Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max vs Apple iPhone 16 Pro
Our Verdict: If you've got the iPhone 12 Pro Max, the iPhone 16 Pro is four years of updates on from it. The 16 Pro has a far higher-resolution main camera, 48MP against the 12 Pro Max's 12MP, and the 16 Pro goes up to 1TB of storage, where the 12 Pro Max tops out at 512GB. The 12 Pro Max has the bigger screen, 6.7" against 6.3", and the 16 Pro is the lighter phone at 199g against 228g. If you're on the 12 Pro Max, the 16 Pro is a real step up, but only worth it if the changes above matter to you.
If you'd rather pay up front, the 12 Pro Max is the cheaper buy at £229 SIM-free.
10 reviews 4.2
11 reviews
Prices updated 17 July 2026
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max
|
Apple iPhone 16 Pro
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.3 10 reviews |
4.2 11 reviews |
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.3" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Resolution | 1284 x 2778 | 1206 x 2622 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 457 | 458 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 48 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic | Apple A18 Pro |
| Battery | 3,687 mAh | 3,582 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| 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 | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.4 mm | 149.6 x 71.5 x 8.3 mm |
| Weight | 228 grams | 199 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes |
| Contracts | - |
£37.29/mo
£29.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £229.00 | £589.99 |
| 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 Pro?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Apple iPhone 16 Pro's 6.3", both screens are similarly sharp at around 457 pixels per inch, and the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Apple iPhone 16 Pro has a LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or Apple iPhone 16 Pro?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Apple iPhone 16 Pro 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 Pro?
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 Pro?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Apple iPhone 16 Pro comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max and Apple iPhone 16 Pro use?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic, while the Apple iPhone 16 Pro uses the Apple A18 Pro.
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or Apple iPhone 16 Pro?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro is the more portable of the two: it's 29g lighter at 199 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 149.6 x 71.5 x 8.3 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 Pro?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Apple iPhone 16 Pro is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.
What operating system do the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max and Apple iPhone 16 Pro run?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max runs iOS14 and the Apple iPhone 16 Pro 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.