iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 Pro
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iPhone 12 Pro Max
Starting at
£332.70£1,079.00 new
iPhone 16 Pro
Starting at
£737.50£999.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone 16 Pro?
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs 16 Pro comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 12 Pro Max starts at £332.70, £404.80 less than the iPhone 16 Pro. The iPhone 16 Pro is the newer model, released in 2024.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic on the iPhone 12 Pro Max, Apple A18 Pro on the iPhone 16 Pro.
- The iPhone 16 Pro has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
- The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 3687 mAh vs 3582 mAh.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 Pro specs
The iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone 16 Pro differ in several key areas that suit different users. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a larger 6.7 inch screen and a slightly bigger battery capacity, making it a good choice for those who want a bigger display and longer battery life. The iPhone 16 Pro offers iOS 18, a more powerful Apple A18 Pro chip, and 8 GB of RAM for smoother multitasking and performance. It also has a higher resolution main camera at 48 megapixels for more detailed photos. The 16 Pro is smaller, lighter, and uses a USB-C connector, which suits users wanting a more compact phone and modern charging options. Storage options go up to 1TB on the 16 Pro, ideal for those needing extra space. Both phones support 5G and are unlocked, so network compatibility is flexible for either choice.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 Pro price
Colour
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 Pro battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software support, and basic physical features that affect daily reliability and long-term use.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a 3687 mAh battery, which is slightly larger than the iPhone 16 Pro's 3582 mAh. This difference may mean the 12 Pro Max can last a bit longer on a full charge, which suits users who rely on longer battery life during the day.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 Pro performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options, all of which influence speed, multitasking, and capacity for apps and media. Each device suits different user needs depending on how demanding their use is.
Chipset Power
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has an Apple A14 Bionic chip, while the iPhone 16 Pro uses the Apple A18 Pro. The 16 Pro's chipset provides more processing power, which benefits users running demanding apps or multitasking frequently.
Memory for Multitasking
With 6 GB of RAM, the iPhone 12 Pro Max handles everyday apps reliably. The iPhone 16 Pro has 8 GB, which keeps more apps open at once and supports smoother switching between tasks, a plus for power users.
Storage Options
Both phones come with 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage options. The iPhone 16 Pro also offers a 1TB option, which suits users who store large amounts of photos, videos, or apps and want ample space without external storage.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 Pro screen
Screen quality affects how you view content such as videos, photos, and apps. Differences in size, resolution, and screen technology mean each device fits different preferences for display experience.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a larger 6.7 inch screen with a resolution of 1284 x 2778 pixels, offering more display area and slightly higher pixel count. This suits users who enjoy a roomier view for media or reading. The iPhone 16 Pro features a 6.3 inch screen with a 1206 x 2622 resolution, which is more compact and easier to hold in one hand.
Screen Technology
Both phones use Super Retina XDR OLED technology, but the iPhone 16 Pro has an LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED screen. LTPO technology can enable better power efficiency and adaptive refresh rates, which benefits users sensitive to battery usage and smoothness.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 Pro camera
Audiovisual features include cameras that capture photos and video. Differences here affect how detailed and flexible your photography and video calls can be.
Main Camera Detail
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a 12 megapixel main camera, while the iPhone 16 Pro offers a 48 megapixel main camera. The higher megapixel count on the 16 Pro allows for more detailed images, which benefits photography enthusiasts or those who want sharper photos.
Front Camera Consistency
Both devices feature a 12 megapixel front camera, which means selfie and video call quality should be similar. This suits users prioritising consistent front-facing camera performance.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 Pro size and design
This section covers various practical details like connectors, dimensions, and network compatibility that affect daily convenience and handling.
Connector Type
USB-C supports faster data transfer and charging options, which suits users who prefer a more universal and modern connection.
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. The iPhone 16 Pro is smaller and lighter at 149.6 mm height, 71.5 mm width, and 8.3 mm depth, weighing 199 g. This makes the 16 Pro easier to hold and carry for users who prefer compact phones.
Network and SIM
Both phones support 5G networks and come unlocked with both physical SIM and eSIM options. This gives flexibility for network choice and dual SIM setups for either device.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 Pro Max or iPhone 16 Pro: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 Pro Max if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £332.70, £404.80 less than the iPhone 16 Pro
- you want a bigger battery (3687 mAh vs 3582 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 6.3 inch)
Buy the iPhone 16 Pro 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 (199 g vs 228 g)
What our customers say
Customers of the iPhone 12 Pro Max often highlight its excellent battery life, with many saying the battery lasts all day. They note the device looks like new, even with minor cosmetic imperfections that do not affect performance. Some mention the larger screen and storage options as benefits, and many express satisfaction with the phone's reliability and build quality. A few customers had issues with battery health or screen responsiveness, but positive experiences dominate.
Users of the iPhone 16 Pro appreciate the phone's condition, with many reporting it looks and works like new. Battery health is generally good, and the camera quality is praised for being significantly better, especially for photos. The smaller size and lighter weight receive positive comments, as does the phone's performance and screen quality. Some customers have experienced poor battery life or screen damage after accidental drops, but most are happy with the purchase and find it a worthwhile upgrade.
Both devices suit different needs: the iPhone 12 Pro Max appeals to those who want a larger screen and longer battery life, while the iPhone 16 Pro fits those seeking better performance, camera detail, and a more compact phone.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 16 Pro FAQs
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs 16 Pro comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic on the iPhone 12 Pro Max, Apple A18 Pro on the iPhone 16 Pro. The iPhone 16 Pro has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is cheaper refurbished, from £332.70 compared with £737.50 for the iPhone 16 Pro.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 3687 mAh vs 3582 mAh.
The iPhone 16 Pro 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 Pro is still supported and can run iOS 27.
The iPhone 16 Pro adds more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB), a higher-resolution main camera (48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels) and a lighter build (199 g vs 228 g). Refurbished, it costs £404.80 more (from £737.50 vs £332.70).
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 Pro Max comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone 16 Pro in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
