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Reviews: iPhone 12 Pro Max vs. mini (and HomePod mini, too)
With so much new Apple hardware arriving on doorsteps around the world, it's like Christmas in November. That makes it a target-rich environment for reviews.
First we've got a shootout between the year's two most intriguing iPhones. It's the iPhone 12 Pro Max versus the iPhone 12 mini in dueling reviews. And then there's the HomePod mini...
Our fearless leader Leander Kahney went nuts reviewing everything he could get his hands on this week.
Let's see what he has to say ...
-- Lewis Wallace, managing editor
P.S. Like podcasts? We discussed all three of these devices, and the amazing new M1-powered Macs, on this week's episode of The CultCast. It's now available as a video, too.
Reviews
The biggest and best version of iPhone 12 has finally landed. The iPhone 12 Pro Max takes everything that makes this year’s iPhone lineup so terrific and combines it with an even bigger screen and a better camera. Apple calls it “the photographer’s iPhone,” but really, it’s the best smartphone going for anyone who likes super-sized displays.
Buying a compact smartphone used to mean making some big sacrifices. You either had to settle for an older model, or you had to opt for an Android handset (ugh!). That’s no longer the case, thanks to iPhone 12 mini.
They cost $99 and pack the potential to give Apple a much-needed boost in the smart speaker game. But do they sound any good?
The Zagg Pro Stylus has an active tip for writing and drawing, and also a capacitive tip for swiping. It’s two styli in one, making it useful every day.
Plus, more hardware reviews:
News and opinion
Still on the fence over Apple’s new M1 Mac mini, MacBook Air and MacBook Pro despite their stellar benchmarks? Find out what tech experts think of them in new reviews and hands-on videos. Spoiler alert: They’re all fantastic!
Plus, more on M1:
Apple will cut App Store fees in half for small-business developers of iPhone applications. But while the change sounds dramatic, it will actually lead to a relatively tiny reduction in Apple’s revenue.
The update fixes a couple of other small problems, too. But, in an unusual move, there is no iPadOS equivalent.
Nvidia's streaming gaming service arrives, and you can use it to play a whole host of controller-compatible PC games on your iPhone or iPad.
Plus, more gaming news:
Deals
We all say we’re going to learn that second (or third) language, but something always gets in the way. Now we can hardly leave our houses, so it’s even harder to get the immersion that helps a new language stick. But that’s no excuse, thanks to apps like Babbel.
Plus, more deals on software and services:
The Cult of Mac Store kicks off its Black Friday sale with big discounts on some of our hottest Apple Watch bands. Shop today to save up to 25% on everything from Goldenerre and Rilee & Lo.
iPhone 12 may be Apple’s prettiest smartphone to date, so you’ll probably want to keep it looking that way by protecting its glass and metal frame. Do it with a brilliant new case from SwitchEasy, with prices starting at less than $15.
These four great cameras — three dashcams and one backup cam, all at big discounts — will help you get more from your car, new or old.
How-tos
Apple's new support guide offers help for those running into installation errors when updating to macOS Big Sur on a 2013 or 2014 MacBook Pro. These tips may help bring bricked machines back to life.
Apple TV+ subscribers can watch the holiday classic right now. And, after a bit of an uproar, everybody can watch the Peanuts Thanksgiving special free next week, whether they use the streaming service or not.