iPhone 12 vs iPhone 16 Pro
Shop iPhone
iPhone 12
Starting at
£170.00£649.00 new
iPhone 16 Pro
Starting at
£737.50£999.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 and iPhone 16 Pro?
iPhone 12 vs 16 Pro comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 12 starts at £170, £567.50 less than the iPhone 16 Pro. The iPhone 16 Pro is the newer model, released in 2024.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12, Apple A18 Pro on the iPhone 16 Pro.
- The iPhone 16 Pro has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
- The iPhone 16 Pro has a bigger battery: 3582 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 16 Pro specs
The iPhone 12 and iPhone 16 Pro offer two distinct experiences suited to different needs. The iPhone 12 focuses on solid everyday use with a classic iOS experience, a 6.1 inch screen with 60 Hz refresh rate, and a 2815 mAh battery. The iPhone 16 Pro caters to those seeking more power and advanced features such as a larger 6.3 inch screen with a 120 Hz refresh rate, a higher capacity 3582 mAh battery, and a significantly upgraded 48 megapixel main camera. With double the RAM and a newer chipset, the iPhone 16 Pro is designed for users who want more multitasking headroom and performance. The choice depends on whether you want a reliable, straightforward phone or a device with enhanced processing, display, and photography capabilities.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 16 Pro price
Colour
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 16 Pro battery life and software updates
Durability details focus on battery size, operating system version, and compatibility with updates. These features influence how long the phone lasts on a charge and how current its software is.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 12 has a 2815 mAh battery, which suits users with moderate daily use and standard power needs. The iPhone 16 Pro offers a larger 3582 mAh battery, making it a better fit for those who use their phone extensively throughout the day or prefer longer battery life between charges.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 16 Pro performance
Performance is defined by chipset, RAM, and storage options. These affect how smoothly the device runs apps, multitasks, and handles storage needs.
Processor Technology
The iPhone 12 uses the Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm), which provides reliable performance for everyday apps and tasks. The iPhone 16 Pro features the Apple A18 Pro chipset, designed to deliver more advanced processing power suitable for demanding applications and intensive multitasking.
Memory Capacity
With 4 GB of RAM, the iPhone 12 supports smooth operation for routine use and common multitasking. The iPhone 16 Pro doubles this with 8 GB of RAM, helping keep more apps open and running efficiently, which benefits users who often switch between apps or use memory-intensive software.
Storage Options
The iPhone 12 is available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB, catering to users with standard storage needs. The iPhone 16 Pro offers larger storage choices of 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB, appealing to those who store lots of media, apps, or files on their device.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 16 Pro screen
Screen quality differences include size, refresh rate, resolution, and screen type. These factors influence visual experience for video, gaming, and general use.
Screen Size
The iPhone 12 has a 6.1 inch screen, which is comfortable for everyday use and easy to handle. The iPhone 16 Pro offers a slightly larger 6.3 inch display, giving more room for watching videos or multitasking on screen.
Refresh Rate
The iPhone 12 features a 60 Hz refresh rate, which suits general use and standard media consumption. The iPhone 16 Pro has a 120 Hz refresh rate, delivering smoother scrolling and animations, which benefits users who value fluid visuals in gaming and app navigation.
Screen Resolution and Type
With a resolution of 1170 x 2532, the iPhone 12 provides sharp and clear imagery on its Super Retina XDR OLED screen. The iPhone 16 Pro offers a slightly higher resolution of 1206 x 2622 on an LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED display, supporting vivid colours and potentially improved energy efficiency.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 16 Pro camera
Audiovisual features focus on the main and front cameras, which affect photography and video calling quality.
Main Camera
The iPhone 12 includes a 12 megapixel main camera, suitable for everyday photography and capturing clear images. The iPhone 16 Pro offers a 48 megapixel main camera, ideal for users who want higher detail and more advanced photography capabilities.
Front Camera
Both the iPhone 12 and iPhone 16 Pro have a 12 megapixel front camera, which supports high quality selfies and video calls equally well.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 16 Pro size and design
Other differences include physical dimensions, connector types, and weight, all of which affect handling, charging, and portability.
Connector Type
The iPhone 12 uses a Lightning connector, which is common for many Apple devices.
Physical Size and Weight
The iPhone 12 measures 146.7 mm in height, 71.5 mm in width, and has a depth of 7.4 mm, weighing 164 g. The iPhone 16 Pro is slightly taller at 14.96 cm, wider at 71.5 mm, and deeper at 0.83 cm, with a weight of 199 g. This means the iPhone 16 Pro feels larger and heavier in hand, which may suit those who prefer a more substantial device.
Carrier and Network
Both devices are unlocked and support 5G networks, giving flexibility for use with different carriers and access to fast mobile data.
SIM Card Options
Both the iPhone 12 and iPhone 16 Pro support a Physical SIM plus eSIM, allowing various ways to manage mobile plans.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 or iPhone 16 Pro: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £170, £567.50 less than the iPhone 16 Pro
- you want a lighter build (162 g vs 199 g)
Buy the iPhone 16 Pro if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3582 mAh vs 2815 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.3 inch vs 6.1 inch)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the iPhone 12 appreciate its condition and performance. Many mention that the refurbished phones look and feel like new, with clean glass and perfect frames. Users find the A14 Bionic chip runs smoothly, handling everything from social media to photo editing with ease. Several customers highlight the benefit of new batteries and the phone's reliability for everyday use. The iPhone 12 suits those looking for a practical and reasonable option that meets daily needs comfortably.
Reviews for the iPhone 16 Pro note its excellent condition and near-new feel, even in fair or excellent refurbished options. Users are impressed with the battery health and the pristine body, with some highlighting the improved camera quality compared to older phones. The phone's larger screen and higher performance chip are mentioned as noticeable upgrades. While one customer reported a screen repair issue, most express satisfaction with the device's capabilities and value. The iPhone 16 Pro fits buyers seeking a premium device with enhanced performance and features.
Overall, the iPhone 12 is a reliable choice for everyday use with solid performance and a manageable size. The iPhone 16 Pro appeals to those wanting a bigger screen, stronger processing power, and a higher resolution camera for more demanding tasks.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 16 Pro FAQs
iPhone 12 vs 16 Pro comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12, Apple A18 Pro on the iPhone 16 Pro. The iPhone 16 Pro has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone 12 is cheaper refurbished, from £170 compared with £737.50 for the iPhone 16 Pro.
The iPhone 16 Pro has a bigger battery: 3582 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
The iPhone 16 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 16 Pro is still supported and can run iOS 27.
The iPhone 16 Pro adds more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB), a bigger battery (3582 mAh vs 2815 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.3 inch vs 6.1 inch). Refurbished, it costs £567.50 more (from £737.50 vs £170).
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 comes in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB, and the iPhone 16 Pro in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
