iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 17
Shop iPhone
iPhone 12 Pro
Starting at
£274.51£879.00 new
iPhone 17
Starting at
£713.34£799.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 17?
iPhone 12 Pro vs 17 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 12 Pro starts at £274.51, £438.83 less than the iPhone 17. The iPhone 17 is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12 Pro, Apple A19 on the iPhone 17.
- The iPhone 17 has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
- The iPhone 17 has a bigger battery: 3692 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 17 specs
The iPhone 17 has a larger battery and more RAM, which helps keep multiple apps running smoothly and supports longer use between charges. Its screen refreshes at 120 Hz for smoother motion and is slightly larger, while its cameras capture more detail with higher megapixel counts. The iPhone 12 Pro features a Lightning connector and a familiar screen resolution, suitable for everyday use and those who prefer a slightly smaller device. Both phones suit different needs: the iPhone 12 Pro fits well for users wanting a solid, reliable device with good screen and camera specs, while the iPhone 17 is better for those looking for more performance, a sharper display, and enhanced camera capabilities.
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 17 price
Colour
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 17 battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size, software support, and basic design features. Battery capacity varies notably between the two.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 12 Pro has a 2815 mAh battery, which suits typical daily use. The iPhone 17 offers a larger 3692 mAh battery, providing longer potential usage between charges. This makes the iPhone 17 a better option for users who prefer fewer charging sessions.
Operating System and Updates
This means you get access to new features and security patches on either phone, ensuring they remain current with Apple's ecosystem.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 17 performance
Performance differences focus on the chipset, RAM, and storage options stocked. These factors influence how smoothly apps run and how much storage is immediately available for files and apps.
Processor and RAM
The iPhone 12 Pro uses the Apple A14 Bionic chipset paired with 6 GB of RAM, suitable for smooth everyday use and multitasking. The iPhone 17 has the Apple A19 chipset and 8 GB of RAM, which supports keeping more apps open simultaneously and may handle demanding tasks more comfortably.
Storage Options
The iPhone 12 Pro is available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage sizes, giving a wider choice for those wanting more affordable or larger storage. The iPhone 17 is stocked with 256GB and 512GB options, which suits users who want more space for apps, photos, and videos right from the start.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 17 screen
Screen quality differences affect how smooth motion appears, how much space you have for viewing content, and screen resolution clarity.
Refresh Rate
The iPhone 12 Pro has a 60 Hz refresh rate, which is standard for smooth video and app usage. The iPhone 17 doubles that to 120 Hz, making scrolling and animations feel smoother and more responsive, which benefits users who appreciate fluid visuals.
Screen Size and Resolution
With a 6.1 inch screen, the iPhone 12 Pro offers a compact display that is easy to handle with one hand. Its resolution is 1170 by 2532 pixels, providing sharp images. The iPhone 17 has a slightly larger 6.3 inch screen and a resolution of 2622 by 1206 pixels, giving you a bigger and very detailed viewing area, ideal for watching videos and multitasking.
Screen Type
The iPhone 12 Pro features a Super Retina XDR OLED screen, known for vivid colours and deep blacks. The iPhone 17 uses Super Retina XDR technology, which also delivers excellent image quality and brightness for clear viewing in various lighting.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 17 camera
Audiovisual specs focus on the cameras, which affect photo and video detail and quality.
Front Camera
The iPhone 12 Pro has a 12 megapixel front camera, suitable for high quality selfies and video calls. The iPhone 17 increases this to 18 megapixels, capturing finer detail and offering sharper images for those who prioritise front-facing camera quality.
Main Camera
The main camera on the iPhone 12 Pro has 12 megapixels, delivering clear photos for everyday photography. The iPhone 17's main camera has 48 megapixels, allowing for photos with higher detail and more versatility in cropping or enlarging images.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 17 size and design
Miscellaneous features include physical dimensions, connectors, and network compatibility, which influence device handling and connectivity.
Connector Type
The iPhone 12 Pro uses a Lightning connector, compatible with many current accessories. The iPhone 17 switches to USB-C, which is widely adopted and may offer easier cable sharing with other devices.
Dimensions and Weight
The iPhone 12 Pro measures 146.7 mm in height, 71.5 mm in width, and 7.4 mm in depth, weighing 187 g. The iPhone 17 is slightly taller at 14.96 cm, wider at 71.5 mm, and deeper at 0.8 cm, but weighs less at 177 g. The iPhone 17's lighter weight might appeal if you prefer a lighter phone despite its larger size.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 Pro or iPhone 17: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 Pro if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £274.51, £438.83 less than the iPhone 17
- you want an OLED screen
Buy the iPhone 17 if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3692 mAh vs 2815 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.3 inch vs 6.1 inch)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the iPhone 12 Pro often mention its excellent condition and reliable battery life. Many say the phone looks and works like new, with battery health frequently noted as a positive factor. Users appreciate the smooth performance and the solid value it offers, especially for those upgrading from older iPhones or looking for a dependable device with good storage options. The 12 Pro is praised for ease of setup and consistent operation, making it a popular choice for everyday use.
Those who bought the iPhone 17 highlight its like-new condition and full battery health. Several customers mention the phone looks almost new or perfect, with zero signs of use. The device's performance and screen quality receive positive comments, with many appreciating the upgrade from earlier models. The iPhone 17 meets expectations for users wanting a premium experience with larger storage options and enhanced camera capabilities. It suits those who want a newer device with strong performance and a sharp, smooth display.
Overall, the iPhone 12 Pro suits buyers seeking a reliable, well-rounded phone with solid battery and storage variety. The iPhone 17 appeals to those wanting more power, a bigger and smoother screen, and higher resolution cameras for detailed photos and videos.
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone 17 FAQs
iPhone 12 Pro vs 17 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12 Pro, Apple A19 on the iPhone 17. The iPhone 17 has more RAM: 8 GB vs 6 GB.
The iPhone 12 Pro is cheaper refurbished, from £274.51 compared with £713.34 for the iPhone 17.
The iPhone 17 has a bigger battery: 3692 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
The iPhone 17 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 17 is still supported and can run iOS 27.
The iPhone 17 adds more RAM (8 GB vs 6 GB), a bigger battery (3692 mAh vs 2815 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.3 inch vs 6.1 inch). Refurbished, it costs £438.83 more (from £713.34 vs £274.51).
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 Pro comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone 17 in 256GB and 512GB.
