iPhone 12 vs iPhone 16 Pro Max
Shop iPhone
iPhone 12
Starting at
£170.00£649.00 new
iPhone 16 Pro Max
Starting at
£840.13£1,399.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 and iPhone 16 Pro Max?
iPhone 12 vs 16 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 12 starts at £170, £670.13 less than the iPhone 16 Pro Max. The iPhone 16 Pro Max 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 Max.
- The iPhone 16 Pro Max has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
- The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 4685 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 16 Pro Max specs
The iPhone 12 and the iPhone 16 Pro Max differ significantly in several key areas, making each suited to different users. The iPhone 12 is a compact device with a smaller screen and a battery designed for everyday use, ideal if you want a reliable phone that handles daily tasks smoothly. The iPhone 16 Pro Max offers a larger, more detailed screen with a higher refresh rate, a more powerful chip, and more memory, which suits those who want a phone for more intensive use like gaming or editing. Camera and battery improvements also make the 16 Pro Max a good choice if you prioritise photography and longer usage without charging.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 16 Pro Max price
Colour
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 16 Pro Max battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and other physical features that affect how long the phone lasts and stays current. These two devices offer different capacities and software versions to consider.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 12 has a battery capacity of 2815 mAh, which suits everyday use and moderate screen time. The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a larger 4685 mAh battery, supporting longer usage between charges, which benefits users who spend more time on their phone or use power-hungry applications.
Operating System Support
This means both devices receive current software features and security updates, ensuring ongoing usability.
Physical Design Features
Both phones are unlocked, offering freedom to use across different networks. The iPhone 16 Pro Max is slightly larger and heavier, which could affect comfort during extended use or pocket carry.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 16 Pro Max performance
Performance depends on the chipset, memory, and storage options, which affect speed, multitasking, and storage capacity for apps, photos, and files.
Processor and RAM
The iPhone 12 features the Apple A14 Bionic chipset with 4 GB RAM, suitable for smooth everyday use including social media, video streaming, and photo editing. The iPhone 16 Pro Max has the Apple A18 Pro chipset and 8 GB RAM, designed for handling more demanding apps, multitasking, and intensive tasks with ease.
Storage Options
Storage ranges differ between the two. The iPhone 12 is available with 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB, which fits general users well. The iPhone 16 Pro Max offers higher capacities at 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB, catering to users who store large amounts of media, apps, and files.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 16 Pro Max screen
Screen quality impacts how comfortable and enjoyable it is to view content and interact with the device. These phones differ in size, resolution, refresh rate, and screen technology.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 12 has a 6.1 inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen with a resolution of 1170 x 2532, offering clear and vibrant visuals in a compact size. The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a larger 6.9 inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED screen at 1320 x 2868 resolution, providing more screen space and finer detail, which suits watching videos or multitasking.
Refresh Rate
The iPhone 12 supports a 60 Hz refresh rate, which is standard for smooth everyday scrolling and animations. The iPhone 16 Pro Max doubles this with a 120 Hz refresh rate, delivering smoother motion and responsiveness, noticeable during gaming or fast scrolling.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 16 Pro Max camera
Audiovisual features focus on the cameras and front-facing sensors, important for photography, video calls, and selfies.
Camera Setup
The iPhone 12 has a double camera system with a 12 megapixel main camera and a 12 megapixel front camera, suitable for general photography and selfies. The iPhone 16 Pro Max upgrades to a triple camera system with a 48 megapixel main camera and the same 12 megapixel front camera, offering more detailed photos and extra versatility for photography enthusiasts.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 16 Pro Max size and design
Other details such as connectors, SIM options, and device dimensions can affect how you use and carry the phone daily.
Connector Type
The iPhone 12 uses a Lightning connector, a familiar standard for many accessories.
SIM Card Options
The iPhone 12 supports both a physical SIM and eSIM, offering flexibility for users who want to switch physical SIM cards. The iPhone 16 Pro Max uses only eSIM, which may suit users comfortable with digital SIM management.
Size and Weight
The iPhone 12 measures 146.7 mm in height, 71.5 mm in width, and 7.4 mm in depth, weighing 164 g, making it easy to hold and pocket. The iPhone 16 Pro Max is larger at 163 mm height, 77.6 mm width, 8.3 mm depth, and heavier at 227 g, offering a more substantial feel and screen size at the cost of added bulk.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 or iPhone 16 Pro Max: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £170, £670.13 less than the iPhone 16 Pro Max
- you want a lighter build (162 g vs 227 g)
Buy the iPhone 16 Pro Max if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4685 mAh vs 2815 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 6.1 inch)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the iPhone 12 often highlight how the phone looks like new with no visible scratches or dents. Many appreciate the smooth performance with the A14 Bionic chip, which handles everyday apps and multitasking well. Reviews mention new batteries included in some purchases, helping the phone feel like a premium device. The phone's screen and overall condition receive praise, with some customers noting extras like screen protectors and cases. The iPhone 12 is popular among those who want a reliable phone for routine use at a reasonable price.
Buyers of the iPhone 16 Pro Max report the phone feels almost new, with excellent battery health, often close to 100 percent. They mention the screen responsiveness and smoothness, which make daily use enjoyable. Customers praise the phone's premium condition, with no marks or scratches, and note the powerful performance. The larger screen and camera improvements are appreciated by those wanting a high-end device. Some mention the USB-C cable and eSIM as part of their experience. This phone suits users looking for a feature-rich device with ample storage and strong performance.
Both phones are well received for their condition and reliability. The iPhone 12 fits those who prefer a smaller, simpler phone for everyday tasks. The iPhone 16 Pro Max appeals to users who want a larger screen, more memory, and advanced camera capabilities.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone 16 Pro Max FAQs
iPhone 12 vs 16 Pro Max 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 Max. The iPhone 16 Pro Max has more RAM: 8 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone 12 is cheaper refurbished, from £170 compared with £840.13 for the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 4685 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max 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 Max is still supported and can run iOS 27.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max adds more RAM (8 GB vs 4 GB), a bigger battery (4685 mAh vs 2815 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 6.1 inch). Refurbished, it costs £670.13 more (from £840.13 vs £170).
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 comes in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
