iPhone 12 vs iPhone Air
Shop iPhone
iPhone 12
Starting at
£170.00£649.00 new
iPhone Air
Starting at
£687.30£999.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 and iPhone Air?
iPhone 12 vs Air comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Refurbished, the iPhone 12 starts at £170, £517.30 less than the iPhone Air. The iPhone Air is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
Refresh rate
- Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12, Apple A19 Pro on the iPhone Air.
- The iPhone Air has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.
- The iPhone Air has a bigger screen: 6.5 inch vs 6.1 inch.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone Air specs
The iPhone 12 and iPhone Air both run iOS and support 5G, but they differ in several key areas that suit different needs. The iPhone Air has a larger 6.5 inch screen with a higher refresh rate and resolution, making it better for watching videos or browsing with sharper visuals. It also offers significantly more RAM and higher storage options, which helps with multitasking and storing large files. The cameras on the iPhone Air capture more detail, especially for photos and selfies. The iPhone 12, with its 4 GB RAM, suits everyday use well and comes in a variety of storage sizes including lower capacities. The connector type and SIM options also differ, which may influence your choice depending on your accessories and network preferences.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone Air price
Colour
iPhone 12 vs iPhone Air battery life and software updates
Neither device is foldable, keeping a traditional smartphone design.
Operating System And Updates
This means you get access to current features and security improvements regardless of which model you choose.
Design Format
Neither the iPhone 12 nor the iPhone Air are foldable devices. Both maintain a classic smartphone form, which suits users preferring a straightforward, flat screen design.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 vs iPhone Air performance
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 vs iPhone Air screen
Screen quality is a major difference between these devices, influencing how you experience media and daily use. The iPhone Air offers a larger and smoother display, while the iPhone 12 has a slightly smaller but still sharp screen.
Screen Size And Resolution
The iPhone Air has a 6.5 inch screen with a resolution of 2736 x 1260, providing a large and detailed viewing area. The iPhone 12's 6.1 inch display with 1170 x 2532 resolution is smaller but still clear, suitable for comfortable everyday use.
Refresh Rate
With a 120 Hz refresh rate, the iPhone Air offers smoother scrolling and animations which can enhance video playback and gaming. The iPhone 12's 60 Hz screen is standard and works well for general tasks and app use.
Screen Technology
The iPhone 12 features a Super Retina XDR OLED display, while the iPhone Air uses Super Retina XDR technology. Both provide vibrant colours and good contrast.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 vs iPhone Air camera
Camera quality varies notably between the two iPhones, affecting photo and video detail. Front and main cameras on the iPhone Air have higher megapixel counts, which suits those who prioritise photography.
Front Camera Detail
The iPhone Air's 18 megapixel front camera captures more detail than the iPhone 12's 12 megapixels. This benefits selfies and video calls with sharper images.
Main Camera Resolution
With a 48 megapixel main camera, the iPhone Air offers higher resolution photos compared to the iPhone 12's 12 megapixels. This makes the Air a good choice for users who want richer detail in their pictures.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 vs iPhone Air size and design
Several practical differences in connectors, SIM card options, and physical dimensions may affect daily use and compatibility with accessories.
Connector Type
The iPhone 12 uses a Lightning connector, which is common on many Apple devices. The iPhone Air has a USB-C connector, offering compatibility with a wider range of modern chargers and accessories.
SIM Card Options
The iPhone 12 supports both a physical SIM and an eSIM, giving flexibility for users who want a physical card. The iPhone Air uses eSIM only, which may suit users comfortable with digital SIM management.
Device Size And Weight
The iPhone Air is slightly larger at 15.62 cm tall and 7.47 cm wide with a 0.56 cm depth, compared to the iPhone 12's 146.7 mm height, 71.5 mm width, and 7.4 mm depth. Both weigh nearly the same, around 164 to 165 g, so the size difference is mainly about screen space and handling.
Storage Options
Storage on the iPhone 12 starts at 64GB, with options up to 256GB, suitable for everyday users. The iPhone Air offers larger storage sizes from 256GB up to 1TB, ideal for users who need ample space for apps, media, and files.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 or iPhone Air: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £170, £517.30 less than the iPhone Air
- you want an OLED screen
Buy the iPhone Air if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (6.5 inch vs 6.1 inch)
- you want a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 60 Hz)
What our customers say
Customers say the iPhone 12 feels like a new phone even when refurbished, with many praising the clean condition, smooth performance, and good battery life. It handles apps and multitasking well, making it a reliable everyday phone. Users appreciate the variety of storage options and note that the phone looks almost new, with only minor marks in some cases. The included extras like screen protectors and cases add to the overall experience.
Reviews for the iPhone Air highlight its premium condition and excellent battery health with very few charge cycles. Customers find the screen size and resolution ideal for their needs, and the camera performance impresses with detailed photos. The phone is described as looking almost brand new. Storage capacity and smooth operation meet the expectations of those using it for more demanding tasks.
The iPhone 12 suits users who want a dependable phone for everyday use with a familiar connector and SIM card options. The iPhone Air fits those who prioritise screen size, camera detail, and higher storage for more intensive use.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone Air FAQs
iPhone 12 vs Air comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12, Apple A19 Pro on the iPhone Air. The iPhone Air has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.
The iPhone 12 is cheaper refurbished, from £170 compared with £687.30 for the iPhone Air.
The iPhone Air has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 12 is still supported and can run iOS 27. The iPhone Air is still supported and can run iOS 27.
The iPhone Air adds more RAM (12 GB vs 4 GB), a bigger screen (6.5 inch vs 6.1 inch) and a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 60 Hz). Refurbished, it costs £517.30 more (from £687.30 vs £170).
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 comes in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB, and the iPhone Air in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
