The iPhone 12 Pro Max launched in 2020. On contract now it will be refurbished or certified pre-owned rather than new — so the condition of the specific unit matters more than anything on the spec sheet.
It was, in its generation, the most capable camera phone Apple made, and that is still the reason people look for it. Whether it makes sense depends on how much support life it has left and what state the battery is in.
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| What to compare | Why it matters on this model |
|---|---|
| Device condition | Refurbished, certified pre-owned or used — get it in writing |
| Battery health percentage | A 2020 handset will have degraded; ask for the figure |
| Remaining iOS support | Confirm the current position for this generation |
| Storage size | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB — not upgradeable later |
| Total contract cost | Monthly instalment × term, plus any upfront amount |
| Data, minutes and SMS | Varies far more between plans than the handset price |
| Weight and size | It is a large, heavy phone — handle one before committing |
| Coverage at your address | The one thing a cheaper plan cannot compensate for |
| Warranty | Usually shorter on refurbished units |
Availability, condition and pricing on a handset this age vary widely between sellers. Confirm the current MTN terms, the device condition and the warranty before applying. Approval is subject to a credit assessment and is not guaranteed.
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Pro or Pro Max on this generation? Not just size. The 12 Pro Max had a larger main sensor and a longer telephoto than the 6.1-inch 12 Pro — a genuine imaging advantage rather than a marketing one. See iPhone 12 Pro contract deals if size or weight is the concern, because the Max is noticeably heavy.
Price the same handset on the other networks: Vodacom · Telkom · Cell C
Before committing to a 2020 handset, price a newer pre-owned model: pre-owned iPhone contract deals. A 13 or 14 Pro at similar money buys more remaining support life.
Best-fit use cases
Use-case considerations
You want the best camera you can get cheaply. The main case. This was the top of its generation and the sensor advantage still shows.
You want a big screen and long battery life. The Max delivered both, though battery life on a used unit depends entirely on its health figure.
The battery has been replaced. A refurbished unit with a new cell is a materially better buy than one running its original 2020 battery.
You want a phone you can use one-handed. The case against, firmly. This is among the largest and heaviest iPhones ever made.
You want a long support runway. Also a case against. A 2020 handset on a 24-month contract may run out of update support before the contract ends.
Related parent and child options
Related child pages
- iPhone 12 Pro contract deals — smaller, lighter, slightly less camera.
- MTN iPhone 12 contract deals — the standard model on MTN.
- MTN iPhone deals — the full MTN iPhone range.
- Pre-owned iPhone contract deals — newer models with more support remaining.
- MTN contract deals — everything MTN offers.
- Contract deals South Africa — everything compared.
What to check before applying
- Device condition — refurbished, certified pre-owned or used, in writing.
- Battery health percentage, and whether the battery has been replaced.
- Remaining iOS support for this generation.
- Storage size, since it cannot be changed later.
- Total contract cost — monthly instalment × term, plus upfront charges.
- What the plan includes in data, minutes and SMS.
- Warranty length and who honours it.
- Coverage at your home and work address.
- Whether the handset is network-locked.
- Total against a newer pre-owned model at similar money.
Contract applications are subject to the credit provider’s own checks. You will generally need identification, proof of address, banking details and RICA registration, and the application involves a credit and affordability assessment. Requirements vary, so confirm what is needed before you apply. Approval is not guaranteed.
FAQs
Is the iPhone 12 Pro Max still available on contract from MTN?
New stock of a 2020 handset is not realistic. Where it appears it will be refurbished or certified pre-owned. Confirm what MTN currently offers and in what condition.
What is the difference between the 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max?
More than size on this generation. The Pro Max had a larger main sensor and a longer telephoto, so it was genuinely the better camera as well as the bigger phone.
Does it still receive iOS updates?
Support for older generations is withdrawn over time. Confirm the current position before committing, since it determines how long the phone stays secure and app-compatible.
Is the battery a concern?
On any 2020 handset, yes. Ask for the battery health percentage and whether it has been replaced — that single figure changes the value of the deal considerably.
Is it too big?
It is among the largest and heaviest iPhones Apple has made. If you can, handle one before committing to 24 months with it.
Should I buy a newer model instead?
Price a 13 Pro or 14 Pro pre-owned at similar money. You generally get more remaining support life, which matters across a full contract term.
Compare your options: see MTN iPhone deals, or start at contract deals South Africa.
Last updated: August 2026 — pricing, stock and availability can change.