iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 16
Shop iPhone
iPhone 12 Pro Max
Starting at
£332.70£1,079.00 new
iPhone 16
Starting at
£577.65£699.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone 16?
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs 16 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 12 Pro Max starts at £332.70, £244.95 less than the iPhone 16. The iPhone 16 is the newer model, released in 2024.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Main camera
- Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic on the iPhone 12 Pro Max, Apple A18 (3 nm) on the iPhone 16.
- The iPhone 16 has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
- The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 3687 mAh vs 3561 mAh.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 specs
The iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone 16 differ in several key areas that suit different users. The iPhone 12 Pro Max offers a larger 6.7-inch screen ideal for watching videos or working on a spacious display, while the iPhone 16 has a smaller 6.1-inch screen that fits more comfortably in one hand. The iPhone 16 features a newer chipset and more RAM, which keeps apps running smoothly for everyday use and heavier multitasking. Photography needs differ too: the iPhone 12 Pro Max has three rear cameras for versatile shooting, while the iPhone 16 offers a higher 48 megapixel main camera for capturing more detailed photos. Battery capacities are similar, but the iPhone 16 is lighter and uses a USB-C connector. Choose based on what fits your hand, camera preferences, and performance needs.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 price
Colour
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software, and physical features that affect how long and well a phone lasts.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a battery capacity of 3687 mAh, which suits users who want longer battery life between charges. The iPhone 16 has a slightly smaller 3561 mAh battery, which still provides a full day of use for many users but may suit those who charge more regularly or use power-saving habits.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 performance
Performance relates to the chipset, RAM and storage options, which affect how smoothly the phone runs apps and handles multitasking. The iPhone 16 has newer hardware that supports more memory.
Chipset and RAM
The iPhone 12 Pro Max uses the Apple A14 Bionic chip with 6 GB of RAM, which is well suited for everyday tasks and many apps running simultaneously. The iPhone 16 features the Apple A18 chipset built on a 3 nm process and has 8 GB RAM, making it better for users who want more headroom for demanding apps or multitasking.
Storage Options
Both models come in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage sizes. This means you can choose the same storage capacity on either device depending on how many photos, apps, and files you want to keep.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 screen
Screen quality affects your viewing experience for videos, games, and reading. Both phones use the same Super Retina XDR OLED technology but differ in size and resolution.
Screen Size
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a larger 6.7-inch screen, which provides more room for watching videos and multitasking. The iPhone 16's 6.1-inch screen is more compact and easier to hold with one hand, suitable for users who prefer a smaller device.
Resolution
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a higher resolution of 1284 x 2778 pixels, offering more detail on its larger screen. The iPhone 16 has a resolution of 1179 x 2556 pixels, which fits its smaller size and still delivers sharp images.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 camera
Audiovisual features like cameras and front-facing sensors influence your photo and video quality. These models differ in camera setup and megapixel count.
Rear Cameras
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a triple rear camera system, which is useful for users who want versatile shooting options like telephoto, ultra-wide, and wide lenses. The iPhone 16 has a dual camera setup but includes a 48 megapixel main camera, which suits those who prioritise capturing more detailed photos.
Front Camera
Both phones have a 12 megapixel front camera, providing similar quality for selfies and video calls.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 size and design
Miscellaneous specs cover physical dimensions, connections, network, and other features that affect everyday use and compatibility.
Physical Size and Weight
The iPhone 12 Pro Max measures 160.8 mm in height, 78.1 mm in width, and 7.4 mm in depth, weighing 226 g. This larger, heavier device suits users who want a substantial phone with a roomy screen. The iPhone 16 is smaller at 147.6 mm height, 71.6 mm width, and 7.8 mm depth, weighing 170 g, ideal for those who want a lighter, more pocket-friendly phone.
Connector Type
USB-C is a common standard that can make charging and connecting accessories simpler for users with compatible cables.
Network and SIM
Both phones support 5G and come unlocked with the option for a physical SIM plus eSIM, giving flexibility for different networks and setups.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 Pro Max or iPhone 16: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 Pro Max if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £332.70, £244.95 less than the iPhone 16
- you want a bigger battery (3687 mAh vs 3561 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 6.1 inch)
Buy the iPhone 16 if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
- you want a lighter build (170 g vs 228 g)
What our customers say
Customers of the iPhone 12 Pro Max often highlight its battery lasting all day and excellent condition even when refurbished. Many say the phone looks like new with minimal cosmetic marks and praise its large screen and storage options. Some users appreciate its elegance and find it a great choice for those needing more storage or a bigger display. However, a few customers report issues with condition or battery health, showing that experiences can vary.
For the iPhone 16 customer feedback is generally positive about its condition, often describing it as looking like new or sometimes even brand new. Buyers mention the 100% battery health and smooth performance making it a good upgrade for those wanting newer hardware. The phone's lighter weight and modern features such as USB-C connector are appreciated. Some users also note it works well for everyday use and comes with good camera quality.
Both phones attract buyers who value refurbished devices that deliver reliable performance and good condition. The iPhone 12 Pro Max suits those wanting a larger screen and triple cameras, while the iPhone 16 appeals to users looking for the latest OS lighter weight and a high resolution main camera.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 FAQs
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs 16 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic on the iPhone 12 Pro Max, Apple A18 (3 nm) on the iPhone 16. The iPhone 16 has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is cheaper refurbished, from £332.70 compared with £577.65 for the iPhone 16.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 3687 mAh vs 3561 mAh.
The iPhone 16 has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is still supported and can run iOS 27. The iPhone 16 is still supported and can run iOS 27.
The iPhone 16 adds more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB), a higher-resolution main camera (48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels) and a lighter build (170 g vs 228 g). Refurbished, it costs £244.95 more (from £577.65 vs £332.70).
Both come in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB refurbished.
