The reviews dropped today for the iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone 12 Mini. There aren’t many surprises.

iPhone 12 Pro Max

The iPhone 12 Pro Max is taking better pictures than any other iPhone, which makes sense given that it has better camera components (bigger sensor, on-sensor stabilization). Matthew Panzarino discovered the telephoto lens on the iPhone 12 Pro Max also has stabilization, which produces noticeably better images. That said, having read multiple reviews, my take is the 12 Pro Max is only incrementally better than the iPhone 12 Pro. You’ll get better pictures indoors or in the dark. Your daylight outdoor photos will look mostly the same.

The iPhone 12 Pro Max is also, not surprisingly, getting better battery life but is awkward to carry. One bit of insight from nearly all reviewers is that the squared-off sizes make holding the larger iPhone more difficult. I hadn’t thought of that. I’ve been a big phone club member for years because I like the bigger screen. (Mine arrives Friday.)

Notable reviews on the iPhone 12 Pro Max are those from Matt Panzarino, Nilay Patel, Marques Brownlee,

iPhone 12 Mini

I feel like this phone has a self-selecting audience, just the exact opposite of the Max phone crowd. I’m pleased that Apple is intentionally making a small iPhone with the latest and greatest components. You will take a hit to battery life with a smaller phone. While the 12 Pro Max requires you to carry a big phone, the 12 Mini may require you to carry a battery on busy days.

Notable Reviews on the iPhone 12 Mini are those from Matt Panzarino, Dieter Bohn, Marques Brownlee