iPhone 12 Pro Really undecided: pro or pro-max

[GrandeLatte]

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.

 

[ukms]

Now they are released .... pop into a store and take a look at the max.

when you say not a heavy user ... what do you actually use your device for and for how long ?

is it just your impatience making you think of the max ?

 

[C. Robert]

They both are big phones and both are two handed phones for smaller people like myself, so I chose the big one. Better battery bigger screen and better camera.

 

[ericwn]

I mean buy whatever you like. The max is definitely much much bigger and all the sizes basically come down to personal preference in my opinion.

 

[GrandeLatte]

Now they are released .... pop into a store and take a look at the max.

when you say not a heavy user ... what do you actually use your device for and for how long ?

is it just your impatience making you think of the max ?

Hmm...good point. Could be my impatience.

I'm not a good consumer of technology (no games, low storage, don't call me if I don't call you- kind of person).

So I wait a LONG time before upgrading a phone. Since my eyesight isn't what it used to be, I wonder if I should just opt for the bigger phone, so it will last me longer. But the thought of handling the weight of almost 2 SE1's is just painful to think about.

 

[ukms]

Hmm...good point. Could be my impatience.

I'm not a good consumer of technology (no games, low storage, don't call me if I don't call you- kind of person).

So I wait a LONG time before upgrading a phone. Since my eyesight isn't what it used to be, I wonder if I should just opt for the bigger phone, so it will last me longer. But the thought of handling the weight of almost 2 SE1's is just painful to think about.

Your original post says maybe you’d enjoy more screen real estate ..... what would you be doing to enjoy it ?

it does all come down to personal preference ...... I have the max because I use the device a lot for work .... email, reading documents, Teams/Zoom calls ... plus personal stuff ... general surfing, editing photos etc etc .... the larger screen makes most of that more pleasurable. If I did little of that I’d probably choose the 12pro.

 

[Nhwhazup]

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 always had the bigger phones and loved the bigger screen real estate. However, the XS Max just seemed too much for me. Had the thinnest case on it but still seemed too bulky for me. Also, connectivity was unusable for me so it was returned and I got a new X which was great. I got the 12 Pro and like the size of it. It is a bit heavy but okay. For me, I couldn’t even imagine the Pro Max to be comfortable.

 

[Jordan921]

I’m sure the Pro should be a big difference compared to your SE1. The Max would take a lot of getting used to jumping from your current phone now. But you can always purchase and use it for a week or two and see how you like it.

 

[happy orchard]

Not exactly sure what your needs are, how you really feel about size, and what your definition of 'small-sized woman' is, but as a 5'4' woman, thought I'd share some experience using phones of different sizes.

When I got the 6 (that was definitely bigger than any iPhone), I went 'wow, it's so light and I can see so much more.' Since then I've tried a Plus and loved it even more. Then I tried smaller, loved the size/weight/all that, but would miss the big screen. So I have switched between both bigger and smaller since then. I found ways to carry either phone and use either phone. That is to say I'm not trying to scream one is better. What I want to say is that I see halfway as frustrating. I either like small (like the now Mini) or big (like Max). I tried the 12Pro (and previous equivalent sizes) with the intention that it was a happy medium. (I've even typed that exact wording on these forums.) What I've discovered is that the Pro feels bulky enough that I can't use it with one hand, so I end up using two hands most of the time anyway. If I'm gonna do that, I might as well have the screen that shows me more (so I can see better and scroll less)?

TL;DR
When I'm debating whether to go to Hawaii (Mini) or Australia (Pro Max), choosing halfway puts me in a whole lot of Pacific Ocean with no land nearby (Pro).

 

[BrettDS]

For what it’s worth, way back in the iPhone 6 days when Apple first released the plus sized phones I got an iPhone 6 plus and I hated it. I was coming from a 5 and I thought the phone was way too big and heavy. I returned it and I got an iPhone 6 instead.

However, a few months later, after I had time to get used to the iPhone 6 (which was still bigger and heavier than the 5) I tried a 6 plus again. I still didn’t like the size and weight, but I loved the bigger screen for things like videos and games and web browsing. After a little while I got used to the size and weight and I’ve been getting plus/max phones ever since.

I suspect that you’ll be fine with the iPhone 12 or 12 pro. It will still be much bigger and heavier than your SE and probably still a bit of a shock when you start using it. It doesn’t sound like you have a huge need for the larger screen.

 

[Eggtastic]

I recommend stopping by a store like others have said if its possible. I will be doing exactly that today after work. I have an X currently and cant decide.

I guess also depends on how much media you consume on it to make it worth the jump.

 

[mtcislak]

I’ve used a max sized phone for the past couple of years and decided to purchase the regular pro this year. Life changes and daily usage does as well. Now with kids I don’t consume as much media. The pocketable size was a key factor for me. If I need bigger I have a iPad.

 

[staggerlee41]

I would definitely agree, go into a store to look at them if you are able to, we are all different. I looked at a 12 Pro last evening and while the width is great for one hand, the height of it is longer than my reach with one hand. So I'd end up using it with two hands, just as I am my current 8+. For what it's worth, regarding my choice between 12 Pro or 12 Pro Max, or keep what I have, I am still undecided. I have gone back and forth and see pros and cons of each.

This is truly a personal decision, hard for you to make, probably more difficult for us to make for you.

You noted that you are not a good consumer of technology. What do you use your phone aside from the obvious phone calls, texting (all with people you know) and emails? Do you own a tablet?

 

[GrandeLatte]

Not exactly sure what your needs are, how you really feel about size, and what your definition of 'small-sized woman' is, but as a 5'4' woman, thought I'd share some experience using phones of different sizes.

When I got the 6 (that was definitely bigger than any iPhone), I went 'wow, it's so light and I can see so much more.' Since then I've tried a Plus and loved it even more. Then I tried smaller, loved the size/weight/all that, but would miss the big screen. So I have switched between both bigger and smaller since then. I found ways to carry either phone and use either phone. That is to say I'm not trying to scream one is better. What I want to say is that I see halfway as frustrating. I either like small (like the now Mini) or big (like Max). I tried the 12Pro (and previous equivalent sizes) with the intention that it was a happy medium. (I've even typed that exact wording on these forums.) What I've discovered is that the Pro feels bulky enough that I can't use it with one hand, so I end up using two hands most of the time anyway. If I'm gonna do that, I might as well have the screen that shows me more (so I can see better and scroll less)?

TL;DR
When I'm debating whether to go to Hawaii (Mini) or Australia (Pro Max), choosing halfway puts me in a whole lot of Pacific Ocean with no land nearby (Pro).

Hahaha. I love your answer. Thank you for the insightful perspective and humor.

 

[darngooddesign]

As a point of comparison, the 12 Pro Max is actually narrower than my XR, and with the same Pelican case on both phones the Pro Max is .05" wider, but also .05" thinner so for me the only difference would be its weight. If you can afford it, just order the Pro Max and after a week return it if it is too much. I think you have to be OK with mostly two handed usage if your SE doesnt feel tiny in your hand.

I feel like if you keep your SE then you can swap the SIM and carry that when you want a small phone, and the Pro Max when its large size doesnt matter.

 

[4sallypat]

OP: If weight is a concern but screen size is important, look at the regular 12 - it is much lighter and has the same screen real estate as the 12 Pro.

The 12 Pro is heavier due to the stainless steel.

I would not recommend 12 Pro Max if you have smaller hands like me ( I have a work XS Max and it's way too large for me).

 

[JulianL]

They both are big phones and both are two handed phones for smaller people like myself, so I chose the big one. Better battery bigger screen and better camera.

Hah! You're the first person I've come across that has had the same realisation as me. I resisted big phones forever, I even delayed upgrading from my iPhone 4 until the iPhone 5s because after the 5 came out it took me a year to convince myself that iPhones hadn't got bigger than I was going to be comfortable with! I got a release day 11 Pro but the screen failed after about a week so instead of doing an exchange I traded up to an 11 Pro Max and haven't looked back.

The eureka moment that finally persuaded me to at least give a Max size a try was when I realised that even on my 11 Pro I was using it 2-handed most of the time so if I was already interacting with my phone like that then would I even notice the change to the Pro Max? The answer was no, I never noticed the switch to the bigger size in terms of how I interacted with the phone. Obviously I saw some good changes, the better battery life was what I really wanted and the bigger screen is nice but frankly for me not a compelling feature. I am so glad I managed to shake off my fear of big phones and can now happily get the model with the best battery life, and yes I suppose a bigger screen thrown in as an added bonus (I don't really care about the cameras).

Apart from difficulty (or in my case absolutely zero issues) in handling a Max size probably the other most common concern that I have heard voiced is that a Max is too big and heavy to carry around in a front trouser pocket. That was another of my initial concerns too. Well, my personal experience after a year of 11 Pro Max ownership is that as a 5' 8" 9 stone 9lb guy I have no issues whatsoever carrying my phone around in the front (right) pocket of my mostly chino or chino-style trousers. It doesn't stick out of the top so is not a pickpocket target and the weight is such that I don't notice it at all to the extent that if I leave the house and have a sudden "did I remember my phone?" moment I have to reach into my pocket to check rather than thinking "yes, I can tell by the weight".

My 12 Pro Max arrived about 2 hours ago. I had other urgent stuff to do so it's on the charger at the moment and I haven't set it up yet but I did quickly unbox it and swap between my 11 Pro Max and my 12 Pro Max in my hands a few times and, although I haven't spent long enough to say if the 12 Max is more comfortable than the 11 Max, I did spend long enough to check I didn't have a "this feels wrong" reaction to the 12 Max and I don't. I find the 12 Pro Max at least as comfortable as my 11 Pro Max to hold in my hand and maybe with a bit more time it might even be more comfortable but I'm not confident in saying that yet. I also quickly slipped my new 12 Pro Max into my pocked and it is as un-noticeable to me in my pocket as my 11 Pro Max is.

I'm a total convert to the Max size and I would say to the OP at least try it, you can't know for sure until you do. Don't necessarily be scared off because you are small and/or have small hands. I was scared off by those concerns for a long time and have now discovered that it is a complete non issue at least for me.

 

[Bazooka-joe]

I am in the same boat. When the 6 plus came out I struggled to adjust to such a change from the 5s so I exchanged it for a 6 which was bigger than the 5s. After a few months i started thinking about the 6 plus again and got one and never regretted it. Since then i have always had the plus size phones.
My 12 Pro Max arrived today but for the last few days, I have thought about downsizing to the Pro as my 11 Pro Max was plenty big enough and i didn't want to go any bigger even if it was marginal and so my 12 Pro Max sits in the box unopened. The plus sized phones are getting bigger every year so i have a pro on order which should be with me by the 24th. I shall return my pro max unopened to a retail store tomorrow.

 

[johnnylarue]

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’m coming from a 6S and just got my new 12 Pro yesterday: it honestly feels like a two pound slab of steel in the hand. Very big, very heavy, doesn’t feel anywhere near as thin and futuristic as I was expecting. It’s going to take some getting used to, and has me seriously considering a Mini instead, despite the downgrade in features. Coming from an SE1, I suspect you’ll be in the same boat.

I have immense respect for the body builders with big-pocketed loose-fitting pants willing to tote around a Pro Max. You literally couldn’t pay me to use a phone that big—total insanity. I mean, cool, but... insane.

 

[C. Robert]

Hah! You're the first person I've come across that has had the same realisation as me. I resisted big phones forever, I even delayed upgrading from my iPhone 4 until the iPhone 5s because after the 5 came out it took me a year to convince myself that iPhones hadn't got bigger than I was going to be comfortable with! I got a release day 11 Pro but the screen failed after about a week so instead of doing an exchange I traded up to an 11 Pro Max and haven't looked back.

The eureka moment that finally persuaded me to at least give a Max size a try was when I realised that even on my 11 Pro I was using it 2-handed most of the time so if I was already interacting with my phone like that then would I even notice the change to the Pro Max? The answer was no, I never noticed the switch to the bigger size in terms of how I interacted with the phone. Obviously I saw some good changes, the better battery life was what I really wanted and the bigger screen is nice but frankly for me not a compelling feature. I am so glad I managed to shake off my fear of big phones and can now happily get the model with the best battery life, and yes I suppose a bigger screen thrown in as an added bonus (I don't really care about the cameras).

Apart from difficulty (or in my case absolutely zero issues) in handling a Max size probably the other most common concern that I have heard voiced is that a Max is too big and heavy to carry around in a front trouser pocket. That was another of my initial concerns too. Well, my personal experience after a year of 11 Pro Max ownership is that as a 5' 8" 9 stone 9lb guy I have no issues whatsoever carrying my phone around in the front (right) pocket of my mostly chino or chino-style trousers. It doesn't stick out of the top so is not a pickpocket target and the weight is such that I don't notice it at all to the extent that if I leave the house and have a sudden "did I remember my phone?" moment I have to reach into my pocket to check rather than thinking "yes, I can tell by the weight".

My 12 Pro Max arrived about 2 hours ago. I had other urgent stuff to do so it's on the charger at the moment and I haven't set it up yet but I did quickly unbox it and swap between my 11 Pro Max and my 12 Pro Max in my hands a few times and, although I haven't spent long enough to say if the 12 Max is more comfortable than the 11 Max, I did spend long enough to check I didn't have a "this feels wrong" reaction to the 12 Max and I don't. I find the 12 Pro Max at least as comfortable as my 11 Pro Max to hold in my hand and maybe with a bit more time it might even be more comfortable but I'm not confident in saying that yet. I also quickly slipped my new 12 Pro Max into my pocked and it is as un-noticeable to me in my pocket as my 11 Pro Max is.

I'm a total convert to the Max size and I would say to the OP at least try it, you can't know for sure until you do. Don't necessarily be scared off because you are small and/or have small hands. I was scared off by those concerns for a long time and have now discovered that it is a complete non issue at least for me.

Totally agree and I think people just need to be real with What they want. Very well said.

 

[GrandeLatte]

Your original post says maybe you’d enjoy more screen real estate ..... what would you be doing to enjoy it ?

it does all come down to personal preference ...... I have the max because I use the device a lot for work .... email, reading documents, Teams/Zoom calls ... plus personal stuff ... general surfing, editing photos etc etc .... the larger screen makes most of that more pleasurable. If I did little of that I’d probably choose the 12pro.

I did have a chance to go into the store today. I saw the max and thought it was really just too big.
BUT I LOVED IT!

Unfortunately for the past few years life has been really stressful, which has made me a light technology user. I've had to read legal docs and all sorts of unpleasant emails on the go (hence don't call me if I don't call you attitude).

Do a bit of retail therapy and comparison shopping to calm down. But in reality, I'm actually a pretty decent photographer and painter but due to stress have actually put my true hobbies aside. Going forward, I want to pick up the arts and enjoy life again. I want to feel happy and build beautiful memories.

Thank you all for your wonderful, candid answers. I really appreciate this forum!

 

[ukms]

I did have a chance to go into the store today. I saw the max and thought it was really just too big.
BUT I LOVED IT!

Unfortunately for the past few years life has been really stressful, which has made me a light technology user. I've had to read legal docs and all sorts of unpleasant emails on the go (hence don't call me if I don't call you attitude).

Do a bit of retail therapy and comparison shopping to calm down. But in reality, I'm actually a pretty decent photographer and painter but due to stress have actually put my true hobbies aside. Going forward, I want to pick up the arts and enjoy life again. I want to feel happy and build beautiful memories.

Thank you all for your wonderful, candid answers. I really appreciate this forum!

Sounds like the max would be the ideal device for the future 😃

 

[staggerlee41]

I did have a chance to go into the store today. I saw the max and thought it was really just too big.
BUT I LOVED IT!

Unfortunately for the past few years life has been really stressful, which has made me a light technology user. I've had to read legal docs and all sorts of unpleasant emails on the go (hence don't call me if I don't call you attitude).

Do a bit of retail therapy and comparison shopping to calm down. But in reality, I'm actually a pretty decent photographer and painter but due to stress have actually put my true hobbies aside. Going forward, I want to pick up the arts and enjoy life again. I want to feel happy and build beautiful memories.

Thank you all for your wonderful, candid answers. I really appreciate this forum!

So did you make a decision? You've peaked our curiosity. Or at least mine 🤣

 

[GrandeLatte]

So did you make a decision? You've peaked our curiosity. Or at least mine 🤣

Yes I did. I cancelled my 12pro order online, and placed an order for the 12 pro max. It's coming to me middle of December. Just in time for Christmas!

It was really hard to choose between the gold and the pacific blue. Despite them being so different, I went with the gold (which has a more relaxed feel/ white is more stark). I think I will use a light case.

 

[staggerlee41]

Yes I did. I cancelled my 12pro order online, and placed an order for the 12 pro max. It's coming to me middle of December. Just in time for Christmas!

It was really hard to choose between the gold and the pacific blue. Despite them being so different, I went with the gold (which has a more relaxed feel/ white is more stark). I think I will use a light case.

That is awesome, congratulations! Don't let the initial change in how you operate the phone nor the weight difference discourage you. If you ever used the old school flip phones and moved to a smart phone, it's not quite that profound of a user experience but it's similar in some ways. When I first changed from a 6s to 8+, the difference in weight was significant as was using the phone with two hands instead of one. Both of those things seem natural to me now but took getting used to. Again think old school flip to smart phone kind of change. Coming from an SE1 to Pro Max is a HUGE jump-literally speaking as well 😁, but one that will hopefully find beneficial and enjoy! Due to the length, at least for me, the 12 Pro was still a two handed phone so going Max made more sense. Battery life will blow you away. Charge it over night and still have more than enough battery at the end of the day.

Regarding colors, every one of them were great choices so you could not go wrong there. Photos online, videos online really don't do them justice.

Happy case shopping! Looking forward to an update once you have it in hand and have had time to enjoy your new device. Thanks for the update. Cheers.