iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone SE (2016)
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iPhone 12 Pro
Starting at
£274.51£879.00 new
iPhone SE (2016)
Starting at
£192.40What's the difference between the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone SE (2016)?
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone SE (2016) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone SE (2016) starts at £192.40, £82.11 less than the iPhone 12 Pro. The iPhone 12 Pro is the newer model, released in 2020.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12 Pro, Apple A9 (14 nm) on the iPhone SE (2016).
- The iPhone 12 Pro has more RAM: 6 GB vs 2 GB.
- The iPhone 12 Pro has a bigger battery: 2815 mAh vs 1624 mAh.
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone SE (2016) specs
The iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone SE (2016) differ significantly in features and capacity, suiting different types of users. The iPhone 12 Pro offers a larger screen with a higher resolution and OLED display, more RAM, a more advanced chipset, and support for 5G networks. The iPhone SE (2016) has a smaller screen and fewer cameras but includes a 3.5mm headphone jack and a lighter, more compact body. It is a good choice for everyday use in a compact size and is suitable if you prefer a lower priced option or need basic smartphone functions. The iPhone 12 Pro suits those who want more power, screen space, and features for demanding apps and media.
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone SE (2016) price
Colour
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone SE (2016) battery life and software updates
Battery capacity, software updates, and build dimensions affect how long a device lasts day to day and over time. The iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone SE (2016) differ in these areas, which affects usability and longevity.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 12 Pro has a 2815 mAh battery which offers more energy storage than the iPhone SE (2016) with its 1624 mAh battery. This means the iPhone 12 Pro can support longer usage between charges, making it better for users who rely on their phone for extended periods without access to charging.
Size and Weight
The iPhone 12 Pro measures 146.7 mm in height, 71.5 mm in width, and weighs 187 g, making it larger and heavier. The iPhone SE (2016) is smaller at 123.8 mm tall, 58.6 mm wide, and weighs 113 g, making it more pocket-friendly and easier to handle for those preferring a compact device.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone SE (2016) performance
Processing power and memory affect how smoothly apps run and how much multitasking you can do. Storage options also influence how much content you can keep on your phone.
Chipset and RAM
The iPhone 12 Pro has an Apple A14 Bionic chipset built on a 5 nm process and 6 GB of RAM, delivering strong performance for demanding apps and multitasking. The iPhone SE (2016) features an Apple A9 chipset on a 14 nm process with 2 GB RAM, suited to everyday use and lighter app workloads.
Storage Capacity
The iPhone 12 Pro comes in storage options of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, offering ample space for apps, photos, and media. The iPhone SE (2016) comes with 64GB storage, which suits users with lighter storage needs or those who prefer to use cloud services.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone SE (2016) screen
Screen size, resolution, and type influence your viewing experience for video, games, and daily use. These two iPhones differ considerably in these areas.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 12 Pro has a 6.1 inch screen with 1170 x 2532 resolution, providing more space and sharper detail for media and multitasking. The iPhone SE (2016) has a smaller 4 inch screen with 640 x 1136 resolution, which suits users who prefer a compact device and simpler display for basic tasks.
Screen Type
The iPhone 12 Pro features a Super Retina XDR OLED screen, offering vibrant colours and deep blacks, enhancing video and photo viewing. The iPhone SE (2016) uses an IPS LCD screen, which delivers clear and accurate colours and is well suited to everyday use.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone SE (2016) camera
Camera capabilities and front camera resolution affect how well you can capture photos and video. These devices have different camera setups to suit different photography needs.
Camera Setup
The iPhone 12 Pro includes a triple main camera system, providing versatility for different photo styles such as wide and telephoto shots. The iPhone SE (2016) has a single main camera, which works well for straightforward photo needs.
Front Camera Resolution
The iPhone 12 Pro offers a 12 megapixel front camera, suitable for detailed selfies and video calls. The iPhone SE (2016) has a 1.2 megapixel front camera, which meets basic video and selfie requirements.
Main Camera Megapixels
Both devices have a 12 megapixel main camera, supporting quality photo capture for everyday use.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone SE (2016) size and design
Other features like network support, ports, and physical design can affect how and where you use your phone. These differ between the two devices.
Mobile Network and SIM Options
The iPhone 12 Pro supports 5G networks and accepts both a physical SIM and eSIM, giving more flexibility for network choices. The iPhone SE (2016) supports 4G and uses a physical SIM only, working well for users whose mobile needs fit these networks.
Connector Types
The iPhone 12 Pro uses a Lightning connector for charging and accessories. The iPhone SE (2016) also uses Lightning but includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, which suits users who prefer wired headphones without an adapter.
Device Dimensions and Weight
The iPhone 12 Pro is larger and heavier at 7.4 mm depth and 187 g weight, offering a substantial feel. The iPhone SE (2016) is slightly thicker at 7.6 mm but lighter at 113 g, ideal for those wanting a more compact and lighter phone.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 Pro or iPhone SE (2016): which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 Pro if
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (2815 mAh vs 1624 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.1 inch vs 4 inch)
Buy the iPhone SE (2016) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £192.40, £82.11 less than the iPhone 12 Pro
- you want a lighter build (113 g vs 189 g)
- you want a headphone jack
What our customers say
Customers of the iPhone 12 Pro often say the device looks and works like new, with battery life holding up well and performance running smoothly. Many appreciate the solid condition, reliable quality, and the larger screen size. Users upgrading from older models find the newer iOS compatibility and additional storage useful. The phone suits those who want a more modern experience with good battery health and a screen that is spacious for media and apps.
For the iPhone SE (2016), customers find it a good value for everyday use, especially appreciating its compact size and simplicity. The battery life is reported as solid for typical daily tasks, with some mentioning it can last all day. The device suits users who prefer a smaller phone or want a lower priced option that still performs well for basic smartphone needs. Some users find the screen size and features appropriate for straightforward use.
Overall, the iPhone 12 Pro suits those who value more power, screen space, and features, while the iPhone SE (2016) fits those looking for a simpler, more compact phone with enough performance for everyday tasks.
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone SE (2016) FAQs
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone SE (2016) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12 Pro, Apple A9 (14 nm) on the iPhone SE (2016). The iPhone 12 Pro has more RAM: 6 GB vs 2 GB.
The iPhone SE (2016) is cheaper refurbished, from £192.40 compared with £274.51 for the iPhone 12 Pro.
The iPhone 12 Pro has a bigger battery: 2815 mAh vs 1624 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 12 Pro is still supported and can run iOS 27. Updates for the iPhone SE (2016) ended in Mar 2025. Its last version is iOS 15.
The iPhone 12 Pro adds more RAM (6 GB vs 2 GB), a bigger battery (2815 mAh vs 1624 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.1 inch vs 4 inch). Refurbished, it costs £82.11 more (from £274.51 vs £192.40).
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 Pro comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone SE (2016) in 64GB.
