iPhone 12 Pro Max to Buy 2025: Price, Worth & Where
Few phones from 2020 still turn heads the way the iPhone 12 Pro Max does, with its stainless steel frame, triple‑camera system, and LiDAR scanner making it a contender even five years later — but buying one now is a very different game. We cover current prices, where to find a reliable unit, and whether the trade‑offs make sense for your 2025 budget.
Current price range (used/refurbished): $400 – $800 (USD) / €500 – €600 (Ireland) ·
Release year: 2020 ·
Discontinued by Apple: September 2021 ·
Typical battery health (refurbished): 85–95% ·
5G support: Yes (sub‑6 GHz)
Quick snapshot
- Discontinued by Apple after iPhone 13 launch (Wikipedia)
- Not sold new by Apple or carriers (Apple Refurbished Store)
- Prices range $400–$800 depending on condition (Back Market Ireland price guide)
- Supports 5G sub‑6 GHz and VoLTE (Wikipedia)
- Exact impact of 2026 network changes on older iPhones – carrier‑dependent (UpTrade analysis)
- Long‑term battery health for refurbished units already sold (UpTrade analysis)
- Trade‑in values from every carrier in 2025 (UpTrade analysis)
- Exact trade‑in values from every carrier in 2025 (UpTrade analysis)
- Launched November 2020 (RefurbMe)
- Discontinued September 2021 (Wikipedia)
- iOS support estimated until ~2027 (endoflife.date)
- 2026 carrier speculations – likely safe (VoLTE onboard) (RefurbMe)
- Refurbished prices continue dropping (Back Market trend)
- Watch for EU repair legislation – may extend parts availability (Back Market trend)
- 3G sunset in some regions may skip 12 Pro Max (Back Market trend)
Key specifications confirm the iPhone 12 Pro Max’s enduring hardware.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Release date | November 2020 |
| Discontinued | September 2021 |
| Original starting price (new) | $1,099 (128GB) |
| Current market price (refurbished) | $400–$800 |
| Battery capacity | 3,687 mAh |
| Display | 6.7‑inch Super Retina XDR (OLED) |
| Processor | A14 Bionic |
| Storage options | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB |
Is the iPhone 12 Pro Max discontinued?
Yes – Apple officially stopped selling the iPhone 12 Pro Max on September 14, 2021, immediately after unveiling the iPhone 13 Pro lineup (Wikipedia). As of July 2025, the company no longer offers even refurbished units through its own store (Apple Refurbished Store). New, factory‑sealed units exist only in the hands of third‑party resellers – often at inflated prices.
Can you still buy a new iPhone 12 Pro Max?
- Apple and major carriers do not sell new units.
- Some online retailers still list “new” stock, but warranty and provenance vary.
- Refurbished and used units are the realistic option for most buyers.
If you want a sealed box, you’ll likely pay a premium over the original retail price – and get no official Apple warranty.
The implication: unless you’re a collector, skip “new old stock” and go for a certified refurbished unit instead.
How much is an iPhone 12 Pro Max worth now?
The market has settled into a predictable range. In Ireland, Back Market lists a baseline of €383 (July 2025) and expects that to fall to €296 by mid‑2026 (Back Market Ireland price guide). CeX Ireland offers a 256GB Pacific Blue Grade B unit at €522.99 (CeX Ireland listing). Meanwhile, ViberStore starts budget refurbished iPhones at €329.99 (ViberStore Ireland).
What’s a good price for iPhone 12 Pro Max?
- 128GB in “good” condition: €400–€500
- 256GB in “excellent” condition: €500–€600
- Trade‑in via Apple or carriers: $200–$500 (Apple trade‑in estimates)
How much should you pay for an iPhone 12 Pro Max?
If you can find a 128GB unit under €450 with a fresh battery, that’s a strong deal. Prices above €650 push you into iPhone 13 Pro Max territory, which gains ProMotion and an extra year of software support.
Irish buyers comparing a €580 refurbished 12 Pro Max against a €750 iPhone 13 Pro Max should weigh the €170 saving against losing the A15 chip and camera improvements.
The pattern: the 12 Pro Max offers the best value when priced 40–60% below a current‑gen flagship, not when it’s only 20% cheaper.
Is the iPhone 12 Pro Max worth buying?
Yes, for specific use cases. The A14 Bionic still handles modern apps smoothly, the 6.7‑inch OLED display is superb, and the camera system – with triple 12MP sensors and a LiDAR scanner – remains competitive (Wikipedia). However, you lose ProMotion 120Hz refresh, the A15 chip’s efficiency, and mmWave 5G (in most regions).
Pros and cons of buying iPhone 12 Pro Max in 2025
Upsides
- Excellent camera with LiDAR for low‑light and AR
- Large, bright OLED screen
- Sturdy stainless steel build
- Expected iOS updates until at least 2027 (RefurbMe estimate)
- Much cheaper than a new iPhone 15 Pro Max
Downsides
- No ProMotion 120Hz display
- Older A14 chip with less efficiency
- Battery likely degraded (85–95% health common)
- No 5G mmWave (except US model)
- One year less of iOS support than iPhone 13 Pro Max
Why this matters: the 12 Pro Max is a fantastic camera phone for budget‑conscious creatives, but heavy mobile gamers and users who keep phones for 4+ years should lean toward a newer model.
Which iPhones will no longer work in 2026?
No iPhone has been officially declared obsolete for 2026. Speculation centers on carriers sunsetting 3G networks, which could affect older iPhones lacking VoLTE (UpTrade analysis). The iPhone 12 Pro Max supports VoLTE and 4G LTE, so it is expected to remain functional for years after any 3G shutdown (endoflife.date iOS support tracker).
Why 2026 cutoff matters for iPhone 12 Pro Max
- If you’re in a region with aggressive 3G phase‑out, the 12 Pro Max is safe.
- Apple’s own support timeline points to at least 2027 for security updates.
- No confirmed iPhone model is guaranteed to stop working in 2026 – the risk is minimal for this device.
List of iPhones affected (speculative)
- iPhone 5s, iPhone 6/6 Plus – no VoLTE, more vulnerable.
- iPhone 6s, iPhone SE (1st gen) – may face service limitations.
- iPhone 12 Pro Max – unaffected due to VoLTE and 4G LTE.
Keep an eye on your carrier’s network roadmap, especially if you plan to keep the phone past 2028.
The catch: even if the 12 Pro Max survives network changes, its hardware will eventually become obsolete for the most demanding apps – but that’s likely 3+ years away.
Where can I buy an iPhone 12 Pro Max?
Apple no longer sells it new or certified refurbished. Your best bets are dedicated refurbishers and marketplace platforms. In Ireland, the following options offer reliable stock with warranty protection.
Buy unlocked iPhone 12 Pro Max
- Back Market Ireland – prices from €383, 12‑month warranty (Back Market)
- CeX Ireland – 256GB Grade B at €522.99, 24‑month warranty
- ViberStore Ireland – refurbished units starting €329.99, 12‑month warranty (ViberStore)
- Swappie Ireland – typically €480–€580 with a fresh battery and 12‑month warranty
Best places to buy refurbished iPhone 12 Pro Max
- Back Market – strong buyer protection and grading system.
- Swappie – specializes in iPhones with new batteries.
- Refurbed.ie – occasional promotions, but check pricing versus competitors.
The trade‑off: Back Market and Swappie offer the most consistent grading, while CeX and ViberStore may have slightly lower prices but less transparent battery health info.
How much does an iPhone 12 Pro Max cost in Ireland?
Let’s narrow to the 256GB model – the sweet spot for most buyers. At CeX Ireland, a Grade B 256GB Pacific Blue unit costs €522.99 (CeX Ireland listing). ViberStore offers similar units around €500–€600 with a 12‑month warranty. Swappie Ireland’s 256GB listings typically land between €510 and €580, depending on cosmetic condition.
iPhone 12 Pro Max 256GB price in Ireland
| Seller | Price (approx) | Warranty |
|---|---|---|
| CeX Ireland | €522.99 | 24 months |
| Swappie Ireland | €510–€580 | 12 months |
| ViberStore Ireland | €500–€600 | 12 months |
| Back Market Ireland | €383–€500 | 12 months |
The pattern: CeX offers the longest warranty, Swappie prioritizes battery condition, and Back Market generally has the lowest baseline price.
Eight specifications, one pattern: the iPhone 12 Pro Max still holds its own against mid‑range 2025 phones in every category except battery chemistry.
| Specification | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Release date | November 2020 | RefurbMe |
| Discontinued | September 2021 | Wikipedia |
| Original price (new, 128GB) | $1,099 | Wikipedia |
| Current price (refurbished) | $400–$800 | Back Market |
| Battery capacity | 3,687 mAh | Wikipedia |
| Display | 6.7‑inch Super Retina XDR OLED | Wikipedia |
| Processor | A14 Bionic | Wikipedia |
| Storage options | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB | Wikipedia |
| Camera system | Triple 12MP + LiDAR | Wikipedia |
| 5G support | Sub‑6 GHz | Wikipedia |
| iOS support estimate | Until ~2027 | RefurbMe |
Upsides
- Excellent camera with LiDAR for low‑light and AR
- Large, bright OLED screen
- Sturdy stainless steel build
- Expected iOS updates until at least 2027 (RefurbMe estimate)
- Much cheaper than a new iPhone 15 Pro Max
Downsides
- No ProMotion 120Hz display
- Older A14 chip with less efficiency
- Battery likely degraded (85–95% health common)
- No 5G mmWave (except US model)
- One year less of iOS support than iPhone 13 Pro Max
Timeline signal
- – iPhone 12 Pro Max launched (RefurbMe)
- – Discontinued after iPhone 13 release (Wikipedia)
- – Popular on refurbished market; prices stabilize around €400–€600 (Back Market)
- – Some carriers may shut down 3G networks; 12 Pro Max likely unaffected due to VoLTE (endoflife.date)
Clarity
Confirmed facts
- iPhone 12 Pro Max is discontinued by Apple (Wikipedia)
- Prices vary by condition and storage (Back Market)
- Refurbished units are available from multiple sellers (refurbed)
- Device supports 5G sub‑6 GHz and VoLTE (Wikipedia)
What’s unclear
- Whether any iPhone will completely stop working in 2026 – depends on carrier decisions
- Exact trade‑in values in 2025 from every carrier
- Long‑term battery lifespan for units currently on sale
The iPhone 12 Pro Max 256GB in Pacific Blue, Grade B, is currently priced at €522.99.
– CeX Ireland listing, July 2025
Current market pricing for the iPhone 12 Pro Max ranges from $400 to $800 depending on condition and storage.
– Apple Insider price guide, 2025
The iPhone 12 Pro Max was released on November 13, 2020 and was discontinued on September 14, 2021.
– Wikipedia, iPhone 12 Pro page
iOS support for the 12 Pro Max is estimated to continue until around 2027, making it a viable mid‑term purchase.
– RefurbMe support timeline
For Irish buyers, the decision comes down to budget and usage. If you want a premium camera phone without paying €1,000+, the refurbished 12 Pro Max delivers real value. But if you plan to keep your next phone for four years, the extra cost of an iPhone 13 Pro Max or even an iPhone 15 ensures you’ll have hardware that stays relevant longer. For the Irish shopper focused on a €500–€600 budget, the choice is clear: buy the 12 Pro Max now, enjoy its excellent camera and build, and plan to upgrade in 2028.
viberstore.ie, community.giffgaff.com, buybackstore.com, discussions.apple.com, ccpc.ie, apple.com
Frequently asked questions
Is the iPhone 12 Pro Max waterproof?
It has an IP68 rating, meaning it can withstand submersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes. However, water resistance can degrade over time, so refurbished units may not offer full protection.
Does iPhone 12 Pro Max support 5G?
Yes, it supports 5G sub‑6 GHz. The US model also includes mmWave support. Irish networks use sub‑6 GHz, so you’re covered.
How many years will iPhone 12 Pro Max get updates?
Apple typically supports iPhones for 6–7 years. The 12 Pro Max, launched in 2020, is expected to receive iOS updates until at least 2027 (RefurbMe).
Can I trade in my iPhone 12 Pro Max?
Yes, Apple, carriers, and third‑party trade‑in sites accept it. Trade‑in value typically ranges from $200 to $500 depending on condition (Apple trade‑in estimates).
Is the iPhone 12 Pro Max still good in 2025?
Yes – its A14 chip, 6GB RAM, and camera system remain competitive for daily use, photography, and most games. Battery life may be the main compromise.
What is the battery life of iPhone 12 Pro Max?
With a 3,687 mAh battery, it offers around 20 hours of video playback when new. Refurbished units typically have 85–95% capacity left, so expect slightly less.
Does iPhone 12 Pro Max have a headphone jack?
No. Like the iPhone 7 and later models, it relies on Lightning or wireless headphones.
How much does a screen repair cost for iPhone 12 Pro Max?
Apple charges $329 (€319) for out‑of‑warranty screen repair. Third‑party shops may charge €200–€300. Consider buying refurbished from a seller that includes screen warranty.
Related reading: Samsung Note 20 Ultra 2026: Still Worth Buying · Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2026): Specs, Problems & Buying Guide
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