iPhone 12 vs iPhone 15 Pro
Shop iPhone
iPhone 12
Starting at
£170.00£649.00 new
iPhone 15 Pro
Starting at
£542.00£999.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 and iPhone 15 Pro?
iPhone 12 vs 15 Pro comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 12 starts at £170, £372 less than the iPhone 15 Pro. The iPhone 15 Pro is the newer model, released in 2023.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen type
Refresh rate
- Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12, Apple A17 Pro on the iPhone 15 Pro.
- The iPhone 15 Pro has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
- The iPhone 15 Pro has a bigger battery: 3274 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 15 Pro specs
The iPhone 12 and iPhone 15 Pro differ in several key areas that suit different types of users. The iPhone 12 offers reliable performance with 4 GB RAM and a 2815 mAh battery, making it suitable for everyday use. The iPhone 15 Pro provides more power with an Apple A17 Pro chip, 8 GB RAM, and a larger 3274 mAh battery, appealing to those who want higher performance and longer battery life. The iPhone 15 Pro also features a smoother 120 Hz LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED screen and a 48 megapixel main camera for sharper photos, while the iPhone 12 has a 60 Hz Super Retina XDR OLED screen and 12 megapixel cameras. The iPhone 15 Pro uses a USB-C connector and eSIM only, whereas the iPhone 12 has a Lightning connector and supports both a physical SIM and eSIM. Storage options for the iPhone 15 Pro go up to 1TB, offering more space for users with large storage needs.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 15 Pro price
Colour
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 15 Pro battery life and software updates
Battery capacity and software support affect how long a phone lasts between charges and over time.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 15 Pro has a larger battery at 3274 mAh compared to the iPhone 12's 2815 mAh. This means the iPhone 15 Pro can support longer use between charges, which benefits users who need extended battery life throughout the day.
Software Updates
This keeps both phones secure and up to date with new features, so users on either device can expect continued software support.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 15 Pro performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage, which affect how smoothly apps run and how much multitasking you can do.
Chipset Power
The iPhone 12 runs on the Apple A14 Bionic chip, while the iPhone 15 Pro uses the Apple A17 Pro. The chipset in the iPhone 15 Pro offers more processing power, which suits users who run demanding apps or want the smoothest experience.
Memory Size
The iPhone 15 Pro has 8 GB of RAM, double the 4 GB in the iPhone 12. More RAM helps keep more apps open simultaneously and improves multitasking, which benefits users who switch between many apps.
Storage Options
The iPhone 12 comes in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB options, fitting users with moderate storage needs. The iPhone 15 Pro offers larger storage choices up to 1TB, ideal for users who store lots of photos, videos, or apps.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 15 Pro screen
Screen quality affects how clear and smooth your display looks, important for media, gaming, and everyday use.
Refresh Rate
The iPhone 15 Pro screen refreshes at 120 Hz, twice the 60 Hz of the iPhone 12. This higher refresh rate makes animations and scrolling look smoother, which users who notice visual fluidity will appreciate.
Resolution and Size
Both phones have a 6.1 inch screen with very similar resolutions: 1170 x 2532 for the iPhone 12 and 1179 x 2556 for the iPhone 15 Pro. This means both provide detailed and sharp displays at the same size, suitable for watching videos and browsing.
Screen Type
The iPhone 12 uses a Super Retina XDR OLED screen, while the iPhone 15 Pro has an LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED panel. The LTPO technology in the iPhone 15 Pro supports the higher refresh rate and can improve power efficiency for the display.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 15 Pro camera
Camera quality is key for photography and video. Front cameras are the same on both phones but main cameras differ in detail capture.
Main Camera Resolution
The iPhone 15 Pro features a 48 megapixel main camera, which captures more detail than the 12 megapixel main camera on the iPhone 12. This suits users who want sharper and more detailed photos.
Front Camera
Both phones have a 12 megapixel front camera, offering the same quality for selfies and video calls.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 15 Pro size and design
Other differences include connectors, SIM types, physical dimensions, and network compatibility, which affect daily use and accessories.
Connector Type
USB-C offers faster data transfer and more universal compatibility with accessories.
SIM Card Options
The iPhone 12 supports both a physical SIM and eSIM, providing flexible network options. The iPhone 15 Pro uses eSIM only, which suits users comfortable with digital SIM management.
Dimensions and Weight
The iPhone 12 measures 146.7 mm tall, 71.5 mm wide, and 7.4 mm deep, weighing 164 g. The iPhone 15 Pro is very similar in size with a height of 146.6 mm, width of 70.6 mm, depth of 8.3 mm, and weighs 171 g. Both fit comfortably in the hand and pocket.
Network Compatibility
Both phones support 5G networks and come unlocked, so either choice allows for fast mobile internet and flexibility with carriers.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 or iPhone 15 Pro: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £170, £372 less than the iPhone 15 Pro
- you want a lighter build (162 g vs 187 g)
Buy the iPhone 15 Pro if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3274 mAh vs 2815 mAh)
- you want a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 60 Hz)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the iPhone 12 often mention how the phone looks like new and performs smoothly for everyday tasks. Many appreciate the clean condition of the refurbished devices and the reliable battery life, especially when a new battery is included. The 4 GB RAM and A14 Bionic chip handle social media, photo editing, and multitasking well. Users highlight the reasonable price and good quality for daily use, noting that the screen and body are free of marks in most cases.
Buyers of the iPhone 15 Pro praise its performance and premium feel. The larger RAM and newer chipset offer smooth operation for demanding apps and multitasking. Many customers note the excellent battery health and screen clarity, with some mentioning minor scratches that do not affect everyday use. The 48 megapixel main camera is appreciated for higher detail photos. Users also value the USB-C connector and the environmental benefit of buying refurbished. The size and weight are comfortable, and the phone looks like new in excellent condition.
Overall, the iPhone 12 suits users looking for a well-priced, reliable phone for everyday tasks with good performance and battery life. The iPhone 15 Pro fits those who want higher performance, a smoother display, more storage, and enhanced camera detail, making it ideal for power users and photography enthusiasts.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 15 Pro FAQs
iPhone 12 vs 15 Pro comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12, Apple A17 Pro on the iPhone 15 Pro. The iPhone 15 Pro has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone 12 is cheaper refurbished, from £170 compared with £542 for the iPhone 15 Pro.
The iPhone 15 Pro has a bigger battery: 3274 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
The iPhone 15 Pro 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 Pro is still supported and can run iOS 27.
The iPhone 15 Pro adds more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB), a bigger battery (3274 mAh vs 2815 mAh) and a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 60 Hz). Refurbished, it costs £372 more (from £542 vs £170).
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 comes in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB, and the iPhone 15 Pro in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
