iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 16
Shop iPhone
iPhone 12 Pro
Starting at
£274.51£879.00 new
iPhone 16
Starting at
£577.65£699.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 16?
iPhone 12 Pro vs 16 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 12 Pro starts at £274.51, £303.14 less than the iPhone 16. The iPhone 16 is the newer model, released in 2024.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Main camera
Weight
- Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12 Pro, Apple A18 (3 nm) on the iPhone 16.
- The iPhone 16 has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
- The iPhone 16 has a bigger battery: 3561 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 16 specs
The iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 16 differ in several key areas that suit different types of users. The iPhone 16 offers a larger battery capacity and more RAM, which supports smoother multitasking and longer use between charges. Its main camera captures higher resolution photos, making it suitable for those who prioritise photography. The iPhone 12 Pro features a triple camera setup that may appeal to users looking for versatile shooting options. Both have the same screen size and refresh rate, but the iPhone 16 has a slightly higher resolution. The iPhone 16 also uses a USB-C connector, while the iPhone 12 Pro has a Lightning port. Weight and dimensions are similar, with the iPhone 16 being lighter. Each phone suits different preferences depending on what features you value most.
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 16 price
Colour
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 16 battery life and software updates
Battery capacity, software updates and physical design impact how long a phone lasts between charges and over years of use.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 16 has a larger battery at 3561 mAh, which can offer longer usage between charges compared to the iPhone 12 Pro's 2815 mAh battery. This suits users who want extended daily battery life without frequent charging.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 16 performance
Processor speed and memory affect how smoothly a phone runs apps and handles multitasking. Both phones offer multiple storage options, but differ in chipset and RAM.
Chipset Efficiency
The iPhone 16 uses the Apple A18 chipset built on a 3 nm process, which is more advanced than the iPhone 12 Pro's Apple A14 Bionic at 5 nm. This means the iPhone 16 can handle demanding apps and tasks more efficiently.
RAM Size
With 8 GB of RAM, the iPhone 16 keeps more apps open and running smoothly, which benefits users who multitask frequently. The iPhone 12 Pro has 6 GB of RAM, which supports everyday use effectively.
Storage Options
Both phones come in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage options. This range lets you choose the amount of space that fits your needs for apps, photos and files.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 16 screen
Screen size, resolution and refresh rate influence the viewing experience. Both phones share many screen characteristics but have minor resolution differences.
Screen Size and Type
Both the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 16 have 6.1 inch Super Retina XDR OLED screens, offering bright and vivid displays that suit watching videos and browsing.
Resolution Detail
The iPhone 16 has a slightly higher resolution at 1179 x 2556 compared to the iPhone 12 Pro's 1170 x 2532. This small increase provides a bit more detail on screen, noticeable to users who value sharpness.
Refresh Rate
Both phones have a 60 Hz refresh rate, which delivers smooth visuals for everyday use like scrolling and gaming.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 16 camera
Camera capabilities and front-facing features shape how well each phone captures photos and supports video calls or selfies.
Main Camera Resolution
The iPhone 16 has a 48 megapixel main camera, which captures more detail in photos. This suits users who want high-resolution images for cropping or large prints. The iPhone 12 Pro's main camera is 12 megapixels.
Camera Setup
The iPhone 12 Pro features a triple camera setup, offering versatility with multiple lenses for different shooting conditions. The iPhone 16 has a dual camera design, which provides simplicity for users focused on core photography needs.
Front Camera
Both devices have a 12 megapixel front camera, suitable for clear selfies and video calls.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 16 size and design
Other features like connectors, size, network compatibility and weight affect everyday convenience and usability.
Connector Type
The iPhone 12 Pro uses a Lightning connector, which is the traditional Apple standard.
Physical Dimensions
Both phones have very similar height and width, with the iPhone 16 measuring 147.6 mm by 71.6 mm and the iPhone 12 Pro 146.7 mm by 71.5 mm. The iPhone 16 is slightly lighter at 170 g compared to 187 g for the iPhone 12 Pro, which may feel more comfortable for extended use.
Network and SIM
Both phones support 5G networks and offer a physical SIM plus eSIM option, fitting a variety of carrier preferences.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 Pro or iPhone 16: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 Pro if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £274.51, £303.14 less than the iPhone 16
Buy the iPhone 16 if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3561 mAh vs 2815 mAh)
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
What our customers say
Customers buying the iPhone 12 Pro note it looks and works like new, with many praising its solid battery life and condition. Several mention the phone runs smoothly and feels reliable for everyday use, with battery health often near or at 100%. Users appreciate the phone's good condition even when choosing lower grades, and many report satisfaction with the screen and camera for typical needs.
The iPhone 16 receives high praise for looking like new and working perfectly, with battery health frequently at 100%. Customers highlight the phone's excellent condition and smooth performance, with some saying it feels like a brand new device. Its battery life is noted as strong, supporting long days without worry. The camera and overall quality also receive positive comments, making it popular for those wanting the latest iOS experience.
Both phones suit different users well. The iPhone 12 Pro fits those who want a dependable phone with versatile cameras and solid performance. The iPhone 16 is ideal for buyers seeking a model with enhanced battery, more memory, and higher resolution photos.
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 16 FAQs
iPhone 12 Pro vs 16 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12 Pro, Apple A18 (3 nm) on the iPhone 16. The iPhone 16 has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
The iPhone 12 Pro is cheaper refurbished, from £274.51 compared with £577.65 for the iPhone 16.
The iPhone 16 has a bigger battery: 3561 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
The iPhone 16 has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 12 Pro 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 bigger battery (3561 mAh vs 2815 mAh) and a higher-resolution main camera (48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels). Refurbished, it costs £303.14 more (from £577.65 vs £274.51).
Both come in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB refurbished.
