In November 2020, I bought and evaluated an iPhone 12 and, although I liked the size and performance, the Galaxy Z Fold 2 still had my attention, so I returned the iPhone 12. A month later, things changed, and the iPhone 12 Pro Max defeated the Z Fold 2. So, how’s the iPhone 12 Pro Max?
Regular readers and Twitter followers I know that I’m mainly an Android user who regularly uses an iPhone for a month after Apple launches the newest model. The iPhone 12 Pro Max made two months as my daily driver, and I even bought the AppleCare Plus cover because it has a lot to like about this phone and my SIM hasn’t come out of it since December.
Plus: iPhone 12 Pro Max review: easily the best smartphone camera of all time
As a writer who covers smartphones, I had the opportunity to also spend a lot of time with the new Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, and while it is an impressive device with some unique camera features, the iPhone 12 Pro Max is better for my needs, and I I didn’t buy an S21 this year. In fact, I’m a little surprised at how much I like this great new iPhone. I discover things every week that confirm my decision to go all-in with Apple’s best and newest.
Based on my use in the past two months with the iPhone 12 Pro Max, I find it extremely attractive for the following reasons:
- Project: I absolutely love the square edges and the flat screen with a frosted glass back cover. I also like colorful phones, and Pacific Blue is adorable. In fact, there is only one design feature that I would like to improve and is mentioned below.
- iOS 14: Apple’s latest operating system is more like Android – and that’s great – with useful widgets, updated app launcher and more. It’s also little things like quickly sharing Wi-Fi login details with a friend who has an iPhone, asking me to turn off my next alarm as soon as the phone recognizes that I’m using the phone and I don’t need the alarm anymore, Smart Stack feature with widgets, enhanced messaging experience and more.
- 5G and Qualcomm modem: In the past, iPhones have always been worse than Samsung phones for cell reception, but that is no longer the case with the latest iPhones with internal Qualcomm modems. 5G has been fast and, more importantly, it provides coverage in areas where I had no cell phone signal before.
- Camera experience: I will dive deeper into the cameras in the future, but it is easy to capture and trust great photos with the iPhone 12 Pro Max in hand. Today’s smartphone cameras are great, but Apple offers one of the most consistent and simple experiences for the masses, while also bringing some advanced native functionality.
- All day battery: I never think about my iPhone battery, even when I go for a walk or travel all day. The lowest level I remember seeing on it was around 30% after a day of taking pictures and using the phone intensively.
- Face ID: Even in this period of time when we use a lot of face masks, I still find the perfect Face ID experience to unlock my iPhone and put me in secure apps with the best security experience on a phone.
- MagSafe: I have been experimenting with some Apple MagSafe cases, and the simple wallet attachment is incredible and practical. I also like that wireless charging seems to be more reliable and I intend to continue exploring MagSafe accessory options.
Plus: Apple iPhone 12 review: 5G, improved reception and iOS 14 widgets challenge Android phones
As much as I like the iPhone 12 Pro Max, there are some things I would love to see from Apple in the future. Many of these features are currently found on Android phones, including:
- New doorbell switch design: Maybe it’s my big fingers, but I have a hard time manipulating the tiny touch button and seeing if it’s on or off. Perhaps a practical slider like the one we see on OnePlus phones is a better design element.
- Wireless reverse charging: This may be a simple convenience, but given the long battery life of the iPhone 12 Pro Max and the fact that I forgot to charge my Apple Watch 6 a few times, I would love to see this Samsung feature reach future iPhones. It can also be used to complete AirPods in transit.
- Apple Pencil support: I loved the fact that Samsung added the S Pen feature to the S21 Ultra, even if the pen is not stored with the phone. It would be great to take notes on the big screen of the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
- Higher telephoto capacity: Samsung’s new dual-camera telephoto system sets the standard for a zoom experience, and I would love to see more significant optical zoom capability on a future iPhone.
There is a lot to cover on the iPhone 12 Pro Max and I will continue to dive deep and use it as my daily driver. Stay tuned for camera articles, Siri shortcuts, LiDAR and more. Let me know if you have other specific areas you want to discuss or explore further on the best Apple iPhone.