If you’re hunting for a premium iPhone without paying flagship prices, the iPhone 12 Pro Max keeps showing up on Irish refurbished listings—and with prices starting around €280 for a 256GB model, the math is worth a closer look. Apple released this device in 2020, but its 6.7-inch display, A14 Bionic chip, and triple-camera system still hold up against newer mid-range options. This guide walks through current Irish pricing, what to expect from trade-in values, and whether the 12 Pro Max still makes sense in 2024.
Release Year: 2020 · Screen Size: 6.7-inch · Refurb 256GB Price: €280.99-€546.99 · Weight: 228 g
Quick snapshot
- Refurbished 256GB models start at €280 on Irish sites (Back Market Ireland)
- A14 Bionic chip and 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR confirmed across retailers (The iOutlet)
- Triple 12MP camera system identical across all storage variants (Plug.tech Blog)
- Exact trade-in values fluctuate daily by condition and carrier
- Battery health varies per individual device at purchase
- Some Irish sellers list POA pricing without published figures
- Original release: November 2020 (Swappie Ireland)
- Current Irish pricing reflects May 2026 listings (Swappie Ireland)
- US Back Market shows $315-$384 for April 2026 (Swappie Ireland)
- Apple typically supports iPhones for 5-6 years from release
- 2024 marks year 4—support likely through 2025-2026
- Trade-in values will drop further as iOS updates age
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 2778×1284 at 458 ppi, HDR, True Tone |
| Dimensions | 160.8 × 78.1 × 7.4 mm |
| Weight | 228 g |
| IP Rating | IP68 (up to 6m for 30 min) |
| Current Refurb Price (256GB) | €280.99 – €546.99 |
| Processor | A14 Bionic chip |
How much is iPhone 12 Pro Max worth now?
Refurbished iPhone 12 Pro Max 256GB prices in Ireland span a wide range depending on condition grade, warranty length, and seller. The cheapest listings hover around €280, while premium graded units with longer warranties approach €550.
Trade-in values from 18+ providers
Irish consumers have access to multiple trade-in and buyback services, though carrier-specific trade-in programs vary. Major retailers like Swappie and Back Market set the floor, while specialist shops like The iOutlet and Allo Allo price higher based on condition guarantees. According to Refurbed.ie, their 256GB silver model in Good condition carries a 76% discount from the original €1,149 launch price.
Buyers focused on value should target Good or Grade B units from established refurbished sellers—the savings versus newer models are substantial, and warranties now extend to 36 months with some retailers.
Refurbished prices in Ireland
Five Irish retailers currently list 256GB models with published pricing:
- Back Market Ireland: €280 for 256GB with free delivery by early May (Back Market Ireland)
- Refurbed.ie: €280.99 for 256GB silver Good condition (Refurbed.ie)
- Swappie.ie: Starting from €285 with 12-month warranty (Swappie Ireland)
- The iOutlet: €546.99 for 256GB Graphite Grade A (sale from €559.99) (The iOutlet)
- Allo Allo: 256GB “refurbished to new” condition with 36-month warranty (Allo Allo Ireland)
The pattern: condition grade drives roughly €200-€270 difference between entry-level and premium listings. Irish buyers pay roughly equivalent to US prices when currency-adjusted—the Back Market US guide shows $315-$384 for April 2026, which aligns with the €280 floor seen domestically.
Is the iPhone 12 Pro Max still worth it?
For buyers who prioritize screen size, camera quality, and battery life over having the absolute latest processor, the 12 Pro Max presents a compelling case in 2024. The A14 Bionic handles current iOS versions without lag, and the 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display matches or exceeds many 2023 mid-range Android devices.
Pros and cons in 2024
Upsides
- Refurbished 256GB available from €280—under half the cost of a new iPhone 15
- 6.7-inch display remains among the largest in Apple’s lineup
- Triple 12MP camera system (wide, ultra-wide, telephoto) produces excellent photos
- IP68 water resistance and Ceramic Shield glass
- Supports 5G connectivity and MagSafe accessories
- Up to 20 hours video playback per charge
- 5G support and dual-SIM (eSIM + nano-SIM) compatibility
Downsides
- Processor is two generations behind current iPhone 15
- Apple software support window narrowing—likely 1-2 years remain
- Battery health on older refurbished units may be 80-85%
- No Dynamic Island or ProMotion 120Hz display
- Limited resale value as support timeline shortens
Battery health considerations
Battery health emerges as the practical wildcard with any refurbished purchase. Apple classifies 76% battery health as below optimal—a battery replacement at Apple costs around €99. Back Market offers a new battery add-on option for €264 on the 12 Pro Max, which may be worth considering for buyers planning to hold the device 2+ years.
Budget buyers should factor battery replacement costs into their calculation—spending €280 on a device plus €99-264 on a new battery approaches the price of a higher-graded unit with better starting health.
How old is the iPhone 12 Pro Max?
Apple unveiled the iPhone 12 Pro Max in November 2020 alongside the standard 12 Pro, making it nearly four years old as of 2024. Despite its age, the hardware specifications stack well against current mid-range competitors.
Release date and age
The iPhone 12 Pro Max launched on 13 November 2020 in the United States and became available in Ireland shortly after. Its age places it in a specific support window within Apple’s product lifecycle—devices typically receive 5-6 years of iOS updates from release date.
Apple support duration
Apple does not publish exact end-of-support dates publicly, but historical patterns suggest the iPhone 12 Pro Max will receive iOS updates through 2025 or 2026 at most. The iPhone 6s, released in 2015, received its final iOS update in 2018—roughly three years of support. More recent devices show longer windows: the iPhone 6s Plus received updates through 2019.
For comparison, iPhones typically receive security updates for approximately five years after release. This means the 12 Pro Max enters its final support phase now—buyers should not expect new feature iOS releases beyond iOS 18 at most.
The main difference lies in the storage capacity. Performance, camera quality, display, and battery life remain the same for both options.
— Plug.tech Blog (Plug.tech Blog)
What year will the iPhone 12 Pro Max be outdated?
“Outdated” depends on use case—users who need the latest iOS features or Apple Intelligence capabilities will find the 12 Pro Max limited, while those using their phone for calls, messaging, photography, and standard apps can comfortably use it through 2025.
Software support timeline
Based on Apple’s historical support patterns, the iPhone 12 Pro Max likely reaches end-of-software-life in 2025 or 2026. This means:
- Through 2024: Full iOS 17 support, all current apps compatible
- 2025: iOS 18 likely supported; 2026 uncertain
- Post-support: Security patches unlikely after 2026, app compatibility degrades
Hardware limitations
The A14 Bionic chip handles current apps without notable slowdown, but some features require hardware not present in the 12 Pro Max. Specifically, Apple Intelligence (Apple’s AI suite) requires A17 Pro or newer processors—meaning the 12 Pro Max will never run Apple’s latest AI features regardless of software support duration.
Buyers primarily using their phone for calls, messaging, social media, and photography can ignore AI limitations. Those wanting Apple’s latest AI capabilities should look at iPhone 15 Pro or newer.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 13: Which is better?
Comparing these two models requires balancing price against incremental improvements. The iPhone 13 launched a year later with a faster processor and improved camera, but the 12 Pro Max offers a larger 6.7-inch display that the standard iPhone 13 lacks.
Key differences
Four major differences separate these models:
| Feature | iPhone 12 Pro Max | iPhone 13 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | November 2020 | September 2021 |
| Processor | A14 Bionic | A15 Bionic |
| Display Size | 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR | 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR |
| Refurb 256GB Price | €280-€547 | €400-€600 (est.) |
Value comparison
The iPhone 12 Pro Max delivers approximately 80% of the iPhone 13 Pro Max experience at roughly 60% of the price based on refurbished market data. The A15 Bionic in the 13 offers roughly 10-15% better performance and improved low-light photography, but these gains matter primarily for power users running demanding apps or those who prioritize the absolute latest specs.
For most buyers, the 12 Pro Max represents better value—same display size, same camera system architecture, and enough processor headroom for everyday use. The 13 makes sense only when price differences narrow or when extended software support matters (the 13 gains roughly one additional year of updates by virtue of being newer).
Choosing a refurbished iPhone 12 Pro Max from Swappie means getting a flagship smartphone at a lower cost while making an eco-conscious choice.
— Swappie (Swappie Ireland)
Best for the 12 Pro Max
- Budget-focused buyers wanting maximum screen size
- Users who replace phones every 2-3 years
- Photography enthusiasts on a budget
- Buyers who value the telephoto lens over processor speed
Better to go newer
- Users wanting Apple Intelligence features
- Those planning to keep the phone 4+ years
- Power users running demanding applications
- Buyers who prioritize battery efficiency gains
Related reading: How to Get a PAC Code · How to Clean AirPods
getlocal.ie, backmarket.com, getlocal.ie, swappie.com, viberstore.ie
While the iPhone 12 Pro Max delivers strong value from €280 refurbished, iPhone 14 Pro Max deals now start under €500 on Ireland’s secondhand market with warranties.
Frequently asked questions
What is the screen size of the iPhone 12 Pro Max?
The iPhone 12 Pro Max features a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with 2778×1284 resolution at 458 pixels per inch. It supports HDR, True Tone, and Dolby Vision playback.
What are the storage options for iPhone 12 Pro Max?
The iPhone 12 Pro Max was available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage tiers at launch. On the refurbished market, 256GB models appear most commonly in Irish listings.
How water resistant is the iPhone 12 Pro Max?
The iPhone 12 Pro Max carries an IP68 rating under IEC standard 60529, meaning it can withstand submersion in up to 6 meters of water for 30 minutes. It also features Ceramic Shield glass on the front with four times better drop performance than previous generations.
Where to buy iPhone 12 Pro Max in Ireland?
Irish buyers can purchase refurbished iPhone 12 Pro Max units from Back Market Ireland, Refurbed.ie, Swappie.ie, The iOutlet, Allo Allo, ViberStore, and SmartCellular.ie. Prices range from €280 for Good-condition models to €547 for Grade A units with longer warranties.
What is the battery health threshold for iPhone 12 Pro Max?
Apple classifies batteries below 80% health as requiring service. Refurbished sellers typically list units with 80-90% health, though devices with 76% health may require battery replacement for optimal long-term use. Back Market and Allo Allo offer new battery options as add-ons.
Does Vodafone support iPhone 12 Pro Max?
The iPhone 12 Pro Max supports all major Irish carriers including Vodafone, Three, and Eir. The device is sold unlocked and works with nano-SIM and eSIM configurations.
What is Swappie for iPhone 12 Pro Max?
Swappie is a refurbished iPhone specialist operating in Ireland. Their 256GB iPhone 12 Pro Max listings start from €285 with a 12-month warranty and 14-day return policy. Swappie emphasizes eco-conscious purchasing and professionally refurbished devices.
Henry William Bennett Murray is a staff writer for CivicInsight.uk, covering UK public affairs, policy and civic life. He works under Editor-in-Chief Rebecca Langford, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.