iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro
Shop iPhone
iPhone 12 Pro
Starting at
£274.51£879.00 new
iPhone 16 Pro
Starting at
£737.50£999.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro?
iPhone 12 Pro vs 16 Pro comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 12 Pro starts at £274.51, £462.99 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 (5 nm) on the iPhone 12 Pro, Apple A18 Pro on the iPhone 16 Pro.
- The iPhone 16 Pro has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
- The iPhone 16 Pro has a bigger battery: 3582 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro specs
The iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro offer different experiences suited to different needs. The iPhone 16 Pro provides a larger, smoother screen with a higher refresh rate and an advanced camera system that captures more detail. It also has a bigger battery and more RAM, which supports smoother multitasking and longer use between charges. The iPhone 12 Pro is a solid choice if you want a device with a familiar screen size, a good battery, and a simpler connector type.
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro price
Colour
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software support, and physical design.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 16 Pro has a larger battery at 3582 mAh compared to the iPhone 12 Pro's 2815 mAh. This means the iPhone 16 Pro can support longer usage before needing a recharge, which suits users who are often on the move or use power-intensive apps.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro performance
Performance depends on chipset power, memory, and storage options. Both devices offer multiple storage sizes, but the iPhone 16 Pro includes a higher 1TB option.
Processor Chipset
The iPhone 12 Pro uses the Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) chip, while the iPhone 16 Pro is equipped with the Apple A18 Pro. The newer chipset in the iPhone 16 Pro handles more demanding tasks smoothly and efficiently, making it suitable for users who run intensive apps or multitask frequently.
Memory Capacity
With 8 GB of RAM, the iPhone 16 Pro can keep more apps active and switch between them quickly. The iPhone 12 Pro has 6 GB of RAM, which works well for everyday apps and moderate multitasking.
Storage Options
Both phones offer 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage options. The iPhone 16 Pro adds a 1TB option, making it better suited for users who store large amounts of media or apps.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro screen
Screen quality affects how content looks and feels during use. Differences here include screen size, refresh rate, resolution, and screen technology.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 16 Pro has a slightly larger 6.3 inch screen compared to the 6.1 inch display on the iPhone 12 Pro. It also offers a higher resolution of 1206 x 2622 pixels versus 1170 x 2532 pixels, providing a bit more space and detail for videos, games, and reading.
Refresh Rate
The iPhone 16 Pro features a 120 Hz refresh rate, which makes scrolling and animations appear smoother. The iPhone 12 Pro has a 60 Hz refresh rate, suitable for everyday use but less fluid in motion.
Screen Technology
The iPhone 12 Pro uses a Super Retina XDR OLED screen, while the iPhone 16 Pro has an LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED. The LTPO technology in the iPhone 16 Pro can adjust refresh rates dynamically, which may help with battery life and screen responsiveness.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro camera
Camera capabilities are important for capturing photos and videos. Both phones offer the same front camera resolution but differ significantly in their main cameras.
Front Camera
Both iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro have a 12 megapixel front camera, making them equally suited for selfies and video calls.
Main Camera
The iPhone 16 Pro has a 48 megapixel main camera, compared to the 12 megapixel main camera on the iPhone 12 Pro. This higher megapixel count allows the iPhone 16 Pro to capture images with more detail, appealing to photography enthusiasts or those wanting high-resolution photos.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro size and design
Other differences include connectors, dimensions, weight, and storage compatibility, which affect daily handling and accessory use.
Connector Type
USB-C supports faster data transfer and wider compatibility with modern accessories, which benefits users who transfer large files or use universal chargers.
Physical Dimensions and Weight
The iPhone 16 Pro measures 149.6 mm in height, 71.5 mm in width, and 8.3 mm in depth, weighing 199 g. The iPhone 12 Pro is slightly smaller and lighter with dimensions of 146.7 mm height, 71.5 mm width, and 7.4 mm depth, weighing 187 g. The 16 Pro's size and weight may suit those who prefer a larger handset, while the 12 Pro fits users wanting a more compact device.
SIM and Network
Both phones support 5G networks and offer Physical SIM plus eSIM options, providing flexible carrier compatibility.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 Pro or iPhone 16 Pro: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 Pro if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £274.51, £462.99 less than the iPhone 16 Pro
- you want a lighter build (189 g vs 199 g)
Buy the iPhone 16 Pro if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3582 mAh vs 2815 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.3 inch vs 6.1 inch)
What our customers say
Customers say the iPhone 12 Pro looks and works like new, with many praising its solid battery life and reliable performance. Reviews highlight good condition, smooth operation, and satisfaction with the phone's appearance. Users find it a great value for everyday use, noting that battery health is generally good and that the device handles iOS updates well. The screen quality and overall experience meet expectations for those seeking a dependable device with familiar features.
For the iPhone 16 Pro, customers frequently mention excellent or premium condition, praising the near-new appearance and strong battery health. Many note the improved screen and camera quality, especially appreciating the higher resolution main camera. Some mention the phone feels faster and handles multitasking well. While a few have experienced issues, most buyers are pleased with the phone's condition and performance, considering it a worthwhile upgrade. The iPhone 16 Pro suits users wanting the latest iOS version, a larger screen, and enhanced camera capabilities.
The iPhone 12 Pro fits buyers looking for a solid, reliable phone with a good balance of features and size. The iPhone 16 Pro is suited to those who want a larger display, smoother visuals, and higher resolution photography, along with more memory and storage options.
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro FAQs
iPhone 12 Pro vs 16 Pro comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12 Pro, Apple A18 Pro on the iPhone 16 Pro. The iPhone 16 Pro has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
The iPhone 12 Pro is cheaper refurbished, from £274.51 compared with £737.50 for the iPhone 16 Pro.
The iPhone 16 Pro has a bigger battery: 3582 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
The iPhone 16 Pro 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 Pro is still supported and can run iOS 27.
The iPhone 16 Pro adds more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB), a bigger battery (3582 mAh vs 2815 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.3 inch vs 6.1 inch). Refurbished, it costs £462.99 more (from £737.50 vs £274.51).
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 Pro comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone 16 Pro in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
