Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max vs Apple iPhone 16
Our Verdict: The iPhone 16 is four years newer than the iPhone 12 Pro Max, and it shows in the specs. The 16 has a far higher-resolution main camera, 48MP against the 12 Pro Max's 12MP, and the 12 Pro Max has the bigger screen, 6.7" against 6.1". The 16 is the lighter phone at 170g against 228g. If you're on the 12 Pro Max, the 16 is a real step up, but only worth it if the changes above matter to you.
Buying outright, the 12 Pro Max starts at £230 SIM-free.
10 reviews 4.2
12 reviews
Prices updated 18 July 2026
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max
|
Apple iPhone 16
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.3 10 reviews |
4.2 12 reviews |
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.1" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Resolution | 1284 x 2778 | 2556 x 1179 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 457 | 461 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 48 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic | Apple A18 (3 nm) |
| Battery | 3,687 mAh | 3,561 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| OS | iOS14 | Apple iOS |
| SIM Type | Nano SIM | nano-SIM and e-SIM |
| Connectivity | Up to 5G | Up to 5G |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.4 mm | 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm |
| Weight | 228 grams | 170 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) |
| Contracts | - |
£26.99/mo
£39.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £229.99 | £478.99 |
| Prices updated 18 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or Apple iPhone 16?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Apple iPhone 16's 6.1", both screens are similarly sharp at around 457 pixels per inch, and both use Super Retina XDR OLED panels.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or Apple iPhone 16?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Apple iPhone 16 has a 48 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.
Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or Apple iPhone 16?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £229.99.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max and Apple iPhone 16?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Apple iPhone 16 comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max and Apple iPhone 16 use?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic, while the Apple iPhone 16 uses the Apple A18 (3 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or Apple iPhone 16?
The Apple iPhone 16 is the more portable of the two: it's 58g lighter at 170 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is slimmer at 7.4mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or Apple iPhone 16?
Both phones share the same water resistance rating of IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins).
What operating system do the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max and Apple iPhone 16 run?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max runs iOS14 and the Apple iPhone 16 runs Apple iOS. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.