutely do! I've had the 12 regular for a month and I really liked it. Size and weight are great.I wonder if the OP would agree the standard 12 and 12 Pro are not too small? Assuming the same non subjective approach is using in that scenario of course lol
I'm only surprised that there is so much talk about the 12 Pro Max being 'huge', 'enourmous', 'a beast', because in my opinion that really is not the case. When I showed it to a relative with an XR today, she was certain at first that it was not bigger. I had to put it on mine to point it out.
Off course everyone has his/her/their taste & preferences. But after reading about its outreageous size for 2 months, and then finally receiving mine, I thought: this is nonsense: there is nothing extreme about this phone - at all (except maybe the price 😅 )
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Momof2.1107
macrumors demi-goddess
Yes it’s not much bigger than my XS Max. I got used to the size and weight immediately using it. Last night I didn’t use a case and I hated it because of the square sides. First thing this morning, my case went back on my phone.
BigMcGuire
macrumors G4
I just got an Apple Silicon case and that has helped a lot from some bulky cases that I got for my 12 Pro Max.
Shanghaichica
macrumors G5
I’ve never met a phone that’s too big for me lol mine is coming on Monday so we will see.
LFC2020
macrumors P6
Can't go wrong with apple cases, wonder if they'll bring out new colours later on in the year for the leather cases.