Regular readers and Twitter followers know I’m primarily an Android user who regularly uses an iPhone for a month after Apple releases the newest model. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has made it two months as my daily driver, and I even bought the AppleCare Plus coverage because there is a lot to like in this phone and my SIM hasn’t left it since December. Also: iPhone 12 Pro Max review: Easily the best smartphone camera ever As a writer who covers smartphones, I’ve had the opportunity to also spend a lot of time with the new Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, and while that is a stunning device with some unique camera capabilities, the iPhone 12 Pro Max is better for my needs, and I did not purchase an S21 this year. I’m actually a bit surprised by how much I like this big new iPhone. I discover things each week that confirm my decision to go all-in with Apple’s latest and greatest. Based on my usage over the past two months with the iPhone 12 Pro Max, I find it extremely compelling for the following reasons: Also: 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. Most of these are features found on Android phones now, including:
New ringer switch design: Maybe it’s my big fingers, but I have a very difficult time manipulating the tiny ringer switch and seeing whether it is flipped to on or off. Maybe a handy slider like we see on OnePlus phones would be a better design element.Reverse wireless charging: This may be a simple convenience, but given the long battery life of the iPhone 12 Pro Max and the fact that I’ve forgotten to charge my Apple Watch 6 a few times, I would love to see this Samsung capability come to future iPhones. It could also be used to top off AirPods on the go.Apple Pencil support: I love that Samsung added S Pen capability to the S21 Ultra, even if the stylus isn’t stored with the phone. It would be great to jot down notes on the big iPhone 12 Pro Max display.Increased telephoto capability: Samsung’s new dual telephoto camera system sets the bar for a zoom experience, and I would love to see a more significant optical zoom capability in a future iPhone.
There is a lot to cover in the iPhone 12 Pro Max, and I will continue to dive deep and use it as my daily driver. Stay tuned for articles taking a close look at the cameras, Siri Shortcuts, LiDAR, and more. Let me know if you have any other specific areas you want further discussed or explored on Apple’s best iPhone.
