iPhone 12 vs iPhone 16
Shop iPhone
iPhone 12
Starting at
£170.00£649.00 new
iPhone 16
Starting at
£577.65£699.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 and iPhone 16?
iPhone 12 vs 16 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 12 starts at £170, £407.65 less than the iPhone 16. The iPhone 16 is the newer model, released in 2024.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Main camera
Weight
- Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12, Apple A18 (3 nm) on the iPhone 16.
- The iPhone 16 has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
- The iPhone 16 has a bigger battery: 3561 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 16 specs
The iPhone 12 and iPhone 16 share a similar 6.1 inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen with 60 Hz refresh rates, making them both suitable for everyday viewing and media. The iPhone 16 offers a larger battery capacity and double the RAM, which supports more apps running smoothly at once. Its main camera captures images at 48 megapixels, ideal for those who want more detailed photos, while the iPhone 12 has a 12 megapixel main camera. The iPhone 16 uses a USB-C connector, whereas the iPhone 12 keeps the Lightning port. The choice depends on whether you prefer a phone with higher memory, a higher resolution camera, and a USB-C port or a solid performer with familiar features and lower storage options starting at 64GB.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 16 price
Colour
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 16 battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software support, and physical features that keep the phone working throughout the day and over time.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 16 has a larger battery at 3561 mAh compared to the iPhone 12's 2815 mAh. This means the iPhone 16 can offer longer usage between charges, which suits those who use their phone heavily or need more screen time without recharging.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 16 performance
Performance depends on the processor, memory, and storage options, which affect app speed and multitasking ability. Both phones come in several storage sizes to fit your needs.
Processor and RAM
The iPhone 16 has an Apple A18 chipset built on a 3 nm process and 8 GB of RAM, which supports smoother multitasking and more demanding apps. The iPhone 12 uses an Apple A14 Bionic chipset with 4 GB of RAM, suitable for everyday use and standard apps.
Storage Options
iPhone 12 offers storage starting at 64GB up to 256GB, good for typical daily storage needs. The iPhone 16 starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB, fitting users who require more space for apps, media, and files.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 16 screen
Screen quality focuses on size, resolution, refresh rate, and display type to affect viewing experience. Both phones share many screen features, making viewing similar across both.
Display Specifications
Both the iPhone 12 and iPhone 16 have a 6.1 inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen with a 60 Hz refresh rate, providing clear and vibrant visuals. The iPhone 16 has a slightly higher resolution at 1179 x 2556 pixels compared to 1170 x 2532 on the iPhone 12, which could offer marginally sharper images.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 16 camera
Audiovisual features include cameras and front-facing sensors that matter for photography and video calls. Differences here may influence your choice if camera quality is a priority.
Main Camera Resolution
The iPhone 16 features a 48 megapixel main camera, which captures more detail in photos, ideal if you take frequent or high-quality pictures. The iPhone 12 has a 12 megapixel main camera, sufficient for everyday photography needs.
Front Camera and Camera Setup
Both phones have a 12 megapixel front camera, suitable for selfies and video calls. The iPhone 12 has a double camera setup while the iPhone 16 has a dual camera, indicating similar camera configurations.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 16 size and design
Other features such as connectors, physical dimensions, network compatibility, and SIM options can affect daily convenience and compatibility with accessories.
Connector Type
The iPhone 12 uses a Lightning connector, a familiar choice for many users.
Physical Dimensions and Weight
Both phones have very similar sizes, with the iPhone 12 measuring 146.7 mm in height and 71.5 mm in width, and the iPhone 16 measuring 147.6 mm by 71.6 mm. The iPhone 12 is slightly lighter at 164 g compared to the iPhone 16 at 170 g, which is barely noticeable in everyday use.
Network and SIM Options
Both phones support 5G networks and have physical SIM plus eSIM options, offering flexible connectivity choices regardless of your network.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 or iPhone 16: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £170, £407.65 less than the iPhone 16
- you want a lighter build (162 g vs 170 g)
Buy the iPhone 16 if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3561 mAh vs 2815 mAh)
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the iPhone 12 praise its like-new condition and smooth performance thanks to the Apple A14 Bionic chip. Many mention the battery feels new, especially when they ordered a replacement battery. The phone handles everyday tasks and multitasking well, and the screen and body come in excellent condition with minimal or no marks. Buyers appreciate that it runs the latest iOS smoothly and that storage options like 128GB fit daily needs. The iPhone 12 suits those wanting a reliable phone with familiar features and a good price.
Reviews for the iPhone 16 highlight its excellent condition and strong battery health at 100%. Customers find it performs flawlessly with the Apple A18 chipset and 8 GB RAM, suitable for heavier app use and multitasking. The 48 megapixel main camera is noted as a key upgrade for detailed photos. Buyers also appreciate the USB-C connector and larger storage options up to 512GB. The iPhone 16 appeals to those seeking a higher specification phone with the latest iOS and more memory for apps and media.
Both phones suit different needs: the iPhone 12 fits well for everyday users who want a dependable phone with solid performance and a lower starting storage. The iPhone 16 is more suitable for those who want more power, memory, and camera detail, along with USB-C connectivity.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 16 FAQs
iPhone 12 vs 16 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12, Apple A18 (3 nm) on the iPhone 16. The iPhone 16 has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone 12 is cheaper refurbished, from £170 compared with £577.65 for the iPhone 16.
The iPhone 16 has a bigger battery: 3561 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
The iPhone 16 has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 12 is still supported and can run iOS 27. The iPhone 16 is still supported and can run iOS 27.
The iPhone 16 adds more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB), a bigger battery (3561 mAh vs 2815 mAh) and a higher-resolution main camera (48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels). Refurbished, it costs £407.65 more (from £577.65 vs £170).
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 comes in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB, and the iPhone 16 in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.
