The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max, released in late 2020, marked a significant milestone in Apple’s smartphone journey. It was the flagship model of the iPhone 12 series, featuring some of the most advanced technologies Apple had introduced to date. In Australia, where premium smartphones hold a strong market share, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max gained significant traction upon release and continues to maintain a loyal user base. This article delves into the device’s specifications, performance, availability, and how it fares in the Australian market in 2025.

Design and Build Quality

The iPhone 12 Pro Max is a testament to Apple's commitment to high-end design. It boasts a flat-edge design with surgical-grade stainless steel edges and a Ceramic Shield front cover that Apple claims is tougher than any smartphone glass. The device is available in multiple colour options including Graphite, Silver, Gold, and Pacific Blue — a hue that quickly became popular among Australian buyers.

Weighing approximately 228 grams and with dimensions of 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.4 mm, the phone feels substantial in the hand without being overly bulky. Its IP68 water and dust resistance rating adds durability, making it suitable for everyday Australian lifestyles, whether you're on the beach in Bondi or hiking in the Blue Mountains.

Display Quality

The 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display is one of the standout features of the iPhone 12 Pro Max. With a resolution of 2778 x 1284 pixels and a peak brightness of 1200 nits, the screen delivers vibrant colours and deep blacks, making it ideal for media consumption and gaming.

For Australians who love streaming services like Netflix, Stan, or Disney+, the HDR10 and Dolby Vision support further enhance the viewing experience. Whether you're catching up on the latest footy match or binge-watching a series, the iPhone 12 Pro Max offers a cinema-like display in the palm of your hand.

Performance and Hardware

Powered by the A14 Bionic chip, the first 5nm processor in the smartphone industry, the iPhone 12 Pro Max delivers lightning-fast performance. The 6-core CPU, 4-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine combine to offer seamless multitasking, efficient battery use, and advanced AI capabilities.

In Australia, where mobile gaming and app usage are high, users found the device capable of handling intensive tasks without lags. Whether it's editing 4K videos, running AR apps, or playing graphics-heavy games like Call of Duty Mobile or PUBG, the iPhone 12 Pro Max handles it all with ease.

Camera Capabilities

The iPhone 12 Pro Max features a triple-camera setup with 12MP ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto lenses. It also includes a LiDAR scanner for better low-light performance and augmented reality (AR) experiences. This model features a larger sensor compared to its siblings, allowing for improved image quality and depth in photography.

Night mode is available on all lenses, including the front-facing 12MP camera, which is a huge plus for Australian users who love night-time photography. From cityscapes in Melbourne to stargazing in the Outback, the iPhone 12 Pro Max proves to be a reliable companion for both casual and professional photographers.

Video Recording Excellence

Australians have increasingly become content creators across platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. The iPhone 12 Pro Max supports 4K video recording at 24fps, 30fps, and 60fps, along with Dolby Vision HDR video recording — a first in smartphones at the time of its release.

With cinematic stabilization and editing tools integrated into the Photos app, users can produce professional-grade videos without the need for third-party apps or equipment. Whether documenting a surfing trip or a scenic drive along the Great Ocean Road, the iPhone 12 Pro Max delivers outstanding video performance.

5G Connectivity in Australia

One of the major selling points of the iPhone 12 Pro Max was its 5G capability. In Australia, major telcos such as Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone had begun rolling out their 5G networks around the time of the device’s launch. By 2025, 5G coverage has significantly expanded, making the iPhone 12 Pro Max's connectivity more relevant than ever.

Australian users now enjoy faster download and upload speeds, lower latency, and smoother streaming, especially in metro areas. This advancement makes the device not just future-proof, but also practical in the current mobile landscape.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery performance has always been a critical consideration for Australian consumers, especially those frequently travelling or spending time outdoors. The iPhone 12 Pro Max features a 3,687 mAh battery, which provides all-day usage under normal conditions. Apple’s software optimisation further ensures energy efficiency.

Fast charging is supported via a 20W adapter (sold separately), and the device also supports MagSafe wireless charging — a magnetic system that makes wireless charging and accessory attachment more intuitive. Australian consumers have embraced MagSafe for its convenience and ease of use, particularly in vehicles and workspaces.

iOS Ecosystem and Software Updates

The iPhone 12 Pro Max shipped with iOS 14 and is fully compatible with iOS 17 and beyond. Apple's ecosystem is one of its biggest strengths, and the iPhone seamlessly integrates with other Apple devices like the iPad, MacBook, and Apple Watch — all of which are popular among Australian tech enthusiasts.

iOS 17 brings features such as enhanced privacy controls, improved FaceTime, redesigned notifications, and Focus modes, which are particularly useful for productivity and mental health. Australians, known for valuing both work-life balance and data privacy, appreciate these enhancements.

Environmental Considerations

Apple took a strong environmental stance with the iPhone 12 series by removing the power adapter and EarPods from the box. This move was initially met with mixed reactions in Australia but has since been widely accepted as part of Apple's eco-conscious approach.

The iPhone 12 Pro Max also uses recycled rare earth elements in all magnets, including those used in MagSafe. Australian consumers are becoming more environmentally aware, and Apple’s green initiatives align with the country’s increasing push towards sustainability.

Consumer Reception in Australia

Upon its release, the iPhone 12 Pro Max received widespread acclaim in Australia for its large screen, excellent camera system, and overall performance. Tech reviewers praised its premium build and cutting-edge features, and it frequently topped “Best Smartphone” lists in local publications.

Australian consumers have traditionally leaned towards flagship models, and the 12 Pro Max, despite its premium price, saw strong sales figures. Its popularity also extended into the business sector, with many professionals adopting it as their daily driver due to its performance and reliability.

Comparison With Other iPhones and Brands

Even in 2025, the iPhone 12 Pro Max holds its ground against newer iPhones and flagship Android phones. Compared to the iPhone 13 or 14, its build and camera are still highly competitive. While newer models have better processors and display refresh rates, the difference is negligible for everyday users.

Against Android competitors like the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra or Google Pixel 7 Pro, the 12 Pro Max offers superior video capabilities and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem — a key factor for many Australian users who already own other Apple devices.

Availability and Retail Experience in Australia

Apple maintains a strong retail and service presence in Australia, with flagship Apple Stores in major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Customers can experience hands-on demos, attend Today at Apple workshops, or book Genius Bar appointments.

Online purchases via Apple’s website or authorised resellers such as Wise Market, The Good Guys, and Harvey Norman are common. Australians also make use of Apple’s education and trade-in programs, which offer added value for upgrading devices.

Conclusion

The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max remains a standout in Australia’s smartphone landscape. With its premium build, impressive camera capabilities, excellent performance, and future-ready features, it continues to be a favourite among Australians who value quality and reliability. Even as newer models emerge, the iPhone 12 Pro Max stands as a testament to Apple’s ability to produce devices with lasting appeal.