iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 16e
Shop iPhone
iPhone 12 Pro Max
Starting at
£332.70£1,079.00 new
iPhone 16e
Starting at
£478.75£599.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone 16e?
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs 16e comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 12 Pro Max starts at £332.70, £146.05 less than the iPhone 16e. The iPhone 16e is the newer model, released in 2025.
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 16e.
- The iPhone 16e has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
- The iPhone 16e has a bigger battery: 4005 mAh vs 3687 mAh.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 16e specs
The iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone 16e differ mainly in size, performance, and battery capacity. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a larger 6.7 inch screen with higher resolution, suited for those who prefer a roomy display for video and reading. The iPhone 16e has a smaller 6.1 inch screen but offers a newer chipset and more RAM, which benefits users who want smoother multitasking and faster everyday performance. Battery capacity is slightly larger on the iPhone 16e, which can support longer usage between charges. The iPhone 16e uses a USB-C connector, appealing to those who prefer that standard, while the 12 Pro Max keeps the Lightning port. Weight and dimensions also differ, with the iPhone 16e being lighter and more compact, fitting better in smaller pockets. Both are unlocked and support 5G.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 16e price
Colour
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 16e battery life and software updates
Battery capacity and operating system affect how long each device lasts and runs. Both phones run iOS. Battery size influences daily usage time between charges.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a 3687 mAh battery, while the iPhone 16e includes a slightly larger 4005 mAh battery. The higher capacity in the iPhone 16e can support longer usage, which is useful for users who spend extended time away from charging points.
Operating System
Both devices run iOS, ensuring access to the same apps and updates typical of Apple phones. This means that software experience is consistent between the two.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 16e performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options. Both devices come in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB versions, giving you flexibility for space needs.
Chipset Power
The iPhone 12 Pro Max uses the Apple A14 Bionic chipset, while the iPhone 16e has the Apple A18 built on a 3 nm process. The newer chipset in the iPhone 16e offers improvements in efficiency and speed, making it well suited for users who run demanding apps or multitask heavily.
Memory Capacity
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has 6 GB of RAM, and the iPhone 16e has 8 GB. More RAM in the iPhone 16e helps keep more apps open and running smoothly, which benefits users who switch between apps frequently.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 16e screen
Screen size and resolution influence the viewing experience, affecting how much content you see and how sharp it appears. Both use the Super Retina XDR OLED screen type.
Screen Size
The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a 6.7 inch screen, providing more room for watching videos, browsing, and gaming. The iPhone 16e has a 6.1 inch screen which suits those who prefer a more compact device easier to handle with one hand.
Screen Resolution
The iPhone 12 Pro Max features a resolution of 1284 x 2778 pixels, giving a taller and higher pixel count display. The iPhone 16e has a resolution of 2532 x 1170 pixels, which is less tall but still sharp for everyday use. The resolution difference means the 12 Pro Max offers a roomier, more detailed view for media and reading.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 16e camera
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 16e size and design
Other differences include physical size, weight, and connectivity. These features affect comfort, compatibility, and convenience.
Connector Type
The iPhone 12 Pro Max uses a Lightning connector, while the iPhone 16e has a USB-C port. USB-C may be preferred if you use other devices with USB-C cables or want faster charging and data transfer options.
Dimensions and Weight
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is larger and heavier, measuring 160.8 mm in height, 78.1 mm in width, and 7.4 mm in depth, weighing 226 g. The iPhone 16e is more compact at 146.7 mm tall, 71.5 mm wide, and 7.8 mm deep, weighing 167 g. The 16e suits users seeking a lighter phone that fits comfortably in smaller pockets.
Carrier and Network
Both phones are unlocked and support 5G networks, giving you flexibility to choose your carrier and benefit from faster mobile internet.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 Pro Max or iPhone 16e: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 Pro Max if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £332.70, £146.05 less than the iPhone 16e
- you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 6.1 inch)
Buy the iPhone 16e if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4005 mAh vs 3687 mAh)
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the iPhone 12 Pro Max often praise its battery life lasting all day and the device's excellent condition even with minor cosmetic wear. Many highlight the large, elegant design and storage options as reasons for their satisfaction. Some customers appreciate the value in refurbished quality and have made repeat purchases. However, a few mention issues like wrong colour or poor condition.
For the iPhone 16e, customers note the phone looks and works like new with very low battery cycles and premium condition. Many report smooth data transfer from older iPhones and good battery life. The lighter and smaller size with fast performance is appreciated, especially by those upgrading from previous devices. A few customers mention minor challenges with data transfer or SIM compatibility but still express overall satisfaction with the phone's quality and speed.
Both devices appeal to different users: the 12 Pro Max suits those wanting a large, high-resolution screen and strong battery life, while the 16e fits those preferring a lighter, more compact phone with newer performance and USB-C connectivity.
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone 16e FAQs
iPhone 12 Pro Max vs 16e 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 16e. The iPhone 16e has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is cheaper refurbished, from £332.70 compared with £478.75 for the iPhone 16e.
The iPhone 16e has a bigger battery: 4005 mAh vs 3687 mAh.
The iPhone 16e 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 16e is still supported and can run iOS 27.
The iPhone 16e adds more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB), a bigger battery (4005 mAh vs 3687 mAh) and a higher-resolution main camera (48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels). Refurbished, it costs £146.05 more (from £478.75 vs £332.70).
Both come in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB refurbished.
