iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro Max
Shop iPhone
iPhone 12 Pro
Starting at
£274.51£879.00 new
iPhone 16 Pro Max
Starting at
£840.13£1,399.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max?
iPhone 12 Pro vs 16 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 12 Pro starts at £274.51, £565.62 less than the iPhone 16 Pro Max. The iPhone 16 Pro Max 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 Max.
- The iPhone 16 Pro Max has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
- The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 4685 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro Max specs
The iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max differ in size, screen quality, camera resolution, battery capacity, and storage options. The iPhone 12 Pro suits those who prefer a more compact device with a solid battery and a familiar Lightning connector. The iPhone 16 Pro Max offers a larger 6.9 inch screen with a higher refresh rate and resolution, plus a more detailed 48 megapixel main camera and a bigger battery, making it ideal for users who want a premium viewing experience and longer use between charges. Storage options on the iPhone 16 Pro Max go up to 1TB, while the iPhone 12 Pro offers up to 512GB.
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro Max price
Colour
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro Max battery life and software updates
Durability includes battery capacity, software updates, and physical design elements that affect how long the phone lasts in daily use.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a 4685 mAh battery, which is considerably larger than the iPhone 12 Pro's 2815 mAh. This means the iPhone 16 Pro Max can provide longer battery life between charges, which is beneficial for heavy users or those who spend extended periods away from power sources. The iPhone 12 Pro's battery suits everyday users who are comfortable charging more frequently.
Operating System
The iPhone 16 Pro Max comes with the latest version of Apple's operating system.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro Max performance
Performance covers the chipset, RAM, and storage options, which affect how smoothly the phone runs apps and handles multitasking and storage needs.
Chipset and RAM
The iPhone 16 Pro Max features the Apple A18 Pro chipset and 8 GB of RAM, which supports keeping more apps open and running smoothly during multitasking. The iPhone 12 Pro uses the Apple A14 Bionic chipset with 6 GB of RAM, suitable for everyday use and general app performance but with less multitasking capacity compared to the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Storage Options
Storage options for the iPhone 12 Pro range from 128 GB to 512 GB, providing solid space for apps, photos, and files for most users. The iPhone 16 Pro Max starts at 256 GB and goes up to 1 TB, offering more room for users who store large amounts of data such as high-resolution videos or extensive app libraries.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro Max screen
Screen quality impacts how you experience videos, games, and everyday use. Differences in size, resolution, refresh rate, and screen technology affect clarity, smoothness, and viewing comfort.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a larger 6.9 inch screen with a resolution of 1320 by 2868 pixels, offering more viewing space and sharper images. The iPhone 12 Pro has a 6.1 inch screen at 1170 by 2532 pixels, which is more compact and easier to handle for one-handed use.
Refresh Rate
The iPhone 16 Pro Max supports a 120 Hz refresh rate, making animations and scrolling feel much smoother, especially noticeable when gaming or navigating the interface. The iPhone 12 Pro has a 60 Hz refresh rate, which is standard and suits casual or everyday use without the same level of fluidity.
Screen Type
The iPhone 16 Pro Max uses an LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED screen, which can offer better power efficiency and variable refresh rates. The iPhone 12 Pro has a Super Retina XDR OLED screen, providing vibrant colours and deep blacks suitable for most viewing needs.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro Max camera
Audiovisual features include camera configurations and megapixels, which affect photo and video quality for capturing details and clarity.
Main Camera Resolution
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a 48 megapixel main camera, which captures more detail and allows for higher resolution photos compared to the iPhone 12 Pro's 12 megapixel main camera. Users interested in photography or detailed images will find the iPhone 16 Pro Max better suited to their needs.
Front Camera
Both phones have a 12 megapixel front camera, providing good quality selfies and video calls for users of either device.
Camera Setup
Each phone comes with a triple camera setup on the rear. This arrangement offers versatility for different shooting modes and perspectives without specifying differences in lens capabilities.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro Max size and design
Miscellaneous features include aspects like connectors, SIM options, physical dimensions, and weight that influence everyday convenience and compatibility.
Connector Type
The iPhone 12 Pro uses a Lightning connector, which is common in many Apple devices and accessories.
SIM Card Compatibility
The iPhone 12 Pro supports both a physical SIM and eSIM, providing flexibility for users who want a physical SIM card or dual SIM options. The iPhone 16 Pro Max uses eSIM only, which is fully digital and suits users comfortable with this setup.
Physical Size and Weight
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is larger and heavier, measuring 163 mm tall, 77.6 mm wide, and weighing 227 g, compared to the iPhone 12 Pro at 146.7 mm tall, 71.5 mm wide, and 187 g. Users who prefer a more compact and lighter phone may favour the iPhone 12 Pro, while those who want a bigger screen and don't mind extra weight may lean towards the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 Pro or iPhone 16 Pro Max: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 Pro if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £274.51, £565.62 less than the iPhone 16 Pro Max
- you want a lighter build (189 g vs 227 g)
Buy the iPhone 16 Pro Max if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4685 mAh vs 2815 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 6.1 inch)
What our customers say
Customers say the iPhone 12 Pro looks and works like new, often praising its solid battery life and smooth performance. Many appreciate the reliable condition of refurbished units, highlighting that the battery health is generally very good and the device runs apps without issues. The size and feel suit those who want a capable phone without a very large display. Reviewers also mention the ease of setup and consistent quality, making it a good choice for those upgrading from older phones or who want a familiar iOS experience.
For the iPhone 16 Pro Max, customers highlight the near-new condition of the device, with battery health often at or near 100 percent. The larger screen and smooth, responsive touchscreen receive strong praise. Users note the premium feel and excellent camera quality, along with reliable performance. The USB-C connector and eSIM-only setup are mentioned without issue, and the phone's size and weight feel suitable for those who want a more immersive display and longer battery life.
Overall, the iPhone 12 Pro suits buyers looking for a compact, reliable iPhone with solid battery and performance for everyday use, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max appeals to those who prioritise a larger screen, higher camera resolution, and extended battery capacity.
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro Max FAQs
iPhone 12 Pro vs 16 Pro Max 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 Max. The iPhone 16 Pro Max has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
The iPhone 12 Pro is cheaper refurbished, from £274.51 compared with £840.13 for the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 4685 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max 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 Max is still supported and can run iOS 27.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max adds more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB), a bigger battery (4685 mAh vs 2815 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 6.1 inch). Refurbished, it costs £565.62 more (from £840.13 vs £274.51).
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 Pro comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
