iPhone 12 vs iPhone 16 Plus
Shop iPhone
iPhone 12
Starting at
£170.00£649.00 new
iPhone 16 Plus
Starting at
£588.00£799.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 and iPhone 16 Plus?
iPhone 12 vs 16 Plus comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 12 starts at £170, £418 less than the iPhone 16 Plus. The iPhone 16 Plus is the newer model, released in 2024.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Main camera
- Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12, Apple A18 on the iPhone 16 Plus.
- The iPhone 16 Plus has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
- The iPhone 16 Plus has a bigger battery: 4674 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 16 Plus specs
The iPhone 12 and iPhone 16 Plus differ in several key areas that suit different users. The iPhone 12 offers a smaller screen and simpler features ideal for everyday use and portability. The iPhone 16 Plus has a larger screen, more RAM, a more powerful chipset, and a significantly bigger battery, making it better for users who want extra performance, longer battery life, and more storage options. Camera capabilities also differ, with the iPhone 16 Plus providing a higher resolution main camera for more detailed photos. The choice depends on whether you prefer a compact phone with solid all-round performance or a larger device with enhanced speed, battery, and photography options.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 16 Plus price
Colour
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 16 Plus battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery life, software support, and basic device design. Their battery sizes and physical dimensions differ, which affects daily use and endurance.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 12 has a 2815 mAh battery, suitable for regular daily use. The iPhone 16 Plus offers a larger 4674 mAh battery, which lasts longer between charges and suits users who need extended battery life for heavier use or long days away from a charger.
Operating System
This means both phones will have access to current features and security improvements, keeping your phone up to date.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 16 Plus performance
Performance relates to the chipset, memory, and storage options. These affect how smoothly your phone runs apps, multitasks, and handles storage needs.
Processor and RAM
The iPhone 12 uses the Apple A14 Bionic chip with 4 GB of RAM, which handles everyday apps and multitasking well. The iPhone 16 Plus features the Apple A18 chipset and doubles the RAM to 8 GB, supporting more intensive tasks and keeping more apps open simultaneously.
Storage Choices
The iPhone 12 is available with 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB of storage, suitable for typical users. The iPhone 16 Plus starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB, offering more space for apps, photos, videos, and files, ideal for users needing extra capacity.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 16 Plus screen
Screen quality impacts how you view content and interact with your device. Both phones have OLED screens with similar refresh rates but differ in size and resolution.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 12 has a 6.1 inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen with 1170 x 2532 resolution, providing clear and vibrant visuals in a compact form. The iPhone 16 Plus offers a larger 6.7 inch screen with a higher resolution of 1290 x 2796, delivering more screen space and sharper details, which suits watching videos and multitasking.
Refresh Rate
Both devices have a 60 Hz refresh rate, which means smooth visuals for everyday use like browsing and video playback without motion blur.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 16 Plus camera
Camera and audio features affect how you capture photos and communicate. The two phones differ mainly in their main camera capabilities.
Main Camera Resolution
The iPhone 12 has a 12 megapixel main camera, which is great for everyday photography. The iPhone 16 Plus offers a 48 megapixel main camera, capturing more detailed photos and better suited for users who prioritise photography.
Front Camera
Both phones have a 12 megapixel front camera, which supports clear selfies and video calls.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 16 Plus size and design
Other differences include connectors, size, weight, and network compatibility. These affect how you use accessories, carry the phone, and connect to mobile networks.
Connector Type
The iPhone 12 uses a Lightning connector, which fits existing Apple accessories.
Dimensions and Weight
The iPhone 12 is smaller and lighter at 146.7 mm tall, 71.5 mm wide, 7.4 mm deep, and weighing 164 g, making it easier to hold and carry. The iPhone 16 Plus measures 16.09 cm tall, 7.78 cm wide, 0.78 cm deep, and weighs 199 g, offering a larger screen but a heavier feel.
Network and SIM
Both phones support 5G networks and offer physical SIM plus eSIM options, giving flexibility for mobile connectivity.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 or iPhone 16 Plus: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £170, £418 less than the iPhone 16 Plus
- you want a lighter build (162 g vs 199 g)
Buy the iPhone 16 Plus if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4674 mAh vs 2815 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 6.1 inch)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the iPhone 12 often praise its condition and performance, noting the phone looks like new with clean glass and frame. Many highlight smooth app performance powered by the A14 Bionic chip and appreciate the option to add a new battery. The size suits those who want a reliable everyday phone with good speed and multitasking on 4 GB RAM. The variety of storage sizes from 64GB to 256GB fits different needs, and users find the screen quality and camera adequate for daily use.
Buyers of the iPhone 16 Plus mention the phone feels like new and highlight the long battery life thanks to its larger capacity. The 8 GB RAM and Apple A18 chip support smoother multitasking and more demanding apps. The larger 6.7 inch screen and higher resolution main camera appeal to users who want a more spacious display and detailed photos. Some customers note occasional software quirks, but many are happy with the overall quality and the USB-C connector. Storage options up to 512GB suit those needing extra space for media and apps.
The iPhone 12 suits users looking for a compact, efficient phone that handles everyday tasks well. The iPhone 16 Plus fits those who prefer a larger screen, longer battery life, and enhanced performance for photography or heavier app use.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 16 Plus FAQs
iPhone 12 vs 16 Plus comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12, Apple A18 on the iPhone 16 Plus. The iPhone 16 Plus has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone 12 is cheaper refurbished, from £170 compared with £588 for the iPhone 16 Plus.
The iPhone 16 Plus has a bigger battery: 4674 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
The iPhone 16 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 16 Plus is still supported and can run iOS 27.
The iPhone 16 Plus adds more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB), a bigger battery (4674 mAh vs 2815 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 6.1 inch). Refurbished, it costs £418 more (from £588 vs £170).
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 comes in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB, and the iPhone 16 Plus in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.
