iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 Plus
Shop iPhone
iPhone 12 Pro Max
Starting at
£332.70£1,079.00 new
iPhone 16 Plus
Starting at
£588.00£799.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone 16 Plus?
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs 16 Plus comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 12 Pro Max starts at £332.70, £255.30 less than the iPhone 16 Plus. The iPhone 16 Plus is the newer model, released in 2024.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Main camera
Weight
- Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic on the iPhone 12 Pro Max, Apple A18 on the iPhone 16 Plus.
- The iPhone 16 Plus has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
- The iPhone 16 Plus has a bigger battery: 4674 mAh vs 3687 mAh.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 Plus specs
The iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone 16 Plus differ in several key areas that suit different user needs. The iPhone 16 Plus offers a larger battery capacity and increased RAM, making it better for those who want longer use and smoother multitasking. It also features a higher resolution main camera for more detailed photos and uses USB-C for charging. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a simpler setup with a Lightning connector and 6 GB RAM, which suits everyday users. Both have the same screen size and similar front cameras, so video and selfie quality are comparable. Weight and dimensions also vary slightly, which may influence comfort in hand. Overall, the iPhone 12 Pro Max suits those looking for a reliable, well-regarded device, while the iPhone 16 Plus fits buyers wanting the latest features in performance and photography.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 Plus price
Colour
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 Plus battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery life, software updates, and physical design elements.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 16 Plus has a 4674 mAh battery, which is larger than the iPhone 12 Pro Max's 3687 mAh. This means the iPhone 16 Plus can offer longer use before needing a recharge, which suits users who spend more time away from charging points. The iPhone 12 Pro Max still provides a full day's use for many but may require charging sooner under heavy use.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 Plus performance
Performance depends on chipset power, memory, and storage options. These affect speed, multitasking, and how smoothly apps run on each device.
Chipset
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has the Apple A14 Bionic chipset, while the iPhone 16 Plus uses the Apple A18 built on a 3 nm process. The newer chipset in the iPhone 16 Plus delivers faster and more efficient processing, which benefits users running demanding apps or multitasking frequently.
RAM
With 8 GB of RAM, the iPhone 16 Plus can keep more apps open and running smoothly compared to the iPhone 12 Pro Max's 6 GB. This suits users who often switch between multiple apps or use memory-intensive software.
Storage Options
Both devices offer the same storage choices: 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. This gives buyers flexibility to choose the right capacity for their needs, whether for photos, apps, or media.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 Plus screen
Screen quality is key for viewing comfort and clarity. Both phones share a large 6.7 inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, but subtle differences in resolution affect detail.
Resolution and Size
Both screens measure 6.7 inches, providing ample space for video and apps. The iPhone 16 Plus has a slightly higher resolution at 1290 x 2796 compared to 1284 x 2778 on the iPhone 12 Pro Max. This means the iPhone 16 Plus can display very slightly sharper images, which benefits users who watch high-definition content or read small text.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 Plus camera
Camera specifications impact photo and video quality, while front cameras affect selfies and video calls.
Main Camera
The iPhone 16 Plus features a 48 megapixel main camera, offering higher resolution photos that capture more detail. This suits users who prioritise photography and want greater clarity in their shots. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a 12 megapixel main camera, which still produces high-quality images for everyday use.
Front Camera
Both phones have a 12 megapixel front camera, so selfie and video call quality will be similar. This ensures consistent performance for users who often use the front camera.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 Plus size and design
Other differences include physical dimensions, weight, connectors, and network compatibility, which influence handling and charging options.
Connector Type
USB-C is a common standard that may be more convenient for users with other devices using USB-C cables.
Weight and Size
The iPhone 16 Plus weighs 199 g, which is lighter than the iPhone 12 Pro Max at 226 g. The 16 Plus is also slightly thicker at 0.78 cm versus 7.4 mm and marginally taller and wider. These differences may affect comfort and grip, with the 16 Plus offering a lighter feel in hand.
Network and SIM
Both phones support 5G networks and offer a physical SIM plus eSIM. This suits users who want fast mobile data and flexible SIM options.
Carrier Compatibility
Both devices come unlocked, allowing you to choose any compatible network provider without restrictions.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 Pro Max or iPhone 16 Plus: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 Pro Max if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £332.70, £255.30 less than the iPhone 16 Plus
Buy the iPhone 16 Plus if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4674 mAh vs 3687 mAh)
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the iPhone 12 Pro Max generally report satisfaction with its condition and battery life. Many say their phones look and work like new, with battery performance lasting all day. Some have minor cosmetic marks that are barely noticeable or disappear with a case. Buyers appreciate the device's storage options and feel confident buying refurbished for the first time. A few customers experienced issues such as incorrect colour or poor battery health, but positive reviews highlight reliability and elegance.
For the iPhone 16 Plus, customers often highlight excellent condition and battery life that lasts longer than other phones they have used. Many say the phone feels like new and appreciate the quality of the device and its features. Some buyers mention the need for an Apple Store visit to update iOS initially, and a few report issues such as heavy use signs or device damage. Despite this, most reviews are positive about the phone's performance and condition.
Overall, the iPhone 12 Pro Max appeals to those who want a dependable device with good battery life and storage, while the iPhone 16 Plus suits users who prioritise a longer battery, higher camera resolution, and the latest performance features.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 Plus FAQs
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs 16 Plus comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic on the iPhone 12 Pro Max, Apple A18 on the iPhone 16 Plus. The iPhone 16 Plus has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is cheaper refurbished, from £332.70 compared with £588 for the iPhone 16 Plus.
The iPhone 16 Plus has a bigger battery: 4674 mAh vs 3687 mAh.
The iPhone 16 Plus 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 Plus is still supported and can run iOS 27.
The iPhone 16 Plus adds more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB), a bigger battery (4674 mAh vs 3687 mAh) and a higher-resolution main camera (48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels). Refurbished, it costs £255.30 more (from £588 vs £332.70).
Both come in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB refurbished.
