iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 16 Plus
Shop iPhone
iPhone 12 Pro
Starting at
£274.51£879.00 new
iPhone 16 Plus
Starting at
£588.00£799.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 16 Plus?
iPhone 12 Pro vs 16 Plus comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 12 Pro starts at £274.51, £313.49 less than the iPhone 16 Plus. The iPhone 16 Plus is the newer model, released in 2024.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Main camera
- Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12 Pro, 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 2815 mAh.
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 16 Plus specs
The iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 16 Plus differ in several key areas that suit different needs. The iPhone 16 Plus offers a larger screen and higher resolution, making it better for watching videos or browsing with more space. It has a bigger battery and more RAM, which helps with longer use and keeping multiple apps active. The iPhone 12 Pro uses a Lightning connector, while the iPhone 16 Plus has USB-C. Camera-wise, the iPhone 16 Plus provides a higher resolution main camera for more detailed photos. The iPhone 12 Pro suits those wanting a compact device with solid performance and good battery life, while the iPhone 16 Plus is suited to users who prefer a larger screen and extra power for demanding tasks.
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 16 Plus price
Colour
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 16 Plus battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and physical form.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 12 Pro has a 2815 mAh battery, which is suitable for typical daily use. The iPhone 16 Plus features a larger 4674 mAh battery, providing longer usage time between charges. If your priority is extended battery life for heavy daily use, the iPhone 16 Plus may suit you better.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 16 Plus performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options. The iPhone 16 Plus offers more memory and a newer chipset, which supports multitasking and demanding apps well.
Chipset Generation
The iPhone 12 Pro uses the Apple A14 Bionic chipset built on a 5 nm process, while the iPhone 16 Plus runs on the Apple A18 chipset with a 3 nm process. The newer chipset in the iPhone 16 Plus supports faster processing and efficiency for intensive tasks.
Memory Capacity
The iPhone 12 Pro has 6 GB of RAM, which handles most everyday apps smoothly. The iPhone 16 Plus comes with 8 GB of RAM, helping keep more apps open simultaneously and supporting more demanding applications.
Storage Options
Both models are available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage options. This range allows you to choose the amount of space that fits your needs for apps, photos, and media.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 16 Plus screen
Screen quality is about size, resolution, and refresh rate. Both use Super Retina XDR OLED screens, but vary in size and resolution.
Screen Size
The iPhone 12 Pro has a 6.1 inch screen, which is comfortable for one-handed use and fits easily in pockets. The iPhone 16 Plus offers a larger 6.7 inch screen, providing more room for videos, gaming, and browsing.
Resolution
The iPhone 12 Pro has a resolution of 1170 by 2532 pixels, giving a sharp and clear display. The iPhone 16 Plus increases this to 1290 by 2796 pixels, enhancing detail and clarity, which benefits users who enjoy high-definition content.
Refresh Rate
Both phones have a 60 Hz refresh rate, delivering smooth animations and scrolling suitable for everyday use.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 16 Plus camera
The audiovisual section covers cameras where the two models differ clearly, especially in the main camera.
Main Camera Detail
The iPhone 12 Pro has a 12 megapixel main camera which captures good quality photos. The iPhone 16 Plus features a significantly higher 48 megapixel main camera, which can capture more detail and finer textures, ideal for photography enthusiasts or those wanting sharper images.
Front Camera Quality
Both phones have a 12 megapixel front camera, ensuring clear selfies and good video call quality for users of either model.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 16 Plus size and design
Miscellaneous features include physical dimensions, connectivity, and network compatibility, which can influence comfort and convenience.
Connector Type
The iPhone 12 Pro uses a Lightning connector, familiar for many Apple users.
Physical Size and Weight
The iPhone 12 Pro is smaller and lighter at 146.7 mm height, 71.5 mm width, 7.4 mm depth, and 187 g weight, suiting those who prefer a compact device. The iPhone 16 Plus is larger and heavier at 160.9 mm height, 77.8 mm width, 7.8 mm depth, and 199 g weight, which may feel more substantial in hand.
Network and SIM
Both phones support 5G networks and offer a combination of physical SIM and eSIM options, providing flexible connectivity choices.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 Pro or iPhone 16 Plus: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 Pro if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £274.51, £313.49 less than the iPhone 16 Plus
- you want a lighter build (189 g vs 199 g)
Buy the iPhone 16 Plus if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4674 mAh vs 2815 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 6.1 inch)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the iPhone 12 Pro appreciate its condition and reliability. Many note that it looks and works like new, with battery health often near 100 percent or solid for daily use. Reviews mention smooth performance and good battery life, with some upgrading from older models to enjoy newer iOS versions and more storage. The iPhone 12 Pro is popular among those who want a dependable, compact phone with consistent quality.
The iPhone 16 Plus receives praise for its like-new condition and excellent battery life, with some customers highlighting the phone lasting twice as long as previous devices. Several mention the phone feeling brand new, including very low charge cycles. Some customers report issues with condition or software updates needing extra steps. Overall, the iPhone 16 Plus suits users seeking a larger, more powerful device with strong battery performance.
Both phones attract buyers who value refurbished quality. The iPhone 12 Pro fits those wanting a smaller, reliable iOS experience, while the iPhone 16 Plus is for people who prefer a larger screen and more memory to handle demanding tasks.
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 16 Plus FAQs
iPhone 12 Pro vs 16 Plus comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12 Pro, Apple A18 on the iPhone 16 Plus. The iPhone 16 Plus has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
The iPhone 12 Pro is cheaper refurbished, from £274.51 compared with £588 for the iPhone 16 Plus.
The iPhone 16 Plus has a bigger battery: 4674 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
The iPhone 16 Plus 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 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 2815 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 6.1 inch). Refurbished, it costs £313.49 more (from £588 vs £274.51).
Both come in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB refurbished.
