Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max vs Apple iPhone 16 Plus
Our Verdict: The iPhone 16 Plus is four years newer than the iPhone 12 Pro Max, and it shows in the specs. The 16 Plus has a massively higher-resolution main camera, 48MP against the 12 Pro Max's 12MP, and the 16 Plus packs the bigger battery, 4674mAh against 3687mAh, which usually means longer between charges. The 16 Plus is the lighter phone at 199g against 228g. Coming from the 12 Pro Max, the 16 Plus is a genuine upgrade rather than a token one.
Buying outright, the 12 Pro Max starts at £229 SIM-free.
10 reviews 4.2
12 reviews
Prices updated 17 July 2026
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max
|
Apple iPhone 16 Plus
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.3 10 reviews |
4.2 12 reviews |
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.7" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Resolution | 1284 x 2778 | 2796 x 1290 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 457 | 460 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 48 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic | Apple A18 (3 nm) |
| Battery | 3,687 mAh | 4,674 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 | 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.80 mm |
| Weight | 228 grams | 199 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) |
| Contracts | - |
£32.79/mo
£9.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £229.00 | £510.00 |
| Prices updated 17 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 Plus?
Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.7", 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 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Apple iPhone 16 Plus 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 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £229.00.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max and Apple iPhone 16 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Apple iPhone 16 Plus comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max and Apple iPhone 16 Plus use?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic, while the Apple iPhone 16 Plus uses the Apple A18 (3 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or Apple iPhone 16 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 16 Plus is the more portable of the two: it's 29g lighter at 199 grams, both are similar in overall footprint, 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 Plus?
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 Plus run?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max runs iOS14 and the Apple iPhone 16 Plus 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.