iPhone 12 vs iPhone 15
Shop iPhone
iPhone 12
Starting at
£170.00£649.00 new
iPhone 15
Starting at
£416.19£699.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 and iPhone 15?
iPhone 12 vs 15 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 12 starts at £170, £246.19 less than the iPhone 15. The iPhone 15 is the newer model, released in 2023.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Main camera
Weight
- Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12, Apple A16 Bionic on the iPhone 15.
- The iPhone 15 has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
- The iPhone 15 has a bigger battery: 3349 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 15 specs
The iPhone 12 and iPhone 15 both run iOS and share a 6.1 inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen with similar resolution and refresh rate, making them comfortable for everyday use and media. The iPhone 15 offers a larger battery and more RAM, which suits users who want longer use between charges and smoother multitasking. Photography is a key difference: the iPhone 15 has a 48 megapixel main camera that captures more detail, while the iPhone 12 has a 12 megapixel camera. The iPhone 15 uses a USB-C connector and offers larger storage options, appealing to those who need more space and modern charging. Buyers choosing between them should consider if they want the extra performance, camera detail and battery life of the iPhone 15, or if the iPhone 12 fits needs for everyday use with a simpler storage range and Lightning connector.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 15 price
Colour
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 15 battery life and software updates
Battery capacity and software updates are key durability factors that differ between the iPhone 12 and iPhone 15.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 15 has a 3349 mAh battery, which provides more capacity than the iPhone 12's 2815 mAh. This suits users who want longer battery life between charges, such as those often away from power sources. The iPhone 12's battery still supports everyday use well but may require more frequent charging during heavy use or long days.
Software Updates
This means either device will stay up to date with Apple's software enhancements for everyday use.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 15 performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options. The iPhone 15 offers higher RAM and larger storage capacities, which support more demanding tasks and storage needs.
Chipset
The iPhone 12 runs on the Apple A14 Bionic chipset, while the iPhone 15 features the Apple A16 Bionic. Users who run intensive apps or multitask frequently may notice smoother performance on the iPhone 15, while the iPhone 12 handles everyday tasks effectively.
RAM
With 6 GB of RAM, the iPhone 15 keeps more apps active simultaneously compared to the iPhone 12's 4 GB. This benefits users who switch between apps often or use memory-heavy applications.
Storage Options
The iPhone 12 is stocked with 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB storage options, offering choices for everyday users. The iPhone 15 starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB, which is suitable for those who need more space for photos, videos, and apps.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 15 screen
Both phones have a 6.1 inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen with a 60 Hz refresh rate. Resolution differences are minor but may slightly affect image sharpness.
Resolution
The iPhone 15 has a resolution of 1179 x 2556 pixels, a bit higher than the iPhone 12's 1170 x 2532. This small difference offers a marginally sharper image, which may be appreciated by users who watch high-resolution videos or use their phone for detailed viewing.
Screen Size and Type
Both phones have the same 6.1 inch screen size and Super Retina XDR OLED technology, providing vibrant colours and deep blacks. This makes either device suitable for watching videos, gaming, or browsing.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 15 camera
Camera specifications show a clear difference in the main camera, while front cameras remain the same, affecting photography and video calls.
Main Camera
The iPhone 15 features a 48 megapixel main camera, which captures more detail than the iPhone 12's 12 megapixel camera. This is ideal for users who want high-resolution photos and more clarity in their images.
Front Camera
Both the iPhone 12 and iPhone 15 have a 12 megapixel front camera, making them equally suited for selfies and video calls.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 15 size and design
Other differences include the connector type, physical dimensions, and storage sizes, which may influence charging accessories and device handling.
Connector Type
The iPhone 12 uses a Lightning connector, while the iPhone 15 has a USB-C connector. Users who prefer USB-C for charging or data transfer may find the iPhone 15 more convenient, especially if they already use USB-C devices.
Device Size and Weight
The iPhone 12 measures 146.7 mm in height and 7.4 mm in depth, weighing 164 g. The iPhone 15 is 147.6 mm in height and 7.8 mm in depth, with a weight of 171 g. These differences are small but may be noticed by users sensitive to phone size and weight.
Storage Capacities
Storage options stocked for the iPhone 15 include 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, offering higher capacity choices than the iPhone 12's 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB. This suits users who store many files, apps, or media.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 or iPhone 15: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £170, £246.19 less than the iPhone 15
- you want a lighter build (162 g vs 171 g)
Buy the iPhone 15 if
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3349 mAh vs 2815 mAh)
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
What our customers say
Customers who choose the iPhone 12 often highlight how well the phone performs in everyday tasks. Many say it looks like new, with clean screens and frames and batteries that feel fresh after replacement. They appreciate that the A14 Bionic chip runs smoothly for apps and multitasking, and the phone handles social media and photo editing with ease. Users mention that the device feels like a premium phone at a fair price with reliable performance and good condition even when refurbished.
For the iPhone 15, customers note that even fair condition models look almost brand new with very good battery life. They praise the phone's responsiveness and picture quality, especially the improved main camera. Many users report the battery lasts a long time and the phone works perfectly after setup. Several mention that the device appears in excellent condition with high battery health and no visible wear.
Both devices suit different needs: the iPhone 12 is well suited for everyday use with solid performance and a good price point. The iPhone 15 appeals to those wanting a larger battery, more storage, and higher camera resolution for photography or multitasking.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 15 FAQs
iPhone 12 vs 15 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12, Apple A16 Bionic on the iPhone 15. The iPhone 15 has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone 12 is cheaper refurbished, from £170 compared with £416.19 for the iPhone 15.
The iPhone 15 has a bigger battery: 3349 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
The iPhone 15 has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 12 is still supported and can run iOS 27. The iPhone 15 is still supported and can run iOS 27.
The iPhone 15 adds more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB), a bigger battery (3349 mAh vs 2815 mAh) and a higher-resolution main camera (48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels). Refurbished, it costs £246.19 more (from £416.19 vs £170).
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 comes in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB, and the iPhone 15 in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.
