iPhone 12 vs iPhone 15 Plus
Shop iPhone
iPhone 12
Starting at
£170.00£649.00 new
iPhone 15 Plus
Starting at
£439.65£799.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 and iPhone 15 Plus?
iPhone 12 vs 15 Plus comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 12 starts at £170, £269.65 less than the iPhone 15 Plus. The iPhone 15 Plus is the newer model, released in 2023.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Main camera
- Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12, Apple A16 Bionic on the iPhone 15 Plus.
- The iPhone 15 Plus has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
- The iPhone 15 Plus has a bigger battery: 4383 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 15 Plus specs
The iPhone 12 and iPhone 15 Plus both run iOS and support 5G, but they suit different users. The iPhone 12 is a solid choice if you want a smaller, lighter phone with a straightforward screen size and a battery suitable for everyday use. The iPhone 15 Plus offers a larger screen and a higher capacity battery for longer use without charging. Its more powerful Apple A16 Bionic chip and extra RAM support heavier multitasking and demanding apps. The iPhone 15 Plus also has a much higher resolution main camera for detailed photos and uses USB-C for charging. Storage options differ too, with the iPhone 15 Plus starting at 128GB and going up to 512GB, while the iPhone 12 offers 64GB to 256GB. Choose the iPhone 12 for a more compact and simpler experience or the iPhone 15 Plus for a roomier screen and enhanced performance.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 15 Plus price
Colour
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 15 Plus battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and physical build dimensions. These factors affect how long the phone runs on a charge, how current the software is, and how the device feels in your hand.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 12 has a 2815 mAh battery, which suits users who need a reliable battery for general daily use. The iPhone 15 Plus features a 4383 mAh battery, offering a longer runtime between charges, ideal for those who spend more time away from power sources or use their phone heavily throughout the day.
Physical Size and Weight
The iPhone 12 is smaller and lighter, measuring 146.7 mm in height, 71.5 mm in width, and weighing 164 g, making it easier to handle with one hand or fit in smaller pockets. The iPhone 15 Plus is taller and wider at 16.09 cm by 7.78 cm and weighs 201 g, which suits users who prefer a larger device and don't mind the extra heft.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 15 Plus performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options. These affect how smoothly apps run, how many can stay open at once, and how much space you have for files and apps.
Processor and RAM
The iPhone 12 runs on the Apple A14 Bionic chipset paired with 4 GB of RAM, which is well-suited for everyday tasks like social media, browsing, and photo editing. The iPhone 15 Plus uses the Apple A16 Bionic chipset and 6 GB of RAM, providing more power and memory for intensive multitasking, gaming, and demanding apps.
Storage Options
Available storage for the iPhone 12 ranges from 64GB to 256GB, fitting users with moderate storage needs. The iPhone 15 Plus offers 128GB up to 512GB, which is better for those who want extra room for large apps, photos, videos, or files without needing external storage.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 15 Plus screen
Screen quality is important for viewing comfort, image clarity, and usability. Consider screen size, resolution, and display type when choosing your device.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 12 has a 6.1 inch screen with a resolution of 1170 by 2532 pixels, which suits users who want a compact display that is still sharp and clear. The iPhone 15 Plus has a larger 6.7 inch screen and a higher resolution of 1290 by 2796 pixels, providing more room and finer detail for watching videos, gaming, and multitasking.
Display Technology and Refresh Rate
Both phones use Super Retina XDR OLED screens with a 60 Hz refresh rate. This means you get vivid colours and consistent smoothness on either device, with no difference in refresh speed.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 15 Plus camera
Audiovisual features include cameras that capture photos and video, which vary in resolution and detail between these models.
Main Camera Resolution
The iPhone 12 has a 12 megapixel main camera, suitable for everyday photography and casual use. The iPhone 15 Plus steps up to a 48 megapixel main camera, which captures more detail and suits users who want higher resolution photos or more cropping options.
Front Camera
Both devices share a 12 megapixel front camera, so selfies and video calls have the same resolution quality on either phone.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 15 Plus size and design
Other practical differences include charging connectors, network compatibility, and SIM options, which impact convenience and connectivity.
Charging Connector
The iPhone 12 uses a Lightning connector for charging and accessories, a familiar choice for many users. The iPhone 15 Plus has switched to USB-C, which may offer more compatibility with modern chargers and accessories.
SIM Card Options
Both the iPhone 12 and iPhone 15 Plus support a combination of physical SIM and eSIM, giving flexibility to use multiple carriers or plans.
Carrier Compatibility and Network
Both phones come unlocked and support 5G networks, so you can use them on a variety of carriers in the UK with fast mobile data.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 or iPhone 15 Plus: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £170, £269.65 less than the iPhone 15 Plus
- you want a lighter build (162 g vs 201 g)
Buy the iPhone 15 Plus if
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4383 mAh vs 2815 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 6.1 inch)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the iPhone 12 say it looks like new even when refurbished, with clean glass and no scratches. Many mention receiving phones with new batteries, which keeps them running smoothly throughout the day. Performance with the A14 Bionic chip is praised for handling everyday apps and multitasking without issues. Buyers appreciate the reasonable price and feel the phone has everything needed for daily use. The size and weight are mentioned as easy to handle, and the phones often come updated to the latest iOS version.
For the iPhone 15 Plus, customers highlight the larger screen and higher resolution camera as standout features. The phone is described as smooth in operation with the A16 Bionic chip and 6 GB RAM, supporting faster multitasking and demanding apps. The switch to USB-C is noted positively for charging convenience. Buyers report the phone looks almost new and the battery lasts all day, although some mention battery health percentages around 86%. The size and weight are noted as bigger and heavier, but appreciated for the roomier display.
Both devices suit different needs: the iPhone 12 is popular with those wanting a lighter, compact phone with reliable performance, while the iPhone 15 Plus appeals to users who want a larger screen, more powerful performance, and a higher resolution camera for photography.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 15 Plus FAQs
iPhone 12 vs 15 Plus 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 Plus. The iPhone 15 Plus has more RAM: 6 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone 12 is cheaper refurbished, from £170 compared with £439.65 for the iPhone 15 Plus.
The iPhone 15 Plus has a bigger battery: 4383 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
The iPhone 15 Plus 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 Plus is still supported and can run iOS 27.
The iPhone 15 Plus adds more RAM (6 GB vs 4 GB), a bigger battery (4383 mAh vs 2815 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 6.1 inch). Refurbished, it costs £269.65 more (from £439.65 vs £170).
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 comes in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB, and the iPhone 15 Plus in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.
